EarthBound is a Super Nintendo roleplaying game that is the third installment from the original NES game Mother. It was the only game out of the trilogy to be translated, re-titled and released in English.
The game follows Ness when he learns that he is one of the chosen four to save the future after a meteorite crashes on the hill/mountain top near his town. Ness must set out to find the other three and defeat Giygas.
EarthBound has to be one of the more unique RPG videogames I have ever played. Instead of taking place in a high fantasy or high science fiction setting, it actually takes place in a 1950’s/1960’s modern setting. The weapons are also unique in that the character fights with a broken bat, a tee ball bat, yo-yo, etc. Even acquiring money and saving your game is far removed from the tradition RPG as well.
The gameplay is relatively easy, and anyone of any age could play it. The battle system is pretty simplified, it kind of reminds me of the earlier versions of Final Fantasy and Dragon Warrior (AKA Dragon Quest). It has a very bright, vibrant, classic comic book/strip kind of look and feel.
Over the years English fans of the game have tried getting Nintendo to release the Mother games, as well as re-release EarthBound without much success. It would be nice to see an official release, but who knows?
As for EarthBound, I really like this game. I think it is a great game, has an awesome story, and could appeal to anyone of any age. It definitely appeals to the kid in you as you play through the game’s adventure.
I still enjoy playing this game to this day, and highly recommend it to anyone who is just getting into RPG videogames.
The Heretic
Fights with a yo-yo? That sounds truly interesting to have a round with, that game!
It was really weird when it first released as well, but it is a fun game.