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{{Infobox VG
|image=[[Image:EarthBound Box.jpg|256px]]
|caption=North American box art, depicting Ness reflected in a Final Starman's visor
|developer=[[Creatures Inc.|Ape]]<br />[[Pax Softnica]]{{fact|date=October 2008}}<br />[[HAL Laboratory]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|designer=[[Shigesato Itoi]] <small>([[game producer|producer]], [[game director|director]])</small>
|writer= Shigesato Itoi
|composer= [[Keiichi Suzuki]]<br />[[Hirokazu Tanaka]]
|engine=
|version=
|series=''[[EarthBound (series)|EarthBound]]''
|released={{vgrelease|JP=August 27, 1994|NA=June 1, 1995}}
|genre=[[Console role-playing game|Console role-playing]]
|modes=[[Single-player]]
|ratings={{vgratings|ESRB=K-A}}
|platforms=[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Game Boy Advance]] (Japan-only port)
|media=24-[[megabit]] [[cartridge (electronics)|cartridge]]
}}
'''''EarthBound''''', known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Mother 2: Gyiyg no Gyakushū'''''|MOTHER2ギーグの逆襲|Mazā Tsū Gīgu no Gyakushū|''Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back''}}, is a [[Console role-playing game|role-playing]] [[video game]] designed by [[Shigesato Itoi]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] [[video game console]]. The title was developed by [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]], [[Pax Softnica]] and [[HAL Laboratory]] as a sequel to its Japan-only predecessor, ''[[Mother (video game)|Mother]]'', also known as EarthBound Zero outside of Japan. ''EarthBound'' was published by [[Nintendo]] and released in Japan, and months later in North America. Despite being successful in Japan, the American version was released to a poor commercial response.<ref name = "1UP vapor">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3154276 | title = Vapor Trail: Games that never were | author = Cowan, Danny | publisher = [[1UP]] | date = 2007-02-07 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> Years later, the game is now lauded by gamers for its humorous depictions of American culture and parody of the [[Role-playing game (video games)|RPG]] genre,<ref name = "1Up retro">{ish, Jeremy | publisher = [[1UP]] | date = 2006-04-13 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> and has since become a [[Cult following|cult classic]].<ref name = "ign retro">{{cite web | url = http://wii.ign.com/articles/726/726279p1.html | title = Retro Remix: Round 25 | author = Thomas, Lucas M. | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2006-08-17 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>

Taking place in a modern day world, in the year 199X, players assume the role of a young boy named [[List of EarthBound characters#Ness | Ness]] who awakens to discover a meteor has plummeted to the earth near his home. Upon investigating the meteor, Ness encounters an insect-like alien named [[List of EarthBound characters#Buzz Buzz |Buzz Buzz]] who claims to be from the future. Buzz Buzz proceeds to tell Ness that an evil, named [[List of EarthBound characters#Giygas | Giygas]], has overtaken the world in the future and that Ness is one of the Chosen Four, consisting of 3 boys and a girl, must undertake a journey to prevent this event.

A direct sequel to ''EarthBound'' for the [[Nintendo 64]], entitled "EarthBound 64", was in development for many years before finally being cancelled.<ref name = "E64 cancelled">{{cite web | url = http://ign64.ign.com/articles/083/083811p1.html | title = Earthbound 64 Cancelled | author = IGN staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2000-08-21 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> This project eventually resurfaced as a [[Game Boy Advance]] title called ''[[Mother 3]]'' and was released only in Japan (a US-led English fan translation patch was released on October 17, 2008).<ref name = "1UP vapor"/> In 2006, ''Mother'' creator Shigesato Itoi declared that there were no plans for any more installments in the ''Mother'' series.<ref name = "1up dead">{{cite web | url = http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3150245 | title = Earthbound Series Dead | author = Klepek, Patrick | publisher = [[1UP]] | date = 2006-05-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> However, with the release of the [[Wii]], many expect that ''EarthBound'' will be re-released on the [[Virtual Console]],<ref name = "ign retro"/> and the game has even been rated by the [[ESRB]] with "[[Wii]]" as its console,<ref name = "ESRB">{{cite web | url = http://www.esrb.org/ratings/search.jsp?searchType=title&platformsCriteria=Wii&titleOrPublisher=EarthBound | title = ESRB Search Results}}</ref> while rumors have also been circulating regarding the release of the ''Mother'' trilogy for the [[Nintendo DS]].<ref name = "joystiq ds">{{cite web | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/rumor-mother-compilation-coming-to-us/ | title = Rumor: Mother compilation coming to US? | author = Miller, Ross | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | date = 2006-07-14 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>

