Well here's a treat for New Nintendo 3DS owners: EarthBound! Back on the SNES, this second instalment of Shigesato Itoi's much-loved Mother series only received a western release in North America (where it sold poorly). Buying a second-hand copy for silly money was most people's only option until the Wii U came to the rescue, providing a worldwide release in 2013. It's now playable on the go and whilst Nintendo has sneakily bumped up the price compared to other SNES Virtual Console releases, it's certainly worthy of your time.
For anyone unfamiliar with the game, EarthBound sees you take control of Ness (or whatever you want to name him) as you travel the land searching for eight melodies to help defeat the universal cosmic destroyer Giygas (yikes!). It's an RPG but with a modern (well 199x) American-influenced setting, where vehicles are on the roads, department stores are visited, burgers restore health, cash is withdrawn from ATMs and should a member of your party fall in battle there are hospitals.
A large part of Earthbound's appeal is the story. Right from the start it entertains with your mother happy to let you wander off into the night to investigate a crashed meteor because, after all, you'd only sneak out if she said "no". Soon you encounter a bee-like creature from the future named Buzz Buzz and the adventure begins. Things get wackier as you progress whether talking to a dog "being possessed by the spirit of the game designer" or battling a group of Policemen so they'll remove the roadblock to allow you to pass from opening town Onett to Twoson ("we got this name because we weren't first"). Naturally there is a Threed and Fourside, although there are plenty of other locations too and you'll battle a range of characters and creatures along the way such as coil snakes, annoying old party men, mad ducks and a big pile of puke (no, really).
Also impressive to this day is the game's soundscape, with regular effects alongside otherworldly ones. The music has a range of instruments and sounds coming together to make a variety of different tracks; some fun, some mysterious and some surreal sounding ones too. There are some fantastic pieces here and you'll want to plug in year earphones when out and about so as to not miss out.
By comparison the visuals at first seem underwhelming. However there's a charming simplicity that suits the quirky storyline and the art style allows for a clean easy-to-follow look as events unfold on (the now smaller) screen. There are decent (somewhat hypnotic) background effects during battles and actually a lot of variety on display with good use of colours for the different times of day, and woodland, desert and cave areas alongside the towns. Buildings look different and whilst there's little scenic animation there's quite a range of characters, vehicles and objects around to keep things interesting. Lots of text on a small screen could cause trouble, but it remains legible throughout. A switch to the original resolution mode in the Virtual Console options makes things clearer, but even with the stretched distortion of the default setting a long play session will most likely end when you need to charge your battery rather than rest your eyes.
There's a lot of game here to keep you occupied, with events unfolding at a relaxed pace as you move from one event in search of the next. There are lengthy sections, not really suited for quick bursts of play, but the standard suspension/restore point functions are present, meaning you can tackle the game in whatever sized chunks you feel like.
Conclusion
Unavailable to most for many years, there was always the chance that EarthBound was over-hyped bobbins, but as Wii U owners previously found out it's genuinely brilliant. A lengthy experience that's humorous and fun from start to finish. It's incredibly engrossing and a recommended purchase for your New 3DS even at the higher price point. Now c'mon Nintendo, give us Mother 3!
Comments (80)
Best game ever! <3
Awesome, I am totally going to get this game for my New 3DS XL. Haven't played this game yet, so I am hyped by reading this review.
Ask again for Mother 3 and you'll be burned alive.
I wish they'd just made it crossbuy. Would love to play this on the 3DS (I vastly prefer handheld over console).
Is this already out on 3DS VC in NA? AGH. WHEN IS NINTENDO GIVING ME MY 3DS BACK
How much does it cost exactly? I've been wondering about that.
So is this out in Europe? Cause it's not in the US.
I see the schedule shows us getting a new batch of 3 games every third week.
Initially I was going to comment on how I feel this game is overrated, but I might be safer shouting "Black lives matter" at a Trump rally.
@legendwaker
I think it's 8 euros just like the Wii U version. The UK £ is a different story.
Yep, I had feeling why would be seeing a lot of 10/10 in these reviews. It is really amazing how well these SNES games aged , or rather, the lack of ageing and how much we are losing nowadays lost in technology but unable to convey excellent stories.
God, I love this game. Hopefully it won't be too long until we get Mother 3.
