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|genre=[[Role-playing video game|Role-playing game]]
|genre=[[Role-playing video game|Role-playing game]]
|modes=[[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|modes=[[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|ratings={{vgratings|CERO=A|ESRB=K–A (SNES), T (VC)|PEGI=12}}
}}
}}
'''''EarthBound''''', originally released as {{nihongo|'''''Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back'''''|MOTHER2 ギーグの逆襲|Mazā Tsū: Gīgu no Gyakushū}}<ref name="Mother 2: Gyiyg no Gyakushū"/> in Japan, is a [[role-playing video game]] co-developed by [[Creatures (company)|Ape]] and [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] [[video game console]]. Both releases have semi-alternate titles identified in the game's attract demo:{{jargon-inline|date=April 2013}} "EarthBound: The War Against Giygas!" for ''EarthBound'' and "Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back!" for ''Mother 2''. It was designed by [[Shigesato Itoi]], who also developed its predecessor, the Japan-exclusive ''[[Mother (video game)|Mother]]''. The game was released as ''Mother 2'' in Japan on August 27, 1994, and rebranded as ''EarthBound'' for its June 5, 1995 North American release.<ref name="press release fact sheet"/> Despite its poor sales figures, the game has been lauded by gamers for its humorous depictions of American culture and parody of the [[role-playing video game]] genre,<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> and has since become a [[Cult following|cult classic]].<ref name="IGN: Retro Remix: Round 25"/>
'''''EarthBound''''', originally released as {{nihongo|'''''Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back'''''|MOTHER2 ギーグの逆襲|Mazā Tsū: Gīgu no Gyakushū}}<ref name="Mother 2: Gyiyg no Gyakushū"/> in Japan, is a [[role-playing video game]] co-developed by [[Creatures (company)|Ape]] and [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] [[video game console]]. Both releases have semi-alternate titles identified in the game's attract demo:{{jargon-inline|date=April 2013}} "EarthBound: The War Against Giygas!" for ''EarthBound'' and "Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back!" for ''Mother 2''. It was designed by [[Shigesato Itoi]], who also developed its predecessor, the Japan-exclusive ''[[Mother (video game)|Mother]]''. The game was released as ''Mother 2'' in Japan on August 27, 1994, and rebranded as ''EarthBound'' for its June 5, 1995 North American release.<ref name="press release fact sheet"/> Despite its poor sales figures, the game has been lauded by gamers for its humorous depictions of American culture and parody of the [[role-playing video game]] genre,<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> and has since become a [[Cult following|cult classic]].<ref name="IGN: Retro Remix: Round 25"/>
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== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
''EarthBound'' features many traditional RPG elements: the player controls a party of characters who travel through the game's [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional]] [[Fictional universe|world]], which is composed of villages, cities, caves, and dungeons. Along the way battles are fought against enemies, after which the party receives [[experience point]]s for victories.<ref name = "EB battle">{{cite book | title = EarthBound Player's Guide | editor = Nintendo of America | publisher = [[Nintendo of America, Inc.]] | pages = 10, 11 | year = 1995}}</ref> If enough experience points are acquired, a character's level will increase. This increases the character's attributes, such as offense, defense, and the maximum HP and PP of each character. Rather than using an [[overworld]] map screen like most console RPGs of its era, the world is entirely seamless, with no differentiation between towns and the outside world.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94"/> Another non-traditional element is the perspective used for the world. The game uses [[oblique projection]], while most 2-D RPGs use a "top down" view on a grid or an [[isometric perspective]].<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/>
''EarthBound'' features many traditional role-playing game elements: the player controls a party of characters who travel through the game's [[2D computer graphics|two-dimensional]] [[Fictional universe|world]], which is composed of villages, cities, caves, and dungeons. Along the way battles are fought against enemies, after which the party receives [[experience point]]s for victories.<ref name = "EB battle">{{cite book | title = EarthBound Player's Guide | editor = Nintendo of America | publisher = [[Nintendo of America, Inc.]] | pages = 10, 11 | year = 1995}}</ref> If enough experience points are acquired, a character's level will increase. This increases the character's attributes, such as offense, defense, and the maximum HP and PP of each character. Rather than using an [[overworld]] map screen like most console RPGs of its era, the world is entirely seamless, with no differentiation between towns and the outside world.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94"/> Another non-traditional element is the perspective used for the world. The game uses [[oblique projection]], while most 2D RPGs use a "top down" view on a grid or an [[isometric perspective]].<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/>


