I remember Earthbound very fondly from my formative days of video games as a 6th grader, itching to get my grubby little hands on any game I could. I had just been introduced to RPG's through Chrono Trigger months earlier, and my world had expanded beyond the bounds of just platformers, sports games and brawlers. Earthbound now sits as a treasure in my memorial basket, and I have decided to revisit my treasured memory for your browsing pleasure and my desire to recapture that distant joy.
I'm truly pleased to find myself back in Onett. Reacquainted with characters like Buzz Buzz, my dog and Franky from the back of the arcade, I found the dialog to be delightfully humorous. Whether it's my dog's color commentary or the random talking Sharks, I found myself laughing every three or four minutes from a subtle punchline to a hilarious, fourth-wall busting moment. It still feels great to get that Mr. Baseball Cap upgrade and buy my first bat - even if it's just a Tee-ball bat. The Spiteful crows reminded me again, why I hated them so much - he stole my Bread Roll. What a jerk! It's the highest level healing item at the beginning of the game, and, in my first battle, he stole it. Unbelievable. Regardless, I grind my way past Sharks, get flattened by Franky, grind some more, obliterate Franky, happily eat a hamburger and quickly take down the Giant Ant at the Giant Step for the first Sanctuary location.
11 Comments
@TofuFury: Thanks! It's amazing how good the game is. I love the modern setting and the unique battle system. It's a joy to be playing through right now. I hope to get the next entry up in a couple days.
I played Earthbound for the first time when I was 16. I was fascinated with discovering who this weird Ness character was from Super Smash Brothers. After buying a copy for $30 off of Funcoland's website (remember that place?), I began my first non-Pokemon RPG. At the time, I didn't know how much I would end up appreciating the modern day setting, but I immediately fell in love with the quirky cast. I wish my hometown was as cool as Onett. Granted, I wouldn't have enjoyed all of the Sharks ruining my fun, but it seemed peaceful enough. One part of the battle system I didn't expect was that enemy characters could jump in just before the battle. You'd try to level up around the arcade, and two more Sharks would join in for the pummeling. I think I was KOed once from being over-eager to level up. I think I freaked out the first time I was attacked by eight slugs in Giant Step. Thank goodness their psi abilities don't kick in right away, or that would be too difficult so early in the game. Keep up the great work!
@CaptainAntonius: I tend to agree with you. I hold it in high regard - probably top 10, I'd have to write them down. I first played Earthbound as a rental after seeing the videos on a SNES demo kiosk in Toys 'R Us, then after borrowing a friend's copy. Years later, I played it on an emulator on a Family Vacation on my Dad's laptop... that was a great vacation. Now, I intend to play to the end, and blog it all!
Some people might call me crazy, but I think Earthbound is one of the best games ever made. I'm not even saying this out of nostalgia! I played this game three years ago on an emulator and loved every bit of it. The ending made me tear up, and everything. It was just a wonderful, endearing, and honest little game that was deceptively complex and dark. I'm not sure what any of you would say, but as far as snes jrpgs go...Earthbound rivals Chrono Trigger in my opinion.
@Sparklykiss: Oh, I definitely plan on posting a lot. I really have been flying through it and taking my time on the blogs. In a few days my blogs should catch up to the current playthrough. I've never been to Moonside, and I greatly look forward to it!
@Genjai: I was only 4 when it came out, I wasn't 5 'til about a month later. :P The only jokes I ever got out of were hamburgers in the trash can. Everything else was wayyy over my head. I never beat the game 'til I was about 13. Started getting some of it then, played again when I was 18. And that game has aged incredibly well. =) You should post more 'til you finish or get to Moonside. Moonside is the main stopping point for most people I know.
@Sparklykiss: No problem! :^) Fun Times. Yeah, I think many of those fourth wall breaks escaped me the first time, but now they are downright hilarious! And yes, I must be an old man, but I started Earthbound in 6th grade, about the time it came out ;^P
You started Earthbound up in the 6th grade. I started up when I was 5. Whoop whoop! :D
I loved how they broke the fourth wall. Did you stop by the house that asked you if you knew the title to a certain Beatles song? I loved picking No. :D Franky was always a dick. As were the crows. Stealin' my good stuff and leaving me with a cheap ass cookie, those dicks! (Also really glad you did this. :D I didn't see it in my feed at first. >.<)
I remember Earthbound very fondly from my formative days of video games as a 6th grader, itching to get my grubby little hands on any game I could. I had just been introduced to RPG's through Chrono Trigger months earlier, and my world had expanded beyond the bounds of just platformers, sports games and brawlers. Earthbound now sits as a treasure in my memorial basket, and I have decided to revisit my treasured memory for your browsing pleasure and my desire to recapture that distant joy.
I'm truly pleased to find myself back in Onett. Reacquainted with characters like Buzz Buzz, my dog and Franky from the back of the arcade, I found the dialog to be delightfully humorous. Whether it's my dog's color commentary or the random talking Sharks, I found myself laughing every three or four minutes from a subtle punchline to a hilarious, fourth-wall busting moment. It still feels great to get that Mr. Baseball Cap upgrade and buy my first bat - even if it's just a Tee-ball bat. The Spiteful crows reminded me again, why I hated them so much - he stole my Bread Roll. What a jerk! It's the highest level healing item at the beginning of the game, and, in my first battle, he stole it. Unbelievable. Regardless, I grind my way past Sharks, get flattened by Franky, grind some more, obliterate Franky, happily eat a hamburger and quickly take down the Giant Ant at the Giant Step for the first Sanctuary location.
11 Comments