EarthBound

"Instantly one of the best RPG's ever"

There is no conflict that Earthbound is nothing like other role-playing games. For any given system, there is no game that has the tremendous comedy, fun factor, and replay value that Earthbound has provided for years for gamers of all types. In Earthbound, there are lots of things that you won't find in any other role-playing game ever made. This is quite possibly the best RPG for the Super Nintendo, possibly the best game of any genre for the Super Nintendo, or possibly the best RPG ever. Since Mother, or Earthbound 0, was released on the Nintendo, there have been lots of improvements making it a lot better than its predecessor.

When you first start a new game, you are given a few options like you would in any other RPG, but then you are asked your favorite food, favorite thing, and a flavor. Yes, that's right a flavor. Basically, your flavor is what color the windows that come up are. These are quite unique questions, but all of these things are used for something in the game. They may not be significant but they sure set the mood for the game.

Another thing that makes this game great is we can all actually see this game as our own lives. By this, I mean that this game is very realistic. In most games to heal a character, you must acquire healing herbs or healing potions, but in this game, you heal with a hamburger or cookie. Also, you don't attack with magic swords or magic staffs, but baseball bats, and frying pans.

Battle scenarios are also quite different in this game than others. Battles aren't random, which is a good feature. At first, enemies will chase you trying to catch you. Most of them are faster than you so it is usually useless to run. When you encounter a battle, the screen will fill up with a certain color. Either blue, red, or green. This will tell you who will get the first attack. If you get blue, neither of you get the first attack. Red, means your enemy will get the initiative. Green, which means you get the first attack. Which color you get is not random though. If your enemy runs up to you from behind or at the side, you will get a red screen. If you run up from the back or side, you will receive the first attack. If you are both facing each other, you will get the blue screen. Another good battle feature is that once you get to a certain level, the enemies will gain a certain respect for you. They will actually run away from you and turn their back, making an easy kill. Also, once you can kill an enemy easily in one hit, you won't even have to fight him. Once the fights start, the screen will flash, and you will automatically be sent to a screen that says, “You Won!” When you start a fight, you will be given five options to start off the fight. You can either Attack, use PSI, use a good, defend, or run away. At the end of a battle, you are given an experience, but no money. That is explained below.

There is a different way of saving that has been featured in a few games before this. This method of saving would be calling someone from a phone, in this game being your dad. When you call you dad, he will tell you how much experience you need until you get a level up, and asks you if you want to save. He will also deposit money into your bank account. That's right, your bank account. This makes sense because you won't just get the money out of nowhere. Speaking of getting your money, you can get it through an ATM machine using your ATM card. You can withdrawal any amount or put in any amount. But if you are defeated in battle while you have money withdrew, that money will be lost, but the money in your bank account will still be there.

Like I said, this game is quite original. An original thing about it is the humorous names given to the enemies you will encounter. The most notorious would be the New-Aged Retro Hippie. Not only is it funny that you fight a hippie but that his traits in his name, New-Aged and Retro, are opposites. You also fight Cranky Ladies, Unassuming local Guys, Evil Mushrooms, and Rowdy Mice. An even funnier thing about the enemies is what some of the crazed old ladies and hippies use. Watch out for their toothbrush using good hygiene, or their ability to measure things quite easily using a ruler! Yeah, that's right. These crazed baddies use toothbrushes and rulers in the middle of battles. There really aren't that many enemies that do that, but it is quite funny when they do.

Now I will discuss the story. Here is the main idea of the story. A meteor falls near Ness's house, so he goes to investigate. Finding nothing but a police barricade, he goes home. That's when his best friend knocks on the door asking for his help. Seems his brother got lost somewhere near the meteorite. Finally Ness gets to see the meteorite up close, and sure enough, there's your friend's little brother and Ness's destiny. I can't give any more away, for that would be a spoiler. Earthbound may not have the best story, but it isn't a horrible story. It is pretty good compared to other RPG stories, but it is still a little lacking in something.

Another cool feature in Earthbound is the engaging conversation you can have with other people. In only a few RPGs that I've played have I actually laughed at some of the dialogue between me and another person. Whether it be with a boss or with a townsperson, in a box or with a fox. And quite possibly the most fun people to talk to are the villagers at Saturn Village. They are quite funny and quite interesting to carry on a conversation with.

That is basically the basics of Earthbound. For me everything in Earthbound is fun. I don't understand why anyone wouldn't find it fun or why it got some bad reviews. Earthbound is one of my favorite RPGs. It is probably best for beginner RPG players to play because it introduces RPG game play in a way we all understand. But even if you are the most experienced RPG player, this game is fun.

Graphics
The graphics aren't too great. They aren't as good as we've seen at the time from the Super Nintendo. I was kind of disappointed with it. The playing field was well lighted though. Most games I've played aren't very bright, but very dark. Earthbound is good in this. It is very bright and very brightly colored.

Sound
Very awesome. The background music is probably one of the best parts about this game. The background music is very awesome. Just think of Super Mario World music, kicked up a notch, and a lot better. The music is very catchy and makes the game play even more fun than it already is. The sound effects are also pretty good. They aren't as stunning, but are very good.

Story
Not the best story I've seen in a RPG. It isn't as deep or as ingenious as other RPGs but it isn't bad. There is something missing from the story, but I can't just quite say what it is.

Fun Factor
This is quite possibly the most fun RPG ever. The battles are fun, conversation is fun, and this game is quite original. It brought a new type of game play that no one had ever seen and made a very fun game out of it. I have no bad comments about it.

Replay Value
Most fun games you will want to play again. This game is no exception. Many people have beaten this game a number of times or at least once. I have never met a person who has this game and hasn't beaten it. That is a good sign considering this RPG is pretty long. Then most people I know who have it, have beaten it again, and again. It definitely has one of the highest replay values of any RPG.

Final Notes
I love Earthbound. That is the final note.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/10/06