EarthBound: Difference between revisions

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''EarthBound''}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''EarthBound''}}{{Game icons|M2=y}}
:''For the series as a whole, see [[EarthBound (series)]].''
:''For the series as a whole, see [[EarthBound (series)]].''
{{Game infobox
{{Game infobox
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|jptrans=Mother 2: Giygas's Counterattack
|jptrans=Mother 2: Giygas's Counterattack
|image=EarthBound box.png
|image=EarthBound box.png
|size=250px
|size=300px
|caption=American boxart
|caption=American boxart
|other boxart=Mother_2_Box.jpg
|other boxart=Mother_2_Box.png
|other boxart size=250px
|other boxart size=250px
|other boxart caption=Japanese boxart
|other boxart caption=Japanese boxart
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{{StrategyWiki}}
{{StrategyWiki}}
'''''EarthBound''''' (Japanese: '''{{tt|MOTHER2: ギーグの逆襲|Mazā Tsu: Gīgu no gyakushū}}''' ''Mother 2: {{tt|Gyiyg|Giygas}}'s Counterattack'') is a 1994 role-playing video game developed by [[Ape]] and [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. It is the second entry in the [[EarthBound (series)|''EarthBound'' series]] succeeding 1989's then Japan-only ''[[EarthBound Beginnings|Mother]]'', and the first installment in the series to be released worldwide. Set in a fictionalized and hyperbolized version of [[Eagleland|America]], ''EarthBound'' involves four children led by the brave [[Ness]], prophesied to save the world by collecting eight melodies strewn across the world.
'''''EarthBound''''', alternatively referred to as '''''Mother 2''''' which is its Japanese name (Japanese: '''{{tt|MOTHER2: ギーグの逆襲|Mazā Tsu: Gīgu no gyakushū}}''' ''Mother 2: {{tt|Gyiyg|Giygas}}'s Counterattack'') is a 1994 role-playing video game developed by [[Ape]] and [[HAL Laboratory]] and published by [[Nintendo]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. It is the second entry in the [[EarthBound (series)|''EarthBound'' series]] succeeding 1989's then Japan-only ''[[EarthBound Beginnings|Mother]]'', and the first installment in the series to be released worldwide. Set in a fictionalized and hyperbolized version of [[Eagleland|America]], ''EarthBound'' involves four children led by the brave [[Ness]], prophesied to save the world by collecting eight melodies strewn across the world.


After a difficult and long development period of five years, ''EarthBound'' was published in Japan and the United States. English localization was led by [[Marcus Lindblom]], who helped translate ''EarthBound''’s goofy tone. While successful in Japan, ''EarthBound'' was a commercial disappointment in the United States, where a $2 million advertising campaign was held to promote the game. Additionally, ''EarthBound'' received lukewarm reception. ''Mother 2'' was packaged in the Japan-only rerelease ''[[Mother 1+2]]'',  then it recieved Japan-exclusive sequel, ''[[Mother 3]]'', which was published in 2006 for the Game Boy Advance. ''EarthBound''’s protagonist, Ness, would also be featured in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]] as a playable character.
After a difficult and long development period of five years, ''EarthBound'' was published in Japan and the United States. English localization was led by [[Marcus Lindblom]], who helped translate ''EarthBound''’s goofy tone. While successful in Japan, ''EarthBound'' was a commercial disappointment in the United States, where a $2 million advertising campaign was held to promote the game. Additionally, ''EarthBound'' received lukewarm reception. ''Mother 2'' was packaged in the Japan-only rerelease ''[[Mother 1+2]]'',  then it recieved Japan-exclusive sequel, ''[[Mother 3]]'', which was published in 2006 for the Game Boy Advance. ''EarthBound''’s protagonist, Ness, would also be featured in the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]] as a playable character.


