Da Masta
What makes EarthBound EarthBound? Is it the simple yet delightful graphics? Is it the simplistic, charming music? Is it the way that instead of dying, animals are simply tamed, thus not promoting violence and killing, like so many 3rd rate RPGs (coughfinalfantasysevencough)? No. 'Tis an ingenious blend of these, and more, qualities, that make EarthBound the master of all RPGs.
First, the graphics. Although, at first sight, they are blocky, un-detailed, and extremely simplistic, when you peel away that rough, outer layer, you receive the most delightful graphics ever. Sure, some idiots may say: "Duh.... these graphics stink," it is not them that matters anyway, but the gameplay. Many a potentially great game have thrown away their gameplay and plot, just to look pretty (coughfinalfantasysevencough). Earthbound, though, stands it's ground, and does not cave in to mass consumerism, and the appeal of most kids.
Second, the music. Ahhhhhh, the music. Many a time have I found myself humming the Runaway Five theme during class, or screaming out that hippie music in the shower. It isn't fancy, it isn't perfect, and there isn't an entire orchestra playing it. But, nonetheless, it is wonderful. Oh how I wish more RPGs would hve music like this (coughfinalfantasysevencough).
Third, the no death/violence factor. To some, this may seem bad, unrealistic, and not showing the consequence of violence, but to me, it shows that a game can be wholesome, and be good. That a game doesn't need guns to be good. That a game doesn't need some idiot with a gun attached to his arm shooting everything left and right (coughfinalfantasysevencough)!!!!!!
For these reasons, and more, EarthBound is the best ever. To anybody who has accidently cruised into my article, and is reading it now, do yourself a favor: buy, rent, or steal this game. You cannot call yourself an RPGer, unless you have played EarthBound. For now, this is Strago, signing off.
What makes EarthBound EarthBound? Is it the simple yet delightful graphics? Is it the simplistic, charming music? Is it the way that instead of dying, animals are simply tamed, thus not promoting violence and killing, like so many 3rd rate RPGs (coughfinalfantasysevencough)? No. 'Tis an ingenious blend of these, and more, qualities, that make EarthBound the master of all RPGs.
First, the graphics. Although, at first sight, they are blocky, un-detailed, and extremely simplistic, when you peel away that rough, outer layer, you receive the most delightful graphics ever. Sure, some idiots may say: "Duh.... these graphics stink," it is not them that matters anyway, but the gameplay. Many a potentially great game have thrown away their gameplay and plot, just to look pretty (coughfinalfantasysevencough). Earthbound, though, stands it's ground, and does not cave in to mass consumerism, and the appeal of most kids.
Second, the music. Ahhhhhh, the music. Many a time have I found myself humming the Runaway Five theme during class, or screaming out that hippie music in the shower. It isn't fancy, it isn't perfect, and there isn't an entire orchestra playing it. But, nonetheless, it is wonderful. Oh how I wish more RPGs would hve music like this (coughfinalfantasysevencough).
Third, the no death/violence factor. To some, this may seem bad, unrealistic, and not showing the consequence of violence, but to me, it shows that a game can be wholesome, and be good. That a game doesn't need guns to be good. That a game doesn't need some idiot with a gun attached to his arm shooting everything left and right (coughfinalfantasysevencough)!!!!!!
For these reasons, and more, EarthBound is the best ever. To anybody who has accidently cruised into my article, and is reading it now, do yourself a favor: buy, rent, or steal this game. You cannot call yourself an RPGer, unless you have played EarthBound. For now, this is Strago, signing off.
