Simulation – 1989 moves beyond the purely simulated environments of the previous installment, incorporating elements of the real world and introducing specific, code based locations within the simulation’s structure.
The primary setting remains a version of the world that moved into 1989, but the defining characteristic is that the daily body shuffle has stopped. The geography is now stable, allowing characters to set up permanent homes, but also making them stationary targets for the new antagonist.
The Cabin: The isolated, dusty location where Franco, the digitally gifted simulant, is first found. Its unnaturally silent and frozen atmosphere reflects his manipulated state.
The Two-Dimensional Darkness: The area beyond the cabin’s windows that Franco observes, described as “flat, two-dimensional, yet within its pitch-black void were streaks of gray.” This hints at the simulation’s boundaries and the digital nature of the void outside the rendered world.
The Archive (The Past): A location or state that Franco disappears into to hide from the Outsiders. This is a unique, code based setting that suggests the simulation’s entire history is stored as navigable data.
The narrative now bridges two realities, with several figures operating in the real world to aid the rescue mission.
The Hospital/Real World: The true setting where Franco is physically located, lying drugged in a hospital bed, hooked up to machines and tubes. The Outsiders use this location to manipulate him into destroying the simulation.
Outside the Simulation: The location where Rosie successfully traveled to and from, and where John resides, working with the rescue group. John’s refusal to return emphasizes the psychological boundary between the two realities.
Ben’s Real Body Location: A known physical address in the real world, located by John, which serves as a target for the rescue mission.
Ella’s Unknown Body Location: The lack of a specific physical setting for Ella’s real world body is the primary driver of the plot, turning the entire real world into a vast, unknown search area.
The simulation itself contains key zones of conflict where the new antagonists operate.
