EarthBound (SNES)

Could this be the "definitive" Nintendo game...

Game of the Day

Name: EarthBound (aka Mother 2)

Released: 1995

Developer(s): HAL Laboratory and Ape

Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System

I only stumbled upon this game quite recently, and that's not surprising considering how unknown it is. But despite that, it is a classic among gamers and it's really easy to see why. In this game, you play as Ness (you know that boy from Smash Bros. who wears that cap, yeah that guy) who teams up with some buddies to defeat the evil Giygas. What makes this unique from every other RPG is firstly the difficulty. It's kind of like the original Legend of Zelda where you had no instructions and just kind of had to figure everything out yourself. But that's definitely not a bad thing, particularly in this game. Oh, and expect to die a lot (just a warning). Then there's the surreal aspect of the game where you fight fire hydrants, stray dogs, hippies and skateboarders (to name a few) using baseball bats and yo-yos among other items - how very 90s. Not to mention how big the environments are as you travel throughout places such as Onett and Happy-Happy Valley that it really provides a great sense of adventure which is fantastic. Does all that make it the definitive Nintendo game though? Possibly but the best thing about this game (which in my opinion makes it worthy) is the amount of wit and humour and charm this game provides whether it comes from the dialogue or the ridiculous amount of pop culture littered throughout the game which just makes you come back wanting for more. If you don't mind a challenge, then this game will provide you with a rewarding experience.