Game: Earthbound
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: 5th June 1995
For the 100th post on my review blog and the 210th game overall to be reviewed, I thought I'd play a game which in my opinion embodies the spirit of gaming and storytelling as whole. As I'm not in possession of an original NTSC copy of the game, I had to settle for the Virtual Console release of the game which came out this year in PAL regions. The only differences I could find between the two versions of the game, are that some of the brighter magical spells have been toned down visually, and with the use of the WiiU gamepad, players are allowed to use restore points to save anywhere in the game.
Although it isn't the most well known game (partially due to its initial Japan and US only release), Earthbound has garnered a cult following, even including people from outside of these regions before it's Virtual Console re-release. The game's original tag-line in it's American marketing was "This game stinks", attempting to show a slice of the game's humour by including scratch and sniff stickers alongside the game. Initial sales of the game were below expectations, although the Virtual Console re-release managed to climb to #2 in the best sellers chart, behind Donkey Kong which was selling for 30 cents, in comparison to the $10 price tag of Earthbound.
For those who haven't played the game, you play as Ness who along with 3 other kids is destined to form the "chosen four" and save the universe from the ultimate evil. To do this he must collect 8 melodies and record them onto a "sound stone", given to him by a time travelling fly-like creature from the future who warns of impending doom. Visiting the 8 sanctuary locations which house the melodies as well as many other places along his journey, Ness makes friends, battles many different types of foes and experiences the adventure of a lifetime.
The game plays much like a conventional RPG a lot of the time; meeting people, interacting with them and fulfilling various quests to open new routes and options. The battle system features both physical and magical attacks as well as items which can be used to achieve various effects. Players level up all the members of the chosen 4, to increase their stats (Attack, Defense, Speed, Guts, Vitality, Luck and IQ). Although early battles and some boss battles can be fairly difficult there's not a whole lot of grinding necessary when compared to other RPG's such as Pokemon.
There are several locations on your journey through Eagleland, the region in which Earthbound is set, starting with Onett, Twoson, Threed and Fourside; each continuing the numeric theme and featuring different challenges and tasks in addition to the standard shops, hospital and hotel. Past these, the group travel to more exotic regions such as Winters, Summers, Scaraba and The Deep Darkness to mention a few; each with their own musical theme and interesting features. At one point in the game there's a huge region where your character sprites are tiny and huge enemies roam the map.
There are many NPC's to meet in all locations with their own stories to tell, ranging from a dimwitted band who keep falling into financial hardship to a shy race of small green creatures who require a library book to aquire social skills. The enemies you fight in the game are just as interesting and appear to get progressively more strange as you move through the game. Early enemies include Runaway Dogs, Crows, and Snakes, progressing through New Age Retro Hippies, Kraken and Zombies to outer space foes such as the Spinning Robo, Starman and Wooly Shambler.
The combat system in Earthbound is similar to a lot of its contemporaries in its approach to magic attack and use of items. All characters have a number of health points and power points which are used to cast magical attacks. Players also equip their characters with weapons and pendants/charms for protection to upgrade their stats even further. When damaged a character's life point counter will slowly roll downwards instead of instantly being taken off, allowing for healing even when mortal damage is inflicted and other benefits.
Although I'm not going to give many spoilers with regard to the overall story, I will say that the overall level of charm and immersion of the plot and interaction with the characters around you is almost unparalleled in any other RPG I've played. By the end you'll feel an attachment to even the most minor of characters and everyone you meet really does pull together and help you in your quest. Obviously the story is important in this type of game and I'd say that Earthbound gets things pretty much spot on.
Graphically the game uses oblique projection to get its isometric viewpoint, which makes a 3D effect with 2D objects. Most objects and characters are drawn in a cartoon like style using the 16 bit sprites of the time to give them simple yet defining details. There are a wealth of different locations, objects, characters and enemies contained in the game which manage to show off the general art style of the game whilst providing varied backdrops and ambiances for the player.
The music of Earthbound also contributes to this, with a wealth of location and battle themes which define the towns and general feel of the game. From the gentle jazzy theme of Fourside to the creepy echo of caves, to the kooky theme of Saturn Valley, when added to the psychedelic visuals of battles, the music contributes an extra level of immersion and continuity. It's hard for me to even try to pick a favourite in-game piece of music as there are so many that I enjoy.
Although there's really not much that I would change about Earthbound, I still have a few criticisms of the game. Moving items around your inventory can be difficult as it approaches full capacity and not being able to drop certain things means that calling out the Escargo Express to come and pick up your stuff about 5 times in a row becomes a necessity. At certain times also it can be a little hard to see what needs doing next, but not so much that it's a problem with the game overall, just certain parts.
Overall Earthbound is a charming and stylistically appealing RPG from 1995 with a great sense of humour, storyline and set of locations. All of the NPC dialogues and enemies remain fresh and new throughout the game, although updated versions of older enemies also recur along with other musical themes. The story is gripping and allows you to feel a part of Ness's adventure, alongside the chosen 4. If I could reccommend a single RPG to play it may just have to be this, and with 95 out of 100 we have a new #1 on my all time favourite games chart.
Rating: 95/100
Grade: A
No comments:
Post a Comment