Killer 7 - Story Explanation and Analysis

[@BasedGodZolus]

The game being on rails kind of adds to your point of him being a slave to the unconscious. The Killer 7 dont have free will, just the option to move on a predetermined path. There’s no explanation for this either.. they’re just set to go for the rollercoaster that’s made for them. Brilliant stuff imo

[@squadupbaby167]

Damn didn’t think of it like that. Great observation!

[@justinpiche8561]

That's a bit of a contradiction though, isn't it? Yes, the macroscopic path is predetermined, but in theory, each character is free to decide whether to advance along that path, to backtrack, or even stay in place. Heck, the choice to completely change personas exists too. So while the options may be relatively limited, the will to freely choose the course of action exists nonetheless, at all times. And so the entire game (imo) is the complete opposite of "being a slave to the unconscious". Rather, the thematic conflict is the existential angst of being "hyper-conscious" of having such tremendous free will, yet being nonetheless constrained by the finitude of available action, as well as the inevitable linearity & trajectory of "the World". Faced with that premise, the game then asks us (personified through Harman & Kun Lan, and ostensibly answered at the end with Emir): "Should one strive to forge an Identity through deliberate action, or should one embrace the Identity that emerges passively from circumstance?". To what extent is either option even possible?

[@BasedGodZolus]

@@justinpiche8561 nahhhhh i mean compared to other games (games with more than 1 player choice and free movement) this game’s mechanics give you VERY little free will. I wouldn’t call the option to backtrack and stagnate “free will” or player choice. At that point it’s just nitpicking. The game designers KNOW you’re going to advance forward eventually and so does Harmon. I mean heck, the power to change personas was taken from Harmon in the first place. “Everything happens for a reason”

[@Shenmue-Stare]

Interesting idea there! Having borrowed my copy of this game to many friends and none of them being able to get very far because of the controls, I always felt that the controls were just Suda's way of daring the player to finish the story. Like a rite of passage, or a trial by fire. This idea, especially the trial by fire aspect, meshes well with one of the game's many themes. Trauma and abuse.

[@fourtruths3324]

That doesn't even make sense

[@BasedGodZolus]

I’ve had a weird obsession with this game since it came out and I never talk about it with anyone I just walk around with it everyday like a damn weirdo

[@samuelbaugh4952]

I feel the same, but I’m a newcomer to Killer7. I just beat Killer7 for the first time a few months ago. What did you want to say about it?

[@saganaki_1]

bruh same, i played it probably in 2005 or 2006, game really had huge impact for me during these years, and i obsessing a lot for so many aspect of the game

[@BasedGodZolus]

@@samuelbaugh4952 mainly the metaphysical chess game between Harman and Kun Lan and how it kind of personifies everything that happens in world events and sometimes smaller things (especially regarding historical conflicts of the Eastern and Western worlds). It’s kind of the mental image I use when looking at any sort of dichotomy. Also (this is semi embarrassing) but I’ll hear the character switch noise in my head and imagine myself reforming into someone else sometimes when I have to access a different emotion or aspect of myself Like a damn weirdo

[@telepathy90]

Same bruh same lol

[@dr.cheeks3589]

@@BasedGodZolus You are not the only weirdo,I sometimes laugh Like a heaven smiles......so hey you are not alone

[@lunesshunt2469]

Actually, Killer7 is a connected to Moonlight Syndrome. It's part of Suda51's mega series, dubbed by others with the name "Kill the Past". Although it may not seem like it, these games take place in the same world/timeline. Games in the Kill the Past series(other than the ones mentioned already) include The Silver Case, Flower, Sun, and Rain, and No More Heroes. I highly recommend you check these games out because not only are they connected, but they follow similar themes to the ones seen in Killer7.

[@charlestonobryant807]

A little late, but Killer7 takes place in an alternate timeline if I remember correctly, with the mainline universe being the NMH universe, hence why Mills is still alive in Travis Strikes Again. Plus, in the K7 timeline air travel is banned and network communications, aka the internet, was shut down completely, though there are apparently still online multiplayer games. This doesn’t fly with NMH, since Shinobu travels to Japan, which was destroyed in K7, and Travis got his original beam katana the Blood Berry in an online auction.

