EarthBound: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 15:23, 9 December 2024

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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-[[file:EarthBound_Box.jpg|thumb|EarthBound Box]] [[file:Mother_2_Summers.png|thumb| Mother 2 Summers|left]] [[file:Beach_Boys_1967_(cropped).jpg|thumb|Beach Boys 1967 (cropped)]] [[file:Magicant.jpg|thumb|Magicant|left]] [[file:TreyParkerHWOFApr2013.jpg|thumb|TreyParkerHWOFApr2013]] '''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 (video game series)|Mother series]], following the Japan-exclusive [[Mother (video game)|Mother]] (also known as EarthBound Beginnings).
+[[File: Mother 2 Summers.png|thumb]] [[File:Shigesato-Itoi-Meguro-September20-2015.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Satoru Iwata headshot square.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Beach Boys 1967 (cropped).jpg|thumb]] EarthBound
-==Gameplay==
+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.
-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 (EarthBound)|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===
+== Gameplay ==
-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.
+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.
-===Exploration===
+=== Combat System ===
-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.
+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.
-==Plot==
+=== Exploration ===
-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.
+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.
-==Development==
+== Story ==
-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.
+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.
-==Legacy==
+=== Characters ===
-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)|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]].
+* '''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.
-==Related Pages==
+== 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 (EarthBound)]]
+* [[Ness (character)]]
-* [[Giygas]]
-* [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
 * [[Shigesato Itoi]]
-* [[Super Smash Bros. (series)]]
+* [[Role-playing video game]]
+{{Video games}}
+{{Nintendo}}
-==Categories==
 [[Category:1994 video games]]
 [[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
 [[Category:Role-playing video games]]
 [[Category:Nintendo games]]
-[[Category:Mother (video game series)]]
-[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
-{{Mother series}}
-{{medicine-stub}}