''EarthBound'', and the ''Mother'' series as a whole, amassed a cult following of fans, mostly through Internet forums such as Starmen.net. Retrospectively, it has received acclaim, with critics highlighting its varied soundtrack, script, and tone.  On March 20, 2013 ''EarthBound'' was rereleased on the Wii U Virtual Console in Japan, and then internationally on July 18, 2013, which notably marked the debut of the game and the overall series in PAL regions.
''EarthBound'', and the ''Mother'' series as a whole, amassed a cult following of fans, mostly through Internet forums such as Starmen.net. Retrospectively, it has received acclaim, with critics highlighting its varied soundtrack, script, and tone.  On March 20, 2013 ''EarthBound'' was rereleased on the Wii U Virtual Console in Japan, and then internationally on July 18, 2013, which notably marked the debut of the game and the overall series in PAL regions. ''EarthBound'' was constantly a best seller during the Virtual Console lifespan prior to service's shutdown.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
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Back in reality, Apple Kid once again calls Ness about a new invention called the yogurt dispenser, albiet it only is able to dispense [[Trout Yoghurt]] at this time, and sends it to Ness through the "neglected class" of Escargo Express. However, the delivery boy carelessly drops the dispenser in the desert, forcing Ness to return there yet again. There, he encouters a talking monkey that takes him to [[Talah Rama]], a wise sage that gives Ness the yogurt dispenser and teaches him PK Teleport. Ness and Jeff then return back to Fourside and gives the dispenser to Monotoli's maid, who allows Ness and Jeff to enter the Monotoli Building free of charge. Navigating the building, Ness and Jeff battle various [[Sentry Robot]]s before encountering a [[Clumsy Robot]], who, despite its weak appearance, is surprisingly powerful. Fortunately, the Runaway Five barge in and turn off the robot, and Ness and Jeff proceed to Monotoli's office. Inside, Monotoli cowers in fear due to losing the Mani-Mani Statue, and allows Paula to rejoin Ness. Monotoli also explains to Ness that the statue constantly told him to not allow Ness and his friends to enter [[Summers]], concluding that Ness should go to Summers in order to slow Giygas's plans. Although the Mayor tells Ness and his friends to use his helicopter to reach the city, Porky takes the helicopter for himself and escapes, leaving Ness with no way to get to Summers. Fortunately, Paula gets an instinct that they should return to Threed, and travel there with the Runaway Five. After returning to Threed, Jeff repairs the Sky Runner, and they set flight for [[Winters]] to discover the fourth sanctuary.
Back in reality, Apple Kid once again calls Ness about a new invention called the yogurt dispenser, albiet it only is able to dispense [[Trout Yoghurt]] at this time, and sends it to Ness through the "neglected class" of Escargo Express. However, the delivery boy carelessly drops the dispenser in the desert, forcing Ness to return there yet again. There, he encouters a talking monkey that takes him to [[Talah Rama]], a wise sage that gives Ness the yogurt dispenser and teaches him PK Teleport. Ness and Jeff then return back to Fourside and gives the dispenser to Monotoli's maid, who allows Ness and Jeff to enter the Monotoli Building free of charge. Navigating the building, Ness and Jeff battle various [[Sentry Robot]]s before encountering a [[Clumsy Robot]], who, despite its weak appearance, is surprisingly powerful. Fortunately, the Runaway Five barge in and turn off the robot, and Ness and Jeff proceed to Monotoli's office. Inside, Monotoli cowers in fear due to losing the Mani-Mani Statue, and allows Paula to rejoin Ness. Monotoli also explains to Ness that the statue constantly told him to not allow Ness and his friends to enter [[Summers]], concluding that Ness should go to Summers in order to slow Giygas's plans. Although the Mayor tells Ness and his friends to use his helicopter to reach the city, Porky takes the helicopter for himself and escapes, leaving Ness with no way to get to Summers. Fortunately, Paula gets an instinct that they should return to Threed, and travel there with the Runaway Five. After returning to Threed, Jeff repairs the Sky Runner, and they set flight for [[Winters]] to discover the fourth sanctuary.


[[File:Mother 2 Summers.png|left|thumb|256px|Ness, Paula, Jeff and Poo travel through Summers]]
[[File:Mother 2 Summers.png|left|thumb|256px|Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo travel through Summers]]
The group then cross the ocean and arrive in [[Summers]], and the nearby port town of [[Toto]], where the group enters the [[Stoic Club]] and meet a mysterious lady that sells "Magic Cake". Ness eats the cake, but falls unconscious and dreams of a far-off land known as Dalaam. There, a young prince named [[Poo]], who must complete his training at [[Mu]] by the request of his master, begins to meditate and encounters the spirit of his ancestor, who successively cripples various parts of Poo's body as part of the training. Afterwards, Poo has completed his training and returns to normal, then is instructed to join Ness and his party on their journey by his master. Poo teleports to Summers and finds Ness before joining his group. Ness then enters the Scaraba Cultural museum and obtains a set of hieroglyphics telling the group about [[Scaraba]], a country with a mysterious pyramid containing the mystical Hawk Eye. The group then hears a phone call from [[Mr. Spoon]] of Fourside, who tells Ness that he has discovered something amazing, but will only show it if the player gives him the signature of Venus, a singer at the Toppolla Theater. The group gains the signature and are able to discover the fifth sanctuary, then travel back to Dalaam to discover the sixth sanctuary.
The group then cross the ocean and arrive in [[Summers]], and the nearby port town of [[Toto]], where the group enters the [[Stoic Club]] and meet a mysterious lady that sells "Magic Cake". Ness eats the cake, but falls unconscious and dreams of a far-off land known as Dalaam. There, a young prince named [[Poo]], who must complete his training at [[Mu]] by the request of his master, begins to meditate and encounters the spirit of his ancestor, who successively cripples various parts of Poo's body as part of the training. Afterwards, Poo has completed his training and returns to normal, then is instructed to join Ness and his party on their journey by his master. Poo teleports to Summers and finds Ness before joining his group. Ness then enters the Scaraba Cultural museum and obtains a set of hieroglyphics telling the group about [[Scaraba]], a country with a mysterious pyramid containing the mystical Hawk Eye. The group then hears a phone call from [[Mr. Spoon]] of Fourside, who tells Ness that he has discovered something amazing, but will only show it if the player gives him the signature of Venus, a singer at the Toppolla Theater. The group gains the signature and are able to discover the fifth sanctuary, then travel back to Dalaam to discover the sixth sanctuary.


