The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a revolutionary home video game console released by Nintendo in 1985. One of the most popular games for the NES was "Nakayoshi to Issho," a Japanese manga-based game that was later translated into English and released under the title "Mother 1" or simply "EarthBound." In this article, we will delve into the world of "Nakanyoshi to Issho," its gameplay, features, and more importantly, its age rating.

What is Nakayoshi to Issho?

"Nakayoshi to Issho," which translates to "Nakayoshi Together" in English, was a Japanese manga-based game released in 1986 for the Famicom Disk System (FDS), a peripheral to the NES. The game was developed by Intelligent Systems and is considered one of their earliest titles. The game's storyline is based on the popular manga series "Nakayoshi," which was aimed at young girls.

In the game, players control Ness, a young boy with psychic abilities, as he searches for his grandfather in Onett, a fictional town. The game features a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based battles against enemies.

English Translation

The English translation of "Nakayoshi to Issho" was released in 1990 under the title "EarthBound" by Nintendo of America. However, the game was not widely released in North America due to its perceived lack of appeal to a male audience. As a result, it gained a cult following among gamers who discovered the game through word-of-mouth.

The English translation of the game was handled by Intelligent Systems' own team, which included renowned translator Chris Hart and developer Junichi Masuda. The team worked hard to ensure that the game's story and characters were accurately translated, while also maintaining the original tone and spirit of the Japanese version.

Gameplay

"Nakayoshi to Issho" features a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based battles against enemies. Players control Ness as he searches for his grandfather in Onett, exploring various locations, including towns, caves, and forests. Along the way, Ness must solve puzzles and defeat enemies using his psychic abilities.

The game's battle system is turn-based, with players taking turns attacking or defending against enemies. The battles are turn-based, allowing players to strategize and use their skills effectively. Players can also collect items, such as food and medicine, to heal themselves and boost their stats.

Features

"Nakayoshi to Issho" features several unique elements that set it apart from other NES games:

1. Psychic Abilities: Ness's psychic abilities allow him to attack or defend against enemies in creative ways. Players can use his powers to defeat enemies or solve puzzles.
2. Turn-Based Battles: The game's battle system is turn-based, allowing players to strategize and use their skills effectively.
3. Exploration: Players must explore various locations, including towns, caves, and forests, to progress through the story.
4. Puzzle-Solving: Players must solve puzzles to unlock new areas or progress through the game.

Age Rating

"Nakayoshi to Issho" was initially rated as "All Ages" by the Japanese rating board, which suggests that it was suitable for all ages. However, upon its release in North America under the title "EarthBound," the game was rated "T" (Teen) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it is suitable for players aged 13 and above.

The ESRB rating was due to the game's mature themes, including violence, mild suggestive content, and some dark humor. However, the game's overall tone and spirit were deemed to be more suitable for younger audiences than older ones.

Legacy

"Nakayoshi to Issho" is considered a cult classic among NES fans, with many regarding it as one of the best games in the series. The game's unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based battles has influenced numerous other games, including the "EarthBound" series.

In 2013, Nintendo re-released "Mother 1" under the title "EarthBound Beginnings" for the Virtual Console service on the Wii U and later on the 3DS. This release allowed a new generation of gamers to experience the game's unique charm and gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion

"Nakayoshi to Issho," also known as "EarthBound" in English, is a classic NES game that offers a unique blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and turn-based battles. The game's storyline, characters, and gameplay mechanics have captivated gamers for decades, earning it a cult following among fans of the series.

While its age rating may be higher than some parents would prefer, "Nakayoshi to Issho" is still an excellent choice for gamers aged 13 and above who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience. Its legacy as one of the best games in the "EarthBound" series continues to grow, solidifying its place as a classic of Japanese gaming.

Additional Information

• Developer: Intelligent Systems
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Release Date: 1986 (Famicom Disk System)
• English Translation: Released by Nintendo of America in 1990 under the title "EarthBound"
• Age Rating: T (Teen) by the ESRB
• Platforms: NES, Famicom Disk System, Virtual Console (Wii U, 3DS)
• Genre: Action-Adventure, RPG