The world of Final Fantasy VII Remake is steeped in a rich and complex lore, detailing the struggles of Midgar, the machinations of the Shinra Electric Power Company, and the deep-seated environmental and social issues plaguing its inhabitants. Understanding this lore enriches the player's experience.
Midgar: A City of Contrasts
Midgar is a sprawling metropolis divided into distinct sectors. Above, the affluent live in relative comfort, while below, the impoverished struggle in the slums. This stark contrast highlights the societal inequalities perpetuated by Shinra's control over Mako energy, the city's primary power source.
Shinra Electric Power Company
Shinra is the dominant force in Midgar, controlling not only the Mako energy supply but also the military and technological advancements. Their pursuit of Mako energy, however, comes at a devastating cost to the planet's life force, leading to environmental degradation and the creation of dangerous experiments.
- Mako Reactors: These facilities drain Mako from the planet, powering Midgar but slowly killing the Planet.
- Shinra's Military Divisions: Including the Shinra Army, SOLDIER (elite warriors), and various research departments responsible for monstrous creations.
The Planet and Mako Energy
The Planet is a living entity, and Mako is its lifeblood. The Ancients, or Cetra, had a deep connection to the Planet and understood the dangers of over-exploiting Mako. Shinra's disregard for this balance is a central theme, driving the conflict between the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE and Shinra.
AVALANCHE
AVALANCHE is an eco-terrorist organization dedicated to fighting Shinra and protecting the Planet. They believe that Shinra's Mako extraction is destroying the world and seek to disrupt their operations, often through direct action and sabotage.
Key Lore Concepts
- Lifestream: The spiritual essence of all living things, which flows back into the Planet upon death. Mako is essentially condensed Lifestream.
- Jenova: An extraterrestrial organism discovered by Shinra, capable of mimicking living beings and manipulating minds. Its presence is a major catalyst for the game's events.
- Ancients (Cetra): An ancient race with a profound connection to the Planet, possessing knowledge of the Lifestream and Mako.
Character Backstories
The lore also delves into the personal histories of the main characters, such as Cloud's past as a SOLDIER, Tifa's connection to Sector 7, and Aerith's unique heritage as one of the last Cetra. These backstories are interwoven with the larger narrative of Shinra's oppression and the fight for the Planet's survival.