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Returning to Tenda Village, Ness gives the book to the village chief, who reads it to the entire tribe and allows all of them to overcome their shyness. This enables Ness to speak to the villagers, who allow passage to a dark, ominous cave, which contains the seventh sanctuary. The group then enters the [[Lost Underworld]]. There, they discover more Tenda and a talking Rock, who tells Ness of his destiny to unite the sanctuaries. Ness and the group then reach the final sanctuary, but Ness falls unconscious and enters a strange world composed of his dreams afterward known as, {{Eb|Magicant}}. There, he travels to the [[Sea of Eden]] and encounters [[Ness's Nightmare|his nightmare]], the embodiment of Ness's evil. After defeating it, Magicant vanishes, and Ness absorbs the power of all eight sanctuaries, becoming incredibly powerful before awakening.  
Returning to Tenda Village, Ness gives the book to the village chief, who reads it to the entire tribe and allows all of them to overcome their shyness. This enables Ness to speak to the villagers, who allow passage to a dark, ominous cave, which contains the seventh sanctuary. The group then enters the [[Lost Underworld]]. There, they discover more Tenda and a talking Rock, who tells Ness of his destiny to unite the sanctuaries. Ness and the group then reach the final sanctuary, but Ness falls unconscious and enters a strange world composed of his dreams afterward known as, {{Eb|Magicant}}. There, he travels to the [[Sea of Eden]] and encounters [[Ness's Nightmare|his nightmare]], the embodiment of Ness's evil. After defeating it, Magicant vanishes, and Ness absorbs the power of all eight sanctuaries, becoming incredibly powerful before awakening.  


After awakening, Ness and the group return to Saturn Valley where Dr. Andonuts, Apple Kid, and various Mr. Saturns have created a new Phase Distorter, a time traveling device. Unfortunately, however, they find that the machine does not work, as it is lacking a critical component: Zyoxinite, a rare material only found in asteroid deposits. Recalling the asteroid in Onett, Ness returns to his home, only to find the area invaded by hordes of Giygas's soldiers and its inhabitants locked in their homes. Ness makes his way through the invaded town and reclaims the meteorite, then returns to Saturn Valley to give the material to Dr. Andonuts. After upgrading the machine, Andonuts explains to the kids that the machine cannot warp them to the past in their current form, as living things cannot withstand time travel and it would likely destroy their human bodies. To remedy this problem, Andonuts proposes to them to have their souls transplanted into robotic bodies, though not without warning them that he doesn't know whether or not the process is reversible. Despite this critical warning, Ness, Paula, Jeff and Poo are willing to take the risk.
After awakening, Ness and the group return to Saturn Valley where Dr. Andonuts, Apple Kid, and various Mr. Saturns have created a new Phase Distorter, a time traveling device. Unfortunately, however, they find that the machine does not work, as it is lacking a critical component: Zyoxinite, a rare material only found in asteroid deposits. Recalling the asteroid in Onett, Ness returns to his home, only to find the area invaded by hordes of Giygas's soldiers and its inhabitants locked in their homes. Ness makes his way through the invaded town and reclaims the meteorite, then returns to Saturn Valley to give the material to Dr. Andonuts. After upgrading the machine, Andonuts explains to the kids that the machine cannot warp them to the past in their current form, as living things cannot withstand time travel and it would likely destroy their human bodies. To remedy this problem, Andonuts proposes to them to have their souls transplanted into robotic bodies, though not without warning them that he doesn't know whether or not the process is reversible. Despite this critical warning, Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo are willing to take the risk.


