EARTHBOUND
FANFICTION
REVIEWS
Spring Preview ‘05
You know what's up. Another spring, another preview. In this new edition of EFR's second-most popular series, we look once again at what the coming season of fanfiction will bring. This time you'll see new stories getting coverage as well. Also, find out what some of the hottest writers right now think of certain tales from last year's article.
earthbound 200X
Flying Zamboni 2 ups the stakes in this standout Chosen Four tale
Where We Left Off
Poo had barely survived the events set in motion by Pokey, while Paula’s parents were seemingly less fortunate; the heroes nearly finished Cain during a brief battle in a church.
What Comes Next
While many current "EarthBound" stories are moving in other directions, offering alternate realities, radical retellings, and quests that are driven or shared by ACs, EarthBound 200X is a Chosen Four-centric tale that's set in the normal, present-day "EarthBound" world.
Writer Flying Zamboni 2 has kept things interesting with a well-balanced mix of prominent antagonists, memorable action, and a slowly unraveling conspiracy.
The Fun's Just Begun: "Within the next three or four chapters, Pokey's full plan will be revealed," says the author. Though not ready to give any specifics away, he adds that the plan—which began as a mere attempt to take over Dalaam—is about to get a lot bigger. "Big enough to incite military involvement."
As far as the players go, readers can indeed expect an upcoming chapter to further explain the history between Koga and Poo.
It's not all about the Chosen Four and their opponents though. According to FZ, Everdred (now a shotgun-toting cop) will play a major role in the end, and there may also be a subplot involving Apple Kid and Orange Kid.
En Garde: While the areas of character and plot are looking good, don't think this means the action is about to let up.
"If I can pull it off, the final battle of the story will be very, very big," reveals the scribe, adding that the ones along the way will be increasingly stronger than before.
200X is set for around 10 chapters and is scheduled to conclude before the end of the year, with the end of summer likely being the earliest, as the writer is also committed to The Rush. He also has plans to revise the prologue and first chapter, as their current states "just don't fit with the rest of the story," he explains. "At least to me anyways."
In regards to what was featured in last year's preview, Flying Zamboni 2's been a reader
of EarthBound: The Perpetual Adventures, "and I loved it."
Overall, if things go as planned, 200X won't be a long fanfic, "but I think that it'll be a
good one."
"I have more fanfics to
share . . . I feel a lot of
potential for this kind of
stuff coming up."
--MoonlitAngel007
EARTHBOUND OMEGA
Bouvier on wandering warriors, big plans, and all those agendas
Where We Left Off
Mako delivered stunning news to Ness, Paula, and Jeff before joining the battle; Brian revealed what he was really made of during a showdown with the Mooks; Kayla and Angela protected Fourside, then chased after the cyborgs.
What Comes Next
The end is not near for EarthBound Omega. During the tale's hiatus last year, Bouvier did a lot of outlining and wound up with a whopping estimate for just how long it may take to tell this story: "It's scheduled for over 40 or 50 chapters," and many of the dramas that compose the current situation are leading up to the pivotal 19th installment, in which most of the protagonists will finally be united. As things play out, "Angela and Kayla will continue to be a formidable duo as they take on Porkle," who leads the enigmatic rebel cyborgs. The heroines will also be stopping by Twoson, where they'll have to deal with a growing problem that's orchestrated by "an old menace," says the author. He goes on to add that lone wolf Brian will soon find a new partner in Mako, as the two of them form an unlikely duo while trying to learn more about the enemy.
"Their travels will take them to a location which contains a jagged stone and a soothing melody." Trevor will also return as part of a bigger plan.
Gonna Show These Kids A Thing Or Two: EarthBound Omega, of course, isn't entirely about the new generation. A few of the living legends out there will also be lending their aid again soon.
"Ness springs back into action," the author continues, and "Paula will put an end to being a concerned bystander and step up to the plate."
The Dark Side: As for the antagonists, the veil of mystery will begin to lift shortly.
"Rygwar will explain exactly what he wants with Earth, along with why Giygas failed to succeed 20 years before," says the writer. Porkle's mission and how it involves a certain character will also be revealed, while "Georg will finally get his hands dirty and display his unique power." Meanwhile, Shendi and the Supreme Starman will be back, with the former slated to have an "interesting encounter" with the younger heroes.
But Wait, There's More: If Omega isn't fully loaded enough for you, then it should be interesting to hear that yet another faction will eventually enter this saga. Says the author, "A new force arises from a distant land. Their allegiance is a mystery at best." And you can finally commence with the eye-rolling because, "the Mani Mani Statue moves silently through Eagleland as it sets in motion other complications for our heroes."
