Chapters 1 & 2
Author: Do Wop
Status: In Progress
Rating: Good
Of course, every time a story comes along in which baddies have conquered nearly everything and only a sliver of resistance remains, the question going in isn't whether or not it's interesting, but rather, How interesting is it? The same goes for stories that focus on just one member of the Chosen Four as opposed to the whole crew.
Both of these concepts are in good hands with Do Wop, the two-time EFR award-winning writer who made single-character serials cooler than ever with his previous tale, Destiny's Messenger. Now, nearly a year later, the gloomy Tales of Destiny series is back to chalk off the next name on its list of victims...er, protagonists.
Set during a grim future in which humans are not only in violent conflict with aliens, but each other, the story follows one-man army Jeff Andonuts, who's apparently become a wandering hero for hire. He's now equipped with cybernetic combat implants which make him more dangerous than ever. Furthermore, he's reportedly the only member of the CF to survive whatever made things this bad, and seemingly wants no part of whatever might make things better. However, Jeff's good deeds will soon be catching up with him -- in the forms of Starmen sent by a vengeful empire.
At the moment, there are a few similarities and differences between Destiny's Guard and Destiny's Messenger. Almost right from the start -- just like last time -- the fanfic draws the reader in with a very enticing concept, and then makes good on it with a rewarding delivery. Do Wop hasn't lost a step when it comes to setting the mood of each situation. His narrative and dialogue continue to complement each other quite well, creating a very concise and engaging package that's great at holding attention. One of the elements that stood out most in the previous story was action, and things are no different here. You'll have fun following along as Jeff displays all the new skills at his disposal, which range from mental implants that allow him to automatically target his nearest opponent, and other cool things which are quite tempting to spoil here.
This isn't yet the character-focused gem that Destiny's Messenger was, but with the writer's penchant for that sort of storytelling, it likely won't be long until we learn more about just what's eating Jeff Andonuts. In the meantime, Destiny's Guard serves as a highly thrilling ride in what looks more and more like a very promising series of 'fics.
Reviewed: A Jeff story.
The Basic Idea: The escapades of a cybernetically enhanced, lone-wolf Jeff during a dystopia.
Opening: "The wall sentries of Alma Stronghold peered over the tops of the walls at the man. . ."
Notable/Extras: Alternate setting, action.
Prologue - Chapter II
Author: J. Christopher Claybrooks
Status: In Progress
Rating: Great
It takes a lot of courage these days to write an "EarthBound" retelling, as there have been plenty of them swarming about in recent times. It's been sort of like the second Neo-"EarthBound" boom of a few years past, but with a notably more mixed reception.
The heat began around a year ago when quite a few of these tales started popping up, eventually prompting a small uproar among the community, along with controversial comments from a noted figure. The situation thrived as the well-received EarthBound: The Miniseries gradually grew in popularity. It continued still as other stories which had been in progress beforehand, such as EarthBound: ReBound and EarthBound: Simple Gifts, returned with new updates. And it lives on today as more recent offerings, such as Into the Fire: Rise of the Red Star and the lesser-known EarthBound Projekt, have gained attention as well. Additionally, there was also EarthBound Rewritten, and Origin, and talk of bringing back Mother: The Complete and Documented Story, and...
Basically, if you're going to tread familiar ground, it needs to be pretty apparent up front that you're not going to waste anyone's time. Take EarthBound 199X for example, a retelling that starts strongly, and refreshingly stays that way throughout. This is not to take anything away from any of the other rewrites that have come along lately, it's just to say that 199X is, simply put, what every fanfic aspires to be: a very entertainingly written story.
