BEST OF 2004
Let’s talk now about choice. Let’s talk now about necessity. Let’s talk
now about pain, pride, love, hate, PSI, physicals, glory and defeat. Let’s talk
now about
5
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BATTLES
2004
5. Tracy vs. Paula (101)
By James
I’m not looking to start tooting my own
horn, but judging from the response to Part IV, I figured there might be a less
than royal reception from some 101 fans if this one wasn’t included.
In retaliation to an attack on Twoson by
the new leadership of Onett, Princess Paula confronts Tracy alone in Onett’s
royal castle, and after a few words, the swords start swinging. Neither girl
holds anything back; it doesn’t matter to Paula that Tracy’s apparently gone
mad; it doesn’t matter to Tracy that Paula’s got every right to be ticked off.
Perhaps surprisingly, it seems to be an almost even fight, and as it nears its
end, the possibility of a rematch starts to look less and less likely. As it
concludes, there’s only one sister left standin’.
4. Destined Ones vs. Gabrielle (EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga)
By Heartslaught
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Just one of the impressive battles to occur
near the story’s zenith, this one takes place during the "Battles of the Archangels" arc, in which the heroes are
determined to find weapons needed to vanquish the Horsemen of Apocalypse. Much
to their frustration, however, they’re faced with incredibly strong guardians
who end up presenting them with trials.
Earlier on, Dave and Tom were confronted by a teenage-looking girl named
Nyxx—quite possibly the single most powerful character in EarthBound: The
Horsemen Saga. Put simply, she couldn’t be defeated…and she was a pacifist.
Things are nearly as difficult when a group of the others—namely Mike,
Nolan, and Ryan—come across a similar girl named Gabrielle, who’s not quite as
hesitant in taking the offensive. What follows is one of the more epic
group-against-the-super-tough-opponent struggles since the final days of Mother
Alternate.
After a lot of back-and-forth, one of the Destined Ones finally realizes
the extent of what he’s really up against—and it’s a very painful lesson.
Gabrielle flattens weapons-expert Nolan with an assault of Starstorm Omega,
then unleashes a Fate called Gravity Shockwave, an attack that not only knocks
her opponent out but breaks several of his bones in the process.
Apparently dying, Nolan is only saved by a well-timed Horn of Life. As
Mike turns and realizes the test has gone too far, he charges his foe in a
rage, hitting Gabrielle with a barrage of strikes, pulling and swinging twin
blades, and even augmenting his speed to intensify the attack. But Gabrielle
endures, and there comes a time when Mike’s old weakness to hard-hitting
physicals gets the better of him, as a well-placed one from his opponent
eventually knocks him out of the air—and keeps him on the ground.
While Mike lies in silence, only Ryan stands against the powerful
guardian, and though he prepares to offer the same effort as his comrades,
things start looking down once again when Gabrielle unveils yet another new
move.
As
the attack flies at the last remaining Destined One, an uncertain moment
begins. Can Ryan stop it? Will he really fall as well…or is there something
Gabrielle failed to notice a moment ago?
3. Chosen Four vs. Koga (EarthBound 200X)
By Flying Zamboni 2
While conducting a search of Peaceful Rest
Valley, Ness, Paula, and Jeff come across a battered Poo, lying unconscious in
the stream after barely surviving the events of a conspiracy against him.
Realizing he needs more help than they can provide, the three are about to take
the prince to a hospital when suddenly, a knife flies through the air,
heralding the arrival of Koga—the boy sent to finish the job.
To be blunt, the short and sweet battle
that comes next absolutely rocks. Exciting for its flair and style, engaging
for its well-balanced mood (full of slick counters and quiet stare-downs), this
scrimmage is also cool due to the little story-related hints surrounding it,
making things not quite as simple as one might first expect.
"Forgive
me," says the scythe-wielding Koga, "but I have no alternative."
Maybe that’ll change, but until then, bring it.
2. SANCTUARY vs. Strong (E.
Revolution)
By Giampi
Almost from the start, we knew
there was a possible mole in SANCTUARY. On this day, the agency finally learned
this individual’s identity.
Following the advent of the
newly developed PSI augmentation process, Strong reveals his true intentions by
attacking one of two scientists to pressure the other into activating the required
device. Just as he seems to be getting his way, he sees Jeff and Paula arrive
across the room, and lashes out. The resulting struggle unveils Strong as yet
another Giygas-possessed opponent, which finds everyone present needing the
help of SANCTUARY’s newest member.
