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| other boxart size=250px
| other boxart size=250px
| other boxart caption=EarthBound Beginnings eshop card
| other boxart caption=EarthBound Beginnings eshop card
| system=[[NES| Famicom]], Wii U [[Virtual Console]]
| system=[[Nintendo Entertainment System| Famicom]]
| rerelease=yes
| rereleasesystem= [[Wii U]] [[Virtual Console]] <small>(initial platform outside Japan)</small>
| genre=RPG
| genre=RPG
| rating=''T for Teen'' <small>(ESRB rating, EarthBound Beginnings rerelease)</small>
| rating=''T for Teen'' <small>(ESRB rating, EarthBound Beginnings rerelease)</small>
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}}
}}
{{StrategyWiki|Mother}}
{{StrategyWiki|Mother}}
'''''EarthBound Beginnings''''' (Japanese: '''{{tt| マザー| Mazā}}''' '''''Mother''''', stylized as '''MOTHER'''), is a 1989 roleplaying video game originally released on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System| Famicom]]. It was developed by [[Ape Inc.]] and was published by [[Nintendo]], and is the first game in the [[Mother (series)| ''EarthBound'' trilogy]]. Originally created by Japanese copywriter [[Shigesato Itoi]], ''EarthBound Beginnings'' follows the travels of four children — [[Ninten]], [[Lloyd]], [[Ana]], and [[Teddy]] — and their attempts to stop an intergalatic alien's invasion of Earth. Gameplay takes place within an overworld consisting of Americana themes and tropes, where random encounters trigger turn-based battles with menu interfaces.
'''''EarthBound Beginnings''''', also known by its Japanese name '''''Mother''''' (Japanese: '''{{tt| マザー| Mazā}}''', stylized as '''MOTHER'''), is a 1989 roleplaying video game originally released on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System| Famicom]]. It was developed by [[Ape Inc.]] and was published by [[Nintendo]], and is the first game in the [[Mother (series)| ''EarthBound'' trilogy]]. Originally created by Japanese copywriter [[Shigesato Itoi]], ''EarthBound Beginnings'' follows the travels of four children — [[Ninten]], [[Lloyd]], [[Ana]], and [[Teddy]] — and their attempts to stop an intergalatic alien's invasion of Earth. Gameplay takes place within an overworld consisting of Americana themes and tropes, where random encounters trigger turn-based battles with menu interfaces.


''Mother'' was released to positive reception and commercial success in Japan, although some noted its difficulty. In 1990, Nintendo of America commenced and completed localization of the game under the name ''Earth Bound''. However, the release of the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] and other difficulties resulted in the game not being released for the NES. Prototype cartridges of the localized version were discovered and uploaded to the Internet in 1998 with the name "EarthBound Zero". ''Mother'' would later be succeeded by ''[[Mother 2]]'' and ''[[Mother 3]]'', of which only ''Mother 2'' would be released internationally as ''[[EarthBound]]''. ''Mother'' was later part of the Game Boy Advance compilation ''[[Mother 1+2]]'' in 2003. On June 15, 2015, Mother was finally released in North America and other countries on the Wii U Virtual Console as ''EarthBound Beginnings'', following the original prototype version, making it the second installment of the series to be released outside Japan.
''Mother'' was released to positive reception and commercial success in Japan, although some noted its difficulty. In 1990, Nintendo of America commenced and completed localization of the game under the name ''Earth Bound''. However, the release of the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] and other difficulties resulted in the game not being released for the NES. Prototype cartridges of the localized version were discovered and uploaded to the Internet in 1998 with the name "EarthBound Zero". ''Mother'' would later be succeeded by ''[[Mother 2]]'' and ''[[Mother 3]]'', of which only ''Mother 2'' would be released internationally as ''[[EarthBound]]''. ''Mother'' was later part of the Game Boy Advance compilation ''[[Mother 1+2]]'' in 2003. On June 15, 2015, Mother was finally released in North America and other countries on the Wii U Virtual Console as ''EarthBound Beginnings'', following the original prototype version, making it the second installment of the series to be released outside Japan.