[@cyn1stre]

@@charlestonobryant807 Yep, following on this. Killer7 is actually happening in an alternate universe, not the actual same timeline as NMH, it's like mixed up with past things done with The Silver Case and FSR, we can even see Sundance Shot in the beta trailer of Killer7. But Killer7 is not part of the exact same world than NMH.

[@SimnaibnSind]

@@charlestonobryant807 Killer7 might be in an alternate timeline, but that's an unnecessary conclusion jumped to by people who examine the dates of events throughout the games in the series without considering some important details: -Time travel is in-use within the universe. -Alternate realities have been established. -Not every piece of information we are given is necessarily true. With those things in mind there are other ways to explain the timeline discrepancies between games like The Silver Case and Killer7.

[@jannisschaefer5776]

I literally just learned about Killer7 about 5 hours ago.

[@elbraguetabierta]

sincronicity strikes again

[@deus-x_851]

I suggest buying it asap without spoiling yourself too much if you're interested, truly an hidden gem.

[@TaigaXsenpai]

it takes place in the same universe as my game ;) No More heroes ;)

[@arbitrarynumbers18]

For me it was just a little more than 20 minutes ago

[@fullm3tal90]

One of my fovorite games OFF ALL TIME

[@krimsongraey]

had a blast being apart of this~ game truly inspired me throughout my life and i really hope this illuminates the game to many people to try it out. the game deserves the spotlight

[@LachnLoad87]

Tbh Killer7 is amazing but it’s so damn underrated that barely anyone is willing to talk about it

[@kratersatlas9395]

Talk about what idiot? What is there to talk about? You play the game you finish the game its over. How hard is that to understand 😅😅😅😅😅😅😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@InhaleJD]

I remember when i was around 6 or 7. My stepdad loved this game but i was too horified to watch him play it. It gave me nightmares on how it looked but im so interested in the story now and i want to know more about the game without having to play it and have flashbacks.

[@ROSE6450]

Can't explain how much I loved this game. It's one of those subconscious thing. Rationally I could give good arguments why this game is awesome but I can't explain why it's so embedded in me.

[@BasedGodZolus]

ROSE6450 same

[@Cro-EYE]

You say expanding on this would be overly long but I would gladly watch a 3 hour video of you breaking down all of the hidden incredibly interesting metaphysical/cosmic shit going on intrinsically linked to every facet of this game. Wonderful video!

[@rockmegaman]

This

[@LixeiraDoFrost]

Killer7 is one of my favorites. This is the most intelligent game i've ever played. You should play the other Kill The Past games, Flower Sun and Rain is also really interesting. Btw explaining the kid was amazing. I knew he was related to MS but i never thought much about his metaphor. Btw, Killer7 was originally meant to be a sequel to Flower Sun and Rain, so yeah: it was meant to have Mithra canonically. To have a much larger context, you should play both The Silver Case and Flower Sun and Rain. And look into the old Killer7 beta trailers.

[@mb2001]

I think the reason the metaphor never fully hit me until this video was because it took a familiar symbol-the yin and yang-and obfuscated it into a full paragraph, describing it piece by piece but never outright putting a name to it. It was like a riddle that takes the question that usually follows-"What am I?", an address to the audience-and tosses it away, leaving the audience lost…at least until somebody realized what Mithra was talking about and put it to paper/pixels/a video.

[@mb2001]

Also, I think that The Silver Case, FSR, and The 25th Ward are their own full trilogy; while Silver, FSR, and killer7 are the more well-known thematic trilogy.

[@ThatGastrodon]

Killer7 is my favorite game of all time, and played a formative role in my development as a designer. Thank you for the thoughtful analysis and hopefully your continued videos on the topic.

[@goopthekid]

as a fellow designer and killer7 fan, i would love to see your work!!

[@clubbasher32]

You helped me understand psychosis with silent hill 2 and your expert analysis. Every time synchronicity is strong in my life, your videos are too. I’m deeply connected with Killer 7 and I’m just barely embarking on my playthrough. Im on the 2nd mission and I’m obsessed. I’m going to downlod this video and probably be buried with it. I need to know more, and I need to know about Samantha. I love you and know you, you cosmically genius man. I’ll make a video response to you one day, just you wait.