==Gameplay==
''EarthBound'' features many traditional RPG elements; the player controls a party of characters who travel through the game's [[2D computer graphics|two dimensional]] [[Fictional universe|world]], which is composed of villages, cities, and dungeons. Along the way, battles are fought against enemies, after which, the party receives [[experience point]]s for victories.<ref name = "EB battle">{{cite book | title = EarthBound Player's Guide | editor = Nintendo of America | publisher = [[Nintendo of America, Inc.]] | pages = 10, 11 | year = 1995}}</ref> If enough experience points are acquired, a character's level will increase. This increases the character's attributes, like strength, defense, and health. ''EarthBound'' breaks traditional RPG features by not utilizing an [[overworld]] map. Instead, the world is entirely seamless, with no differentiation between towns and the outside world.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94"/> Another non-traditional element is the perspective used for the world. The game uses [[oblique projection]], while most 2-D RPGs use a "top down" view on a grid or an isometric perspective.<ref name = "1Up retro"/>

Unlike its predecessor, ''EarthBound'' does not utilize [[random encounter]]s. When physical contact occurs between a character and an enemy, the screen switches to battle mode. In combat, characters and enemies possess a certain amount of [[Health (game mechanic)#Hit points|hit points]] (HP). Blows to an enemy reduces the amount of HP. Once an enemy's HP reaches zero, they are defeated. If a specific type of enemy is defeated, there is a chance that the character will receive an item after the battle. In battle, the player is allowed to choose specific actions for their characters. These actions can include attacking, healing, or the use of items. Characters can also use special PSI attacks that require psychic points (PP). Once each character is assigned a command, the characters and enemies perform their actions in a set order, determined by character speed. Whenever a character receives damage, the HP box gradually "rolls" down, similar to an [[odometer]]. This allows players an opportunity to heal the character or win the battle before the counter hits zero, after which the character is knocked unconscious (although if the counter reaches zero as the battle is won, it will be set to 1 instead and the character will survive). If all characters are rendered unconscious, the [[Game over|game ends]]. Because battles are not random, tactical advantages can be gained. If the player physically contacts an enemy from behind, the player is given a first-strike priority. However, this also applies to enemies, who can also engage the party from behind. Additionally, as Ness and his friends become stronger, battles with weaker enemies are eventually won automatically, forgoing the battle sequence.<ref name = "EB battle"/> While most RPGs up to the mid 1990s primarily utilized swords and other traditional weapons, the characters in EarthBound use less conventional weapons such as baseball bats, yo-yos, and frying pans.

Currency is indirectly received from Ness' father, who can also save the game's progress. Each time the party wins a battle, Ness' father deposits money in an account that can be withdrawn at [[Automated teller machine|ATMs]]. In towns, players can visit various stores where weapons, armor, and items can be bought. Weapons and armor can be equipped to increase character strength and defense, respectively. In addition, items can be used for a number of purposes, such as healing. Towns also house several other useful facilities such as hospitals where players can be healed for a fee.<ref name = "EB Other">{{cite book | title = EarthBound Player's Guide | editor = Nintendo of America | publisher = [[Nintendo of America, Inc.]] | pages = 12 | year = 1995}}</ref>