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
{{spoiler}}
During the 1920s, a cloud forms over a small American town, during which a couple, [[George]] and [[Maria]], are abducted. Years later, George quietly returns, and begins a study of powers called [[PSI]].
During the 1920s, a cloud forms over a small American town, during which a couple, [[George]] and [[Maria]], are abducted. Years later, George quietly returns, and begins a study of powers called [[PSI]].


In the year 198X, Ninten, a young boy north of the city of [[Podunk]], has his house wracked by a doll, which holds a tune that he memorizes. His father calls and instructs him to go on an adventure to realize his PSI skills. In the town, he rescues [[Pippi]], a girl missing in the graveyard, and calms the Zoo, where animals had gone crazy due to the influence of a cosmic [[Starman]]. Heading east, Ninten comes across an entryway to {{ebb| Magicant}}—a mystical world ruled by Queen Mary. She explains the importance of finding eight melodies to complete a song. Returning to the normal world, Ninten finds a boy named [[Lloyd]], who joins Ninten's party. They head to the wintry town of [[Snowman]], where a psychic girl named [[Ana]] joins the party. The children find the melodies along canaries, haunted houses, a talking cactus, and dragons beneath Magicant.
In the year 1988, Ninten, a young boy north of the city of [[Podunk]], has his house wracked by a poltergeist causing his lamp and sister's doll to come to life. Once the poltergeist left he examines the doll, which holds a tune that he memorizes. His father calls and instructs him to go on an adventure to realize his PSI skills. He advises Ninten to find his Great Grandfather's diary left in the basement. In the town, Ninten searches for a young girl named [[Pippi]], who had gone missing in the graveyard. After rescuing her, Ninten is tasked by the [[A. Goodman|mayor]] to calm the Zoo, where animals had gone crazy. Along the way he returns a lost canary chick to its mother, who sings a song which Ninten memorizes. At the zoo the animals became hostile due to the influence of a cosmic [[Starman]]. After defeating it and calming the animals, he learns another melody from a singing monkey. Heading east, Ninten comes across a cave with a strange pink rock where he hears a voice speak to him telepathically. He reads the Great Grandfather's diary which opens an entryway to {{ebb| Magicant}}—a mystical world ruled by Queen Mary. She explains the importance of finding [[Eight Melodies]] to complete a song.


Ninten, Lloyd, and Ana arrive in [[Ellay]]. The leader of the [[Bla-Bla Gang]], [[Teddy]], attacks the group, but soon becomes amiable after losing to Ninten. At the base of the nearby Mt. Itoi, Ninten and Ana profess their love. A large robot attacks their cabin, and the party is saved by Lloyd. Teddy is severely injured. The party continues to climb Mt. Itoi, and meet George's benevolent robot, [[EVE]]. Their quick ascent ends after EVE sacrifices herself to defeat a large robot. After learning the final melody at the summit of the mountain, the party is teleported to Magicant. Queen Mary, recalling the Melodies, tells the party of her adopted young alien child named [[Giygas]], and reveals herself as Maria. Magicant, a result of her own conscience, disappears, along with Maria herself, leaving the children to face the alien threat at the peak.
Returning to the normal world, Ninten finds a boy named [[Lloyd]], who joins Ninten's party after receiving a bottle rocket from the nearby [[Sweet's Little Factory|factory]]. After this they head north to find a way to clear a landslide which is blocking the train station past the town's northern exit. After traveling through the large [[Duncan's Factory]], Lloyd fires a bottle rocket to blow up the rocks to clear the way. They head to the wintry town of [[Snowman]], where a psychic girl named [[Ana]] joins the party after Ninten returns her hat. Ana informs Ninten that they must check on the town of [[Youngtown]]. Along the way the children investigate a haunted houses, where a piano plays a melody for Ninten all on its own. They then head through a vast desert where a talking cactus sings another melody. At Youngtown they find that all of the childrens' parents have been abducted by a large spaceship and taken to [[Mt. Itoi]], beyond a swamp and to the town of [[Ellay]].