[@heathenly_aesthetic7233]

Dude I LOVED the aggressive cel shading for this style. I would be happy with either a cleaned up remaster or a solid remake, as long as they keep the recognizable art style.

[@sumhuumenn2061]

God you're channel is sooo damn underrated it hurts my mood to think about. Videoessays is my go-to-place for entertainment/relaxation, and I'm subscribed to shit tons of channels for said entertainment, and your stuff just always manage to bring unique takes in approach, analysis, correlating themes, and so on. Not even gonna mention your preface in this video. Dude, your good at it, I love the stuff you're doing, it's original. Good job! Imma damn sticky subscriber at this point.

[@maxderrat]

Thanks so so so so much! This comment sincerely made my day. Been feeling anxious all day today for some reason. By the way, the best way to help my channel is by sharing my videos, so please keep doing that.

[@loverxxx]

thank you, finally someone deep dives into this forgotten jewel...

[@DonLasagna]

12:24 really ties the whole video together. Also, phenomenal video. I am someone who was turned off by the gameplay so i appreciate being able to watch this and learn about what a risk suda took with this thing.

[@khalidwaleed2362]

For people who haven't tried killer7 yet, I think this video is a good starting point

[@brunfranc]

12:24- Subliminal message. Also, please make more videos on other Suda51 games.

[@mercenarygundam1487]

Message reads: Epstein didn't kill himself.

[@brunfranc]

@@mercenarygundam1487 Well yeah, i know that.

[@pocketstationman6364]

@@brunfranc He wrote it for people like me who couldn't stop on the right frame.

[@yrin865]

I love killer 7 , i played in a ps2 slim and i fell in love with the dialogue and the art style , music , concepts and ideas. Seriously , if you came here withouh know it about killer 7. At least give it a try , in the name of harman

[@connollybrosproduction8838]

Mr. Derrat i just want to say i love your videos they are insightful and well made. they have gotten out of a dark place. thank you for giving light to killer 7 Please do more videos on this game thank you.

[@christophercoler7434]

So happy you made this video. This is one of my favorite games. Killer work dude. Thank you

[@gilbertmoore1900]

Pitch perfect analysis man. Killer7 is one of my favorite pieces of art, I've always wanted to start a podcast where I do nothing but talk about Killer7. This is by far one of the best readings I've seen of the game, excellent job!

[@valentinobambino6728]

I bought this on the cube back in 2005 thinking it would be an intense fps but after 45 mins of gameplay, I put it away and I picked it up again in highschool and I could finally appreciate the complexity of its controls and now that I replay it as a 32 yo man, I understand its heavy political plot. What a game.

[@AxelStone1]

I've always been a huge fan of Killer7, and generally speaking; Suda51's games mean a lot to me. Thank you for making this video. (I'm from the Discord server)

[@adnanferdousleo9528]

This is the best philosophical analysis channel I have ever come across . You deserve more recognition .

[@EggBastion]

*_Holy cow!_* That's a much clearer light shone on and through this crazy diamond than I ever would have thought possible. Many thanks!

[@trevorduna7666]

I think the most peculiar thing about killer 7 is the fact that travis says the phrase straight up atleast 6 or 7 times throughout the game, and straight up is travis scotts main ad lib

[@bunnybreaker]

Your opening statements perfectly sum up my feelings for this game. It is honestly one of my favourite pieces of art.

[@khalidwaleed2362]

this video is very important , hope to see more about killer7

[@maxderrat]

It all depends on how many people watch this video. Please share it. :D

[@RetroQuest-tz3ru]

A friend showed me your channel after I told him he needed to play my favorite game of all time. He is experiencing Killer 7 for the first time right now. Someone else mentioned it, but I've had basically a secret obsession with this game since it released. I'm glad I found this video because it's been hard to find any videos that even begin to touch on the themes that myself and others discussed in various forums back in 2005/2006.

[@Mazin_Kaiser]

Thanks. It only took 18 years to understand the game thanks to you.

[@BigBoss-fr3oc]

I have waited so long for this video. Thank you Max.