== Plot summary ==
=== Characters ===
[[Image:Ness SSBB.jpg|thumb|150px|Ness as seen in [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]]]
''EarthBound'' takes place on Earth in the year 199X.<ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/> Throughout the game, four characters, known as the Chosen Four, come to compose the party in the game; {{nihongo|'''Ness'''|ネス|Nesu}}, {{nihongo|'''Paula Polestar'''|ポーラ・ジョーンズ|Pōra Jōnzu|Paula Jones}},
{{nihongo|'''Jeff Andonuts'''|ジェフ・アンドーナッツ|Jefu Andōnattsu}}, and {{nihongo|'''Poo'''|プー|Pū}}. Ness is a young boy from Onett, characterized by his love of American things, such as baseball and steaks. He also possesses psychic abilities strong enough to affect cosmic events. Paula is the second main character in the game. She is a young girl from Twoson where her mother runs a preschool out of their home. Like Ness, she also possesses powerful psychic abilities, which are mainly focused on attacks. She is a celebrity in Twoson, which affects the personalities of the people of Twoson. Jeff, the third character to join the party, is a young boy who resides at Snow Wood Boarding School in the northern country of Winters. The son of the famed professor {{nihongo|'''Doctor Andonuts'''|アンドーナッツ博士|Andōnattsu hakase}}, Jeff is a [[Child prodigy|child prodigy]] who can fix almost anything. Unlike the rest of the group, he is the only one of the Chosen Four unable to use PSI powers. He instead uses advanced technologies such as bazookas and guns to fight. The last character to be acquired is Poo. He is the oldest of the group, a residing prince from the distant land of Dalaam. He is presented as a powerful [[martial arts]] master. He practices his martial arts, called Mu, with his master and is beloved by everyone in Dalaam. He is also able to use PSI powers and has the ability to transform himself into enemies thanks to his Mu training..<ref>{{cite book | title = EarthBound Player's Guide | editor = Nintendo of America | publisher = [[Nintendo of America, Inc.]] | pages = 6, 7 | year = 1995}}</ref>

{{nihongo|'''Giygas'''|ギーグ|Gīgu|Gyiyg in the Japanese version}} returns from ''[[Mother (video game)|Mother]]'' as the game's main antagonist. He uses his powerful influence over the evil in peoples' hearts to control them, and commands an army consisting of a bizarre variety of aliens, robots, and animals to prevent Ness from uniting his powers at the eight sanctuaries. His goal is to conquer the Earth and, ultimately, destroy the universe.
{{nihongo|'''Pokey Minch'''|ポーキー・ミンチ|Pōkī Minchi|Porky Minch}}, Ness' overweight neighbor, antagonizes Ness throughout the game, and he eventually helps carry out Giygas' will and oversees his plans. On the other hand, the friends and family members of the Chosen Four try to help their loved ones as much as they can. Ness' mother cooks for the group, his father supports him over the phone, and his sister, Tracy, stores items for them. Doctor Andonuts supports the group with his inventions, and Jeff's friend, Tony, helps Jeff escape from school because he has a crush on Jeff.<ref>{{cite web|title = Yes, Tony is Gay. And Mr. Saturn is Innocent|url = http://tomato.fobby.net/?p=271|date= 2008-06-21|accessdate = 2008-09-23}}</ref> The traveling band, the {{nihongo|'''Runaway Five'''|トンズラブラザーズ|Tonzura Burazāzu}}, helps the group after being saved from debt.

=== Story ===
[[Image:Mother 2 Crash Site.jpg| right | thumb | 200px | [[List of EarthBound characters#Buzz Buzz | Buzz Buzz]] appears moments after a bright light engulfs the meteorite.]]
The story begins when Ness is awakened by a meteorite that has plummeted to the earth near his home, whereupon he proceeds to investigate the crash site along with his annoying next door neighbor, Pokey, who later on asks if Ness could help find his little brother, Picky.<ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/> After arriving, Ness encounters an alien named [[List of EarthBound characters#Buzz Buzz | Buzz Buzz]], who informs Ness that he is from the future where a hostile alien, [[List of EarthBound characters#Giygas | Giygas]], dominates the planet.<ref>'''Buzz Buzz:''' A bee I am not... I'm from 10 years in the future. And, in the future, all is devastation... Giygas, the universal cosmic destroyer, send all to the horror of eternal darkness... {{cite video game | title = EarthBound | developer = [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = 1995-06-01 | platform = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System| SNES]] }}</ref> Buzz Buzz instructs Ness to embark on a journey to defeat Giygas in the present, because he is too powerful in the future. Ness then proceeds to seek out eight "sanctuaries," to unite his own powers with the Earth's and gain the strength required to confront Giygas.<ref>'''Buzz Buzz:''' To defeat Giygas, your own power must unite with the Earth's... the Earth will then channel your power and multiply it... There are eight points that you must visit. Make these places your own... Each of these locations is "Your Sanctuary." {{cite video game | title = EarthBound | developer = [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] | publisher = [[Nintendo]] | date = 1995-06-01 | platform = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System| SNES]] }}</ref> Buzz Buzz is later killed by Pokey's mom, who mistakes Buzz Buzz for a dung beetle, and sends Ness on his mission to defeat Giygas.
[[Image:Mother 2 Summers.jpg| left | thumb | Screenshot depicting [[List of EarthBound characters#Ness | Ness]], [[List of EarthBound characters#Paula | Paula]], [[List of EarthBound characters#Jeff | Jeff]], and [[List of EarthBound characters#Poo | Poo]] as they travel through Summers.]]

