More Thoughts From Me #12: Staying Earthbound

Earthbound is one of my favorite Super Nintendo rpgs, if not my favorite of all time. I liked the game back when I wasn’t a fan of role playing games. I’ve bought Earthbound three times now: SNES, Wii U, and New 3DS. Why do I keep coming back to this game?

I didn’t like any of the NES or SNES Final Fantasy games the first time I played them. What can I say? I was young and foolish. I did, however, really love a little game called Earthbound. I read about it in Nintendo Power, thought it looked good, and asked my parents to buy it for me. The game came with a strategy guide and a scratch ‘n’ sniff stickers! I played the game and loved it right away. Earthbound had a crazy and fun story and a unique sense of humor. I loved how it parodied (at the time) modern day life. It was a ton of fun.

Flashforward to the Wii U: I hear that Nintendo will bringing the game out on the system. I had to buy it! I admit I got distracted by other games, though, and didn’t play Earthbound on the Wii U as much as I wanted to.

Then, recently, Nintendo released the game yet again. This time, they brought it out on the New 3DS. I had to have the game again! A portable Earthbound?! Come on. I can play the game anywhere I want to now. And while I have gotten distracted by other games yet again, its only a matter of time before I start playing this portable version of Earthbound a lot more. The game is too tempting on my New 3DS!

Why do I keep getting drawn back to Earthbound? The game is no longer parodying current day life. Its dated now and yet, I don’t care. Earthbound has a charm that out lasts any of its making fun of real life. It never takes itself seriously. Earthbound just wants to have fun and take you on a ride. I still love its enemies: pago punk, mole playing rough, etc. The game holds up very well.

And the game looks good on a small screen! Earthbound’s charm feels very good in a portable environment. I also love that I can save anywhere now thanks to restore points! Its great to have Earthbound again. Still, I do wish Nintendo would do a new Earthbound. I think a 3DS or New 3DS Earthbound would be amazing.

The creator of Earthbound has said we will probably never see another new Earthbound, but I’m not sure he’s right. Nintendo owns this property and they’ve been using it a lot lately. Ness and Lucas both have their own amiibo, both are in Super Smash Bros for 3DS & Wii U, Earthbound Beginnings came to the Wii U last year, and Earthbound has come to the Wii U and 3DS. Why use a property like this so much if you’re not going do something new with it? I think, sooner or later, we’ll see a new Earthbound. Though, I think we will  see the never released in the West Mother 3 first!

Thats all my guesses and hopes though. For now, I’ll just have to be happy with Earthbound on the Wii U and New 3DS. Sooner or later, I must download Earthbound Beginnings too!

What do you all think? Have you played Earthbound? Do you like it? What about Earthbound on the Wii U and New 3DS? Also: do you think we’ll ever see Earthbound 3 and/or a new game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

I’ll be back next week with my thoughts on (some) Nintendo fans. I have some harsh things to say. Take care.