[@QuantumTelephone]

You are a literal genius. I would have never pieced this together on my own.

[@mintcecream777]

Max i just started playing this game, one of games I havent played in the suda51 catalouge and you just so happen to make a video on it?!! Love ya work mate

[@davi0121]

Loving the new intro sequence, Max. Great video and great analysis. Keep up the good work, man.

[@kovlad2647]

Ooooh liking the new intro

[@BerkaySoyluoglu]

12:24 "Epstein didn't kill himself."

[@wrightblan1501]

Bilal Kabasakal Is there a “Carole Baskin murdered her husband” message somewhere in this video too?

[@TheOutlawed1000]

Suda's always been on to something. There's government corruption in all the games he wrote himself.

[@dante224real1]

epstien was killed by the presidential staff. the president fucked kids with him and he was going to squeal about it. get on board and educated.

[@stormlogos7230]

@@dante224real1 dont be partial. Tell about all the sides. Not just Trump's but Clinton's and Biden's too. Plus your theory needs evidence. While Biden sniffing kids is like an everyday thing.

[@dante224real1]

@@stormlogos7230 www.businessinsider.com/jeffrey-epstein-private-islands-caribbean-real-estate-portfolio-photos-2019-7#epstein-planned-to-build-a-compound-on-the-island-but-was-issued-a-stop-work-order-in-december-for-not-obeying-environmental-regulations-according-to-the-new-york-post-the-stop-work-order-was-ignored-and-construction-on-the-island-continued-17

[@Disconnect350]

Killer7 has so many layers. Thanks for this video, very informative.

[@loverxxx]

I think this deserves an entire series of videos explaining stuff, there are so many perspectives in which this game can be viewed omg... if i had the caaaaash to pay this guy x_x

[@tiagosobchenko8069]

Still hoping for a follow up to this video. I feel this one just covers the basics. Killer 7 deserves way more

[@jbear3478]

I don't play most of these games, but there's something very comforting about your videos. At the same time, there is this darkness as well, like an eeriness I can't put my finger on. Maybe it's your kind voice juxtaposed with the gritty video game visuals as well as the existential mind fucks. Anyway, this is my favorite channel, keep it up if you can/want because you've got something very special going on.

[@starshortspeedruns88]

OMG YES A NEW KILLER 7 VIDEO ON THE STORY THANK YOU YOU ARE A GOD

[@RainbowlemurAJ]

Awesome intro Max!

[@fitemeforanapple7808]

thank you so much for this video , killer7 has one of the best stories told and more people needs to know about it

[@jrkulbacki]

Never clicked on a video faster than this one. Very glad you made a (very good) video on one of my most favorite games of all time! Huge fan of SUDA51, especially his "Kill the past." games including The Silver Case and Flower, Sun And Rain. I hope this video - and your channel as well - gain more popularity. I'd love to see another video about killer7 or a video about The Silver Case and perhaps maybe its sequel The 25th Ward. :]

[@denzelromero4796]

I hope you do more Suda51 games , especially 25th ward and the silver case .

[@VioStarclad]

I dunno how I missed this. I'm a sub and I love this game going back to its release. Glad to see someone talking about it relatively recently.

[@ashmanchester2611]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpnFf6Gsn82Zhpo

[@steveluna1627]

I can't thank you enough for making this video, I've been a Kiler 7 fan since it's release on PS2 but no matter how many times I played it I couldn't understand the whole story and there aren't so much inform online since this games isn't too popular, seriously thank you so much.

[@Taynator]

Killer7 is like one of those games where its so good you just want to keep it low profile and not mainstream.

[@ddice2008]

I remember being in love with this game when I was a kid. I was so into the story and the gameplay. Kudos for making such an in depth video on a classic. Hope to see another one on this 💯

[@lotheravanti4295]

I remember reading an analysis on gamefaqs many years ago on Killer 7 and it utterly blew my mind how insanely deep the story is. This video BARELY scratches the surface. Also, it's a crying shame we never got a remaster of Eternal Darkness.

