EarthBound

EarthBound

EarthBound, known as Mother 2 in Japan, is a role-playing video game developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Released in 1994 in Japan and 1995 in North America, EarthBound is the second installment in the Mother series. The game is renowned for its unique modern-day setting, quirky humor, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay

EarthBound is a traditional role-playing game (RPG) with turn-based combat and an overworld exploration component. Players control a party of characters, led by a young boy named Ness, as they journey to collect melodies from eight "Sanctuaries" to stop the evil alien force known as Giygas.

Combat System

The combat system in EarthBound is notable for its "rolling HP meter," which allows players to potentially save a character from death if they heal them before the meter rolls down to zero. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy to battles, as players must act quickly to prevent their characters from being knocked out.

Exploration

Players explore a variety of environments, including towns, caves, and dungeons. The game features a modern setting, with locations such as drugstores, arcades, and department stores. Players interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) to gather information, purchase items, and advance the story.

Story

The story of EarthBound follows Ness, a young boy from the town of Onett, who is awakened by a meteorite crash. He soon learns from a small alien named Buzz Buzz that he must embark on a quest to stop Giygas, an evil entity threatening the world. Ness is joined by three other children: Paula, Jeff, and Poo, each with unique abilities that aid in their quest.

Characters

• Ness: The protagonist, who wields psychic powers known as PSI.
• Paula: A girl with powerful offensive PSI abilities.
• Jeff: A mechanical genius who can fix broken items and use gadgets.
• Poo: A martial artist with strong physical and PSI abilities.

Development

EarthBound was developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory, with Shigesato Itoi serving as the director and writer. The game was produced by Satoru Iwata and featured music composed by Keiichi Suzuki and Hirokazu Tanaka. The development process was lengthy and challenging, taking several years to complete.

Reception

Upon its release, EarthBound received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its humor and originality, while others criticized its graphics and marketing. Despite its initial commercial failure in North America, EarthBound has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic in the RPG genre.

Legacy

EarthBound's unique style and storytelling have influenced many subsequent games and developers. The game has been re-released on various platforms, including the Wii U Virtual Console and the Nintendo Switch Online service, allowing new generations of players to experience its charm.

Also see

• Mother (video game series)
• Ness (character)
• Shigesato Itoi
• Role-playing video game