I doubt a plot summary is needed, so let's just sum up the good, the bad, and that other stuff. Basically, Claybrooks, who previously offered the promising 199X Plus 1, takes the creative power he displayed in his original "EB" story and kicks it up several notches for the tale of "Mother 2." One notices immediately that the author's narrative is vastly improved, with a consistently engaging flow that offers great little bits of character insight, creative commentary, and "EarthBound"-spirited humor. A few notable high points of the author's previous tale were its intriguingly presented ACs. Accordingly, the supporting characters you'll find here, such as the members of Ness's clubhouse, provide a nice substitute, allowing the writer to continue channeling his strength in that regard. Also notable about 199X Plus 1 were its interesting presentations of Jeff, Paula, and Poo -- leaving questions as to just what the author could do with Ness. The answers arrive in this story, and they're resoundingly positive. This is one of the most fun interpretations of the character to be found in any rewrite, as he's made increasingly sympathetic with a nice balance of courage, humor, and down-to-earth charm.
Regarding the earlier comment, there's not really much "bad" to speak of, but as far as "that other stuff" goes, this tale, like 199X Plus 1, has a few technical issues to resolve if it continues, such as some glaring instances of missing commas, and several mis-capitalized words. However, when taking the well-done action, great narrative, and fitting dialogue into account, the overall package of these first few offerings makes EarthBound 199X a retelling that's well worth coming back to.
Reviewed: An "EarthBound" retelling.
The Basic Idea: ...An "EarthBound" retelling.
Opening: "It's a cruel place, outer space. . ."
Notable/Extras: Narrative.
Chapters 20 - 22
Author: Fabricati Diem
Status: In Progress
Rating: Good
There are a few good reasons for why EarthBound: ReBound is, as of this writing, the second-most reviewed "EB" story on Fanfiction.Net (after Cycle). One of the most important ones has to do with the signature characterization that writer Fabricati Diem bestows upon the cast. Instead of presenting the ongoing quest itself as the featured attraction, this retelling throws a lot of the spotlight on the characters' personalities and their exchanges with each other. That's actually not a bad idea in theory, and Fabricati's quite good at the execution -- maybe to a fault.
This particular set of chapters follows our heroes from the end of the business in Saturn Valley to their arrival in Fourside. Along the trip, a few enemies get in their path, Elliot gets an enigmatic message during a coffee break, and the group goes over ways in which they might entertain themselves on the road. Naturally, the usual differences abound, and while that may leave the heroes themselves a bit agitated, it's always a pleasant experience for us, because character interaction is where ReBound probably shines brightest.
It does seem, though, that sometimes the character development is overly limited to dialogue, as Fabricati's narrative is often used to describe situations or surroundings, while rarely (at least of late, anyway) getting too up-close and personal with the cast. The word personal probably has a serious connotation, which may lead to the wrong conclusion. ReBound is, for the most part, an admittedly humorous story, and this is not at all a comment that it should be anything different. Character insight doesn't have to be deeply dramatic; it's just that in an intriguing case like this, where we've got the charmingly arrogant Joseph, the quirky and condescending knife-wielder named Skye, and whatever personality will be bestowed upon Poo, it'd simply be nice if the insight was a bit more prevalent. One wants to know more about why these characters are the way they are and what, if any, changes they're going through.
ReBound does indeed excel when it throws its own twists into the quest, such as Elliot's late-night trip on the group's behalf. Additions like this make it not just an "oddly epic retelling," but an interestingly epic one.
Reviewed: An "EarthBound" retelling.
The Basic Idea: An "EarthBound" retelling.
Opening: "Elliot looked at Skye. 'Have fun with the Saturn?' "
Notable/Extras: Characterization.
Chapter One -- "199X+1"
Author: J. Christopher Claybrooks
Status: In Progress
Rating: Good
Finding a decent Chosen Four story is hardly ever the problem -- finding one that's creative enough to truly keep your interest is. But worry not in this case, because the highly watchable EarthBound: 199X Plus 1 is currently the best new 'fic of the year.
What works here is a series of interesting situations surrounding each hero -- and the fact that in the very first chapter, the story decides that there's no better time than the present to reveal them all.