Unlike its predecessor, ''EarthBound'' does not use [[random encounter]]s. When physical contact occurs between a character and an enemy, the screen dissolves into battle mode. In combat, characters and enemies possess a certain amount of [[Health (game mechanic)#Hit points|hit points]] (HP). Blows to an enemy reduce the amount of HP. Once an enemy's HP reaches zero, they are defeated. If a specific type of enemy is defeated, there is a chance that the character will receive an item after the battle. In battle, the player is allowed to choose specific actions for their characters. These actions can include attacking, healing, spying (reveals enemy weakness/strengths), mirror (emulate a specific enemy), and running away. Characters can also use special PSI attacks that require psychic points (PP). Once each character is assigned a command, the characters and enemies perform their actions in a set order, determined by character speed. Whenever a character receives damage, the HP box gradually "rolls" down, similar to an [[odometer]]. This allows players an opportunity to heal the character or win the battle before the counter hits zero, after which the character is knocked unconscious (although if the counter reaches zero as the battle is won, it will be set to 1 instead and the character will survive). If all characters are rendered unconscious, the game transitions to an endgame screen, asking if the player wants to continue. An affirmative response brings [[Ness (character)|Ness]], conscious, back to the last telephone he saved from, with half the money on his person at the time of his defeat, and any other party members showing as still unconscious. Because battles are not random, tactical advantages can be gained. If the player physically contacts an enemy from behind (indicated by a translucent green swirl which fills the screen), the player is given a first-strike priority. However, this also applies to enemies, who can also engage the party from behind (in this case, the swirl is red). If both enemy and player are facing each other, the swirl is grey. Additionally, as Ness and his friends become stronger, battles with weaker enemies are eventually won automatically, forgoing the battle sequence, and weaker monsters will begin to flee from Ness and his friends rather than chase them.<ref name = "EB battle"/> While most RPGs up to the mid-1990s primarily used swords and other traditional weapons, the characters in EarthBound use less conventional weapons such as [[baseball bats]], [[yo yo|yo-yos]], and [[frying pan]]s, with the exception of Poo, who can actually use a sword.
Unlike its predecessor, ''EarthBound'' does not use [[random encounter]]s. When physical contact occurs between a character and an enemy, the screen dissolves into battle mode. In combat, characters and enemies possess a certain amount of [[Health (game mechanic)#Hit points|hit points]] (HP). Blows to an enemy reduce the amount of HP. Once an enemy's HP reaches zero, they are defeated. If a specific type of enemy is defeated, there is a chance that the character will receive an item after the battle. In battle, the player is allowed to choose specific actions for their characters. These actions can include attacking, healing, spying (reveals enemy weakness/strengths), mirror (emulate a specific enemy), and running away. Characters can also use special PSI attacks that require psychic points (PP). Once each character is assigned a command, the characters and enemies perform their actions in a set order, determined by character speed. Whenever a character receives damage, the HP box gradually "rolls" down, similar to an [[odometer]]. This allows players an opportunity to heal the character or win the battle before the counter hits zero, after which the character is knocked unconscious (although if the counter reaches zero as the battle is won, it will be set to 1 instead and the character will survive). If all characters are rendered unconscious, the game transitions to an endgame screen, asking if the player wants to continue. An affirmative response brings [[Ness (character)|Ness]], conscious, back to the last telephone he saved from, with half the money on his person at the time of his defeat, and any other party members showing as still unconscious. Because battles are not random, tactical advantages can be gained. If the player physically contacts an enemy from behind (indicated by a translucent green swirl which fills the screen), the player is given a first-strike priority. However, this also applies to enemies, who can also engage the party from behind (in this case, the swirl is red). If both enemy and player are facing each other, the swirl is grey. Additionally, as Ness and his friends become stronger, battles with weaker enemies are eventually won automatically, forgoing the battle sequence, and weaker monsters will begin to flee from Ness and his friends rather than chase them.<ref name = "EB battle"/> While most RPGs up to the mid-1990s primarily used swords and other traditional weapons, the characters in EarthBound use less conventional weapons such as [[baseball bats]], [[yo yo|yo-yos]], and [[frying pan]]s, with the exception of Poo, who can actually use a sword.
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=== Story ===
=== Story ===
The story begins when '''Ness''' is awakened by a meteorite that has plummeted near his home, whereupon he proceeds to investigate the crash site. After going there, he encounters a roadblock and Pokey (known in Japan and in later games as "Porky"), Ness's neighbor, who states that Ness should simply go home. After he goes to bed, he is then woken up by Pokey knocking at his door. He states that his little brother is missing, and he needs Ness' help to find him. Ness, along with his pet dog, King, accompany Pokey and set out for his younger brother. After searching, they go to where the meteorite landed. After arriving, Ness encounters an alien named Buzz Buzz, who informs Ness that he is from the future where a hostile alien, [[Giygas]], dominates the universe.<ref>{{cite video game | title = EarthBound | developer = [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = 1995-06-01 | platform = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] |quote= '''Buzz Buzz:''' A bee I am not... I'm from 10 years in the future. And, in the future, all is devastation... Giygas, the universal cosmic destroyer, send all to the horror of eternal darkness... }}</ref> Buzz Buzz instructs Ness to embark on a journey to defeat Giygas in the present, because he is too powerful in the future. Ness then proceeds to seek out eight "sanctuaries", to unite his own powers with the Earth's and gain the strength required to confront Giygas.<ref> {{cite video game | title = EarthBound | developer = [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = 1995-06-01 | platform = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] |quote = '''Buzz Buzz:''' To defeat Giygas, your own power must unite with the Earth's... the Earth will then channel your power and multiply it... There are eight points that you must visit. Make these places your own... Each of these locations is "Your Sanctuary." }}</ref> Buzz Buzz is later killed by Pokey's mother, who mistakes Buzz Buzz for a dung beetle. Dying, Buzz Buzz gives Ness the Sound Stone, an item that is vital to the completion of his quest. [[Image:Mother 2 Summers.jpg|left | thumb | Screenshot showing Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo as they travel through Summers.]]
The story begins when Ness is awakened by a meteorite that has plummeted near his home, whereupon he proceeds to investigate the crash site. After going there, he encounters a roadblock and Pokey (known in Japan and in later games as "Porky"), Ness's neighbor, who states that Ness should simply go home. After he goes to bed, he is then woken up by Pokey knocking at his door. He states that his little brother is missing, and he needs Ness' help to find him. Ness, along with his pet dog, King, accompany Pokey and set out for his younger brother. After searching, they go to where the meteorite landed. After arriving, Ness encounters an alien named Buzz Buzz, who informs Ness that he is from the future where a hostile alien, [[Giygas]], dominates the universe.<ref>{{cite video game | title = EarthBound | developer = [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = 1995-06-01 | platform = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] |quote= '''Buzz Buzz:''' A bee I am not... I'm from 10 years in the future. And, in the future, all is devastation... Giygas, the universal cosmic destroyer, send all to the horror of eternal darkness... }}</ref> Buzz Buzz instructs Ness to embark on a journey to defeat Giygas in the present, because he is too powerful in the future. Ness then proceeds to seek out eight "sanctuaries", to unite his own powers with the Earth's and gain the strength required to confront Giygas.<ref> {{cite video game | title = EarthBound | developer = [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = 1995-06-01 | platform = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] |quote = '''Buzz Buzz:''' To defeat Giygas, your own power must unite with the Earth's... the Earth will then channel your power and multiply it... There are eight points that you must visit. Make these places your own... Each of these locations is "Your Sanctuary." }}</ref> Buzz Buzz is later killed by Pokey's mother, who mistakes Buzz Buzz for a dung beetle. Dying, Buzz Buzz gives Ness the Sound Stone, an item that is vital to the completion of his quest. [[Image:Mother 2 Summers.jpg|left | thumb | Screenshot showing Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo as they travel through Summers.]]


Ness proceeds on his quest through a variety of locales, including the towns of Onett, Twoson, Threed, and Fourside, an icy country called Winters, a beach resort called Summers, an Eastern Asian-esque land called Dalaam, a far-off place called Scaraba (which is based on modern [[Egypt]] and includes [[mulukhiyah]] and [[pyramids]]), and a dream world called Magicant. As he goes on his journey, he encounters a variety of characters, including the other three chosen ones, Paula, a fellow psychic girl from Twoson, Jeff, a young mechanical genius from Winters, and Poo, a young prince from the far off land of Dalaam. There are several enemies that Ness encounters in ''EarthBound'', including Giygas' army of Starmen. The group often runs into a blues band called the Runaway Five, helping them out and being helped out in return. Throughout the game, Ness runs into Pokey, who had joined with Giygas to take over the world. Ness eventually activates all of his "Sanctuary" locations, discovers Magicant within himself, and defeats his "Nightmare", which represented all of the evil hidden away in Ness' heart, unlocking his true power. Jeff's father, Doctor Andonuts, creates a device that will allow them to travel to the past to battle against Giygas - however, they are forced to transfer their souls into robot bodies, as organic material cannot withstand the warp through time. In the past, they encounter Giygas and Pokey (commanding a giant spider mech), who informs Ness and the others that Giygas has consumed so much evil power, that his mind was completely destroyed and is being held in a somewhat stable form using a machine called the "Devil's Machine." After defeating Pokey, he deactivates the machine, unleashing Giygas' power which destroys the machine and creates a chaotic, bizarre dimension, trapping himself and the four children in darkness. Giygas uses psychic attacks that Ness and the others can't comprehend, and speaks in a confused babble. Paula then prays reaching out to a variety of people on Earth, such as their family and friends, who all pray for their safety, and eventually, she reaches out to the player, whose prayers defeat Giygas, due to his weakness to human emotions. Pokey escapes into a time warp, and Ness and his friends manage to have their spirits returned to their bodies, and they all return to their homes (with the exception of Paula, who Ness escorts home). After the credits, Picky gives Ness a message from Pokey, daring him to come looking for him.
Ness proceeds on his quest through a variety of locales, including the towns of Onett, Twoson, Threed, and Fourside, an icy country called Winters, a beach resort called Summers, an Eastern Asian-esque land called Dalaam, a far-off place called Scaraba (which is based on modern [[Egypt]] and includes [[mulukhiyah]] and [[pyramid]]s), and a dream world called Magicant. As he goes on his journey, he encounters a variety of characters, including the other three chosen ones, Paula, a fellow psychic girl from Twoson, Jeff, a young mechanical genius from Winters, and Poo, a young prince from the far off land of Dalaam. There are several enemies that Ness encounters in ''EarthBound'', including Giygas' army of Starmen. The group often runs into a blues band called the Runaway Five, helping them out and being helped out in return. Throughout the game, Ness runs into Pokey, who had joined with Giygas to take over the world. Ness eventually activates all of his "Sanctuary" locations, discovers Magicant within himself, and defeats his "Nightmare", which represented all of the evil hidden away in Ness' heart, unlocking his true power. Jeff's father, Doctor Andonuts, creates a device that will allow them to travel to the past to battle against Giygas - however, they are forced to transfer their souls into robot bodies, as organic material cannot withstand the warp through time. In the past, they encounter Giygas and Pokey (commanding a giant spider mech), who informs Ness and the others that Giygas has consumed so much evil power, that his mind was completely destroyed and is being held in a somewhat stable form using a machine called the "Devil's Machine." After defeating Pokey, he deactivates the machine, unleashing Giygas' power which destroys the machine and creates a chaotic, bizarre dimension, trapping himself and the four children in darkness. Giygas uses psychic attacks that Ness and the others can't comprehend, and speaks in a confused babble. Paula then prays reaching out to a variety of people on Earth, such as their family and friends, who all pray for their safety, and eventually, she reaches out to the player, whose prayers defeat Giygas, due to his weakness to human emotions. Pokey escapes into a time warp, and Ness and his friends manage to have their spirits returned to their bodies, and they all return to their homes (with the exception of Paula, who Ness escorts home). After the credits, Picky gives Ness a message from Pokey, daring him to come looking for him.