Now in the form of robots, Ness and his friends use the Phase Distorter to travel to the [[Cave of the Past|Caves of the Past]], the lair of Giygas and his men. Upon reaching the end of the cave, they encounter Giygas and Porky, who informs the group that Giygas became so powerful that his mind was completely destroyed, referring to him as an "all-mighty idiot", and can only be contained within the ominous Devil's Machine. The group battle and defeat Porky, who then shuts off the Devil's Machine to release Giygas, trapping the kids in a chaotic dimension composed of his own indefinable being. Since Giygas is too powerful for Ness and his friends to overcome by fighting, Paula begins to pray, reaching out to the inhabitants of the Earth, including family members and friends, who all pray for their safety, and eventually, she reaches out to the player. The combined prayers of both Earth's inhabitants and the player reach Giygas and exploit his weakness, which turns out to be human emotions. Giygas begins to loose his grasp on reality and begins to deteriorate, causing Porky to panic and escape through time travel. Giygas then vanishes from existence, along with the damage he had done to Eagleland and the rest of the Earth. As a result, the souls of Ness and his friends depart from their robot bodies, travel back to the present and return to their respective bodies. After bidding each other farewell, the heroes return to their homes.
Now in the form of robots, Ness and his friends use the Phase Distorter to travel to the [[Cave of the Past|Caves of the Past]], the lair of Giygas and his men. Upon reaching the end of the cave, they encounter Giygas and Porky, who informs the group that Giygas became so powerful that his mind was completely destroyed, referring to him as an "all-mighty idiot", and can only be contained within the ominous Devil's Machine. The group battle and defeat Porky, who then shuts off the Devil's Machine to release Giygas, trapping the kids in a chaotic dimension composed of his own indefinable being. Since Giygas is too powerful for Ness and his friends to overcome by fighting, Paula begins to pray, reaching out to the inhabitants of the Earth, including family members and friends, who all pray for their safety, and eventually, she reaches out to the player. The combined prayers of both Earth's inhabitants and the player reach Giygas and exploit his weakness, which turns out to be human emotions. Giygas begins to lose his grasp on reality and begins to deteriorate, causing Porky to panic and escape through time travel. Giygas then vanishes from existence, along with the damage he had done to Eagleland and the rest of the Earth. As a result, the souls of Ness and his friends depart from their robot bodies, travel back to the present and return to their respective bodies. After bidding each other farewell, the heroes return to their homes.


After the ending credits, Picky Minch comes to Ness's house in the middle of the night and gives him a letter from Porky that says "''Come and get me loser. Spankety, spankety, spankety!''", and the game ends with him and Ness pondering what has become of him.
After the ending credits, Picky Minch comes to Ness's house in the middle of the night and gives him a letter from Porky that says "''Come and get me loser. Spankety, spankety, spankety!''", and the game ends with him and Ness pondering what has become of him.


==Blurb==
==Descriptions==
[[Giygas]] invasion!!
===Super Nintendo Entertainment System===
Bizarre aliens roam the earth!!
''[[Giygas]] invasion!!''
''Bizarre aliens roam the earth!!''


Intergalactic terror strikes the small town of [[Onett]] as a blazing extraterrestrial object crashes in the night! The earth now faces imminent destruction by the evil threat known as Giygas!
''Intergalactic terror strikes the small town of [[Onett]] as a blazing extraterrestrial object crashes in the night! The earth now faces imminent destruction by the evil threat known as Giygas!''


Armed with a cracked baseball bat, a cookie and an ATM card, a courageous boy named [[Ness]] vows to save the planet from hideous destruction. He must first find his heroic companions, [[Paula]], [[Jeff]], and [[Poo]], along the way to eight mysterious places called "[[Your Sanctuary]]" in order to gain power and put an end to the interstellar threat. The citizens of Onett lend their support by providing high-tech gadgets, robotic time machines, and wacky stories about how life has become.
''Armed with a cracked baseball bat, a cookie and an ATM card, a courageous boy named [[Ness]] vows to save the planet from hideous destruction. He must first find his heroic companions, [[Paula]], [[Jeff]] and [[Poo]], along the way to eight mysterious places called "[[Your Sanctuary]]" in order to gain power and put an end to the interstellar threat. The citizens of Onett lend their support by providing high-tech gadgets, robotic time machines, and wacky stories about how life has become.''


