Mother is a video game series in Japan, with the second one (on SNES) released stateside as Earthbound. The name was inspired from the director's, Shigesato Itoi, love of John Lennon's song 'Mother' and he also had a desire to name the game something "ungame like", too.



The first one (on NES), was supposed to be released in the U.S., but was delayed six months and, by that time, the SNES was picking up steam, so Nintendo dropped it's release, despite it being translated (you can find it as Earthbound Zero online). The second one was released here, but didn't sell well enough for Nintendo. The marketing was odd, though. I remember getting the impression it was a game like Earthworm Jim. Then, the third was released in Japan, but never here. This time the fans stepped up and worked on a fan translation, which they completed.

I ended up playing the series backwards, since I was initially most interested in 3. Then I was like "Hey, maybe I should play 2!" So, I did and then much later I figured I might as well finish the series up with the first, which was no easy task for me with this one having random, frequent battles. But, like the other two, the story, character and humor is what keeps you. After playing all three, I would say the third is still my favorite, but they're all great games.

When asked about a 4th, Shigesato Itoi said he wants to be the player next time, since he mentioned putting all the creative energy he could muster into 3. Yeah, it's a bummer, but I can respect him not making something just so fans will buy it.

Have you played any? All? Curious about the series? Want to nag Kris to play Mother3? This is the thread for you!

I've never played it and before you told us about it never heard of it before :P
Always wanted to start the series since then but never got around to, I think I'll play when I'm done with Mass Effect. :D

i've only played mother 3, but i'd say if you like RPGs in the slightest, you should try it.

Grrr :angry: :P

I'll definitely be getting to it soon!

I've always wanted to play them.

I played Earthbound once, but don't remember much of it other than Porky, and the awesome music that came with the final fight.

I would buy it, but the only copy I can find is $80 at a local store...then online, it's around the same...V_V

This will be my only post in this thread: don't hurt me benny :unsure:

You better! :angry: :P

You should!

You should play the 3rd! It's really good.

And I couldn't hurt you, Josh.

I knew you'd post that. XD

I've started Earthbound about 4 or 5 times, but for some reason have just never finished it. :mellow:

I started Earthbound years ago one time, but didn't finish it. Jason, I really think you'd like 3 if you tried it.

I got to the WPC in New Pork in 3 but I could only take grinding hippos for so long.

YES

ps: PLAY MORE EARTHBOUND, KRIS

Custom NES carts?

Interesting! It looks like I can have my own copy of Mother1 on NES eventually. :D

Yesterday I started nagging Andy to play Mother3 yesterday when he mentioned it was a part of his childhood and he holds Earthbound in high regard.

Nearing the end of Mother 3, I'm thinking. Only one more needle to pull and I have PK (favourite thing) omega and PK Starstorm.

PK Chitose. I kind of gave up after I came to the part where you grind on hippos (which is a bit after where you are).

PK Katana

PK nono






B)

XD Drew, you are so Drew.

Ah yes, love the series. ^_^

Beat both Mother 2 and Mother 3, although I've never even touched the first one.


Pretty fun games, what I probably like most is the weirdness factor.

Finished! It was a great game.

I both liked and disliked how it ended. I thought it was clever but I wanted more!

Any of you guys play or even hear of Contact on the DS?

The art style really reminds me of the Mother games and it's quite quirky too. Definitely one of those rare unheard gems that doesn't get the attention it deserves.

You've played through it, I take it? What's it's good and bad points?

I've been curious about this too. Is there a connection with Mother?

Doubt there's a true connection.

But like, is it the same studio or producer or something?

Well, it's made by Atlus, and no, there isn't any connection to the series.

Basically, you make contact with a professor, who is attacked by a group who call themselves the Cosmonauts. The story is similar to Pikmin, in that your goal is to find a bunch of scattered ship cell pieces across the world.

You also gain different types of abilities (similar to FFX-2's class system) and it's best described as an auto-battle game with the ability to intervene and take over for specific commands.

Essentially, the battle system is entirely stat-based, and mainly involves you watching the battle take place. The whole auto-battle thing really irks people, but there are boss fights that require player-involvement and are pretty fun. Most of those fights are like little puzzles, which I thought was neat.

One thing I didn't like about the game was how annoying the game can be. In the beginning, you can easily get swarmed by enemies and die, there are a serious lack of save points, and battles can be boring. Also, the progression is linear and while there is some back-tracking, it's mostly for the completionist.

What's cool about the game is the dialogue that's strange and makes little sense, but at the same time is funny and a good refresher from the normal RPG. There's a butt-load of stats, abilities, items, etc. for you to collect.

Overall, I'd say the unique qualities in this game make it fun, but at the same time, some ideas were poorly executed, so it can be very annoying. It's definitely a game for hard-core gamers and not so much for the average Joe.

Put together a Mother 3 fan soundtrack. :)

Click the album art to download.


Claus ~ Serenity - All Lights Reversed
Duster ~ Thrice - In Exile
Kumatora ~ Die Mannequin - Locking Elizabeth
Flint ~ Ideamen - Collectibles
Lucas ~ Rise Against - Elective Amnesia