== Development ==
== Development ==
[[Image:Mother 2 Concept Art.jpg| right | thumb | Concept art featuring [[List of EarthBound characters#Ness|Ness]] and his dog, King, standing in front of their home.]]
[[Image:Mother 2 Concept Art.jpg| right | thumb | Concept art featuring [[List of EarthBound characters#Ness|Ness]] and his dog, King, standing in front of their home.]]
Development on ''EarthBound'' took place as a joint effort between [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] and was designed by [[Shigesato Itoi]], APE programmer Kouji Malta and HAL programmer [[Satoru Iwata]], both of whom were the main programmers for ''EarthBound''. The total development time for the project was five years, much longer than was initially expected. Of this, Itoi has stated that many times he felt the project was "doomed".<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94">{{cite journal | title = Interview with Shigesato Itoi | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-02 | pages = 21–24 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> Because two companies were working on ''EarthBound'', responsibilities were spread out between the two studios. Ape had more people working on the title and oversaw the data aspects of the game while HAL worked on the programming. Because the two studios were based at separate locations, employees would regularly have to travel between the studios to work.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 9, 94">{{cite journal | title = Interview with Kouji Malta and Satoru Iwata | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-09 | pages = 72, 73 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref>
Development on ''EarthBound'' took place as a joint effort between [[Creatures (company)|Ape]] and [[HAL Laboratory]] and was designed by [[Shigesato Itoi]], Ape programmer Kouji Malta and HAL programmer [[Satoru Iwata]], both of whom were the main programmers for ''EarthBound''. The total development time for the project was five years, much longer than was initially expected. Of this, Itoi has stated that many times he felt the project was "doomed".<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94">{{cite journal | title = Interview with Shigesato Itoi | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-02 | pages = 21–24 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> Because two companies were working on ''EarthBound'', responsibilities were spread out between the two studios. Ape had more people working on the title and oversaw the data aspects of the game while HAL worked on the programming. Because the two studios were based at separate locations, employees would regularly have to travel between the studios to work.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 9, 94">{{cite journal | title = Interview with Kouji Malta and Satoru Iwata | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-09 | pages = 72, 73 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref>


Initial gameplay features that Itoi had in mind involved an unconventional [[level design|level structure]] and [[Health (game mechanic)#Hit points|hit points system (HP)]]. Itoi decided to exclude an [[overworld]], because he wanted no distinction to remain between towns and the outside world. This resulted in each town being carefully designed to be unique.
Initial gameplay features that Itoi had in mind involved an unconventional [[level design|level structure]] and [[Health (game mechanic)#Hit points|hit points system (HP)]]. Itoi decided to exclude an [[overworld]], because he wanted no distinction to remain between towns and the outside world. This resulted in each town being carefully designed to be unique.
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The game sold 140,000 copies in North America, and about twice that number in Japan.<ref name="earthbotched">{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=850 | title= EarthBotched: A History of Nintendo vs. Starmen | author= Linde, Aaron | publisher = Shacknews | date= 2008-05-06 | accessdate = 2008-08-07}}</ref> American audiences were largely indifferent to Japanese [[role-playing video game]]s, and would remain so until titles like ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' took the genre into the mainstream.<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> Years later, many critics have praised the game for being ahead of its time,<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> as well as for its storyline, graphics, and particularly, its humor.<ref name = "allgame EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:2481~T1 | title = allgame: EarthBound review | author = House, Michael L | publisher = [[Allgame]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In the June 2008 issue of [[Nintendo Power]], ''EarthBound'' was revealed to be the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with ''Mother'' close behind at #4.<ref name="nppoll">{{Cite book | year=2008 | title=Nintendo Power June, 2008 | page=25 | publisher=Future US}}</ref> Then in the July 2008 issue of Nintendo Power, ''EarthBound'' was yet again the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with the original ''Mother'' now placed in second.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}
The game sold 140,000 copies in North America, and about twice that number in Japan.<ref name="earthbotched">{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=850 | title= EarthBotched: A History of Nintendo vs. Starmen | author= Linde, Aaron | publisher = Shacknews | date= 2008-05-06 | accessdate = 2008-08-07}}</ref> American audiences were largely indifferent to Japanese [[role-playing video game]]s, and would remain so until titles like ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' took the genre into the mainstream.<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> Years later, many critics have praised the game for being ahead of its time,<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> as well as for its storyline, graphics, and particularly, its humor.<ref name = "allgame EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:2481~T1 | title = allgame: EarthBound review | author = House, Michael L | publisher = [[Allgame]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In the June 2008 issue of [[Nintendo Power]], ''EarthBound'' was revealed to be the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with ''Mother'' close behind at #4.<ref name="nppoll">{{Cite book | year=2008 | title=Nintendo Power June, 2008 | page=25 | publisher=Future US}}</ref> Then in the July 2008 issue of Nintendo Power, ''EarthBound'' was yet again the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with the original ''Mother'' now placed in second.{{Citation needed|date=November 2009}}


