Death Stranding And Final Fantasy VII A Wild Universe Theory

Death Stranding, the enigmatic and divisive masterpiece by Hideo Kojima, has captivated and confounded gamers since its release. Its desolate landscapes, cryptic narrative, and unique gameplay mechanics have sparked countless theories about its true meaning and place within the gaming landscape. One of the most intriguing, and perhaps outlandish, theories posits a connection between Death Stranding and another iconic franchise Final Fantasy VII. The theory suggests that Death Stranding is set in the same universe as Final Fantasy VII, taking place centuries before the events of Cloud Strife's adventure. And that the crumbling, cavernous cityscapes of Death Stranding are actually what remains of Midgar, the industrial metropolis that serves as a central location in Final Fantasy VII. This wild theory, while seemingly far-fetched at first glance, gains traction when examining certain thematic and visual parallels between the two games.

Exploring the shared themes of environmental collapse, corporate control, and the struggle for human connection, Death Stranding and Final Fantasy VII resonate on a deeper level than mere surface similarities. The planet in Final Fantasy VII is slowly dying, drained of its life force by the Shinra Electric Power Company's insatiable thirst for Mako energy. This environmental degradation has far-reaching consequences, leading to social unrest, economic disparity, and the rise of eco-terrorist groups like AVALANCHE. Death Stranding presents a world ravaged by a cataclysmic event known as the Death Stranding, which has blurred the lines between the living and the dead, leaving the environment scarred and desolate. The remnants of human civilization are scattered and isolated, struggling to survive in a world teeming with ghostly BTs (Beached Things) and plagued by Timefall, a rain that rapidly ages anything it touches. Both games depict worlds teetering on the brink of collapse, where humanity's actions have had devastating consequences for the environment. The weight of these consequences rests heavily on the shoulders of the protagonists, who must navigate treacherous landscapes and overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to restore balance and hope to their respective worlds. This shared thematic core provides a foundation for the theory that the two games might be connected, hinting at a possible future for the world of Final Fantasy VII or a distant past for the world of Death Stranding. While the overt narratives may differ, the underlying message about humanity's relationship with the environment and the importance of connection remains powerfully consistent.

Delving into visual clues, the crumbling ruins and cavernous structures in Death Stranding bear a striking resemblance to the decaying sectors of Midgar as seen in Final Fantasy VII. Midgar, with its towering Mako reactors and sprawling urban decay, is a visual representation of the planet's suffering. The city's upper plates, where the elite reside, cast a perpetual shadow over the slums below, highlighting the stark social inequalities that plague the world. In Death Stranding, the remnants of cities are fragmented and overgrown, swallowed by the encroaching wilderness. Bridges and roadways lie broken and abandoned, testaments to a once-connected society shattered by the Death Stranding. The cavernous interiors of Knot Cities, the last bastions of humanity in Death Stranding, echo the dilapidated sectors of Midgar, suggesting a possible shared architectural history. The visual similarities extend beyond the architecture. The ghostly BTs in Death Stranding, with their ethereal forms and haunting presence, could be interpreted as manifestations of the Lifestream, the planet's life force in Final Fantasy VII. The Lifestream, when disrupted or corrupted, can manifest as monstrous entities, and the BTs share a similar otherworldly quality. Even the Timefall rain in Death Stranding, which ages anything it touches, could be seen as a mutated form of the Mako energy that sustains Midgar, a constant reminder of the planet's decay. While these visual parallels might be coincidental, they add another layer of intrigue to the theory, prompting players to consider the possibility that the worlds of Death Stranding and Final Fantasy VII are not as disparate as they initially seem.

