Reviews

Earthbound

By Corey

Earthbound, possibly the most underated game of all time. Considered by many to be too goofy, to simple, to ugly, etc. Those who took the time to see through some of its obvious short comings got one of the best and most enjoyable gaming experiences of all time.

Graphics: 6

This game looks like something the NES could do in its prime with a little more color. Nothing pretty too look at here. People who just look at graphics will be turned off by this game immediately. To tell you the truth though, I thought the visuals fit the gameplay perfectly. A simple and funny game should have simple and funny graphics.

Game Play: 10

Ok, you saw the graphics that look just a bit better than a more powerful NES could do. Why should you play this game? Because it rocks, that is why. Unlike a lot of RPGs, this is more of a modern RPG. You'll see streets, cars, phones and all that modern stuff. This really doesn't effect the gameplay a whole lot, but it is worth mentioning since it effect the storyline. I'm not going to say anything about it except that it is the most bizzare storyline you may ever see in any game. In what other game is there a 'Legend of "The Three Boys And A Girl Who Will Defeat Giygas"'?

Getting into battle is a little different then most RPGs as well. Instead of going into random battles, you can see the enemies on the map screen. If you bumb into them, you fight. There is more to this, however. The more enemies that you touch at once (some come after you once you touch an enemy), the more you fight in battle. If you sneak up from behind on an enemy, you get a fee hit. If an enemy touches you from behind, they get the free it. Its pretty cool how this system works.

The battle system is like most RPGs except for one unique difference. When you get hit, instead of losing life instantly, it scrolls down slowly. Want an example? Okay. Lets say you have 376 HP. You get hit and it takes off 456HP. Instead of being instantly dead, the life slowly goes down. This gives you a chance to heal yourself, or possibly kill the enemy before you die. This is very cool. Another thing about the battle system is that you can't see yourself in battles. A little annoying at first, but you get used to it.

Other than all this, the game plays like any other RPG. The thing that seperates it from everything is its humor. This is the most unserious game you will ever find. You could be in a crtical moment in the storyline when all of a sudden a photographer comes down and takes your picture. Your character's main weapon is a baseball bat! Seriously, you may find yourself rolling on the floor laughing at certain points of the game.

Sound: 9

You know what? The sound is really great. At some towns in the game, you may just want to stick around and listen to it for a while. Sound effects can be funny too. "SMAAAASH!!!" is what you'll hear if you get a critical hit on your opponent. Some of your psi (magic) attacks sound pretty cool as well.

Lasting Value: 9

With most RPGs, once you beat it its over. However, the great ones make you come back for more, to beat it again and again. This is one of the great ones. An enjoyable experience the first time through, it continues to be the second, third, and fourth times through as well. If you don't want to play through the game again, you could always try looking for the tons of secret items enemies hold, or build all the items Jeff can make.

Bottom Line

The gameplay alone makes it a 10. The replay and sound are just added bonuses. People who just look at the graphics and say this game sucks will be missing a great experience.

You know what? I'll just go out and say it. This is the best game I have ever played. Period.

Final Score: 10 out of 10 (this is not an average)