''EarthBound'' is regarded by critics as one of the greatest RPGs on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]],<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> as well as one of the best of the [[History of video games#1990s|1990s]].<ref name = "AllRPG EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.allrpg.com/games/earthbound/index.php3?page=review&num=1 | title = All RPG: EarthBound review | author = Gravy Train | publisher = All RPG | accessdate = 2008-04-01 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071221220426/http://www.allrpg.com/games/earthbound/index.php3?page=review&num=1 |archivedate = December 21, 2007}}</ref> The game has also become a cult classic and possesses substantial fanbases in both [[Japan]] and [[North America]].<ref name="IGN: Retro Remix: Round 25"/> As a result, the game regularly appears on readers' choice polls in both countries. In a 2005 readers' choice poll of the top 99 best games of all time conducted by [[IGN]], ''EarthBound'' was voted 46th on the list.<ref name = "IGN readers 2005">{{cite web | url = http://microsites.ign.com/kfc/top99games/6.html | title = IGN and KFC Snacker Present Readers' Top 99 Games | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | year = 2005 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> A year later, IGN conducted a similar readers' choice poll where ''EarthBound'' moved up to be 33rd on the list.<ref name = "IGN readers 2006">{{cite web | url = http://top100.ign.com/2006/031-040.html | title = IGN Readers' Choice 2006—The Top 100 Games Ever | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | year = 2006 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> A 2005 [[GameFAQs]] poll of the 100 best games ever had ''EarthBound'' at the 37th spot.<ref name="gamefaqspoll">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/top10 | title=The 10 Best Games Ever | publisher=GameFAQs | accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref> The game has also appeared on lists conducted by the Japanese. In a 2006 readers' poll conducted by ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine, the game was voted the 37th best game of all time on a list of 100 titles.<ref name = "famitsu readers">{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 | title = Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 | author = Campbell, Colin | publisher = [[Next Generation Magazine]] | date = 2006-03-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In a retrospective of the 20 essential Japanese RPGs, Gamasutra featured ''EarthBound'' on the list.<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> In the January 2010 issue of ''[[Nintendo Power]]'', editors named the game "The Ultimate Cult Hit."<ref name="powermarch">Editors of [[Nintendo Power]]: Nintendo Power March 2009; issue 3 (in English). Future US Inc, 30. Retrieved 2010-05-06.</ref>
''EarthBound'' is regarded by critics as one of the greatest role-playing games on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]],<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> as well as one of the best of the [[History of video games#1990s|1990s]].<ref name = "AllRPG EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.allrpg.com/games/earthbound/index.php3?page=review&num=1 | title = All RPG: EarthBound review | author = Gravy Train | publisher = All RPG | accessdate = 2008-04-01 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071221220426/http://www.allrpg.com/games/earthbound/index.php3?page=review&num=1 |archivedate = December 21, 2007}}</ref> The game has also become a cult classic and possesses substantial fanbases in both [[Japan]] and [[North America]].<ref name="IGN: Retro Remix: Round 25"/> As a result, the game regularly appears on readers' choice polls in both countries. In a 2005 readers' choice poll of the top 99 best games of all time conducted by [[IGN]], ''EarthBound'' was voted 46th on the list.<ref name = "IGN readers 2005">{{cite web | url = http://microsites.ign.com/kfc/top99games/6.html | title = IGN and KFC Snacker Present Readers' Top 99 Games | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | year = 2005 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> A year later, IGN conducted a similar readers' choice poll where ''EarthBound'' moved up to be 33rd on the list.<ref name = "IGN readers 2006">{{cite web | url = http://top100.ign.com/2006/031-040.html | title = IGN Readers' Choice 2006—The Top 100 Games Ever | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | year = 2006 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> A 2005 [[GameFAQs]] poll of the 100 best games ever had ''EarthBound'' at the 37th spot.<ref name="gamefaqspoll">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/top10 | title=The 10 Best Games Ever | publisher=GameFAQs | accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref> The game has also appeared on lists conducted by the Japanese. In a 2006 readers' poll conducted by ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine, the game was voted the 37th best game of all time on a list of 100 titles.<ref name = "famitsu readers">{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 | title = Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 | author = Campbell, Colin | publisher = [[Next Generation Magazine]] | date = 2006-03-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In a retrospective of the 20 essential Japanese RPGs, Gamasutra featured ''EarthBound'' on the list.<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> In the January 2010 issue of ''[[Nintendo Power]]'', editors named the game "The Ultimate Cult Hit."<ref name="powermarch">Editors of [[Nintendo Power]]: Nintendo Power March 2009; issue 3 (in English). Future US Inc, 30. Retrieved 2010-05-06.</ref>


Reviews of ''EarthBound'' have generally been positive. In [[Allgame]]'s review, ''EarthBound'' was declared "one of the most original role-playing games of the 1990s."<ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/> The site then went on to praise its storyline, humor, music, and characters. A point of contention between critics were the simplistic graphics. In All RPG's review of the game, the graphics were described as "horrid,"<ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/> while [[Nintendojo]] and [[1UP.com|1UP]] enjoyed them, with 1UP going so far as to say "regardless of what anyone tells you, the graphics are awesome." 1UP also criticized the title's similarities to ''[[Dragon Quest]]'', but in the end declared ''EarthBound'' a game "worth experiencing."<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> Nintendojo and [[Gamasutra]] also criticized the similarities to ''Dragon Quest'', with [[Gamasutra]] declaring ''EarthBound'' an "unabashed Dragon Quest clone..."<ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/><ref name = "gamasutra EB">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3581/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php?page=10 | title= A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20 | author= Kalata, Kurt | publisher = Gamasutra | date= 2008-03-19 | accessdate = 2008-03-21}}</ref> Despite the criticism, Gamasutra regarded the title "as one of the greatest RPGs on the SNES." The game's audio was also praised, with All RPG declaring it "some of the best music on the Super Nintendo."
Reviews of ''EarthBound'' have generally been positive. In [[Allgame]]'s review, ''EarthBound'' was declared "one of the most original role-playing games of the 1990s."<ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/> The site then went on to praise its storyline, humor, music, and characters. A point of contention between critics were the simplistic graphics. In All RPG's review of the game, the graphics were described as "horrid,"<ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/> while [[Nintendojo]] and [[1UP.com|1UP]] enjoyed them, with 1UP going so far as to say "regardless of what anyone tells you, the graphics are awesome." 1UP also criticized the title's similarities to ''[[Dragon Quest]]'', but in the end declared ''EarthBound'' a game "worth experiencing."<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/> Nintendojo and [[Gamasutra]] also criticized the similarities to ''Dragon Quest'', with [[Gamasutra]] declaring ''EarthBound'' an "unabashed Dragon Quest clone..."<ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/><ref name = "gamasutra EB">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3581/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php?page=10 | title= A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20 | author= Kalata, Kurt | publisher = Gamasutra | date= 2008-03-19 | accessdate = 2008-03-21}}</ref> Despite the criticism, Gamasutra regarded the title "as one of the greatest RPGs on the SNES." The game's audio was also praised, with All RPG declaring it "some of the best music on the Super Nintendo."


Of all ''EarthBound'''s elements, however, the most lauded was its humor, being universally praised by all critics for its comedic, albeit confusing, depictions of Western culture and parody of the [[Role-playing video game|RPG]] genre.<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/><ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/><ref name = "allgame EB review"/><ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/><ref name = "GamersMark EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamersmark.com/reviews/view/26/ | title = Earthbound (SNES) Review | author = Hancock, Robert | publisher = Gamer's Mark | date = 2001-08-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref><ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> Ranging from trips in a [[Yellow Submarine (1968 film)|yellow submarine]] to fighting a [[Diamond Dogs (song)|diamond dog]], both of which are nods to [[United Kingdom|British]] music, or the [[The Star-Spangled Banner|American national anthem]],<ref>[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Games/Mother2/Booze-associated-with-our-anthem/page/1# Booze, associated with our anthem?! « EarthBound / MOTHER 2 « Forum « Starmen.Net<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> the game is rife with subtle cultural references. Described by [[Gamasutra]] as "a warped, confused tribute to American culture, designed by people who've only experienced the country through books and movies", the quirky humor of the game is one of the chief reasons for its popularity.<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> Amongst the ranks of absurd enemies in the game, Ness must face down New Age Retro Hippies, Pogo Punks, Extra Cranky Ladies, and Big Piles of Puke throughout his quest. Much of the dialogue and plot of the game pokes fun at traditional RPG and sci-fi clichés. Even the advertising campaign played off its humor, with the slogan "This game stinks", referring to the scratch and sniff stickers that were included in the ''[[Nintendo Player's Guide|Player's Guide]]''.
Of all ''EarthBound''{{'s} elements, however, the most lauded was its humor, being universally praised by all critics for its comedic, albeit confusing, depictions of Western culture and parody of the [[role-playing video game]] genre.<ref name="1UP: Retronauts 5"/><ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/><ref name = "allgame EB review"/><ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/><ref name = "GamersMark EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamersmark.com/reviews/view/26/ | title = Earthbound (SNES) Review | author = Hancock, Robert | publisher = Gamer's Mark | date = 2001-08-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref><ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> Ranging from trips in a [[Yellow Submarine (1968 film)|yellow submarine]] to fighting a [[Diamond Dogs (song)|diamond dog]], both of which are nods to [[United Kingdom|British]] music, or the [[The Star-Spangled Banner|American national anthem]],<ref>[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Games/Mother2/Booze-associated-with-our-anthem/page/1# Booze, associated with our anthem?! « EarthBound / MOTHER 2 « Forum « Starmen.Net<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> the game is rife with subtle cultural references. Described by [[Gamasutra]] as "a warped, confused tribute to American culture, designed by people who've only experienced the country through books and movies", the quirky humor of the game is one of the chief reasons for its popularity.<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> Amongst the ranks of absurd enemies in the game, Ness must face down New Age Retro Hippies, Pogo Punks, Extra Cranky Ladies, and Big Piles of Puke throughout his quest. Much of the dialogue and plot of the game pokes fun at traditional RPG and sci-fi clichés. Even the advertising campaign played off its humor, with the slogan "This game stinks", referring to the scratch and sniff stickers that were included in the ''[[Nintendo Player's Guide|Player's Guide]]''.