Ness proceeds on his quest through a variety of locales, including the town of Onett, an icy land called Winters, an oriental land called Dalaam, and a dream world called Magicant. As he goes on his journey, he encounters a variety of characters, including the other three chosen ones, Paula, a blond girl from Twoson, Jeff, a book-smart boy from Winters, and Poo, a young prince from Dalaam. There are several enemies that Ness encounters in ''EarthBound'', including Giygas' army of Starmen. The group often runs into a blues band called the Runaway Five, helping them out and being helped out in return. Throughout the game, Ness runs into Pokey, who had joined with Giygas to take over the world. Ness eventually activates all of the "Your Sanctuary", travels to Magicant, and defeats his "Nightmare", which represented all of the evil hidden away in Ness' heart, unlocking his true power. Jeff's father, Doctor Andonuts, creates a device that will allow them to travel to the past to battle against Giygas - however, they are forced to transfer their souls from their bodies into robot bodies, as organic material can't withstand the warp through time. In the past, they encounter Giygas and Pokey in a giant spider mecha, who informs Ness and the others that Giygas has consumed so much evil power, that his mind was completely destroyed. Pokey then activates a device called the Devil's Machine, which causes Giygas' body to manifest itself into a physical form. After defeating Pokey, the machine turns off, revealing Giygas' true form, a swirling, spirit-esque, mass. It utilizes attacks that Ness and the others can't even comprehend, and speaks in a confused babble. Paula then prays to a variety of people on Earth, including their friends, such as the Runaway Five, who all pray for their safety, and eventually, she reaches out to the player, whose prayers defeat Giygas. Pokey escapes into time, and Ness and company manage to have their spirits returned to their bodies, and they all return to their homes. After the credits, Picky gives Ness a message from Pokey daring him to come looking for him.

== Development ==
[[Image:Mother 2 Concept Art.jpg| right | thumb | Concept art depicting [[List of EarthBound characters#Ness | Ness]] and his dog, [[List of EarthBound characters#King | King]], standing in front of their home.]]
Development on ''EarthBound'' took place as a joint effort between [[Creatures Inc.|Ape, Inc.]] and [[HAL Laboratory| HAL Laboratory, Inc.]] and was designed by [[Shigesato Itoi]]. The total development time for the project was five years, much longer than was initially expected. Of this, Itoi has stated that many times he felt the project was "doomed."<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94">{{cite journal | title = Interview with Shigesato Itoi | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-02 | pages = 21–24 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> Because two companies were working on ''EarthBound'', responsibilities were spread out between the two studios. Ape had more people working on the title and oversaw the data aspects of the game while HAL worked on the programming. Because the two studios were based at separate locations, employees would regularly have to travel between the studios to work.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 9, 94">{{cite journal | title = Interview with Kouji Malta and Satoru Iwata | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-09 | pages = 72, 73 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref>

Initial gameplay features that Itoi had in mind involved an unconventional [[level design| level structure]] and [[Health (game mechanic)#Hit points | hit points system (HP)]]. Itoi decided to exclude an [[overworld]], because he wanted no distinction to remain between towns and the outside world. This resulted in each town being carefully designed to be unique. The first design concepts for the HP boxes were to make them like [[Pachinko| pachinko balls]] and have them fall off the screen whenever a character was damaged. However, this was later changed to the "rolling counter" HP boxes because the pachinko balls did not work so well when characters had large amounts of HP.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94"/>

