The Nintendo SNES era is often regarded as one of the most iconic and beloved periods in gaming history. One game that still holds a special place in the hearts of many retro gamers is EarthBound, also known as Mother 2 in Japan. Released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), EarthBound was developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory, and published by Nintendo.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of EarthBound, its history, gameplay, reception, and more, including information about its age rating and how it has been hacked to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

History of EarthBound

EarthBound was first released in Japan on November 21, 1994, as Mother 2. The game was designed by Shigesato Itoi, a renowned Japanese author, musician, and video game designer. Itoi is best known for his work on the Ultra Happy Splash Girl (1985) children's book series, which inspired the development of EarthBound.

The game follows the story of Ness, a young boy with psychic powers who must save the world from an alien invasion. Alongside Ness are his friends Poo, Paula, and Jeff, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. Throughout their journey, the group encounters various characters, including the enigmatic Mr. Saturn, who becomes a central figure in the game's narrative.

EarthBound was initially well-received by Japanese critics and audiences, but its commercial performance was somewhat limited due to Nintendo's decision not to release it outside of Japan until 1995. The game received praise for its quirky characters, engaging story, and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Gameplay

One of the defining features of EarthBound is its unique blend of role-playing (RPG) and strategy elements. Players control one of four main characters: Ness, Poo, Paula, or Jeff, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game's battle system is turn-based, but also incorporates elements of exploration and puzzle-solving.

The game's world is divided into nine regions, each with its own distinct atmosphere and challenges. From the lush forests of Onett to the snowy mountains of Fourside, each region is filled with hidden secrets and surprises. Players can interact with non-playable characters (NPCs), collect items, and engage in turn-based battles against enemies.

EarthBound's graphics and sound design were also praised at the time of its release. The game's vibrant colors, charming characters, and catchy music helped to establish it as one of the most memorable games of the 1990s.

Reception

When EarthBound was finally released outside of Japan in 1995, it received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the game's originality, humor, and engaging story. The game holds a 93% approval rating on GameRankings, a review aggregation website that tracks video games.

EarthBound also performed well commercially, selling over 1 million copies worldwide during its initial release. While it did not achieve the same level of success as other Nintendo franchises like Super Mario or The Legend of Zelda, EarthBound developed a dedicated fan base and has since become a cult classic.

Age Rating

EarthBound was initially rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America, due to its mild language, suggestive humor, and occasional violence. In Europe, the game received an 18 rating from the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) council, also citing violent themes.

In recent years, EarthBound has undergone a re-rating by the ESRB, which has assigned a Teen (13+) rating to the game in North America, citing " mild language and thematic elements." The PEGI council still assigns an 7+ rating to the game in Europe, indicating that it is suitable for players aged 7 and above.

Hack: Mr. Accident's v1.1 Release

In recent years, a dedicated community of EarthBound fans has been working on hacking and modding the game to celebrate its 10th anniversary. One notable hack is Mr. Accident's v1.1 release, which was made available in 2014.

Mr. Accident's hack introduces several new features, including a new storyline, characters, and gameplay mechanics. The hack also includes a number of quality-of-life improvements, such as enhanced graphics and sound design.

The hack has been well-received by fans, who praise its faithfulness to the original game while also introducing new elements that enhance the overall experience. However, it's worth noting that not all EarthBound fans are in favor of hacking, citing concerns about the impact on the game's original integrity and commercial value.

Legacy

EarthBound may have started as a niche title in Japan, but its influence can be seen in many modern games. The game's unique blend of RPG and strategy elements has inspired developers such as Shigeru Miyamoto, who cited EarthBound as an inspiration for the development of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

EarthBound has also become a cultural phenomenon among retro gamers and anime fans, with its quirky characters and memorable story becoming ingrained in popular culture. In 2018, a documentary film about the game's history was released, featuring interviews with key developers and industry experts.

Conclusion

EarthBound is a true classic of the SNES era, a game that continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor, charm, and engaging gameplay mechanics. While it may not have achieved mainstream success during its initial release, EarthBound has developed a dedicated fan base over the years and remains one of the most beloved games of all time.

The recent release of Mr. Accident's v1.1 hack is a testament to the dedication and passion of EarthBound fans worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned retro gamer or new to the series, EarthBound is definitely worth checking out, especially during its 10th anniversary celebration.