Lurking aliens and inexplicable phenomenon are being reported throughout the countryside. Our four wonderkids band together with innovation, psychic powers and resourceful weapons. Will Ness succeed in his attempts to ambush countless frightening monsters as he travels? The ultimate test lies in the impending encounter with the all powerful Giygas!
''Lurking aliens and inexplicable phenomenon'' [sic] ''are being reported throughout the countryside. Our four wonderkids band together with innovation, psychic powers and resourceful weapons. Will Ness succeed in his attempts to ambush countless frightening monsters as he travels? The ultimate test lies in the impending encounter with the all powerful Giygas!''
 
===Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online===
''Bizarre aliens roam the Earth! Can four average kids save the world from certain destruction?''
 
''Intergalactic terror strikes the small town of Onett as a blazing extraterrestrial object crashes in the night! The Earth now faces imminent destruction by the universal evil threat, Giygas. A courageous boy named Ness and his three friends vow to save the planet from hideous destruction. Battle hundreds of off-the-wall monsters, roaming dinosaurs, and alien enemies. Explore exotic locations like Saturn Valley, Dusty Dunes Desert, and Deep Darkness. The ultimate test lies in the impending encounter with the all-powerful Giygas!''


==Characters==
==Characters==
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== Battle ==
== Battle ==
Unlike the original ''Mother'', EarthBound has enemies appear directly in the overworld, rather than appear in random encounters. If Ness touches an enemy, he will enter the battle screen. The battle system is mainly the same as in Mother. Ness can fight the monster, use PSI, or run if the enemy is too powerful. If Ness defeats the boss of the area, the enemies will run away from Ness if he approaches them. Additionally, if Ness is at a higher level than the enemies, he can kill them instantly.
Unlike the original ''Mother'', EarthBound has enemies that appear directly in the overworld, rather than in random encounters. If Ness touches an enemy, he will enter the battle screen. The battle system is mainly the same as in Mother. Ness can fight the monster, use PSI, or run if the enemy is too powerful. If Ness defeats the boss of the area, the enemies will run away from Ness if he approaches them. Additionally, if Ness is at a higher level than the enemies, he can defeat them instantly.


==Status Ailments==
==Status Ailments==
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| [[Moonside]]
| [[Moonside]]
|-
|-
| style="text-align:center;" |[[File:Dali's Clock EB sprite.png]]
| style="text-align:center;" |[[File:EB Dali's Clock Battle Sprite.png]]
! [[Dali's Clock]]
! [[Dali's Clock]]
| style="text-align:center;" |296
| style="text-align:center;" |296
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|}
|}


==Virtual Console re-release==
==Development==
On March 20, 2013, ''EarthBound'' was re-released in Japan for the Wii U Virtual Console, and on July 18 of the same year in North America and Europe. The re-release was highly publicized, with [[Shigesato Itoi]] himself doing a live stream of playing the game. The game received some minor edits from the original SNES release: a line of text in [[Burglin Park]] was slightly tweaked, and the [[PSI]] animations were softened to reduce the risk of seizures.
{{incomplete}}
 
==Release==
''Mother 2'' was released in Japan on August 27th, 1994 for the Super Famicom. The game was then released in North America as ''EarthBound'' on June 5th, 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Each copy of ''EarthBound'' in North America came packaged with the [[EarthBound Player's Guide]] instead of a typical instruction booklet.
 
In addition, ''Mother 2'' was available as a downloadable game for the [[wikipedia:Nintendo Power (cartridge)|Nintendo Power]], a Japan-only flash-memory cartridge that allowed owners to purchase Super Famicom games at a lowered price.


Furthermore, in March of 2016, ''Earthbound'' was re-released again in all three regions for the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console service.
===Virtual Console re-releases===
On March 20, 2013, ''EarthBound'' was re-released in Japan for the Wii U Virtual Console, and on July 18 of the same year in North America and Europe. During the Nintendo Direct announcing ''EarthBound'''s approval for the Wii U Virtual Console, Satoru Iwata mentioned the fan outcry being one of the reasons. The re-release was highly publicized, with [[Shigesato Itoi]] himself doing a live stream of playing the game. The game received some minor edits from the original SNES release: a line of text by [[Lardna Minch]] and another in [[Burglin Park]] were slightly tweaked in Japan. In all versions, the animations for [[PSI Fire]] Ω, [[PSI Flash]] Ω, [[PSI Rockin]] γ, [[Brainshock]] Ω, the [[Shield killer]], and both [[PSI Starstorm]] α and Ω were altered to reduce the flashing.