Some of the difficulties posed by the development of ''EarthBound'' were the data restrictions imposed by the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System| SNES]] cartridge size. It was initially designed to fit on an 8 [[megabit]] cartridge. However, it was later pushed to 12 megabits and then finally pushed onto a 24 megabit cartridge. This can partially be attributed to the large amount of music composed for the title. Other aspects of the project that remained difficult were programming concepts. The [[oblique projection]] techniques proved difficult to program and were time consuming as well.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 2, 94"/> The bicycle and delivery man systems posed problems as well due to their own complex programming schemes.<ref name = "famitsu Sep 9, 94"/>

Some aspects of the character designs remain very personal for Shigesato Itoi. In an interview on his website, Itoi describes how his inspiration for the final battle with Giygas resulted from a traumatic childhood event. When Itoi was a young boy, he accidentally viewed the wrong movie at a theater, a [[Shintōhō]] film entitled [[The Military Policeman and the Dismembered Beauty]]. According to Itoi the film featured a graphic rape scene near a river that traumatized Itoi so much that his parents began to worry about his wellbeing. Years later, Itoi integrated the experience into Giygas' dialogue for the final battle.<ref name = "Itoi interview">{{cite web | url = http://www.1101.com/MOTHER/07.html | title = Interview with Shigesato Itoi | publisher = [http://www.1101.com/index.html 1101.com, Sigesato Itoi's website] | date = 2003-04-24 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref>

[[Nintendo]] eventually announced a release date of August 27, 1994 for Japan,<ref name = "famitsu Jul 15, 94">{{cite journal | title = EarthBound Release Date Announced | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-07-15 | pages = 170 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> and invested a large amount of money into promoting the new game.<ref name = "1UP vapor"/> One of the marketing campaigns involved Japanese celebrity [[Takuya Kimura]] of [[SMAP]], who was heavily featured in ''Weekly Famitsu'' promotional ads.<ref>List of ''Weekly Famitsu'' issues featuring Takuya Kimura ''EarthBound'' ads: July 24, 1994; August 5, 1994; August 12, 1994; August 19, 1994; September 2, 1994; September 9, 1994; September 16, 1994</ref> Other efforts included bundling a full length strategy guide with the game, complete in a bigger box, and affixing a price much lower than other titles at the time.<ref name = "1Up retro"/> [[Scratch and sniff| Scratch and sniff stickers]] also came bundled with the game.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://cheats.ign.com/objects/006/006862.html | title = IGN EarthBound Profile | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> ''EarthBound'' was released in Japan on August 27, 1994, and was well received. The North American version was released months later on June 1, 1995, and was met with lukewarm responses.<ref name = "1UP vapor"/>

A sequel was announced three years later for the [[Nintendo 64DD]], entitled ''EarthBound 64'' or ''[[Mother 3]]''. However, the game became plagued by problems as release date pushbacks occurred,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ign64.ign.com/articles/076/076914p1.html | title = Mother 3 Pushed Back | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2000-03-22 | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> as well as failures to appear at popular gaming conventions, like [[E3]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://ign64.ign.com/articles/078/078180p1.html | title = Not Bound for E3 | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2000-04-18 | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> Nintendo eventually announced its cancellation on August 21, 2000.<ref name = "E64 cancelled"/> Years later, ''Mother 3'' resurfaced as a [[Game Boy Advance]] title and was released only in Japan.<ref name = "1UP vapor"/> On May 5, 2005, Shigesato Itoi announced that he had no plans to develop the ''Mother'' series any further.<ref name = "1up dead"/> An ESRB rating suggesting an EarthBound release for the Virtual Console has since surfaced; however, no official plans concerning this release have been announced. <ref name = "ESRB"/> An entire Mother trilogy for DS has not been officially announced, but Itoi mentioned that "It is not entirely out-of-the-question".