Upon entrance, Ness doesn’t
pull any punches, sending Strong crashing against the ceiling with a
psychokinetic wave, and soon locking into a test of psychic strength with his
foe while trying to shield Paula at the same time. Amidst a sense of
desperation and confinement, the excitement builds as Paula herself becomes
involved, a surprise pops up, and someone’s life appears to undergo a major
change before it ends.
1. Heroes vs. Kaatz and Giaguo (EB:
202X)
By INouveaux18
This showdown was a long time
coming in 202X, a momentary culmination of several story elements that
were both character- and plot-driven—including the mysterious power of Zain; the
fabled strength of Karen; the enigmatic number added to the name Giygas;
a rather disturbing possibility concerning Kaatz, and the bonds between certain
heroes growing even more touching during the briefest of moments. All the
while, things are driven by action, action, action.
For 24 installments, the
members of the Chosen Eight had roamed about—looking for Sanctuaries, smacking
down most enemies who got in the way, and learning of their respective
histories and collective destiny. Come Part 25, several of them are finally
confronted by the alien leader, Giaguo, who’s joined by Kaatz—who some members
of the group had met previously in battle. The response: a succession of melees
in which brave heroes rise to the occasion in constant defense of each other,
all amidst a remarkable struggle of PSI and swordplay. As the battle takes its
toll on both sides, it becomes quite clear that the arrogant Kaatz—who didn’t
have quite as much trouble last time—won’t be allowed to leave this struggle as
well-off as before. And as things come to a head, it’s also quite clear that
this will be one of the most memorable battles in all of "EarthBound" fanfiction.
4
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OF
2004
These are the kinds of characters who stay in your thoughts after the
last line. The ones you’re waiting to see mentioned again on your next reading
(if it’s a serial). The ones who, simply put, do the legacy of
"EarthBound" proud. And they’re not the only ones, but they are
indeed among the most noticeable.
There are always two pools to choose from when putting together a
cast—Original, and Author Character.
The
fine art of crafting an AC for the mythology of "Mother" has seen
many successes over the years and is being refined to this day, from intense
vagabonds to unusual brooders to radical newcomers like Miles Gravin. New spins
on old favorites continue to entertain, and with both character
categories, the Neo-"EarthBound" revolution has thrived.
Now
then, in case they’ve forgotten, shall we show Nintendo how it’s done?
Created by Kent Bogar
When Paula needed a hero to come to
Ness’s aid, there could be only one choice: the skilled, courageous Colin Strife.
He showed us just why he was famous before the War Against Giygas by
flying across the country with little hesitation when needed, and later, by
displaying some amazing abilities in battle (he can see situations in slow
motion and counter before opponents have a chance). All the while, he’s there
providing encouraging motivational support for Ness, while trying quite hard to
remember his feelings for the girlfriend he left behind when tempted by the
sight of another. Definitely a moral figure worth watching.
Again, not to get all self-congratulatory but…come on.
Princess Tracy of Onett stole the throne, incarcerated her brother, apparently
executed her parents, and attempted to conquer another kingdom all within 24
hours. Not only that, but she presented all challengers with a highly dangerous
reception in the time that followed, and remained eerily apathetic throughout.
Of course, there was more to be found beneath the surface, but overall, Tracy
was one of the last characters to want to tangle with during 2004.
Created by Kumguats
One of Ness’s parents wanted him to be a thoughtful, strong
boy, and if you’re looking for someone else who fits that description, turn to
Miles Gravin. But don’t ask if his parents had anything to do with it. After
all, he doubts that the mom and dad he has are even his real folks. That’s just
one interesting thing about the constantly training, philosophy-writing
protagonist of Close to the Edge.
Angela
(EarthBound Omega)
Created by Bouvier21
20 years after the events presented in the
game, the Chosen Four’s heroics have become legendary. One of their biggest
fans is Angela Barker, a kind, PSI-gifted girl in Threed who wants to do some
adventuring herself someday, and gets the chance when an old friend comes
knocking on the door with a problem. With telepathy and the ability to fly on
her side, she’s one of the most intriguing characters yet in EarthBound
Omega.
3
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2004
So the moment arrives. Resist any urge to skip ahead.
Among others, 2003 brought us 202X, The Coming Darkness,
and EarthBound: The Perpetual Adventures. In 2004, there were
once again many great nominees for this category (can we say Unusual Species?
How ‘bout Close to the Edge? Mother: The Complete and Documented
Story? Etc.), so narrowing it down was indeed a challenge. The three
leading the pack are as follows. Congrats to everyone who created a
story this past year, but the real ones who deserve congratulations are us
readers. Thanks to our fellow "EarthBound" fans, we’re the ones who
benefit, so be sure to let ‘em know.