@Jimmy_G_Buckets ...You just did do a comment on how you think this game is overrated, though.
@Shiryu Yep. Just goes to show you: Legends are eternal.
Will be purchasing for the first time ever. I don't have a WiiU but I do have the N3DS XL. Purchased the other SNES VC games for NA. Pilot Wings in game physics are awesome. Very advanced for their era.
I don't know what "overhyped bobbins" is but I would definitely say Earthbound qualifies - it's not a bad game by any stretch but the story gets way too much credit for being "artsy" and quirky compared to what it deserves and the gameplay isn't really all that fun. I'd give it closer to a 7, 7 1/2 out of 10.
@Wouwter
With only 4 million (they say) New 3DS shipped, Nintendo won't make a profit if they're gonna give it away for free for those Wii U owners who also happens to have an N3DS.
Someone also said there's a glitch on crossbuy for Wii Us with multiple NNIDs that are connected to multiple 3DSes making it all free to all with just one purchase. I dunno if it has been fixed or won't/can't be fixed.
@JaxonH The NA and European release schedules are different. At least we get Pilotwings though!
@Splatburst Not my problem, they're not selling me SNES games I already have on Wii U (and honestly, I sincerely doubt they won't make a profit). Nintendo needs to get their butts into the present or the NX will be a failure like the Wii U.
So you've decided it's better than a 9/10 now, Nintendo Life?
Do we really need another review of this game seeing as how it's already been released on Wii U? Are we going to do this with Super Metroid, Super Mario World, etc. For the umpteenth time too? Lol
And the sentence that closes the review, ladies and gentlemen, is how @Other_Dave got burned to death by Fire Reggie. The end.
Omg do we REALLY need to re-review these? Some of these already have 2-3 reviews. Wii, WiiU and retro.
@FlaygletheBagel LOL I saw your comment late, they already did Super Mario World again. It's like the 11th time
@ap0001 I have not yet finished the game hell I haven't even started with it (that damn ant in the hills handing me my donkey) but this game has an unique charm to it from the music the graphics and the simple dialogues and yes the combat is rather simple but designs are fun and the combat is easy enough to grasp.
This game deserves its high score because there is nothing like it and this is the first time I have ever played it and I have played a great deal of games in my life and this game just... sticks, something a lot of newer games tend to lack.
Was really excited to get this on WiiU VC but like many RPGs I lost interest.
Must go back to this when finished SMRPG though not buying a new 3ds for it.
@Wouwter
Then don't buy. They never promised us crossbuy when we bought the 3ds nor the Wii U. They are different systems.
@Splatburst I don't see why you're responding to me honestly. No Nintendo didn't promise us anything. But they're trying to sell people the same old games multiple times, for full price even. It's off-putting. Like literally driving people away from their brand.
(Yeah, my replies are heavy-handed, I just hope it gets through to the people working there. It's not really aimed at you.)
This was the first rpg I played that automatically beat any enemies that you vastly out levelled! It was one of those 'OMG why hasn't anyone done this before!?!' moments
@Wouwter
I apologize if it's rubbing you the wrong way. I didn't intend to. I was just replying randomly since I was here. i really hope they fix it when My Nintendo launches or in NX.
@Splatburst Nah, it's alright (and I hope I'm not doing the same to you either). God, I really want them to get it right with the NX.
new 3ds only?
@doll Yes new 3DS only, while some people refuse to believe it, the new3DS is far more capable of doing decent emulation than the o3DS.
@khululy maybe time i upgraded, then!
I have a problem with this game. I played it back in the 90's, when my English was nowhere to be heard. It was okay, and I never finished it.
In 2013 I moved to Ireland and bought a WiiU. Eventually, I bought this, knowing the language well enough to be moved by the brilliance of Eathbound. I call my party after my wife, brother and one of my best friends, all of them (but my wife) far away, in Brazil.
And I missed my friends, and specially my mom, A LOT because of the game, man.
I want to play that again, but I am afraid I am going to sob this time, since MY baby is on its way.
This is probably the most important video game of my life.
@doll If you can afford it or find a good trade-in deal ( mind you the New3DS does NOT come with a charger for some odd reasons) I would certainly reccomend it if you own a regular first run 3DS.