Examining character archetypes, there are intriguing parallels between the protagonists and key figures in both Death Stranding and Final Fantasy VII. Sam Porter Bridges, the protagonist of Death Stranding, is a solitary figure tasked with reconnecting a fractured America. His journey is one of physical and emotional endurance, as he braves treacherous landscapes and confronts his own personal demons. Cloud Strife, the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, is a mercenary with a mysterious past, drawn into the fight against the Shinra Corporation and the looming threat of Sephiroth. Both Sam and Cloud are burdened by past traumas and compelled to take on seemingly impossible missions for the greater good. The character of Fragile in Death Stranding, with her ability to teleport using her chiralium-infused body, shares a thematic resonance with the Ancients in Final Fantasy VII, who possessed a unique connection to the planet and its Lifestream. The character of Amelie in Death Stranding, with her ambiguous role and connection to the Beach, a liminal space between the living and the dead, could be seen as a representation of the planet itself, much like the character of Aerith in Final Fantasy VII, who has a deep connection to the Lifestream. While these are archetypal similarities rather than direct character counterparts, they contribute to the overall sense of shared DNA between the two games. The themes of isolation, connection, and the burden of responsibility resonate strongly in both narratives, suggesting a possible common thread in the character development and storytelling approaches.

Exploring potential narrative connections, the theory suggests that the events of Death Stranding could be a distant precursor to the world of Final Fantasy VII. The Death Stranding event, with its cataclysmic impact on the environment and human civilization, could be interpreted as a potential cause for the planet's weakened state in Final Fantasy VII. The fragmented remnants of society in Death Stranding, struggling to rebuild and reconnect, could be the seeds of the future world that would eventually give rise to Midgar and the Shinra Corporation. The chiralium, a mysterious substance in Death Stranding that connects the living world with the Beach, could be a precursor to Mako energy, the life force that powers Midgar and fuels Shinra's ambitions. The BTs in Death Stranding could be the echoes of souls trapped between worlds, a precursor to the corrupted Lifestream manifestations in Final Fantasy VII. This narrative connection, while speculative, provides a framework for understanding how the worlds of the two games might be linked across vast stretches of time. It suggests that the struggles and triumphs of the characters in Death Stranding could have far-reaching consequences for the future of the planet, shaping the events and conflicts that unfold in Final Fantasy VII. The theory invites players to consider the possibility that the decisions made in one world might ripple across time, impacting the destinies of future generations.

Addressing counterarguments and criticisms, it is important to acknowledge that this theory is highly speculative and lacks definitive evidence. There are significant differences in the gameplay mechanics, narrative styles, and overall tone of Death Stranding and Final Fantasy VII. Death Stranding focuses on traversal, delivery, and rebuilding connections, while Final Fantasy VII is a traditional role-playing game with turn-based combat and a more linear narrative structure. The tone of Death Stranding is often melancholic and contemplative, while Final Fantasy VII blends humor, drama, and action. These differences might seem to undermine the theory, but it is important to remember that the games are separated by a vast expanse of time, allowing for significant changes in culture, technology, and societal structures. Furthermore, the theory does not require a direct one-to-one mapping of elements between the two games. Instead, it proposes a shared universe with thematic and visual echoes, allowing for significant divergence in specific details. It is also worth noting that Hideo Kojima, the creator of Death Stranding, is known for his intricate world-building and penchant for subtle connections and Easter eggs. While he has not explicitly confirmed this theory, he has acknowledged the possibility of shared thematic influences and artistic inspirations. Ultimately, the validity of the theory rests on individual interpretation and willingness to embrace a more unconventional view of the gaming universe.

Conclusion, the theory that Death Stranding is set in the same universe as Final Fantasy VII, taking place centuries before the events of Cloud Strife's adventure, is a wild but intriguing proposition. While lacking definitive proof, the theory is supported by thematic parallels, visual similarities, and character archetypes that resonate between the two games. The shared themes of environmental collapse, corporate control, and the struggle for human connection provide a strong foundation for the theory. The crumbling ruins and cavernous structures in Death Stranding bear a striking resemblance to the decaying sectors of Midgar, suggesting a possible shared architectural history. The character archetypes in both games, with their burdens of responsibility and struggles for connection, further reinforce the sense of shared DNA. While counterarguments exist, the theory remains a compelling thought experiment, inviting players to consider the possibility of a deeper connection between these two iconic franchises. Whether or not the theory holds true, it serves as a testament to the power of video games to spark imagination and inspire creative interpretations. The debate surrounding the theory highlights the enduring legacy of both Death Stranding and Final Fantasy VII, solidifying their place as enduring masterpieces that continue to captivate and challenge players years after their release. Ultimately, the beauty of such theories lies not in their absolute validity, but in the discussions and interpretations they generate, enriching the experience of playing and engaging with these games.