Shared Elements:
* Fantasy setting: Both FMA and Spirit Tracks are set in fantastical worlds with magic, alchemy, and mythical creatures.
* Strong protagonist: Both series feature determined and resourceful protagonists who face incredible challenges. In FMA, Edward Elric is driven to restore his brother's body, and in Spirit Tracks, Link is tasked with saving Hyrule from a shadowy threat.
* Emphasis on journey and exploration: Both stories involve a lot of traveling and discovering new places. FMA sees the Elric brothers journeying across Amestris, while Link traverses the vast Hyrule in Spirit Tracks.
However, significant differences exist:
* Tone and themes: FMA is a darker, more mature story with a strong focus on moral dilemmas and the consequences of human actions. Spirit Tracks maintains a more lighthearted, adventurous tone, focusing on themes of friendship, courage, and overcoming obstacles.
* Gameplay: While both are adventure-driven, FMA is a visual novel with RPG elements, while Spirit Tracks is a classic action-adventure game with puzzles and combat.
* Themes: FMA deeply explores themes of alchemy, transmutation, human ambition, and the price of power. Spirit Tracks centers on themes of loyalty, friendship, and the importance of finding oneself.
The Connection:
People might see a connection due to the initial impressions of both titles featuring a protagonist on a quest, a compelling story, and a strong sense of exploration. However, when delving deeper into both, the thematic and narrative differences become apparent.
Ultimately, the connection between FMA and Spirit Tracks is largely based on surface-level similarities rather than any deep-rooted thematic or structural connections. They are both engaging stories with compelling protagonists, but their unique themes and approaches set them apart as distinctly different experiences.