They should at least give us a discount or something... :c
People shouldn't be "afraid" to state that the Heavenly Light of BOING! hasn't entered their hearts... as long as it's the truth. True MOTHER fans will not respond in anger or engage in petty hostilities; they know that sooner or later, its goodly and imitable grace will come to all, in time.
Someday, you will grasp the true form.
This game, man. It's just so good. I played it a year ago for the first time and it made it into my top 10 games of all time.
Another absolute classic—but I still think Mother 3 tops it in almost every single way.
Crossbuy doesn't have to be mandatory like (many) Nintendo (life) fans think. Some of these games are not meant to a large size HD like I have, so I enjoy these games on the go. Haven't buy Earthbound, but I have always been intrigued.
"Overhyped bobbins" is a gross understatement. Despite what Starmen.net and droves of attention-seeking game journalists keep rabidly pressuring us all to believe, this game is far from legendary. Though it cleverly manipulates some conventions of traditional RPGs on occasion, its gameplay is otherwise incredibly ordinary, bland, and not innovative.
Does it have some modestly entertaining dialogue and a fairly compelling plot? Yes. The best and most unique writing of any game ever? Hardly. In fact, much of writing style and content this game uses was already featured in its predecessor, EarthBound Beginnings.
Is its soundtrack well-composed and atmospheric? Yes. Some of the best music ever written? Far from being so. There are a few songs in this game that are actually irritating, as well.
Was it originally released to the wrong audience and somewhat before its time? Maybe. Worthy of "best game of all time" status? Not in the slightest. Even this review gives the most minute amount of basis for why this game deserves a perfect score (are "wackiness, soundtrack, and clean-looking visuals" really supposed to be convincing factors to the uninitiated?), outside of the reviewer's stated feelings about it.
Like so many SNES RPGs, EarthBound has its charms and is a great play (which explains why I've played through it in its entirety several times) and deserves some recognition for its respective distinctions in the genre. Like several other titles/series, however, it doesn't deserve the myriads of pushy, faddish praise and exaggerations that it's constantly receiving (a probable explanation for its premium price point), which more often than the contrary taint and dilute this game's appeal. Notwithstanding these, this portable version of EarthBound is a welcome addition to the N3DS VC and will probably be my first (and only) SNES purchase on the format, due to the game's relative scarcity.
One of the best games I have played.
@khululy Once you get past that stupid ant boss and get to the next town, the game really starts to click, especially once you reach the zombie infested town called Threed.
@Gauchorino
Yeah, I've always thought that. Certain games achieve a hipster following that bloats the importance and quality all while flaming and shaming anyone who thinks differently. (Earthbound, Undertale, Majora's Mask, Five Nights at Freddy's, and most recently Stardew Valley just to name a few).
I'll admit I enjoyed Earthbound and I understand everyone has different opinions, but 10/10? With an extremely vanilla turn-based battle system, lackluster character development, and awful menus and customization? It's like people shut of their critical mind because they're drunk on nostaglia and community hype.
I've heard that this game costs more in Europe. Will this be true for America?
Nintendolife, you know how to pick your 10/10 games, and I don't mean to be too biased when I say that. EarthBound is just that special.
First time I've seen a perfect score, here. Go Earthbound~
I'm glad Nintendo is giving Earthbound franchise more attention.
Did Nintendo life delete someone's post? They where talking about the screen being darker then what it should be
Earthbound is my second favorite game of all time, right behind Pokemon X and Y. I've got to many games right now to play, like City Folk and soon Pokken. Maybe once I'm free, I'll replay it again.
JRPGs are great on the go. You have time to grind and get things done. Earthbound (Not Beginnings) does require a bit of grinding, so having it on the go and being able to crack open your New 3DS and laughing at the writing is a blessing to me.
@Detective_TeeJay Not out in the Americas yet I'm afraid. I believe we still need to wait till March 24th for Earthbound.
Can't wait for this though. I never did get to finish this on Wii U, so this will be perfect to have portable.
My favorite game of all time and one I've been waiting for what seems like forever to come to a portable.
@R_Champ Well said. An air of dishonesty (and insecurity) seems to pervade much of the praising those kinds of games get, these days. I'd add even a few more examples to your list, namely, certain other Zelda, Mega Man, and Square titles (despite the mainstream awareness of those).