During a risky research assignment in Deep Darkness, Jeff ends up being attacked to the point of unconsciousness by a few of its creatures. He is saved, however, by an enigmatic jungle girl who's apparently been cut off from civilization for quite some time. While en route to visit a young woman he hardly knows but is also engaged to, a lonesome Poo is confronted by a strange group of four who want the sword he's carrying. They're not willing to take no for an answer, but naturally, that's the answer they're going to get anyway. After receiving a phone call back in Onett, Tracy reveals to Ness that something about their parents' story for being on vacation doesn't quite add up. Before the day is over, she'll stop by Twoson in time for a battle between Paula and a mysterious young lady with highly unusual powers -- which are highly cool as well.
Beneath the engaging scenarios, the real star of this show is mystery. About halfway through, several of the questions on Jeff's mind are also on the audience's. It then becomes quite fascinating to follow him and his quiet new comrade as they make their way through the swamp, all while we're wondering who she is, how she got there, and of course, what will become of her next.
There's plenty of awkward romance to go around. The question of whether or not Poo will go through with the marriage quickly arises, as he can sense that his duties as a member of the Chosen Four are about to turn up again. For Ness and Paula it's the usual song and dance, but it's a tune that, like "EarthBound" itself, never seems to get too old.
A story this enticingly fun and competently written shouldn't have proofreading issues like coherency and capitalization, but so far they're not quite glaring enough to take you out of what's going on. Another thing that will hopefully be improved upon in the future is the way each action scene ends. The climaxes of some battles -- particularly those with Poo and Paula -- seem rather quick and abrupt, and the reason this doesn't feel right is because everything leading up to these points is simply fantastic. The fight between Paula and her strange guest is especially memorable, while the challenge Poo is faced with stands out as well. The writer employs a few popular combat elements of the medium (such as being flexible with PSI) to produce some very effective results, but the story should also realize that its scenes don't have to end right after the fighting does. Most fanfic writers know that giving the reader more of an emotional aftermath (a view of a battle-weary warrior lying about; a concerned companion) helps to lend the preceding engagement -- and whatever's coming next -- more impact.
The characters themselves are pretty enjoyable; Poo is presented in one of his more down-to-earth incarnations, Paula's a take-action type who's not all sugar-and-spice, and Jeff has a good balance of cool and capable going on. The ACs almost steal the show. I'm already quite interested in learning more about Paula's opponent and getting the aforementioned questions about Jeff's new friend answered. I could be wrong, but by the looks of them, something also tells me that the group who attacked Poo aren't exactly looking to sell the Sword of Kings online.
A tale with plenty of promise and delivery, 199X Plus 1 is off to a very good start.
Reviewed: A Chosen Four story.
The Basic Idea: A series of mysteries and encounters with new people test the heroes.
Opening: "The craft swooped low over the dark, dank water."
Notable/Extras: ACs, mystery.
Parts 12 & 13 -- "Unity" & "Reality"
Author: Giampi
Status: Complete
Rating: Great
When you take a few things into account -- including the many intricacies of this story, and the amount of time that's passed since the last update -- one may be tempted to go back and give this fanfic another read-through before checking out the finale. Actually, when you reread a good deal of it in one sitting -- following the plot revelations in many of the odd-numbered installments, and the character developments in some of the even-numbered ones -- the bigger picture becomes clearer than ever. Though there may still be some things left to wonder about in the end, overall, these last two parts do an effective job of wrapping things up in an exciting and satisfying manner.
Picking up seamlessly from where the story left off, "Unity" brings Ness and Jeff back to Fourside with Poo and the others in tow, where they'll engage in a well-presented, increasingly bigger battle before finally getting a few questions answered. "Reality" features pretty much all the ingredients you need for a grand finale and more -- a good amount of revelation, the biggest, toughest showdown yet, and a touching moment between certain characters. The "revolution" is nicely handled as well, being just intriguing and sensible enough to give everything an appropriate feel as it all winds down.
This is a story that started out as a nice experiment in alternate reality writing, and ended up becoming a thrilling, well-structured classic. E. Revolution concludes as one of the finest examples of what happens when great mystery and drama converge in "EarthBound" fanfiction.
Reviewed: A Neo-"EarthBound" story.