== Reception ==
{{VG Reviews
|Allgame = 4/5<ref name = "allgame EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:2481~T1 | title = allgame: EarthBound review | author = House, Michael L | publisher = [[Allgame]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>
|rev1 = All RPG
|rev1Score= 9.2<ref name = "AllRPG EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.allrpg.com/games/earthbound/index.php3?page=review&num=1 | title = All RPG: EarthBound review | author = Gravy Train | publisher = All RPG | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[Famitsu]]''
|rev2Score = 34/40<ref>{{cite journal | title = New Games Cross Review | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-23 | accessdate = 2008-04-09}}</ref>
|rev3 = Gamer's Mark
|rev3Score = 8/10<ref name = "GamersMark EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamersmark.com/reviews/view/26/ | title = Earthbound (SNES) Review | author = Hancock, Robert | publisher = Gamer's Mark | date = 2001-08-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>
|rev4 = [[Nintendojo]]
|rev4Score = 9/10<ref name = "Nintendojo EB review">{{cite web | url = http://www.nintendojo.com/reviews/SNES/view_item.php?1077990543 | title = Earthbound Review | author = Gomer, Jeremy | publisher = [[Nintendojo]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>
|
|compilation = yes
|
|GR = 87%<ref name = "Game Rankings EB">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/588301.asp | title = Game Rankings: EarthBound | publisher = [[Game Rankings]] | accessdate = 2008-02-16}}</ref>
}}

''EarthBound'' became a great success in Japan,<ref name = "1Up retro"/> eventually rising to #1 on ''Weekly Famitsu's'' top 30 chart along with hearty recommendations by the magazine reviewers.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Weekly Top 30 Chart | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-09-23 | pages = 14 | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref> Commercial reactions in America, on the other hand, were much lower than [[Nintendo]] had anticipated. The game sold 140,000 copies in North America, and about twice that number in Japan.<ref name="earthbotched">{{cite web | url = http://www.shacknews.com/featuredarticle.x?id=850 | title= EarthBotched: A History of Nintendo vs. Starmen | author= Linde, Aaron | publisher = Shacknews | date= 2008-05-06 | accessdate = 2008-08-07}}</ref> American audiences were largely indifferent to Japanese [[Computer role-playing game|RPGs]], and would remain this way until titles like ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' took the genre into the mainstream.<ref name = "1Up retro"/> Years later, many American critics have praised the game for being ahead of its time,<ref name = "1Up retro"/> as well as for its storyline, graphics, and particularly, its humor.<ref name = "allgame EB review"/> In the June 2008 issue of [[Nintendo Power]], ''EarthBound'' was revealed to be the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with ''Mother'' close behind at #4.<ref name="nppoll">{{Cite book | year=2008 | title=Nintendo Power June, 2008 | pages=25 | publisher=Future US}}</ref> Then in the July 2008 issue of Nintendo Power, ''EarthBound'' was yet again the #1 "Readers' Most Wanted" Virtual Console title, with the original ''Mother'' now placed in second.

=== Critical response ===
Reviews of ''EarthBound'' have generally been positive. In [[Allgame]]'s review, ''EarthBound'' was declared "one of the most original role-playing games of the 1990s."<ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/> The site then went on to praise its storyline, humor, music, and characters. A point of contention between critics were the simplistic graphics. In All RPG's review of the game, the graphics were described as "horrid,"<ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/> while [[Nintendojo]] and [[1UP]] enjoyed them, with 1UP going so far as to say "regardless of what anyone tells you, the graphics are awesome." 1UP also criticized the title's similarities to ''[[Dragon Quest]]'', but in the end declared ''EarthBound'' a game "worth experiencing."<ref name = "1Up retro"/> Nintendojo and [[Gamasutra]] also criticized the similarities to ''Dragon Quest'', with [[Gamasutra]] declaring ''EarthBound'' an "unabashed Dragon Quest clone..."<ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/><ref name = "gamasutra EB">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3581/a_japanese_rpg_primer_the_.php?page=10 | title= A Japanese RPG Primer: The Essential 20 | author= Kalata, Kurt | publisher = Gamasutra | date= 2008-03-19 | accessdate = 2008-03-21}}</ref> Despite the criticism, Gamasutra regarded the title as "as one of the greatest RPGs on the SNES." The game's audio was also praised, with All RPG declaring it "some of the best music on the Super Nintendo."