At the top, Giygas reveals himself, telling how George stole the ability of PSI, unknowingly "betraying his people". Giygas attempts to unleash an attack on the party, but the children sing the Eight Melodies to him. Giygas, recalling Maria and her motherly love, is overwhelmed in emotion, and departs from the Earth. Lloyd, Ana, and Teddy return to their normal lives, while Ninten returns home. His father calls, and while waiting for Ninten to answer, states that "something has come up".  
Ninten, Lloyd, and Ana arrive in [[Ellay]]. The leader of the [[Bla-Bla Gang]], [[Teddy]], attacks the group, but soon becomes amiable after losing to Ninten and joins the party leaving Lloyd behind to rest. They continue to find the rest of the melodies, where one is guarded by a dragon beneathe Magicant. Their next destination is Mt. Itoi, where inside a house at the plateau, Ninten and Ana profess their love. A large robot attacks their cabin, and the party is saved by Lloyd. Teddy, however, is severely injured, forcing Lloyd to rejoin the team. The party continues to climb Mt. Itoi, and meet George's benevolent robot, [[EVE]]. Their quick ascent ends after EVE sacrifices herself to defeat a large robot, however the wrecked EVE is revealed to contain a melody for Ninten to learn. At the peak of the mountain they find George's gravestone. Suddenly crystal fragments appear to teach Ninten the final melody. The party returns to Magicant to sing the full song to Queen Mary. She recalls the Melodies along with her adopted young alien child named [[Giygas]], and reveals herself as Maria. Magicant, a result of her own conscience, disappears, along with Maria herself, leaving the children to face the alien threat at the summit.
 
At the top, Giygas reveals himself, telling how George stole the ability of PSI, unknowingly "betraying his people". Giygas attempts to unleash an attack on the party, but the children sing the Eight Melodies to him. Giygas, recalling Maria and her motherly love, is overwhelmed in emotion, and departs from the Earth. Lloyd, Ana, and Teddy return to their normal lives, while Ninten returns home. His father calls, and while waiting for Ninten to answer, states that "something has come up".


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
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{{Character list| color=M1| Sprite| Name| Description}}}
{{Character list| color=M1| Sprite| Name| Description}}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Ninten sprite.png| 25px| link=Ninten]]| [[Ninten]]| '''Ninten''' is the game's protagonist. A 12-year-old boy from the town of [[Podunk]], he is sent by Queen Mary of Magicant to locate the Eight Melodies. Ninten can use special PSI abilities like [[4th-D Slip]] and [[QuickUp| Quick Up]]. He can also use various [[baseball bat| baseball bats]] to attack opponents.}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Ninten sprite.png| link=Ninten]]| [[Ninten]]| '''Ninten''' is the game's protagonist. A 12-year-old boy from the town of [[Podunk]], he is sent by Queen Mary of Magicant to locate the Eight Melodies. Ninten can use special PSI abilities like [[4th-D Slip]] and [[QuickUp| Quick Up]]. He can also use various [[baseball bat| baseball bats]] to attack opponents.}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Lloyd sprite.png| 25px| link=Lloyd]]| [[Lloyd]]| '''Lloyd''' is an 11-year-old weak and nerdy boy from [[Merrysville]]. Although lacking PSI, Lloyd can attack enemies using various types of [[gun]]s and explosives.}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Lloyd sprite.png| link=Lloyd]]| [[Lloyd]]| '''Lloyd''' is an 11-year-old weak and nerdy boy from [[Merrysville]]. Although lacking PSI, Lloyd can attack enemies using various types of [[gun]]s and explosives.}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Ana sprite.png| 25px| link=Ana]]| [[Ana]]| '''Ana''' is a 12-year-old girl from [[Snowman]]. Ana joins Ninten to look for her missing mother. She possesses many powerful offensive PSI abilities. Additionally, Ana can use [[frying pan]]s as weapons.}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Ana sprite.png| link=Ana]]| [[Ana]]| '''Ana''' is a 12-year-old girl from [[Snowman]]. Ana joins Ninten to look for her missing mother. She possesses many powerful offensive PSI abilities. Additionally, Ana can use [[frying pan]]s as weapons.}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Teddy sprite.png| 25px| link=Teddy]]| [[Teddy]]| '''Teddy''' is the boss of the [[Bla-Bla Gang]]. Teddy joins Ninten to avenge his murdered parents. Although he lacks PSI, Teddy excels in physical combat, especially with [[blade]]s.}}
{{Character list/cell| [[File:Teddy sprite.png| link=Teddy]]| [[Teddy]]| '''Teddy''' is the boss of the [[Bla-Bla Gang]]. Teddy joins Ninten to avenge his murdered parents. Although he lacks PSI, Teddy excels in physical combat, especially with [[blade]]s.}}
|}
|}