While it's generally a highly enticing and fun story to follow, EarthBound Omega also aims to keep it real—meaning things won't always be enjoyable. Though a lot of what they've already gone through has been difficult, there are some even darker days ahead for the protagonists of this tale.
"Kayla's search for Michael will meet a tragic end," says Bouvier, while Robert must "eventually come to face his worst nightmare." He also adds that at least one hero will "fall prey" to Rygwar's plot, but naturally offers nothing specific just yet.
Regarding the work put forth by his peers, Bouvier claims to have indeed been moved by some of it, but was initially inspired by a certain tale featured in last year's preview.
"Reading 202X and other fanfics, I began to wonder how I would put together a story about 'EarthBound,' and thus my story was born."
Continuing to discuss that famed fanfic, which was also partly motivated by work before it, he concludes with, "I feel the similarities end beyond the point where both stories take place in the future and both have antagonists that are succeeding Giygas. The history that 202X has created for Giygas is much different from what I have developed."
As he continues down the long road that is Omega, Bouvier initiates a journey that, "I hope will become something as great as the other great fanfics that already exist."
". . . But I don't want to
get too into it because it
reveals a major twist . . . "
--MuteGen
Projects this spring/summer:
Shiny Shiny
UnderBound
hero’s resolve
The path of light: fairy tale or reality? Ninten1's got the answer in this story of a gloomy struggle
Where We Left Off
Paula and Poo had subdued and recovered Ness.
What Comes Next
Certainly one of the most well-written fanfics at the moment, the somber-toned Hero's Resolve returns with a few developments that could brighten things up.
Dream Girl: Ness's relationship with Paula will begin to grow in the second installment, but he'll also be "coping with the guilt he's filled with because of Giygas' possession over him," according to Ninten1, whose story always seems to offer good news with a string attached.
"The fog of Giygas' influence has faded," continues the scribe, but Giygas will be gearing up for a "final assault" that will back the three PSI-powered heroes up against a wall and leave them "forced to attack." As things progress, "they discover something that will offer a ray of hope," and one of the biggest questions in the story will soon be answered, as everyone will learn "exactly what happened to Jeff."
Bound For Better Days? As for the finale of Hero's Resolve, Ninten1 will only address it with one very direct yet indirect sentence: Part III will bring "the final battle with a dark revelation and a bittersweet end."
"This is not the same
thing as the predecessor."
--Heartslaught
Projects this spring/summer:
EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga
Armageddon???
SHINY SHINY
MuteGen reveals a bright future for his take on "EarthBound"
Where We Left Off
Ness and Tracy left the house to investigate a loud noise, and wound up on a hilltop where Tracy recognized someone called Buzz Buzz.
What Comes Next
Rejoice. Shiny Shiny, the tale of a radical new direction for the "EarthBound" we all know, will get even weirder in the coming chapters.
That Rocks! As Ness, soon to be in Summers, is separated from Tracy in the near future, "He finds himself taken in by a small rock-worshiping cult," says MuteGen. This group will end up needing his help, as they're soon to be visited by a small band of warriors armed with swords.
Party of Four: So what's up with the intruders? "They tell [Ness] of the global contest," explains the author, "where groups of four from every town in the world compete to rise into the position of 'the Chosen Four' who will destroy the lord of evil who lurks in the shadows."
This is going to advance the plot in mysterious ways. MuteGen adds that the Summers area will give Ness a sense of deja vu he can't quite put his finger on. Also, the mention of that aforementioned lord causes him "to blank out and recall a memory he doesn't remember experiencing."
As he comes to, he'll attempt to help defend the group in Summers against the invaders, but finds himself to be "no match" for their leader. By the way, that leader happens to be a certain prince.
Ghost Buster: Over in Threed, "Tracy is stuck in a large tent surrounded by townsfolk with a fearful look in their eyes," says MuteGen in regards to his other story line. "Ghosts and zombies have the tent surrounded and are on the verge of killing everyone inside." So, along with Threed's Chosen Four, you can expect to see Tracy doing some heroic defending of her own.
"I'm toying with the idea
of a small subplot involving
Apple Kid and Orange Kid."
--Flying Zamboni 2
Projects this spring/summer:
EarthBound 200X
The Rush
Armageddon???
The follow-up story to Heartslaught's EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga
What To Expect
As you might guess, details on this high-profile sequel are sparse, especially considering the fact that its predecessor has yet to conclude as of this writing. Along with a small glimpse at Chapter One, here are some of the little trinkets EFR received.