=== Humor ===
Of all ''EarthBound'''s elements, however, the most lauded was its humor, being universally praised by all critics for its comedic, albeit confusing, depictions of American culture and parody of the [[Role-playing game|RPG]] genre.<ref name = "1Up retro"/><ref name = "allgame EB review"/><ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/><ref name = "GamersMark EB review"/><ref name = "Nintendojo EB review"/><ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> Described by [[Gamasutra]] as "a warped, confused tribute to American culture, designed by people who've only experienced the country through books and movies" the quirky humor of the game is one of the chief reasons for its popularity. <ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> Ranging from from trips in a yellow submarine to fighting a diamond dog the game is rife with subtle cultural references. Amongst the ranks of absurd enemies in the game Ness must face down New Age Retro Hippies, Pogo Punks, Extra Cranky Ladies, and Big Piles of Puke throughout his quest. Much of the dialogue and plot of the game poked fun at traditional RPG and sci-fi cliches. Even the advertising campaign played off its humor, with the slogan "This game stinks", referencing the scratch and sniff stickers that came with it.

=== Legacy ===
''EarthBound'' is regarded by critics as one of the greatest RPGs on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System| SNES]],<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/> as well as one of the best of the [[History of video games#1990s | 1990s]].<ref name = "AllRPG EB review"/> The game has also become a cult classic and possesses substantial fanbases in both Japan and [[North America| America]].<ref name = "ign retro"/> As a result, the game regularly appears on readers' choice polls in both countries. In a 2005 readers' choice poll of the top 99 best games of all time conducted by [[IGN]], ''EarthBound'' was voted 46th on the list.<ref name = "IGN readers 2005">{{cite web | url = http://microsites.ign.com/kfc/top99games/6.html | title = IGN and KFC Snacker Present Readers' Top 99 Games | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | year = 2005 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> A year later, IGN conducted a similar readers' choice poll where ''EarthBound'' moved up to be 33rd on the list.<ref name = "IGN readers 2006">{{cite web | url = http://top100.ign.com/2006/031-040.html | title = IGN Readers' Choice 2006—The Top 100 Games Ever | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | year = 2006 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> A 2005 [[GameFAQs]] poll of the 100 best games ever had ''EarthBound'' at the 37th spot. <ref name="gamefaqspoll">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/top10 | title=The 10 Best Games Ever | publisher=GameFAQs | accessdate=2008-10-16}}</ref> The game has also appeared on lists conducted by the Japanese. In a 2006 readers' poll conducted by ''[[Famitsu]]'' magazine, the game was voted the 37th best game of all time on a list of 100 titles.<ref name = "famitsu readers">{{cite web | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2401&Itemid=2 | title = Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 | author = Campbell, Colin | publisher = [[Next Generation Magazine]] | date = 2006-03-03 | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In an introspective of the 20 essential Japanese RPGs, Gamasutra featured ''EarthBound'' on the list.<ref name = "gamasutra EB"/>

''EarthBound'' has also been featured in all of the titles of the blockbuster [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. Since the first title in the series, [[List of EarthBound characters#Ness | Ness]] has consistently appeared as a playable character. In the first ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', Ness is hidden as a secret character. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', Ness is initially available as part of the roster,<ref name = "IGN SSBM">{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_15.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Melee Character Profile: Ness | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', he again appears as a secret character.<ref name = "IGN SSBB">{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/748545/page_44.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Brawl Character Profile: Ness | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | date = 2008-04-01}}</ref> Onett and Fourside appear as battle arenas in the ''Melee'', while only Onett appears in ''Brawl''. New Pork City, from ''[[Mother 3]]'', appears in ''Brawl'' as well.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_38.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Melee Stages | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/748545/page_96.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Brawl Stages | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> In addition to Ness, Lucas from ''[[Mother 3]]'' is a playable character in Brawl, and trophies for many other characters, such as Paula, Jeff, and Poo, can be collected in the two latter games.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://guides.ign.com/guides/16387/page_54.html | title = Super Smash Bros. Melee Trophies | author = IGN Staff | publisher = [[IGN]] | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref> Jeff is also featured as an Assist Trophy in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', using his Multi-Bottle Rockets to home in on opponents.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/items/assist/assist15.html | title = Assist Trophies | author = Sakurai, Masahiro | publisher = Smash Bros. Dojo!! | accessdate = 2008-05-21}}</ref>