''Earthbound'' was included as one of the games on the Super NES Classic Edition (known as the Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System in Europe and Oceania and Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Famicom in Japan), released on June 26, 2017. The game appeared in the North American and European variants.
Furthermore, in March of 2016, ''EarthBound'' was re-released again in all three regions for the New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console service.


==Music Sampling Controversy==
''EarthBound'' was included as one of the games on the Super NES Classic Edition (known as the Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System in Europe and Oceania and Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Famicom in Japan), released on June 26, 2017. The game appeared in the North American and European variants. This version does not contain the changes made to the aforementioned animations with bright flashes as the Wii U version did. Instead, to blur out the flashes the game uses the system's built in anti-seizure filter, which automatically creates an "after image" effect whenever it detects rapid bright flashes.
''EarthBound'' has been noted to feature a number of samples/homages to other songs. For example, the Onett trumpet player plays Symphony No.9 Movement 2, the music that plays while fighting [[Frank]] or a [[New Age Retro Hippie]] bears some resemblance to the beginning of ''[[wikipedia:Johnny B. Goode|Johnny B. Goode]]'', and the Megaton Walk sounds remarkably like a segment from [[wikipedia:The Beatles|The Beatles]]' ''[[wikipedia:Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (song)|Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band]]''. These samples of music caused controversy for Nintendo of America when the company tried to approve the game for digital distribution on the Wii's Virtual Console. Hirokazu Tanaka stated in an interview, "The sampling issue is a little sensitive because, well, I don't know for sure, but it sounds like that is one of the reasons ''EarthBound'' is not able to come out in America." During the Nintendo Direct announcing ''EarthBound'''s approval for the Wii U Virtual Console, Satoru Iwata mentioned the fan outcry being one of the reasons. Regardless the music was kept in the Virtual Console release.
 
Along with its [[EarthBound Beginnings|prequel]], ''EarthBound'' was added to the [[Nintendo Switch]] Online service on February 9th, 2022.
 
==Copyright issues rumors==
''EarthBound'' has been noted to feature a number of samples/homages to copyrighted elements. For example, the Onett trumpet player plays Symphony No.9 Movement 2, the music that plays while fighting [[Frank]] or a [[New Age Retro Hippie]] bears some resemblance to the beginning of ''[[wikipedia:Johnny B. Goode|Johnny B. Goode]]'', and the Megaton Walk sounds remarkably like a segment from [[wikipedia:The Beatles|The Beatles]]' ''[[wikipedia:Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (song)|Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band]]''. Music composer Hirokazu Tanaka stated in an interview, "The sampling issue is a little sensitive because, well, I don't know for sure, but it sounds like that is one of the reasons ''EarthBound'' is not able to come out in America."{{fact}}. As a result, it was widely believed these samples of music caused copyright issues for Nintendo of America when the company tried to approve the game for digital distribution on the Wii's Virtual Console. A similar rumor spread during this time reguarding the [[Dali's Clock]], an enemy based off of the famous painting {{wp|The Persistence of Memory}} by {{wp|Salvador Dali}}, with many believing the enemy would need to be redesigned or removed entirely for the game to be approved for a re-release.
 
Contrary to these claims, the music was not changed in the game's various re-releases. Marcus Lindblom clarified in an interview that the sampled music was likely not the reason why ''EarthBound'' was excluded from the Wii's Virtual Console as it wasn't an issue during development, instead believing Nintendo of America simply didn't realize the popularity of the series and a re-release was not considered a priority at the time.<ref>[https://kotaku.com/the-man-who-wrote-earthbound-1188669175 Schreier, Jason (August 23, 2013). "The Man Who Wrote Earthbound". Kotaku.]</ref> Similarly, the Dali's Clock remained intact in all further releases.


==Reception==
==Reception==
Although the game was a success in Japan much like its predecessor, the game initially had very poor sales in the West which even prevented the game from being released in PAL regions, the cause was due to RPGs not being very popular in the west, and an odd marketing campaign.
===Initial release===
However due to a dedicated fanbase and the series representation in the Smash Bros series, the game became an incredible success with its Wii U Virtual Console re-release. The game received a ''GameZone'' score of 10/10 and the ''Nintendo World Report'' gave it 9.5/10, while receiving a ''GameRanking'' score of 88%. Critics praised the wacky humor, characters, and unique real-world setting, considering it as not only one of the greatest RPG games of all time, but the most original. They also praised how the game can shift from being "dark and serious" to "lighthearted and silly". EarthBound became one of Nintendo's best selling downloadable games in the Virtual Console lifespan, constantly topping the charts of the Wii U's most bought downloadable games, and is commonly referred to as the example of a cult classic.
''Mother 2'' sold 518,000 units in Japan, being the tenth best-selling game of 1994. In contrast to Japan, the game had very poor initial sales in North America, being roughly 140,000 copies, deeming it a commercial failure. The cause was the combination of the game's poor marketing campaign, unimpressive visuals, and the general unpopularity of the role-playing game genre in western countries.
 