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
{{Overly detailed|date=July 2012|section=yes}}
{{Overly detailed|date=July 2012|section=yes}}
''EarthBound'' has been featured in all of the titles of the blockbuster [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], further increasing the fame of ''EarthBound''. Ness has been a staple veteran of ''Super Smash Bros.'' since the first title of the series, ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', where he appeared as a hidden character, unlocked by beating the 1-player mode on normal difficulty or higher, using three lives or fewer, not using any continues, and finally defeating Ness in a match. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', Ness is playable from the start. He is once again an unlockable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', and can be unlocked in several different ways. Onett and Fourside appear as battle arenas in the ''Melee'', while only the former appears in ''Brawl''. New Pork City, from ''[[Mother 3]]'' (the sequel to ''EarthBound'' and the third game in the ''Mother'' series), appears in ''Brawl'' as well.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_38.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Melee Stages | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/748545/page_96.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Brawl Stages | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In addition to Ness, Lucas from ''[[Mother 3]]'' is a playable character in ''Brawl'', Pokey/Porky appeared as a boss, and trophies for many other characters, such as Paula, Jeff, and Poo, can be collected in the two latter games.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_54.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Melee Trophies | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> Jeff is also featured as an Assist Trophy in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', using his Multi-Bottle Rockets to home in on opponents.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/items/assist/assist15.html | title = Assist Trophies | author = Sakurai, Masahiro | publisher = Smash Bros. Dojo!! | accessdate = 2008-05-21}}</ref> In ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', [[Mr. Saturn]] is used as a throwing item, and in ''Brawl'', the Franklin Badge is featured as a power-up.
''EarthBound'' has been featured in all of the titles of the blockbuster [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], further increasing the fame of ''EarthBound''. Ness has been a staple veteran of ''Super Smash Bros.'' since the first title of the series, ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', where he appeared as a hidden character, unlocked by beating the single-player mode on normal difficulty or higher, using three lives or fewer, not using any continues, and finally defeating Ness in a match. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', Ness is playable from the start. He is once again an unlockable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', and can be unlocked in several different ways. Onett and Fourside appear as battle arenas in the ''Melee'', while only the former appears in ''Brawl''. New Pork City, from ''[[Mother 3]]'' (the sequel to ''EarthBound'' and the third game in the ''Mother'' series), appears in ''Brawl'' as well.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_38.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Melee Stages | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/748545/page_96.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Brawl Stages | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In addition to Ness, Lucas from ''[[Mother 3]]'' is a playable character in ''Brawl'', Pokey/Porky appeared as a boss, and trophies for many other characters, such as Paula, Jeff, and Poo, can be collected in the two latter games.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_54.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Melee Trophies | author = IGN Staff | publisher = IGN | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> Jeff is also featured as an Assist Trophy in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', using his Multi-Bottle Rockets to home in on opponents.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/items/assist/assist15.html | title = Assist Trophies | author = Sakurai, Masahiro | publisher = Smash Bros. Dojo!! | accessdate = 2008-05-21}}</ref> In ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', [[Mr. Saturn]] is used as a throwing item, and in ''Brawl'', the Franklin Badge is featured as a power-up.


''EarthBound'''s soundtrack has been lauded by critics and fans, including Alex Hall, a staff writer for the online music magazine ''The Tune'', who named it the best video game soundtrack of all time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Alex|title=The 10 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time|url=http://www.thetunemusic.com/2011/06/playlist-10-best-video-game-soundtracks.html|work=The Tune|accessdate=14 June 2011}}</ref>
''EarthBound''{{'}}s soundtrack has been lauded by critics and fans, including Alex Hall, a staff writer for the online music magazine ''The Tune'', who named it the best video game soundtrack of all time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Alex|title=The 10 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time|url=http://www.thetunemusic.com/2011/06/playlist-10-best-video-game-soundtracks.html|work=The Tune|accessdate=14 June 2011}}</ref>


On December 21, 2012, [[hip-hop]] artist [[YTCracker]] released an album dedicated to the game. <ref>[http://ytcracker.bandcamp.com/album/earthbound-adventures-of-the-sound-stone-vol-1 earthbound - adventures of the sound stone vol. 1 ]</ref>
On December 21, 2012, [[hip hop music|hip hop]] artist [[YTCracker]] released an album dedicated to the game.<ref>[http://ytcracker.bandcamp.com/album/earthbound-adventures-of-the-sound-stone-vol-1 earthbound - adventures of the sound stone vol. 1 ]</ref>


=== Sequel ===
=== Sequel ===
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* [http://wayback.archive.org/web/20120210091908/http://wikibound.info/ WikiBound]
* [http://wayback.archive.org/web/20120210091908/http://wikibound.info/ WikiBound]
* {{Nintendo.com-archive|id=m-Game-0000-928}}
* {{Nintendo.com-archive|id=m-Game-0000-928}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0208332}}
* {{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Roleplaying/E/Earthbound_Series|''Earthbound'' series}}
* {{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Roleplaying/E/Earthbound_Series|''Earthbound'' series}}
{{Prone to spam|date=March 2013}}
{{Prone to spam|date=March 2013}}

Revision as of 10:22, 14 August 2013

For other uses, see Earthbound (disambiguation).
EarthBound
North American box art depicting the reflection of protagonist Ness in a Final Starman's visor
Developer(s)Ape
HAL Laboratory
Publisher(s)Nintendo
Director(s)Shigesato Itoi
Producer(s)Shigesato Itoi
Satoru Iwata
Designer(s)Akihiko Miura
Artist(s)Kouichi Ooyama
Writer(s)Shigesato Itoi
Composer(s)Keiichi Suzuki
Hirokazu Tanaka
Hiroshi Kanazu
SeriesEarthBound
Platform(s)Super Nintendo,
Game Boy Advance,
Wii U (Virtual Console)
ReleaseSNES
Game Boy Advance
(Mother 1+2)
Wii U (Virtual Console)
Genre(s)Role-playing game
Mode(s)Single-player

EarthBound, originally released as Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back (MOTHER2 ギーグの逆襲, Mazā Tsū: Gīgu no Gyakushū)[1] in Japan, is a role-playing video game co-developed by Ape and HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System video game console. Both releases have semi-alternate titles identified in the game's attract demo:[jargon] "EarthBound: The War Against Giygas!" for EarthBound and "Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back!" for Mother 2. It was designed by Shigesato Itoi, who also developed its predecessor, the Japan-exclusive Mother. The game was released as Mother 2 in Japan on August 27, 1994, and rebranded as EarthBound for its June 5, 1995 North American release.[2] Despite its poor sales figures, the game has been lauded by gamers for its humorous depictions of American culture and parody of the role-playing video game genre,[3] and has since become a cult classic.[4]

A sequel to EarthBound for the Nintendo 64DD, titled EarthBound 64, was in development for many years before finally being canceled.[5] This project later resurfaced as a Game Boy Advance title called Mother 3 and was released only in Japan.[6] Like Mother, Mother 3 has only a loose connection to EarthBound, starring new characters, though it does include several returning characters. A collection of Mother and EarthBound was released in Japan under the title Mother 1 + 2.[7] The game was rereleased on the Wii U Virtual Console in Japan on March 20, 2013 and was released for North America and, for the first time, Europe and Australia, on July 18, 2013.[8]