Come on Nintendo give us mother 3
@Jimmy_G_Buckets Yeah, I've heard lots of people saying that this game is highly overrated.
Instead of this could we got fire emblem SNES games.
@andrew20 I never really liked the First one but the 2nd one is one of my favorite GBA games I do hope capcom is nice and releases it.
I love this game!
This has been my favorite game for a long time, and I'm proud to have been on board since before smash bros
Also, to the person who made the Trump rally comment, that was funny and sad at the same time.
Played this on WiiU but didn't finish it. I got to the Carbon/Diamond Dog and got stuck defeating it. Really have to go back sooner rather than later!
Really wish this was cross-buy and cloud save, then I could continue it on my daily commute. I don't have much time outside of that at the moment and don't much want to start again :/
I haven't got earthbound on my Wii U yet so I'll proabaly get it on Wii U as it's a console experience, if I enjoy then I'll consider getting it on 3ds probably one of the few games I'd consider doing it for but I love my RPG's
@amiiboacid @AlexSora89 It's OK I survived... even if I am typing this from hospital. Still, I've got a Darth Vader-style reconstruction booked in for later so I shall be up and about soon!
It's funny how they charge the same price for Sharknado films as this game. As if the quality of Sharknado is the same as Earthbound lol.
@Espurr Probably, yes. On Wii U it was $9.99 rather than the usual $7.99.
I wonder if the "premium" price is a way that Nintendo makes up for the cost of localizing Beginnings and part 3??
I tried to start this game many times over the years, but it never grabbed me the way I had hoped, so I always stopped around an hour or two. I can't wait for it to come to NA n3DS because as others have said, portable JRPGing is so much better than console.
@Manjushri
Cost of localising Mother 3? Nintendo is not going to localise Mother 3 and that game will never be released outside of Japan.
@Don how do you know for sure? I said Beginnings also.
@andrew20 As a huge fan of Fire Emblem, i'd love for those to come over West officially.
@khululy I think you're a bit confuzzled. Fire Emblem, as in turn based strategy RPG from Intelligent Systems.
@ap0001
FINALLY someone agrees with me. Earthbound wasnt great, but it was good. The combat system was really boring, and the overall story seemed really cut and paste from other games I have played. The fact that Ness doesnt talk is very disheartening and it really makes the game feel... Odd. I prefer Mother 3 ten fold.
I've gotta say, the tagline for this review is one of the best and cleverest I've ever seen on this site.
Haha, this game smells lovely, indeed.
This game is indeed outstanding. It has a bit of grinding (which is outdated) but its battle mechanics is still very refreshing nowadays.
@ap0001
That pretty much sums up what I think about this game. Mother 3 on the other hand, I´d give that one 9/10 easily.
@xPH03N1Xx86 It was late! but yeah fire emblem, that's not game for me, I tried my hands at the GBA version and I discovered that my OCD -gaming side cannot handle perma-deaths in games and that I always run into a bottlekneck point where I can't get past a certain encounter, happened to me in Advance wars too.
In the past I tried this game and due to the not spectacular combat i couldn't get in to it.
Fast forward years later it is released on the N3DS and I figured I buy it, and if you go past the combat you will find a wonderfull game. It's not the story alone that makes the game, it's not the combat either. What makes this game stand out is it's presentation, the writing, the music and the graphics I mean, look at how happy Ness looks when he rides his bike! that alone makes it worth a 10/10. Or an old party man that has an attack named "grumbles at today's youth".
Now I haven't gotten far and grinding is something I always tend to do in rpgs (I just like killing stuff)
I haven't even scratched the surface of this game but I find this 10/10 totally understandable because the overall experience is something unique as whole and I have played a great many games in my life.
I still have my players guide that came with the original game. I wonder if the scratch and sniff panels on the back still work.
Is the discount still available for this game when buying Super Mario World ?
Despite owning EarthBound on Wii U VC already, I'm tempted to buy EarthBound on 3DS VC. Let's make this another game I own multiple copies of.
@R_Champ You are spot-on, my friend! People are indeed drunk on community hype and nostalgia.
I remember playing this on an emulator back in the day and thinking, WTF is this? Might have to pick this one up.
So so glad I picked this game up. Makes my top 10 games list for sure!
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