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Status ailments are conditions that hinder the player or an enemy in battle. They can usually be cured with certain items.
Status ailments are conditions that hinder the player or an enemy in battle. They can usually be cured with certain items.
*'''Asleep''' - renders the player unable to do anything.
*'''Asleep''' - renders the player unable to do anything.
*'''Asthema''' - renders the player unable to attack. This ailment is exclusive to Ninten.
*'''Asthma''' - renders the player unable to attack. This ailment is exclusive to Ninten.
*'''Blindness''' - decreases the accuracy of an attack.
*'''Blindness''' - decreases the accuracy of an attack.
*'''Bound''' - similar to paralysis, can only be afflicted with a rope.
*'''Bound''' - similar to paralysis, can only be afflicted with a rope.
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==Enemies==
==Enemies==
===Normal enemies===
===Normal enemies===
{| style="background:#{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; border: 2px solid #{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundy|15px}}; width: 100%; padding: 2px;"  
{| style="image-rendering:pixelated; background:#{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; border: 2px solid #{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundy|15px}}; width: 100%; padding: 2px;"  
|-
|-
! style="background: #{{lightcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundytl|20px}} {{roundybl|5px}};width:10%;" |Image
! style="background: #{{lightcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundytl|20px}} {{roundybl|5px}};width:10%;" |Image
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! style="background: #{{lightcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundytr|20px}} {{roundybr|5px}}" |Location
! style="background: #{{lightcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundytr|20px}} {{roundybr|5px}}" |Location
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:Lamp.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:Lamp M1 sprite.png]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Lamp]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Lamp]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |6
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |6
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |5
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |5
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |$10
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |$10
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[South Cemetery]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[South Cemetery]] <br> [[Rosemary's house]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:MrBat.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:MrBat.gif]]
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |35
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |35
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |0
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |0
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |3 (If defeated)<br>60-80 (If left alone)
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |3 (If defeated)<br>60-80 (If left alone; EXP granted to only one party member)
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |$12
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |$12
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |{{ebb| Magicant}}<br>[[Magicant Underground]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |{{ebb| Magicant}}<br>[[Magicant Underground]]
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |36
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |36
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |$30
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |$30
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]<br>[[Spookane]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:Fugitive.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:Fugitive.gif]]
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:MadCar.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:M1 Mad Car sprite.png]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Mad Car]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Mad Car]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |40
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |40
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:MadTruck.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:M1 Mad Truck sprite.png]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Mad Truck]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Mad Truck]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |60
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |60
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:ManiacTruck.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:M1 Maniac Truck sprite.png]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[ManiacTruck]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[ManiacTruck]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |80
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |80