[@DustyRagu]

Thanks for the video. There's no shame in having a little trouble understanding intelligent stories and themes. That's why we play/watch/read media of higher substance. To improve ourselves right? I hope this game keeps being remembered. It's a great advocate for the artistic merits of gaming in general without feeling the need to be completely nonsensical or film-like to convince an audience of that fact.

[@kukukachu]

What a great time to stumble across this video after your Prey one. You should definitely make more videos on this game. It's a shame that this video only got 50k views...

[@danielcsicsai5702]

your new intro is so cool!!

[@BigBeakson]

Amazing job on this video I hope the follow up video happens, this game is a hidden gem and I would like to see more people uncover it and describe it's complex details.

[@pieth68]

This duality between America and Japan is even expressesd in the animation style. Americain animation in disc one and japanese in the second. This is meta as hell. Thank you very much for this vid

[@tapset]

There's Japanese animation in the first disc also

[@hadriendonzel7588]

I've experienced a lot of different games from the snes to nowadays, and this game is an absolute unique and amazing piece of art. No other creation or game could be compared to killer7. As decades will past in the future, Suda Goichi will be progressively considered as one of those who changed the game design and narrative in video games. Trust me

[@gloglogloyper7888]

"Who decided the universe must be this way?" Before I find out what it is I say it must be the collective unconscious we all communicate and feel a connection with all human beings in this world, never changing or twisted by ideology, memes, language and identities of others that allow us to strengthen our psyche and self to revive our people, nations and identity and respect those of others!

[@gloglogloyper7888]

I knew it, Ive been watching too much of Max's videos

[@alessiomadethat]

I'd absolutely love further video essays diving into this title. Great work!

[@godaz3376]

Please make another video. I really like the way you help explain thing. It helps with my work for my game on taking about stuff like the unconscious mind. Thanks for the hard work. Keep it up!

[@Jimyt777]

Similarly, I fell in love with this game from the first time I saw it back in 2005. I beat it back then on GC and despite understanding less than 10% of the story and meaning built in the game due to being an ignorant teenager, I knew there was something extremely special about it. Just finished it again after 15 years and your video helped me fully realize why it's so amazing. You've got my support if you decide to break off into more videos and really put it under the microscope! Great work man

[@CaptainSkelly]

Amazing video. I actually finished Killer 7 tonight and it's insanely unique, creative, and inspirational. I love that there's enough in this game to keep an average person interested because of its weirdness, but there's also more to the game than just running around defeating Heaven Smile. There's a lot of really great philosophy in the game as well, and you find things like that out though reading all the dialogue given to you.

[@EXEGUNSO]

loved this video, finally got around to finishing the game and have nothing but love for it

[@Supercalifrigic]

I really do want to see that follow up. Great job man. I love this game too much.

[@stevenorta973]

I like the new intro Max with your content I know we all will make it to 46&2 someday.

[@JeebYeeb]

This game is straight up criminally under rated

[@sozaj]

Actually I'd love to see you do more videos on this game. It's one of my favorite games in the same way that Serial Experiments Lain is one of my favorite anime. I especially want to hear what you'd have to say about the Cloud Man chapter.

[@davidg2135]

Please keep making more Killer7 video. You did a great job.

[@AndimatterUniverse]

Thank god someone finally made this video. Killer 7 was criminally under analized. Thank you for changing that.

[@smithydavis1033]

Dan and Kun's relationship is similar to Charles Xavier and Magneto both are enemys by idealologies but in reality are friends and have similar ideas

[@FlutterSwag]

Going back and watching your videos after listening to your Aion videos and yea, now i fully understand why JP said it's terifying

[@Nerdime]

Wow an amazing analysis, you really broke it down. I hope one day we get a “Definitive Addition”, for this game like Suda has always suggested. 😅Atleast I wont be completely lost if that day comes. Keep up the great content.

[@epitaphuser6]

still content and talk of Killer 7 in 2020: sexy! probably the best video on the lore of this game. fantastic job!

[@ramithecritic6859]

Max, that was absolutely brilliant! Well done.

[@San50k]

I played this game when I was 16(now I'm 31) and... more than the conflict and that Emir is conscious about what he is, is that at the very end Harman and Kun Lan appear to take control again and that they are necessary or that it is just game between gods I loved your video. This Game inspired me to become videogame developer and writer. Keep it up!!