Gameplay

EarthBound features many traditional role-playing game elements: the player controls a party of characters who travel through the game's two-dimensional world, which is composed of villages, cities, caves, and dungeons. Along the way battles are fought against enemies, after which the party receives experience points for victories.[9] If enough experience points are acquired, a character's level will increase. This increases the character's attributes, such as offense, defense, and the maximum HP and PP of each character. Rather than using an overworld map screen like most console RPGs of its era, the world is entirely seamless, with no differentiation between towns and the outside world.[10] Another non-traditional element is the perspective used for the world. The game uses oblique projection, while most 2D RPGs use a "top down" view on a grid or an isometric perspective.[3]

Unlike its predecessor, EarthBound does not use random encounters. When physical contact occurs between a character and an enemy, the screen dissolves into battle mode. In combat, characters and enemies possess a certain amount of hit points (HP). Blows to an enemy reduce the amount of HP. Once an enemy's HP reaches zero, they are defeated. If a specific type of enemy is defeated, there is a chance that the character will receive an item after the battle. In battle, the player is allowed to choose specific actions for their characters. These actions can include attacking, healing, spying (reveals enemy weakness/strengths), mirror (emulate a specific enemy), and running away. Characters can also use special PSI attacks that require psychic points (PP). Once each character is assigned a command, the characters and enemies perform their actions in a set order, determined by character speed. Whenever a character receives damage, the HP box gradually "rolls" down, similar to an odometer. This allows players an opportunity to heal the character or win the battle before the counter hits zero, after which the character is knocked unconscious (although if the counter reaches zero as the battle is won, it will be set to 1 instead and the character will survive). If all characters are rendered unconscious, the game transitions to an endgame screen, asking if the player wants to continue. An affirmative response brings Ness, conscious, back to the last telephone he saved from, with half the money on his person at the time of his defeat, and any other party members showing as still unconscious. Because battles are not random, tactical advantages can be gained. If the player physically contacts an enemy from behind (indicated by a translucent green swirl which fills the screen), the player is given a first-strike priority. However, this also applies to enemies, who can also engage the party from behind (in this case, the swirl is red). If both enemy and player are facing each other, the swirl is grey. Additionally, as Ness and his friends become stronger, battles with weaker enemies are eventually won automatically, forgoing the battle sequence, and weaker monsters will begin to flee from Ness and his friends rather than chase them.[9] While most RPGs up to the mid-1990s primarily used swords and other traditional weapons, the characters in EarthBound use less conventional weapons such as baseball bats, yo-yos, and frying pans, with the exception of Poo, who can actually use a sword.

Currency is indirectly received from Ness' father, who can also save the game's progress. Each time the party wins a battle, Ness' father deposits money in an account that can be withdrawn at ATMs. In towns, players can visit various stores where weapons, armor, and items can be bought. Weapons and armor can be equipped to increase character strength and defense, respectively. In addition, items can be used for a number of purposes, such as healing. Towns also house several other useful facilities such as hospitals where players can be healed for a fee.[11]

Plot

Characters

EarthBound roughly takes place in the 1990s.[12] Throughout the game, four characters, known as the Chosen Four, come to compose the party in the game. The player is able to change the default name of these four characters.

The player controls Ness, a young boy possessing strong psychic abilities. Early in the story, he meets an alien named Buzz Buzz with the appearance of a bee, who explains the quest that Ness must embark on. Over the course of his quest, Ness is joined by three other children his age: Paula, another powerful psychic; Jeff, a mechanical genius and child prodigy; and Poo, a martial arts master with some psychic ability.

The game's main antagonist is Giygas, an alien from a distant galaxy with the power to influence people using their own evil nature. While he is extremely powerful, the true extent of his own power has destroyed his capacity for rational thought, rendering him unable to control his power on his own.

Story

The story begins when Ness is awakened by a meteorite that has plummeted near his home, whereupon he proceeds to investigate the crash site. After going there, he encounters a roadblock and Pokey (known in Japan and in later games as "Porky"), Ness's neighbor, who states that Ness should simply go home. After he goes to bed, he is then woken up by Pokey knocking at his door. He states that his little brother is missing, and he needs Ness' help to find him. Ness, along with his pet dog, King, accompany Pokey and set out for his younger brother. After searching, they go to where the meteorite landed. After arriving, Ness encounters an alien named Buzz Buzz, who informs Ness that he is from the future where a hostile alien, Giygas, dominates the universe.[13] Buzz Buzz instructs Ness to embark on a journey to defeat Giygas in the present, because he is too powerful in the future. Ness then proceeds to seek out eight "sanctuaries", to unite his own powers with the Earth's and gain the strength required to confront Giygas.[14] Buzz Buzz is later killed by Pokey's mother, who mistakes Buzz Buzz for a dung beetle. Dying, Buzz Buzz gives Ness the Sound Stone, an item that is vital to the completion of his quest.

File:Mother 2 Summers.jpg
Screenshot showing Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo as they travel through Summers.

Ness proceeds on his quest through a variety of locales, including the towns of Onett, Twoson, Threed, and Fourside, an icy country called Winters, a beach resort called Summers, an Eastern Asian-esque land called Dalaam, a far-off place called Scaraba (which is based on modern Egypt and includes mulukhiyah and pyramids), and a dream world called Magicant. As he goes on his journey, he encounters a variety of characters, including the other three chosen ones, Paula, a fellow psychic girl from Twoson, Jeff, a young mechanical genius from Winters, and Poo, a young prince from the far off land of Dalaam. There are several enemies that Ness encounters in EarthBound, including Giygas' army of Starmen. The group often runs into a blues band called the Runaway Five, helping them out and being helped out in return. Throughout the game, Ness runs into Pokey, who had joined with Giygas to take over the world. Ness eventually activates all of his "Sanctuary" locations, discovers Magicant within himself, and defeats his "Nightmare", which represented all of the evil hidden away in Ness' heart, unlocking his true power. Jeff's father, Doctor Andonuts, creates a device that will allow them to travel to the past to battle against Giygas - however, they are forced to transfer their souls into robot bodies, as organic material cannot withstand the warp through time. In the past, they encounter Giygas and Pokey (commanding a giant spider mech), who informs Ness and the others that Giygas has consumed so much evil power, that his mind was completely destroyed and is being held in a somewhat stable form using a machine called the "Devil's Machine." After defeating Pokey, he deactivates the machine, unleashing Giygas' power which destroys the machine and creates a chaotic, bizarre dimension, trapping himself and the four children in darkness. Giygas uses psychic attacks that Ness and the others can't comprehend, and speaks in a confused babble. Paula then prays reaching out to a variety of people on Earth, such as their family and friends, who all pray for their safety, and eventually, she reaches out to the player, whose prayers defeat Giygas, due to his weakness to human emotions. Pokey escapes into a time warp, and Ness and his friends manage to have their spirits returned to their bodies, and they all return to their homes (with the exception of Paula, who Ness escorts home). After the credits, Picky gives Ness a message from Pokey, daring him to come looking for him.

Development

File:Mother 2 Concept Art.jpg
Concept art featuring Ness and his dog, King, standing in front of their home.

