Watching this really made me feel like I was sleep walking through the whole game. There's so many things I never realized, especially near the end. You did a great job conveying the message of the game. Great video as always bru, hopefully this is the first of many brutalcumpowder commentaries!
I just finished Earthbound for the first time last week. I'm 25 years old and I'm not ashamed to say I teared up at the end. After experiencing a truly frightening and unsettling final boss, the entire ending of this game is such a sweet, gentle, goodbye. And like a good book, once you reach the last page you close it with bittersweet hesitation. Walking Paula home while that peaceful music played was so beautiful. I'm so glad I found your video. I've been trying to assess and analyze the game and story and my own emotions for a few days. You already described so much of what I experienced and it was really interesting to hear your own thoughts and reactions to the game. I'm actually glad I never played this game as a child. I think there's an extra bit of melancholy and nostalgia you feel as an adult that comes from experiencing the loss of childhood innocence. My perspective of the games story and dialogue is different now than it would have been as a child. And it's comforting to be able to briefly be reunited with your inner child. I know there are flaws in this game, but honestly, I was so charmed by it that they feel pretty damn insignificant to my enjoyment of it. Earthbound is more than the sum of its parts. I love the stylized look of it. I love the psychedelic backgrounds. I love the absurd enemies. I love the sounds and music and the way they convey such atmosphere and mood. I love that underneath all of the wacky, silly, eccentricity, there is real emotion. Small hints of simple truths. Family, friendship, love. Corruption, greed, evil. I love that you cannot conventionally defeat Giygas. That the game forces you to feel true helplessness as you pray for help. And I love that asking for help is not seen as a weakness in this game, but a strength. Because you can't do it alone. Pretty awesome that a 24 year old, 16 bit game, can still surprise and entertain all these years later.
Played this for the first time near the beginning of this summer, completed it a few months later, I gotta say, I was not expecting the game to be this great, Magicant nearly made me tear up, I used to think people who cried at games were just friggin man-babies. This game is great and the whole time I had a blast even through it's more thought provoking and story parts. Personally Pokey was actually the most depressing thing in the game for me. The game is an experience for anybody, and for anybody it's different
I'm glad you loved my favorite game so much. It definitely transcends time. I first played it when I was 7 years old, I traded a kid at school and extra copy of Super Mario All-Stars I had for Earthbound and Chrono Trigger because he couldn't stand RPGs and they both ended up being pretty much the best RPGs ever made. Video games were so mysterious and exciting back in the day when you couldn't go on the internet and look them up or look up strategies. My brother and I have so many memories of figuring out games and experiencing them together for the first time without them being spoiled on the internet
Coincidentally, in the "Fobbies Are Borange" radio show on Starmen way back when, they gave Pokey a VERY Eric Cartman inspired voice. And yes, it fits just as well as you can imagine.
Played through Earthbound this week, it's really good. I made a sandwich and a drink to sit down to grind for the sword of kings, and then got it on my first try...
in recent years, my fiancee and i would make a drinking game out of the sword of kings grind. not one in the course of six or seven years did the item drop stop the game.
First I was like" two hours!? No way I'm watching all this." Then, "oh wow! It's over already?" Excellent video, man. This game holds such a special place in my heart. It's a nostalgia overload that brings tears to me eyes, to listen the soundtrack or watch videos such as this. Thank you for this.
Man I feel really bad for putting this on the backburner for so long. This is truly an excellent video and criminally underrated on top of it. If you're even still reading these, thank you brutalc.
49:43 I didnt realize it until now, but the battle background for the mani mani statue is very similar to the one in the masked man's battle at the end of Mother 3.
All that time you spent on this really paid off and I loved watching it. You have so much charisma and I legit laughed at some points. I've never played this, but I could tell from your commentary how this game left such a big impression for so many people. If you end up making more shit like this in the future, consider me excited!
I played this when it was still new. Traded my neighbor a star crunch for this game, which is so ridiculous knowing it’s value now and even then. Loved it then and now.
My first time playing the game after finding out about the Sword of Kings, I grinded it out, got the weapon, saved, and headed to the boss. On the way, I ran into more Starman Supers, and had another one drop for me. Unfortunately, you can't drop it, so it hurt my inventory management, but it wasn't a huge issue. It was later that I found out that I couldn't sell it either, and now it rests with Escargo Express lol.
Your analysis, style, and passion for the game are inspiring. I don't know if any game has ever spoken to people quite like Earthbound does... there are like four points in the game that make me cry, and maybe a few new ones after watching this video.
Thank you for that comprehensive analysis. For a while, I had forgotten that I had subscribed to your channel, and this video reminded me why I subscribed in the first place. You reminded me of my love of Earthbound, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I hope that you do a video like this for the original Mother and Mother 3. Mother 1 especially gives some insight into Giygas' background and true nature of what it used to be that people who have only played the second two games otherwise wouldn't have (it conclusively debunks the "fetus theory" for example). I think the most interesting thing about the Mother series is the villains and how Giygas links the first game to the second and Pokey links the second to the third.