The Basic Idea: "EB" characters in a tale of a shady anti-alien organization vs. a shady alien invasion.
Opening: "The Sky Runner landed in a large clearing near downtown Fourside. . ."
Notable/Extras: Alternate scenario.
Chapters 1 & 2
Author: DarthBelch
Status: In Progress
Rating: Good
The new series Hurt, by the new and improved DarthBelch, is a fanfic that explores ground rarely covered -- with largely successful results.
One of the most famous points of interest in "EB" fanfiction is and always will be the romantic relationship between Ness and Paula, partly because it's inherently troubled. Naturally, this sometimes pushes the two away from each other. But while Paula gets to play the field from time to time (often with Jeff, occasionally with Poo), few fanfics ever have Ness dating someone else.
Hurt is a notable exception for one simple reason -- her name is Samantha. Though we're told that Ness has dated several other girls since he and Paula broke up, Samantha is the only one who he's really become serious about.
This is, in large part, a tale having to do with awkwardness -- not just for Ness, whose sister is still friends with his ex, but for the reader as well. Throughout the first chapter and a good deal of the second, Samantha is presented in a sympathetic light, while Paula comes off as frosty (some may say to a questionably written extent). But toward the end of Chapter 2, Paula's back to her usual self, while we see a few new aspects of Samantha that may irk the audience.
All of it is presented via DarthBelch's best work ever in the area of third-person narrative. This includes nice use of allusion in the background details, and some very good descriptions of emotion, such as Ness's growing discomfort after seeing Paula and Sam chatting, or the quiet affection between Ness and Samantha in the kitchen.
Early on, though, the overall focus of the story is sometimes hard to grasp, as only about halfway through the second chapter does the main point really appear to be the issue/triangle between Ness, Paula, and Samantha -- if that's indeed it. However, DarthBelch still delivers an engaging, well-written, and at times funny story about a down-to-earth matter in the characters' lives. Also, with plans for Samantha to possibly return beyond this fanfic, it's well-worth seeing how things wrap up here.
Once wildly prolific, but now more focused, DarthBelch marks the beginning of what looks like a promising new start with this nicely done tale.
Reviewed: A Chosen Four story.
The Basic Idea: A triangle involving Ness and two young women.
Opening: "Oh Ness! It's wonderful! I love you so much!"
Notable/Extras: AC, humor.
Chapters 1 - 4
Author: Michael DePalma
Status: In Progress
Rating: Good
Hmm...one may stop and wonder if something's bugging Michael DePalma. Last year, this writer of gritty-yet-charming drama managed to slowly but surely deliver a succession of promising hits, including the outstanding sixth installment of EarthBound: The Perpetual Adventures. Those of you who take interest in certain writers' non-"EB" work may have also come across Toy Soldier, one of DePalma's impressive original stories. He also began Acceptable Loss, another intriguing adult fanfic.
At present, though, things seem to have taken a slight turn. This could be due to the recent troubles surrounding EarthBound: The Miniseries, a project that DePalma had been quite enthusiastic about ever since its conception. Had the seventh installment of Perpetual been covered by EFR, the entry would've received a positive but modest rating of "Good," likely for the same reasons that All Things Considered, in its state as of this writing, does right now.
As usual, DePalma's writing is as crisp as can be expected, but his storytelling in this first batch of offerings leaves a bit to be desired. In regards to structure, the chapters don't feel like complete works in themselves that serve to progress the story. Instead, the installments seem almost like one big chapter cut up into parts, which can create a recurring feeling of dissatisfaction. It's well-known that this author has a tendency to include "edgy" content in his material. However, the question of whether or not the content is becoming coarse for coarse's sake begins to pop up here on occasion, inching things closer and closer to the point of distraction. As for the tale itself (taking place during the CF's young adult lives), the title hints at an interesting theme, and while it may not be highly apparent just yet, there are certainly signs that things are getting there via the story's main strength: characterization.