By Bouvier21
And so the end begins. EarthBound
Omega was the other big tale of tomorrow during 2004, a saga of
teenage wanderers with budding PSI powers, and the violent antagonists who are
searching for them and their retired predecessors—all on the verge of an apparent
new conflict between freedom and oppression.
The fanfic opened with somewhat
humble beginnings that revealed only a little of the engaging treat to come,
but by Parts 3, 4, and 5, the good writing—and sometimes surprising moments of
action—left readers with a lot of reason to keep following the exploits of
disciplined Mako, mysterious Trevor, driven Kayla, courageous Brian,
well-trained Robert, and longtime Chosen Four fan Angela. Just as she flies
after a squad of cyborgs in hopes of finding out where they’re heading, EarthBound
Omega was tempting to follow for the very same reason.
By Michael DePalma, Fabricati Diem, Flying Zamboni 2, and
Javer
Just how many good things can be
said about The Rush? Great concept, great dialogue, great moments
(including the touching Chosen Four reunion in Scene 16), and—this is one of
the parts that really stands out—great characterization. And if you’ve read it,
you know that last one doesn’t necessarily refer to the Chosen Four.
What are the effects that years
of loneliness and brooding can have on a young man?
If you’re a certain youngster
called Apple Kid, then you enter a period of meekness and pessimism, overly
surprised by any sign of things looking up. After all, "there are people whose failures are as grand as their
successes and Apple Kid was the other kind."
If
you’re a certain youngster called Picky, you enter a stage of detachment and
cynicism, spending your days pounding away at a punching bag in what’s probably
the most fascinating point of your fanfic career.
Then
there are the other personal matters at hand, such as the consequences of
getting swept up in the moment while allowing the heart to take command—something
many of us can probably relate to. And as reality kicks in during the
aftermath, certain issues begin to arise. In this case, "Not the issues of
love, just the issues of marriage."
Planned since last fall, announced in early summer, and released just
recently, The Rush lived up to the hype and presented a slick, humorous,
and oh-so engaging tale of a 1920s incident reemerging to make a difference in
certain people’s lives today. But will the changes be for the better or worse?
That
breeze you feel is several "EarthBound" fans rushing to their
computers to find out.
By Kent Bogar
In EarthBound: Simple Gifts we
find a rather unique approach—a retelling of the game’s story with author characters
included—that ends up as a winning formula due to some very heartfelt writing.
In general, it’s usually a fun read when
following a well-known "EarthBound" happening or two in a fanfic, but
it’s not often that we’re treated to the kind of insight that was offered here
during Paula’s stay of captivity in Happy Happy Village. Observe the various
emotions that blossom as she counts down the hours until her slated execution.
Witness the desperation as she nearly escapes and regretfully kills two of her
captors in the process. Witness the frustration as she begins questioning why
things have turned out the way they have and why it’s her of all people who’s
in this situation. Witness the panic as she starts breaking down…shortly before
there’s a hopeful sight at the door.
Is it strong on action? Oh
yeah. Simple Gifts boasts a few memorable fight scenes, including the
exceptionally tense battle that breaks out with Carpainter and co. during the
rescue attempt, and Colin showing us what he can do by single-handedly taking
on around 30-40 Sharks in a well-detailed melee.
While some of its original
characters may still be getting there as far as making us take interest in them
personally, Simple Gifts does indeed feature a likable enough cast due
to some lively dialogue—not to mention some enticing possibilities being hinted
at, such as Colin’s at-home girlfriend Casey expressing concerns over whether
he’ll remain faithful…right around a time when Colin’s starting to wonder that
himself in the face of Paula’s noticeable allure (and there’s also that whole
matter with a certain lady in Threed…).
As it’s an "EarthBound" story, the fanfic is not without humor.
What happens when a certain telepath realizes a couple of guards are having
naughty thoughts about her? They get a rather icy response. What happens
when Adam comes through with another spectacular supply of weapons for our
heroes? Kent replies, "I just wanna tell you I love you. In a
distant, hands-off sort of way."
On
that note, the progression of this story itself is a well-balanced, smooth
ride; the side-quests of the ACs here provide some interesting new spins on the
familiar adventure playing out, while the parts that are unchanged generally
move at a brisk pace, skipping some moments that don’t really need to be gone
into. In other words, the story very much lives up to its name in this respect.
It’s
a morale-testing experience, writing an "EarthBound" fanfic, as very
few of them are quick to get the public recognition they deserve. But as
sleeper hits tend to be, Simple Gifts was, by consequence, a treasure
just waiting to be found—one of the top "EarthBound" stories of 2004
and one of the most well-done retellings of the game to date.
EFR