While the heroes of the first story had half a year to recover from their previous battle, the protagonists who are present in this one only get one month, then it's back to business.
"Horsemen Saga was action-driven," says Heartslaught. "The sequel is much more character-driven and plot-driven." As for the action, the first fight will reveal that "the battle writing has been changed tremendously."
Horsemen In Da House! While some cast members from the previous story will also have major parts in this one, others won't, for varying reasons. Armageddon??? will also spotlight different characters, including the Starman-crushing masked blonde girl who arrived near the end of The Horsemen Saga, and a couple of newcomers who appear in the first chapter.
Among those introduced will be Jennifer LeCroussait, a genius who may be prone to using her gift in mischievous ways, and Laura Lotres, Jennifer's longtime friend who's a robotics expert capable of making androids.
Where It Begins: The early peek revealed that the opening takes place at Snow Wood, where the two new characters will meet one of the returning heroes. Heartslaught is reluctant to reveal much else at this stage, but the beginning did indeed look promising.
UNDERBOUND
MuteGen digs up a darker drama
What To Expect
The Quite-So-Distant Future: "A long time after the original events of 'EarthBound' occur," says the writer, "approximately 800 years later, a group of people were imprisoned underground in an attempt to eliminate all people who have what could be considered an unfair advantage over the average citizens of Eagleland."
Rather than returning to the world that shunned them, or allowing themselves to perish, this group of people explored the new area they were confined to.
"Hundreds of years later the caves have developed into a small civilization, with incredible technological feats, such as recreating the sun's light and creating a source of sanitary, running water."
Rise of The Dolls: There comes a point when this civilization's technology is able to create artificial humans called Dolls, and one ambitious doctor chooses to make one based on a certain hero of legend, resulting in the birth of Doll N.
However, history is soon repeated.
"Sadly," continues the scribe, "the Doll was deemed dangerous by the society it existed within, and the doctor was forced to seal the Doll away." Put into a dormant state, it is joined in this exile by Doll F, which resembles Paula. They remain inactive until a sudden blow to the cave floor causes them to reawaken, "and set out to recreate the adventures that Ness and Paula originally experienced so many years ago."
A World of Hurt: As things progress, the Dolls will find themselves dealing with corrupted people and animals, similar to the ones who roamed the streets during the adventure of the past (how exactly that comes about is something the writer is keeping secret). They'll also have to face a detached society that doesn't want anything to do with them, "and many more threats as they progress further into the caves than anyone was ever meant to," says MuteGen.
The Rush
Get ready to ride again with Javer, Fabricati, Flying Zamboni 2, and Michael DePalma
Where We Left Off
Several of our characters had grouped into teams and prepared for a big race with an even bigger jackpot.
What Comes Next
"From here on in," says Javer, "The Rush is going to become a fair bit more mind-blowing."
Where To? Though everyone's hesitant to reveal much right now, you can certainly expect more "crazy-go-nuts stuff in the upcoming portions," says Flying Zamboni 2. Stuff involving "zany car sequences" and exotic locations, including a few places that all of the writers seem to think are good choices.
Slow Down There: "Put it this way," says Michael DePalma, the executive producer behind this group 'fic, "this race goes through the desert, through what some might consider 'hick' country." Other interesting stops that more than one author mentions include Las Vegas and, of course, the requisite motels/hotels, since it just wouldn't be an "EarthBound" adventure without the travelers spending a few nights in them. But don't go getting any ideas, because according to DePalma, at least one of these will be "the world's worst motel," which could make things all the more uncomfortable for the betrothed Ness and Paula, who are on this trip to pay for a wedding day they may have set a little too early.
Speaking of that mushy stuff, readers of EarthBound: The Perpetual Adventures may be interested in knowing that DePalma's next installment of that series, revised somewhat from what was previously planned, will be "VERY romance oriented," and will include some inspiration from the work of current 'It' Girl MoonlitAngel007 (a writer who, according to feedback on EFR, Fanfiction.Net, and Starmen.Net, is being watched, to say the least).
Just How Far? The writers of The Rush aren't exactly holding back when it comes to having a little fun now and then, as they're tossing about ideas for cameos and certain radical developments.
"Things will happen," says DePalma. "We're still working out the details, but if we get lucky, a certain governor with a very strong European accent will make a special appearance. We're also exploring what could possibly happen if the Mr. Saturn race suddenly came out to the public."
Of course, in the interests of maintaining the story's integrity and well-earned respect since its debut, Javer adds, "We are only allowed a certain number of gears, and they can only be kicked so high. But it should be pretty cool regardless."
EFR