Development on EarthBound took place as a joint effort between Ape and HAL Laboratory and was designed by Shigesato Itoi, Ape programmer Kouji Malta and HAL programmer Satoru Iwata, both of whom were the main programmers for EarthBound. The total development time for the project was five years, much longer than was initially expected. Of this, Itoi has stated that many times he felt the project was "doomed".[10] Because two companies were working on EarthBound, responsibilities were spread out between the two studios. Ape had more people working on the title and oversaw the data aspects of the game while HAL worked on the programming. Because the two studios were based at separate locations, employees would regularly have to travel between the studios to work.[15]

Initial gameplay features that Itoi had in mind involved an unconventional level structure and hit points system (HP). Itoi decided to exclude an overworld, because he wanted no distinction to remain between towns and the outside world. This resulted in each town being carefully designed to be unique.

The first design concepts for the HP boxes were to make them like pachinko balls and have them fall off the screen whenever a character was damaged. However, this was later changed to the "rolling counter" HP boxes because the pachinko balls did not work so well when characters had large amounts of HP.[10]

Some of the difficulties posed by the development of EarthBound were the data restrictions imposed by the SNES cartridge size. It was initially designed to fit on an 8-megabit cartridge. However, it was later pushed to 12 megabits and then finally pushed onto a 24-megabit cartridge. This can partially be attributed to the large amount of music composed for the title (as an example, there are ten different music tracks for regular and boss battles). Other aspects of the project that remained difficult were programming concepts. The oblique projection techniques proved difficult to program and were time consuming as well.[10] The bicycle and delivery man systems posed problems as well due to their own complex programming schemes.[15]

Some aspects of the character designs remain very personal for Shigesato Itoi. In an interview on his website, Itoi describes how his inspiration for the final battle with Giygas resulted from a traumatic childhood event. When Itoi was a young boy, he accidentally viewed the wrong movie at a theater, a Shintoho film entitled The Military Policeman and the Dismembered Beauty. According to Itoi, the film featured a graphic rape scene near a river that traumatized Itoi so much that his parents began to worry about his wellbeing. In actuality, the scene shows how the titular beauty was murdered. Years later, Itoi integrated the experience into Giygas' dialogue for the final battle.[16]

Nintendo eventually announced a release date of August 27, 1994 for Japan,[17] and invested a large amount of money into promoting the new game.[6] One of the marketing campaigns involved Japanese celebrity Takuya Kimura of SMAP, who was heavily featured in Weekly Famitsu promotional ads.[18] For its North American release, efforts included bundling a full-length strategy guide with the game, complete in a bigger box, and affixing a price much higher than other titles at the time.[3] Scratch and sniff stickers also came bundled with the game.[19] EarthBound was released in Japan on August 27, 1994, and was well received. The North American version was released months later on June 5, 1995, and was met with lukewarm responses.[6]

Audio

Main article: EarthBound soundtrack
File:Mother2CD.png
Cover of the soundtrack CD.

The game's music was composed by Hiroshi Kanazu, Keiichi Suzuki, and Hirokazu Tanaka. The soundtrack was released by Sony Records in Japan on November 2, 1994.[20]

Development of the music for EarthBound remained much easier than its predecessor. In an interview with Weekly Famitsu, Suzuki commented on how the SNES gave the composers much more freedom to compose what they wanted. This was an advantage, because one of the many problems the makers originally had was trying to get their music on to the cartridge.

Major influences harken back to the sounds of the 1970s Los Angeles music scene, which include the likes of Van Dyke Parks, Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, the Beach Boys, and their bandleader Brian Wilson.[21] A cover version of "Good Vibrations" was recorded by Suzuki shortly after the game had been completed. Suzuki also cited John Lennon as an influential figure to all the composers while the soundtrack was being developed.[22] Other influences include Miklós Rózsa, Godley & Creme, Yabby U, the Flying Lizards, My Bloody Valentine, and Frank Zappa.

Reception

The game sold 140,000 copies in North America, and about twice that number in Japan.[32] American audiences were largely indifferent to Japanese role-playing video games, and would remain so until titles like Final Fantasy VII took the genre into the mainstream.[3] Years later, many critics have praised the game for being ahead of its time,[3] as well as for its storyline, graphics, and particularly, its humor.[23] In the June 2008 issue of Nintendo Power, EarthBound was revealed to be the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with Mother close behind at #4.[33] Then in the July 2008 issue of Nintendo Power, EarthBound was yet again the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with the original Mother now placed in second.[citation needed]

EarthBound is regarded by critics as one of the greatest role-playing games on the SNES,[34] as well as one of the best of the 1990s.[24] The game has also become a cult classic and possesses substantial fanbases in both Japan and North America.[4] As a result, the game regularly appears on readers' choice polls in both countries. In a 2005 readers' choice poll of the top 99 best games of all time conducted by IGN, EarthBound was voted 46th on the list.[35] A year later, IGN conducted a similar readers' choice poll where EarthBound moved up to be 33rd on the list.[36] A 2005 GameFAQs poll of the 100 best games ever had EarthBound at the 37th spot.[37] The game has also appeared on lists conducted by the Japanese. In a 2006 readers' poll conducted by Famitsu magazine, the game was voted the 37th best game of all time on a list of 100 titles.[38] In a retrospective of the 20 essential Japanese RPGs, Gamasutra featured EarthBound on the list.[34] In the January 2010 issue of Nintendo Power, editors named the game "The Ultimate Cult Hit."[39]

Reviews of EarthBound have generally been positive. In Allgame's review, EarthBound was declared "one of the most original role-playing games of the 1990s."[24] The site then went on to praise its storyline, humor, music, and characters. A point of contention between critics were the simplistic graphics. In All RPG's review of the game, the graphics were described as "horrid,"[24] while Nintendojo and 1UP enjoyed them, with 1UP going so far as to say "regardless of what anyone tells you, the graphics are awesome." 1UP also criticized the title's similarities to Dragon Quest, but in the end declared EarthBound a game "worth experiencing."[3] Nintendojo and Gamasutra also criticized the similarities to Dragon Quest, with Gamasutra declaring EarthBound an "unabashed Dragon Quest clone..."[12][34] Despite the criticism, Gamasutra regarded the title "as one of the greatest RPGs on the SNES." The game's audio was also praised, with All RPG declaring it "some of the best music on the Super Nintendo."

Of all EarthBound{{'s} elements, however, the most lauded was its humor, being universally praised by all critics for its comedic, albeit confusing, depictions of Western culture and parody of the role-playing video game genre.[3][12][23][24][26][34] Ranging from trips in a yellow submarine to fighting a diamond dog, both of which are nods to British music, or the American national anthem,[40] the game is rife with subtle cultural references. Described by Gamasutra as "a warped, confused tribute to American culture, designed by people who've only experienced the country through books and movies", the quirky humor of the game is one of the chief reasons for its popularity.[34] Amongst the ranks of absurd enemies in the game, Ness must face down New Age Retro Hippies, Pogo Punks, Extra Cranky Ladies, and Big Piles of Puke throughout his quest. Much of the dialogue and plot of the game pokes fun at traditional RPG and sci-fi clichés. Even the advertising campaign played off its humor, with the slogan "This game stinks", referring to the scratch and sniff stickers that were included in the Player's Guide.

Legacy

EarthBound has been featured in all of the titles of the blockbuster Super Smash Bros. series, further increasing the fame of EarthBound. Ness has been a staple veteran of Super Smash Bros. since the first title of the series, Super Smash Bros., where he appeared as a hidden character, unlocked by beating the single-player mode on normal difficulty or higher, using three lives or fewer, not using any continues, and finally defeating Ness in a match. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Ness is playable from the start. He is once again an unlockable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and can be unlocked in several different ways. Onett and Fourside appear as battle arenas in the Melee, while only the former appears in Brawl. New Pork City, from Mother 3 (the sequel to EarthBound and the third game in the Mother series), appears in Brawl as well.[41][42] In addition to Ness, Lucas from Mother 3 is a playable character in Brawl, Pokey/Porky appeared as a boss, and trophies for many other characters, such as Paula, Jeff, and Poo, can be collected in the two latter games.[43] Jeff is also featured as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, using his Multi-Bottle Rockets to home in on opponents.[44] In Melee and Brawl, Mr. Saturn is used as a throwing item, and in Brawl, the Franklin Badge is featured as a power-up.

