EarthBound

EarthBound Box

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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). It was released in Japan in August 1994, and in North America in June 1995. EarthBound is the second game in the Mother series, following the Japan-exclusive Mother (also known as EarthBound Beginnings).

Gameplay

EarthBound features a unique blend of traditional role-playing game (RPG) mechanics and a contemporary setting. Players control a party of characters, led by a young boy named Ness, as they travel the world to collect melodies from eight Sanctuaries to defeat the evil alien force known as Giygas. The game is known for its quirky humor, satirical elements, and distinctive art style.

Combat

Combat in EarthBound is turn-based, similar to other RPGs of its time. Players can use physical attacks, psychic powers (PSI), and items to defeat enemies. The game features a rolling HP meter, which allows players a chance to heal characters before their HP depletes completely after taking damage.

Exploration

The game world is presented in a top-down perspective, and players can interact with various non-playable characters (NPCs) and objects. The game includes urban and rural settings, with locations inspired by American culture and geography.

Plot

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 is destined to save the world from Giygas. Ness is joined by three other characters: Paula, Jeff, and Poo, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds. Together, they travel across the world, visiting various towns and dungeons, to gather the melodies needed to confront Giygas.

Development

EarthBound was developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory, with Shigesato Itoi serving as the game's director and writer. The game's development was lengthy and faced several challenges, including technical difficulties and delays. 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 has had a lasting impact on the gaming community and has influenced numerous other games. Characters and elements from EarthBound have appeared in other Nintendo games, such as the Super Smash Bros. series, where Ness is a playable character. The game has been re-released on various platforms, including the Wii U and Nintendo Switch.

Related Pages

• Mother (video game series)
• Ness (EarthBound)
• Giygas
• Super Nintendo Entertainment System
• Shigesato Itoi
• Super Smash Bros. (series)

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