So recently I completed EarthBound and I want to now give my own take on the game. This game has been hyped up for many years to me personally, and I’ve played the first hour every time, but it kept falling off for me. This time though, I was able to beat it, and finally understand what makes this game a timeless cult classic.
This game has touched me where no other game has; it gave me a sense of home and comfort. EarthBound was the game for me to just sit down, relax to, and know I wouldn’t have trouble with a late game boss or something. Even after a long day of school and stress, EarthBound gave me that sense of freedom, taking me back to when I had said freedom during elementary/ middle school (3-6 grade especially), not having to worry about anything at all. And that’s what makes EarthBound one of the best games I’ve played.
Everyone has their own interpretation and experience. Even the standard of “completion” is up to the player. To me, getting to LV 99, getting all Photo Man spots, and getting the Sword of Kings is 100%. I see the 1/128 drops as just a bonus and not really a requirement for completion, but of course, others may see that as 100%, including fighting all enemies, purchasing all weapons, and whatever else there could be. I bet no ones first play through of EarthBound is the same, and few games are capable of saying that.
This next part has spoilers so fair warning.
To build off that personal interpretation, throughout the game, the main enemy Giygas, is never explicitly shown or described. It remains anonymous and it’s brilliant. I believe Giygas is somewhat of an external force. Being able to control many of the enemies in the game, including Pokey, and being a hidden deity throughout that game. The reason why Ness must travel back in time, is to defeat Giygas when he’s at his weakest state, which explains why the final boss has elements of birth and stuff.
Anyways I love this game & everyone should have their story to tell when playing it.