Super Nintendo Sunday

I know, I know, another Nintendo review, and one that's on an even older system than all the others. But, what you're missing is that there won't be a big name Nintendo release until Metroid: Other M on August 31st, which means, until then, I'll need something to tie over my Nintendo needs. So I've come to this conclusion: review classic titles on what could be the best home console ever - the Super Nintendo Entertainment System - because... well, "Super Nintendo Sunday" has a nice ring to it. Not to mention that many of the games I love are on this system and, at the very least, it will be a source for good ol' nostalgia if not someone's inspiration to go out and try the spotlighted game. The first game to grace our "Super Nintendo Sunday" is an odd little thing that not everyone has played before, but still many people are in love with. If you haven't already guessed by the box art and title above, that game is Earthbound (1995). Now don't get confused, but this game's also known as Mother 2 in Japan and was a sequel to Mother, a released-only-in-Japan game that really has no connection whatsoever to Earthbound.

To start, I have to say that this game is quirky and humorous, which not everyone will appreciate. Some won't even tolerate it. If you're like me, then the silly jokes will be wasted on you. But fret not! The fun gameplay and story more than make up for the odd battles and off-the-wall humor. Earthbound is a turn-based RPG, in which you play as a young boy, Ness, who was born with psychic powers. The game starts off with a meteorite crashing on top of a hill right next to Ness' house. Ness quickly gets lured into helping his neighbor, Pokey, who has lost his little brother (who of course has to be at the meteorite). Once Ness gets to the meteorite and finds the wayward child, another (unusual) character appears and tells Ness he is the "boy of prohecy" and that he, along with three other friends, will save the future from the evil Giygas. This of course starts the grand adventure of travelling across the world, finding and recording "Your Sanctuary" spots, and, like any other RPG, assembling a team.

If you're expecting some run-of-the-mill JRPG experience, you'll be pleasantly surprised by all the little things that make Earthbound stand out among the rest. For one, every battle takes you to a screen with a crazy moving background that has the enemy in the forefront, the battle options on the top, and party member's status on the bottom. You don't see Ness or anyone else except the enemy and weird designs swirling around behind it. Even the attacks are just strange looking designs being aimed at the opponent. At first this is all ridiculous and, personally, I was turned off by it, but I kept playing because I was assured it would get better and boy did it ever. The battle system may be unnerving at first but that's part of this game's charm. Every aspect of the weirdness and little peculiarities are what make Earthbound great. The broad range of enemies are also very distinct when compared to other RPGs. Ness starts by fighting dogs and birds, but moves up through ants, moles, teenage punks, zombies, dinosaurs, mummies, stop signs, robots, aliens, and taxis. Not to mention at one point you even get to fight your own inner demons. Where else can you get all that?

I've already mentioned the quirky sense of humor present throughout this game and I hope people will come to see it as endearing, as I have, instead of annoying. If you really have no sense of humor at all then this probably isn't the game for you since it's pretty much a non-stop thing. This game is funny. Even better than that is this game is fun. The experience you get while playing this game is not one of frustration from too-difficult puzzles or boredom from grinding in order to beat that tough next boss. Rather, you're bombarded with the silly mood of it all. Things happen and you have no idea why sometimes (but you'll find out). Nearly every moment in this game is meant to be seen as a fun, simple, enjoyable time. I use "simple" meaning that the gameplay never gets overly complex, not to refer to the games difficulty level. There are some enemies you will run from and some bosses you'll probably have to play a few times to understand how to beat them, but the gameplay always remains the same. Each character has the same amount of inventory space and only certain items can be used by certain party members. This involves the player more by making space-management (what to keep and where to keep it) a must.

I never worried about where the game was going. I was involved with the characters and the story, which means Earthbound succeeds at being compelling, and I never stopped to question just what the hell is going on. With a game like this, you can't. It's not cerebral, but there are many things happening and many places to keep straight. Do you remember that guy in the very beginning of the game, standing outside of his house? No? Well go find him, he has something to show you children. Down in his underground caves. Apparently 1995 was a much more innocent time. Or maybe you can chalk it up to Japan being Japan. I don't know, but I'm sure I love it. But I love many things about this game.

The soundtrack even. Being on the SNES doesn't allow for an orchestra like today's Nintendo games, but that doesn't make the effects any less memorable. I've sat on the couch watching a movie, heard my friend load this up on his computer, and rushed over to watch him play instead. Even to watch, it's a fantastic game. The visuals are dated and there are likely a few who won't be able to stand the low quality, but to those few I say, "stop it." The Super Nintendo looked great and still does. If you want a game to look totally realistic, then Nintendo games on the whole aren't for you. Besides, Earthbound is proud of it's unrealistic temperament. The story progresses naturally but does get a little out of hand by the time you meet up with your last team member. The genius of this game is that it never makes you stop and think, "this is stupid nonsense" - it's just too much fun.

4.5/5 Near Perfect Score! Classic Dope!