Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

EarthBound

Review
Also known as
MOTHER 2 ギーグの逆襲 Mother 2: Gīgu no Gyakushū

This RPG follows Ness's quirky journey to save the world with a unique sense of humor and dedicated cult following.

EarthBound (MOTHER 2) was released on the Super Famicom in Japan on August 27, 1994, and on the SNES in North America on June 5, 1995. The earliest worldwide commercial release on the SNES platform is the Japanese Super Famicom version in 1994, which is also the original release year.


							EarthBound cover
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About EarthBound

EarthBound is a top-down role-playing game and a sequel to Mother. Its story begins in the town of Onett, where a boy named Ness is drawn into a conflict after a meteor crash introduces him to a being from the future named Buzz Buzz. This entity informs Ness that an alien called Giygas will conquer the world, and that Ness must unite with three other youths: Paula, who possesses psychic abilities; Jeff, a mechanical expert; and Poo, a prince. Their journey to confront Giygas takes them across Eagleland and other nations.

Combat occurs through turn-based encounters with visible enemies on the field. Party members can attack, use items, employ special psychic powers for offense or healing, or attempt to flee. A distinctive mechanic involves rolling HP meters, where damage subtracts from a character's health gradually rather than instantly, allowing for potential recovery if a battle ends quickly. Experience points are gained from victories, strengthening the party to the point where significantly weaker enemies may flee and be defeated automatically if pursued.

Progression is supported by an economic system where defeated foes deposit money into Ness's bank account. These funds are accessed via ATMs and used in shops for equipment and items. The game is saved by locating a telephone to call Ness's father.

EarthBound Screenshots

12 images
Title screen
Inside a room
There are two cops here.
Fighting Fooz the dog.
A secret treasure
Off we go!
The game surely has a sense of humor
You can name your favorite thing... one of the default choices is
You have answered all the questions, named all the characters and things. Let's see how it looks like...
Intro
Ness at home
Interaction menu