''EarthBound'''s soundtrack has also been completely remixed by fans and released as a free downloadable tribute album entitled ''Bound Together''. The album encompasses 48 tracks and includes performances from well known video game cover bands, such as [[The OneUps Volume 1| the OneUps]], as well as various artists from remixing communities like [[OverClocked ReMix]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wushuplaya.com/boundtogether/ | title = Bound Together—An EarthBound Remix Project | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Infobox Album <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
| Name = Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back
| Type = soundtrack
| Artist =
| Cover = Mother 2 Soundtrack.jpg
| Released = 1994-11-02
| Recorded = 1994
| Genre = [[Video game music]]
| Length =
| Label = [[Sony Records|Sony]]
| Producer = [[Keiichi Suzuki]]
| Reviews =
| Last album =
| This album =
| Next album =
}}

''Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back'' (マザー2 ギーグの逆襲) is the soundtrack for ''EarthBound''. The album was composed by Hiroshi Kanazu, [[Keiichi Suzuki]], and [[Hirokazu Tanaka]], and was released by Sony Records in Japan on November 2, 1994.<ref name = "vgmdb mother2">{{cite web | url = http://www.vgmdb.net/db/albums.php?id=3442 | title = Mother 2 Gyiyg Strikes Back | publisher = VGMdb | accessdate = 2008-04-01}}</ref>

Development of the music for ''EarthBound'' remained much easier than its predecessor. In an interview with ''Weekly Famitsu'', Keiichi Suzuki commented on how the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] gave the composers much more freedom to compose what they wanted. This was an advantage, because one of the many problems the makers originally had was trying to get all of their music on to the cartridge. Suzuki also cited [[John Lennon]] as an influential figure to all the composers while the soundtrack was being developed.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Interview with Keiichi Suzuki | journal = [[Weekly Famitsu]] | publisher = [[Enterbrain, Inc.]] | date = 1994-10-28 | pages = 12 | language = Japanese | accessdate = 2008-04-02}}</ref>

{{tracklist
| collapsed = yes
| headline = ''Mother 2: Gyiyg Strikes Back''
| title1 = Prologue
| length1 = 1:05
| title2 = Onett
| length2 = 1:20
| title3 = Twoson
| length3 = 1:22
| title4 = Saturn Valley
| length4 = 0:50
| title5 = Winters
| length5 = 3:47
| title6 = Threed
| length6 = 1:34
| title7 = Doko Doko Desert
| length7 = 0:54
| title8 = Fourside
| length8 = 1:48
| title9 = Moonside
| length9 = 0:58
| title10 = Ramma
| length10 = 1:58
| title11 = Summers
| length11 = 1:03
| title12 = Scarabi
| length12 = 3:05
| title13 = Dungeon Man
| length13 = 1:15
| title14 = Cursed Jungles
| length14 = 1:39
| title15 = Gumi Village
| length15 = 0:59
| title16 = The Underworld
| length16 = 1:36
| title17 = Magicant
| length17 = 4:44
| title18 = The Great Underworld
| length18 = 1:32
| title19 = Final Battle
| length19 = 4:07
| title20 = Love and Peace
| length20 = 2:08
| title21 = Ending (Smiles & Tears)
| length21 = 9:33
| title22 = Room Number (PSI REMIX)
| length22 = 4:01
| title23 = Hula Hoop (PSI REMIX)
| length23 = 3:36
| title24 = Another 2 (PSI REMIX)
| length24 = 5:14
}}
{{-}}

== References ==
{{reflist | 2}}

== External links ==
*[http://earthbound.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page EarthBound Wiki]
*{{Nintendo.com-archive|id=m-Game-0000-928|title=Earthbound}}
*{{imdb title|id=0208332|title=Earthbound}}
*{{dmoz|Games/Video_Games/Roleplaying/E/Earthbound_Series|''Earthbound'' series}}

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{{Mother series}}

[[Category:1994 video games]]
[[Category:EarthBound]]
[[Category:HAL Laboratory games]]
[[Category:Super NES games]]

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Revision as of 20:48, 9 January 2009

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