While Mako supplies energy, it comes at a terrible cost. Mako comes from the planet's very soul -- the Lifestream. By draining the Earth of Mako, Shinra is killing the Earth. Shinra's environmental impact spurs the creation of the eco-terrorist organization Avalanche, which hopes to stop Shinra from killing the planet
Today's Class Divide
The poor in Midgar itself are, in a very telling moment, representative of minority groups often oppressed by massive governmental and business forces. It is telling that Avalanche is led by Barret, a black man, and Tifa, a woman. The members of the group consist of a fairly diverse group of characters. It is hard not to draw comparisons to real-life social groups, where minorities' basic rights are kept from them thanks to a corrupt, uncaring system. They only notice said minority groups when it affects their cash flow, as is the case in Final Fantasy VII.
Climate Change
The most visible manifestation of climate change, however, comes in the form of Final Fantasy VII's Weapons. The Weapons are giant monsters summoned to defend the planet. They end up bringing ruination to Shinra in a rather karmic sense of the word. They are ancient beings, empowered by the planet, that spread destructive force throughout the world. And they're only awakened thanks to mankind's interference.
That message hits far harder in 2020, where climate change has increased the quantity of erratic storms, the ice caps rapidly melt and businesses, rather than adapt and help save the planet, only push the limits of nature ever further.
"Final Fantasy VII" also emphasizes the farcical nature of capitalist democracy. Karl Marx writes, "The executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs" of the rich. Similarly, in the early stages of the game, the mayor of the planet's capital confides in the player matter-of-factly, saying, "Actually, I'm mayor in name only. The city and everything in it is really run by Shinra, Inc. My only real job is watching over Shinra's documents."
Additionally, "Final Fantasy VII" encourages skepticism of corporate news that recognizes coverage reflects the class interests of ownership. For instance, at one point a TV broadcast portrays AVALANCHE in a particularly unfavorable light, quoting the president of Shinra and the mayor of the capital without including any sort of progressive rebuttal. At another point a central character questions the accuracy of a report, saying, "Shinra, Inc. owns the paper, so you can't rely on that information."
Capitalism, fake news, the environment, is there a game more important next year? A few months old but good article.
I forgot how incredible this game was, need to mentally prepare myself again by listening to the soundtrack.
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