If only all games were this creative... I REALLY hope this appears on the Virtual Cnsole!

User Rating: 10 | Mother 2: Gyiyg no Gyakushuu SNES
Unlike the typical RPG that involves magic, dragons, swords, and elves, you are thrown into a world where the bad-guys are giant piles of vomit, and cultists that are obsessed with the color blue, weapons like Yo-yos, Baseball bats, and Frying pans, and is set in modern cities. It has the same basic gameplay as any other RPG. Turn based attacks, status afflictions. But Earthbound puts a little spin on it. For example, in the overworld, if you sneak up on an enemy from behind, you can get a bonus strike in on them. However, if the enemy gets you in the back, they get a bonus strike. As for status afflictions, well, the common Poison, Paralyze, and sleep are replaced with Nausea, Homesickness, and catching a cold, among other things.

In battle, you don't see yourself, but only your enemy. An intersting visual in the fights is that there is usually a multi-colored, pulsating background. It kind of makes you feel like you're on drugs. =P Each character (except for Jeff) can use PSI (psychic) moves. These moves have some SWEET, colorful attack graphics (Starstorm Omega and Special Omega are freaking awesome!) In the overworld, most places have an isometric view point. The different areas are ALWAYS very colorful, and the cities are very modern. No castles or hover-crafts, just offive buildings, hotels, and cars. As for the sounds, well, let's just say that Earthbound has some of the most memorable music ever. Period. The towns are usually kind of happy, orchestral tunes, whereas battles are energized, techno songs.

Earthbound is also a great source of comic relief. "Hey, kids like you shouldn't be wandering around at this time. You should be at home playing Nintendo games!" That's what a police officer says. Here's another one: "Umm.... would you like some Donuts?" (answer yes) "Well, so would I. I was just asking." Overall, Earthbound suceeds on all areas. It has hours upon hours worth of gameplay in it. If it makes it to the Virtual Console, be sure to grab the classic adventure game known as Earthbound.