[@rabidtf]

ok man, great summary and explanation to make some sense of this game. now, i want to have my complete 12 hour analysis for this piece of art, including everything but the kitchen sink.

[@mr.voidout4739]

Suda's games are a crash-course in subjective reality. Sometimes it's up to us to form-up our own perceptions of face-reality to make a single thing make sense.

[@ericalexander6829]

fantastic video, loved Killer7 since it came out, I'm pretty sure the fans would love a deeper dive, I know I would!

[@IcarusBPM]

I want to see that supercut explaining all of killer7 🗣

[@clubbasher32]

Pleeeaseeeeee my life depends on you making more killer 7 vids

[@WrathofTron]

I played killer 7 upon release back in 2005 and just finished my replay today. In the 18 years in between I’ve still never experienced a game like this.

[@michaelbrandon1222]

I shoplifted this game in high-school from the bargain bin at Walmart, I thought the cover looked cool. Never thought the game would be so good 😂

[@vandagylon2885]

Wouldn't catch me saying this. But good on you.

[@michaelbrandon1222]

@@vandagylon2885 saying what? The truth? And if you didn't do what I did why would you say it? 😂

[@jvogler_art4708]

1:14 i actually disagree with you about the graphics. i think the cel shading and the simple color gradient textures the game uses really give it an artistic edge that adds to it's early 2000s gritty pulp fiction esque vibe. i think it is one of the few games from this era that really stands out and holds up in the modern era. i was playing it the other day and a friend thought it was a modern indie game.

[@Nov-5062]

I think he was talking about games in general, not specifically about Killer7

[@chrisdiokno5600]

This was an excellent breakdown. Loved Killer7. Hope a follow-up comes

[@rjfritz]

Watched one of my friends play a small section of the game and I immediately fell in love with it.

[@GabrielToribioMonsta]

Please continue to explain this game. I am still lost but intrigued.

[@BasedGodZolus]

Gabriel Toribio in case he doesn’t here’s a good plot explanation to read www.ign.com/faqs/2005/killer-7-plot-analysisfaq-642437

[@visitor5451]

please make more!! i loved this!

[@GabrielToribioMonsta]

I thought I was the only one who found this game interesting; along with Eternal Darkness.

[@Sofiaode18]

I love Killer 7, one of my favorite games ever but if anyone would ask me why the game is so good I couldn't explain it at all.

[@3scr0fula]

As a mere attempt to explain some facts about this awesome game, the heavenly smiles can be described as explosive ectoplasm ghouls.. Hartman's personalities are assisted by Kun Lan himself, disguised as iwazaru to fight them. Tight spot.

[@klaus.sfc01official30]

You shall not be concerned (referring to thumbnail) this game just cannot be forgotten

[@doorman360]

Points for realizing the synthesis of Harman and Kun-Lan in Emir. It didn't occur to me that's the kind of role he plays. A reconciliation of opposites.

[@TheRealVarik]

Thank you for this superb explanation. Recently stumbled across Killer7 coming from No More Heroes and I must say I love the Suda51 Franchise, at least the games I played by now. Next up is Killer Is Dead.

[@kazmiller7820]

Hopefully Max covers more of the "sudaverse" in the future

[@Inari_san18]

Wow, this game looks so interesting!

[@stanksmax2945]

"To be the best, You also need to have an idea of the worst & be able to execute it, if the scenario desires it as the best possible solution"

[@keith4968]

My favourite ps2 game, grasshopper/sudo57 had some unique games

[@ImperiumVita]

I played Killer 7 on Cube ages ago. Forgotten so much and not sure I had even caught half of what you mention here.

[@hazardousjazzgasm129]

Max, you certainly are a man of good taste. killer 7, MGS, Silent Hill, Eternal Darkness. You are definitely the kind of person who would really enjoy 999 and its sequel, Virtue's Last Reward. The latter is my second favorite gaming narrative of all time, right behind MGS2.

[@bresophil]

I was too young to play it when it came out. Nowadays it's hard to find GameCube games. I remembered this game a week ago and found it on steam. It's amazing