EarthBound's soundtrack has been lauded by critics and fans, including Alex Hall, a staff writer for the online music magazine The Tune, who named it the best video game soundtrack of all time.[45]

On December 21, 2012, hip hop artist YTCracker released an album dedicated to the game.[46]

Sequel

A sequel was announced in 1996 for the Nintendo 64DD, entitled EarthBound 64 or Mother 3. However, the game became plagued by problems as release date pushbacks occurred,[47] as well as failures to appear at popular gaming conventions, like E3.[48] Nintendo eventually announced its cancellation on August 21, 2000.[5] Years later, Mother 3 resurfaced as a Game Boy Advance title and was released only in Japan.[6] On May 5, 2005, Shigesato Itoi announced that he had no plans to develop the Mother series any further.[49]

Virtual Console rerelease

In 2008, Nintendo of America announced that the game would be rereleased on the Wii Virtual Console. However, despite being rated by the ESRB, the game was never rereleased. In December 2012, it was announced that the creator was planning a rerelease of a Mother game. On January 23, 2013, it was announced that EarthBound would be released in Japan on the Wii U's Virtual Console service starting March 20, 2013, but no mention was made of an international release. On April 17, 2013, Nintendo announced in its Nintendo Direct presentation that the game would be released internationally in late 2013, marking the game's first release in the PAL region.[8] On July 18, 2013, Nintendo announced EarthBound's availability on the North American and PAL Wii U Virtual Console eShops and that the accompanying Player's Guide had been digitized on Nintendo's website, with a special version designed for the Wii U GamePad.[50][51]

References

  1. ^ Nintendo; Ape; HAL Laboratory (August 27, 1994). Mother 2: Gyiyg no Gyakushū (Super Nintendo Entertainment System) (in Japanese). Nintendo. Scene: title screen.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "NINTENDO NEWS RELEASE: EARTHBOUND" (Press release). Nintendo. 1995. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. {{cite press release}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Parish, Jeremy (April 13, 2006). "Retronauts 5: Earthbound". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b Thomas, Lucas M. (August 17, 2006). "Retro Remix: Round 25". IGN. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ a b "Earthbound 64 Cancelled". IGN. August 21, 2000. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ a b c d Cowan, Danny (February 7, 2007). "Vapor Trails: Games that Never Were". 1UP.com. p. 2. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Hindman, Heath (April 14, 2003). "Mother 1 and 2 Hit the GBA". RPGamer. Archived from the original on April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b McElroy, Griffin (April 17, 2013). "EarthBound coming to Wii U Virtual Console in North America and Europe this year". Polygon. Retrieved April 17, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ a b Nintendo of America, ed. (1995). EarthBound Player's Guide. Nintendo of America, Inc. pp. 10, 11.
  10. ^ a b c d "Interview with Shigesato Itoi". Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain, Inc.: 21–24. 1994-09-02. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  11. ^ Nintendo of America, ed. (1995). EarthBound Player's Guide. Nintendo of America, Inc. p. 12.
  12. ^ a b c d Gomer, Jeremy. "Earthbound Review". Nintendojo. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  13. ^ Ape, Inc. and HAL Laboratory, Inc. (1995-06-01). EarthBound (SNES). Nintendo. Buzz Buzz: A bee I am not... I'm from 10 years in the future. And, in the future, all is devastation... Giygas, the universal cosmic destroyer, send all to the horror of eternal darkness...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Ape, Inc. and HAL Laboratory, Inc. (1995-06-01). EarthBound (SNES). Nintendo. Buzz Buzz: To defeat Giygas, your own power must unite with the Earth's... the Earth will then channel your power and multiply it... There are eight points that you must visit. Make these places your own... Each of these locations is "Your Sanctuary."{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b "Interview with Kouji Malta and Satoru Iwata". Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain, Inc.: 72, 73. 1994-09-09. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  16. ^ "Interview with Shigesato Itoi" (in Japanese). 1101.com, Sigesato Itoi's website. 2003-04-24. Retrieved 2008-04-02. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ "EarthBound Release Date Announced". Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain, Inc.: 170. 1994-07-15. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  18. ^ List of Weekly Famitsu issues featuring Takuya Kimura EarthBound ads: July 24, 1994; August 5, 1994; August 12, 1994; August 19, 1994; September 2, 1994; September 9, 1994; September 16, 1994
  19. ^ IGN Staff. "IGN EarthBound Profile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  20. ^ "Mother 2 Gyiyg Strikes Back". VGMdb. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  21. ^ http://www.1101.com/MOTHER_music/index.html
  22. ^ "Interview with Keiichi Suzuki". Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain, Inc.: 12. 1994-10-28. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  23. ^ a b c House, Michael L. "allgame: EarthBound review". Allgame. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  24. ^ a b c d e Gravy Train. "All RPG: EarthBound review". All RPG. Archived from the original on December 21, 2007. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  25. ^ "New Games Cross Review". Weekly Famitsu. Enterbrain, Inc. 1994-09-23. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  26. ^ a b Hancock, Robert (2001-08-03). "Earthbound (SNES) Review". Gamer's Mark. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  27. ^ GameStats: EarthBound Articles
  28. ^ Análisis de EarthBound (SNES) >> El pequeño héroe que llevamos dentro
  29. ^ Thompson, Scott. "Earthbound Review - Bound for Greatness". IGN. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
  30. ^ "Game Rankings: EarthBound". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2012-04-30.
  31. ^ GameStats: EarthBound Cheats, Reviews, News
  32. ^ Linde, Aaron (2008-05-06). "EarthBotched: A History of Nintendo vs. Starmen". Shacknews. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  33. ^ Nintendo Power June, 2008. Future US. 2008. p. 25.
  34. ^ a b c d e Kalata, Kurt (2008-03-19). "A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  35. ^ IGN Staff (2005). "IGN and KFC Snacker Present Readers' Top 99 Games". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  36. ^ IGN Staff (2006). "IGN Readers' Choice 2006—The Top 100 Games Ever". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  37. ^ "The 10 Best Games Ever". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2008-10-16.
  38. ^ Campbell, Colin (2006-03-03). "Japan Votes on All Time Top 100". Next Generation Magazine. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  39. ^ Editors of Nintendo Power: Nintendo Power March 2009; issue 3 (in English). Future US Inc, 30. Retrieved 2010-05-06.
  40. ^ Booze, associated with our anthem?! « EarthBound / MOTHER 2 « Forum « Starmen.Net
  41. ^ IGN Staff. "Super Smash Bros. Melee Stages". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  42. ^ IGN Staff. "Super Smash Bros. Brawl Stages". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  43. ^ IGN Staff. "Super Smash Bros. Melee Trophies". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  44. ^ Sakurai, Masahiro. "Assist Trophies". Smash Bros. Dojo!!. Retrieved 2008-05-21.
  45. ^ Hall, Alex. "The 10 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time". The Tune. Retrieved 14 June 2011.
  46. ^ earthbound - adventures of the sound stone vol. 1
  47. ^ IGN Staff (2000-03-22). "Mother 3 Pushed Back". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  48. ^ IGN Staff (2000-04-18). "Not Bound for E3". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  49. ^ Klepek, Patrick (2006-05-03). "Earthbound Series Dead". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  50. ^ Sarkar, Samit (July 18, 2013). "EarthBound now available on Wii U Virtual Console for $9.99". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  51. ^ Scullion, Chris (June 18, 2013). "Earthbound released on Wii U in US and Europe". Computer and Video Games. Future Publishing. Archived from the original on July 18, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)

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