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:PsychoCar.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:M1 Psycho Car sprite.png]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Psycho Car]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Psycho Car]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |40
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |40
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Merrysville]]<br>[[Reindeer]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:PsychoTruck.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:M1 Psycho Truck sprite.png]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Psycho Truck]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Psycho Truck]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |58
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |58
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| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Mt. Itoi]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Mt. Itoi]]
|-
|-
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:Titanian.gif]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[File:M1 Titanian sprite.png]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Titanian]]
! style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |[[Titanian]]
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |320
| style="background: #fff;text-align:center;" |320
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===Bosses===
===Bosses===
{| style="background:#{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; border: 2px solid #{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundy|15px}}; width: 100%; padding: 2px;"  
{| style="image-rendering:pixelated; background:#{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; border: 2px solid #{{darkcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundy|15px}}; width: 100%; padding: 2px;"  
|-
|-
! style="background: #{{lightcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundytl|20px}} {{roundybl|5px}};width:10%;" |Image
! style="background: #{{lightcolor|{{{game|EBB}}}}}; {{roundytl|20px}} {{roundybl|5px}};width:10%;" |Image
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==Reception==
==Reception==
Mother was a commercial success in Japan, receiving the "Silver Hall of Fame" score of 31/40 from ''Weekly Famitsu''. According to a ''Famitsu'' poll, it was considered the 9th best Famicom game and the 38th best game of all time.
Mother was a commercial success in Japan, receiving the "Silver Hall of Fame" score of 31/40 from ''Weekly Famitsu''. According to a ''Famitsu'' poll, it was considered the 9th best Famicom game and the 38th best game of all time.
EarthBound Beginnings also received strong positive reception in the west, similar to its successor. It was one of the most bought NES game on the Wii U Virtual Console during its lifespan, and was the only NES game with a 5 star rating during the first few months of the release. Critics praised its originality, music, and artstyle, while saying how it "parodies" other more "serious" RPG games such as the ''[[dragonquest:Dragon Quest (series)| Dragon Quest]]'' series. Around the time of its Inital release, EarthBound Beginnings was the best selling downloadable game on the Wii U in America and Europe, surpassing Splatoon in digital sales<ref>https://earthboundcentral.com/2015/06/earthbound-beginnings-rules-multiple-wii-u-sales-charts/</ref>.
EarthBound Beginnings also received strong positive reception in the west, similar to its successor. It was one of the most bought NES games on the Wii U Virtual Console during its lifespan, and was the only NES game with a 5-star rating during the first few months of the release. Critics praised its originality, music, and artstyle, while saying how it "parodies" other more "serious" RPG games such as the ''[[dragonquest:Dragon Quest (series)| Dragon Quest]]'' series. Around the time of its initial release, EarthBound Beginnings was the best selling downloadable game on the Wii U in America and Europe, surpassing Splatoon in digital sales<ref>https://earthboundcentral.com/2015/06/earthbound-beginnings-rules-multiple-wii-u-sales-charts/</ref>.


===Balance issues===
===Balance issues===
However, the game has recieved criticism, one of the most noted is the balancing problems. Many parts of the game give the enemies a sudden increase in difficulty (most infamously [[Mt. Itoi]]) which causes many players to go through long periods of level grinding in order to progress, other complaints also include the random encounter rate. Nevertheless, EarthBound Beginnings remains one of the most popular downloadable games on the virtual console behind its successor.
While positively received, there are still various criticisms with the game - namely, the infamous difficulty spikes. Many parts of the game have enemies far more powerful than the previous section's (most notably [[Mt. Itoi]]) which forces grinding. Another complaint is also the random encounter rate, with enemies appearing far more frequently than other RPGs of the time.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{PartnerBox|
strategywiki=Mother
}}
*[http://walkthrough.starmen.net/earthbound0/ Starmen.net complete walkthrough]
*[http://walkthrough.starmen.net/earthbound0/ Starmen.net complete walkthrough]


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