Despite Nintendo of America spending roughly $2,000,000 on marketing, ''EarthBound''{{'}}s advertising was seen as one of the major detractors. Advertising of the game mainly appeared in select gaming magazines (such as Nintendo Power), it's only other appearance was in an in-store only commercial. The game was released as part of Nintendo of America's [[wikipedia:Nintendo marketing#Play It Loud!|Play It Loud!]] campaign, a marketing attempt at trying to appeal to teenage boys. As such the marketing heavily focused on humor revolving around rude smells, most infamously with its tagline "This game stinks" and foul-smelling scratch and sniff cards, which was deemed by critics as bizzare and did bare minimum to describe the actual game. The graphics were heavily criticized, as during the time of when the game was released, a major selling point was impressive graphics akin to ''{{wp|Final Fantasy VI}}'' and ''{{wp|Chrono Trigger}}''; by contrast, ''EarthBound''{{'}}s simplistic graphics was viewed as being dated and "too cartoonish" by many critics. The overall price of the packaged game is also precieved to have hindered its sales. The poor sales and reception resulted in the game being excluded in the European market.
 
Despite its failure, ''EarthBound'' aquired a large following through the following years, further fueled by its representation in the ''Super Smash Bros'' series, which greatly changed the perception of the game by the time of the game's re-release.
 
===Re-releases===
Upon reaching the Virtual Console, the game received strong acclaim with its Wii U Virtual Console re-release. The game received a ''GameZone'' score of 10/10 and the ''Nintendo World Report'' gave it 9.5/10, while receiving a ''GameRanking'' score of 88%. Critics praised the wacky humor, characters, and unique modern-day real-world setting, considering it as not only one of the greatest RPG games of all time, but the most original. They also enjoyed how the game can shift from being "dark and serious" to "lighthearted and silly". The visuals, which were originally seen as detrimental, are now considered one of the many charms of the game. Many have praised the soundtrack as one of the big selling points. ''EarthBound'' has been viewed as the biggest example of a cult classic.
 
''EarthBound'' became one of Nintendo's best selling downloadable games in the Virtual Console lifespan, constantly topping the charts of the Wii U's most bought downloadable games. Prior to the closure of the eShop on the Wii U, the game was the fourth best selling Virtual Console game on the Wii U, surpassed only by ''{{mw|Super Mario Bros. 3}}'', ''{{mw|Super Mario World}}'', and ''{{mw|Super Mario 64}}'', and was the sixth best selling downloadable game on the Wii U overall. Throughout the years, multiple reader polls and critics had named ''EarthBound'' one of the [[wikipedia:List of video games considered the best|greatest video games ever made]].
 
==Gallery==
''For the game's main image gallery see [[Gallery:EarthBound]].''
===Boxart and promotional art===
<gallery class="ebgallery">
Mother 2 Box.png|Japanese box art
EarthBound box.png|North American box art
EarthBound box NSO.png|North American Nintendo Switch Online box art
EARLY EB BOX BOI.png|Early American box art
Early EarthBound Boxart.png|Another early version of the American box art
EarthBound Poster.jpg|The promotional poster that was sent to retailers
EB Player's Guide Cover.jpg|The [[EarthBound Player's Guide|Player's Guide/Manual]] that came with ''EarthBound''
EB banner1.jpg|First banner from the official website
EB banner2.jpg|Second banner from the official website
</gallery>
 
===Logos===
<gallery class="ebgallery">
EarthBound logo.png|American logo
Mother 2 logo.png|Japanese logo
Mother 2 Logo (Prototype).jpg|An early 1992 prototype version of the Japanese logo
Alt EarthBound logo.png|Alternative American logo
</gallery>
 