Let's face it, DePalma's good at writing attitude, particularly when people are in conflict with one another. While this part of his style could be criticized as basically one voice spoken through several different characters throughout his tales (which would probably be a fascinating examination), I'd argue that if one follows closely enough, the characters receiving the tough guy/girl treatment are always different enough from one another to remain distinguished. This time the receiver of said treatment is Ness (as is occasionally the case in Perpetual), which makes for a well-handled early scene in which the character, on the defensive, becomes quickly likable. Jeff, who is at the center of the matter that will apparently reunite everyone, is written with the usual cool-headed maturity traditionally bestowed upon him. Whether that amounts to good news or not is hard to call, but his interactions with his fianc� seem remotely enticing.
Poo is presented in an out-of-his-element setting, a clever move which is inherently fascinating as we observe what kinds of effects it's had on him. Paula now plays the role of the hip, hard-working single woman who apparently doesn't have enough love in her life. When one stops and thinks about it, this actually seems like a very natural path for the character's future to have taken. Of course, being the emotional heart of "EarthBound" fanfiction, she's also introduced via a shower scene, which serves as a nice symbolic touch. Or maybe it's just fan service. Then again, between the lack of detail and brevity of the moment, probably not -- all things considered.
Any "EarthBound" fanfic set in the future has already accomplished half the opening job -- piquing reader curiosity. Normally the realm of Neo- tales, ones outside of that category generally need an intriguing hook in order to hold the audience's interest. Fascinating as it may sound in concept, the hook in a case like this should not attempt to merely be a Chosen Four reunion -- it should rather be the anticipation regarding that reunion. Explanations as to why they've been apart for so long, flashbacks revealing what some of their last words were to each other, peeks into their inner feelings regarding one another -- along with, perhaps, how the newer people in their lives are related to those feelings -- and other things along these lines would all help to lay a more emotional foundation here.
Interestingly enough, All Things Considered is either forgoing such things, or, more likely, saving them for introduction later.
Though it feels somewhat incomplete at the start, All Things Considered still holds up as a well-written piece with sharp humor and good characterization.
Reviewed: A Chosen Four story.
The Basic Idea: The lives of the CF during their late 20s.
Opening: "He almost missed the most important call of the day because of the radio."
Notable/Extras: Characterization.
Chapter 9
Author: Flying Zamboni 2
Status: Complete
Rating: EXCELLENT
It really comes as no surprise that this is one of the most magnificent endings in "EarthBound" fanfiction, due largely to the fantastic characterization, action, and story line resolution.
It's almost a relief that EarthBound 200X is now over, solely for the reason that there's not much more to say. This is a fanfic that simply got bigger and better during its run, breathing new life into the Chosen Four, the action-adventure genre, and the very concept of ACs. Every character shines in this finale, even Pokey, who vacillates between a maniacal high and a pathetic low, almost to the point that one nearly feels pity for him. Minor characters like the Onett Police Department, with their trademark humor, and Everdred, who's used very well in this tale, also get stand-out moments. The list goes on and on. Paula's great resolve, Poo's family bonds, Ness's heroic struggles, and of course, the scenes in which a tormented Jeff battles his grief -- right after blowing away a room full of enemies. Really, let's not even get started on the remarkable action scenes that permeate the story at this point.
What's perhaps most remarkable about 200X though, is how writer Flying Zamboni 2 -- easily one of the best in "EB" fanfiction by now -- manages to constantly accomplish so much with so little, using concise descriptions which conjure vivid images in the reader's imagination. This is complemented by great dialogue that sounds naturally distinguished from one character to the next, and exposition that's fascinating enough to keep things interesting.
Capped off by a very fitting climax, EarthBound 200X wraps up as an overall great accomplishment in "EarthBound" fanfiction.
Reviewed: A Chosen Four story.
The Basic Idea: The Chosen Four and several ACs in a tale involving a new scheme begun by Pokey.
Opening: "Pokey sat smiling on his throne surrounded by the four remaining members of the Royal Guard . . ."
Notable/Extras: ACs, action, plot.
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