===Title screens===
<gallery class="ebgallery">
EarthBound Title Prototype.jpg|Prototype English title screen
EarthBound title.png|English title screen
Mother2 title.png|Japanese title screen
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*The ESRB, the American rating system for video games, rated ''EarthBound'' for the Wii Virtual Console. This rating, however, was a mistake.<ref>[http://www.infendo.com/no-earthbound-for-vc-esrb-rating-a-mistake/ Article of the Wii's VC's Earthbound ESRB rating]</ref>  The game was later confirmed for a Wii U Virtual Console release, scheduled for late 2013.<ref>[http://earthboundcentral.com/2013/04/earthbound-on-virtual-console-coming/ EarthBound Central's Article on the Wii U's VC's EarthBound release]</ref>
*The ESRB, the American rating system for video games, rated ''EarthBound'' for the Wii Virtual Console. This rating, however, was a mistake.<ref>[http://www.infendo.com/no-earthbound-for-vc-esrb-rating-a-mistake/ Article of the Wii's VC's Earthbound ESRB rating]</ref>  The game was later confirmed for a Wii U Virtual Console release and released in mid 2013.<ref>[http://earthboundcentral.com/2013/04/earthbound-on-virtual-console-coming/ EarthBound Central's Article on the Wii U's VC's EarthBound release]</ref>
*''EarthBound'' had an infamously odd marketing campaign in North America, which included the tagline "This game stinks!" (a reference to the included scratch-and-sniff cards).
*All of the game's areas are connected to each other. Using a [[walk through walls glitch|glitch to walk through otherwise impassable objects]] and off the map, players can walk to Giygas' lair in the [[Cave of the Past]].  
*All of the game's areas are connected to each other. Using a [[walk through walls glitch|glitch to walk through otherwise impassable objects]] and off the map, players can walk to Giygas' lair in the [[Cave of the Past]].  
*The game has several checksum to avoid abusing the previously mentioned map glitching to complete the game. The player must fall down the hole in [[Lumine Hall]], and must have defeated [[Ness's Nightmare]].
*The game has several checksum to avoid abusing the previously mentioned map glitching to complete the game. The player must fall down the hole in [[Lumine Hall]], and must have defeated [[Ness's Nightmare]].
*''EarthBound'' takes place in a fictional land called [[Eagleland]]. Many fans think this is a parody of the United States of America, but Shigesato Itoi stated that the game is not necessarily set there. This is why party members like [[Poo]] appear to come from different cultures.
*''EarthBound'' takes place in a fictional world based off of the real world: [[Eagleland]] is based off of America, [[FoggyLand]] ([[Winters]] and [[Summers]]) is based off of Europe, and [[Chommo]] ([[Dalaam]], [[Scaraba]] and [[Deep Darkness]]) is based off of Asia and northern Africa. Shigesato Itoi intended the setting to have an international feeling, this is why party members like [[Poo]] appear to come from different cultures.
*''Mother 2'' was available as a downloadable game for the [[wikipedia:Nintendo Power (cartridge)|Nintendo Power]], a Japan-only flash-memory cartridge that allowed owners to purchase Super Famicom games at a lowered price.
 
==Gallery==
''For the subject's image gallery see [[Gallery:EarthBound]]''
{{gallery|galleryname=Boxart and promotional art|color=EB}}
{{gallery/cell|EarthBound box.png|200px|North American box art}}
{{gallery/cell|Mother 2 Box.jpg|100px|Japanese box art}}
{{gallery/cell|Early EarthBound boxart.jpg|200px|Early American box art}}
|-
{{gallery/cell|EB banner1.jpg|150px|First banner from the official website}}
{{gallery/cell|EB banner2.jpg|300px|Second banner from the official website}}
|}
{{gallery|galleryname=Logos|color=EB}}
{{gallery/cell|EarthBound logo.png|200px|American logo}}
{{gallery/cell|Mother 2 logo.png|150px|Japanese logo}}
{{gallery/cell|Alt EarthBound logo.png|150px|Alternative American logo}}
|}
{{gallery|galleryname=Title screens|color=EB}}
{{gallery/cell|EarthBound title.png|200px|English title screen}}
{{gallery/cell|Mother2 title.png|200px|Japanese title screen}}
|}


==References==
==References==
Line 910: Line 945:
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGOEMCG2Ll4 Wii U Virtual Console release trailer]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGOEMCG2Ll4 Wii U Virtual Console release trailer]
* [http://www.gamehiker.com/wiki/index.php?title=EarthBound Article] at [http://www.gamehiker.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page GameHiker's Nintendo Wiki]
* [http://www.gamehiker.com/wiki/index.php?title=EarthBound Article] from GameHiker
* [http://walkthrough.starmen.net/earthbound/= Walkthrough of the game by Starmen.net]
* [http://walkthrough.starmen.net/earthbound/= Walkthrough of the game by Starmen.net]
 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EarthBound Wikipedia]
* [https://niwanetwork.org/wiki/EarthBound_(game) NintendoWiki]


{{Games}}
{{Games}}
[[Category:EarthBound|*]]
[[Category:EarthBound|*]]
[[it:EarthBound]]
[[it:EarthBound]]