This was so fun to watch; I haven't played Earthbound in a long time, but I did play it when it came out-- I was about 12. I remember when I got to Threed I was so freaked out by how the tone of the game shifted. When I ran into the boogey tent by accident I almost screamed, lmao. The final battle with Giygas also freaked me out. Still such a great game, one I always recommend to people if they've never played it.
I watched Chuggaaconroys OG play through when I was 6. The giygas battle completely shattered me. I still have nightmares about it often and I’m 18 years old. It’s genuinely my worst fear, I can’t look at giygas without feeling intense fear, panic, and paranoia, and thus I cannot finish earthbound. Itoi really did a great job creating something that truly represents fear and guilt
An insightful long, thematic discussion on one of my favorite games of all time. Take my subscription. Edit: Made it to the end. Thats a classy touch you added, you magnificent bastard. I hope that means a Mother 3 Commentary is in-bound.
I love how you have this kind of apathetic voice at the beginning, and kinda keep it the whole way through but the more it goes, the more you show your emotions and it's just how I was when I played the game-
Something to note about the territorial oak: his explosive attack is probably where most people learn about the rolling HP bar. He can deal double to triple your current max HP.
Went into this expecting it to literally just be a commentary talking about the game as you played it, was pleasantly surprised to see there’s edits and image inserts and whatever! Makes it a lot more engaging for my ADHD brain that can’t focus very well. That being said, only four minutes in, but so far, I think I’m gonna love this! Edit: I’ve since finished the video and wow, this was great just as I thought!
Maybe the Sword of Kings is Excalibur? That's the only reason I can think of as to a connection between swords, kings, and the British Isles (or, as in Earthbound, Winters/Foggyland). After all, Stonehenge is rumored to be linked to Avalon so it goes.
This was a fantastic video. Your commentary during the Giygas fight is probably some of your best work to date. I tried the game once or twice and could just not get over the tedious combat, so I haven't actually enjoyed much of the game myself. But this video perfectly shows what makes the game so great and truly special to you. Great job, Mike!
Just played Earthbound for the first a couple months ago. It's a very special game and I think we all struggle to put our finger on exactly why that is. But you did so perfectly. And even then, it took two hours! Just proof of how much charm and substance there is to this game. Excellent video, it deserves more views!
I watch your commentary every night. Not cuz I'm weird... Cuz I am. But I played this game as soon as it was released. Had the book, the cards...that smell. ( I remember them stinking.) I was so fresh to RPGs. And I don't know how many times I wanted to abandon this games cuz my brain could understand the gameplay. But, it grew on me coming back and back and back again. Soon I saw what you comment on today. The nuances held within. The depth of it's story and it's satire of our country (U.S.). You words remind me of the times playing the game. Discovering the levels of it's depth. And how wholesome it is. You also point out alot of quirks in the story or characters that I, having years of play on my belt, skipped over me. (I.E. Frankie& the arcade, The police of Onett and, Tonic Club and Poo's "Insane" trial") You put alot of hard work and love in to this commentary. You earned my respect! PS. My only bother is you missed that if you go back to Lier X. Agerate. He show you the first mention of the Mani Mami Statue. Which I see as a great teaser of things to come. but still top notch hands down. PSS I know why the sword of kings was so hard. I broke it down by odds ,location, and loading transitions. But I'm weird. Lol Thx, EarthBound Lover!
never gave a damn about the Mother series but this looks like a masterfully in-depth video, will edit this comment after watching if it instead turns out to be garbage
In his stream he said if I remember correctly, however I think I don't, but something like Mother 1 was like shittier version of 2 and 3 had better story, but 2 had better atmosphere
@@evillogberry mother 1 certainly had an aesthetic charm. earthbound was better in so, so many ways. but if mother 1 were examined in such a similar way, i'd love to see such a thing.
It's about time I hear a review / video essay that goes over the more metacognitive and philosophical aspects of this game! Thank you, you did this so well and put my thoughts into words lol
A great look back at this unique game! I agree with you about the battle system. Starting off, you don’t have a lot of agency in combat with only one party member that can basically just swing his bat at enemies to progress. Other RPGs of the time also had this problem - the first Breath of Fire comes to mind. But the combat does become more interesting as you gain skills to use and new characters join your squad. And overcoming that initial hurdle is so worthwhile! I hope it doesn’t push people away from the experience like it almost did me as a young lad. This deserves to be experienced.
That was a GREAT video. I'm really angry youtube didnt show it to me when it was posted and I was actively looking for some cool Mother videos. I've always felt bad for Porky in that "my god, we've watched that kind of annoying kid grow to become a despicable evil that destroyed the world twice over and there was nothing we could do". It's like trying to catch the moment when exactly you fall asleep, that time you try to "catch" Porky making that jump from regular domestic variety of sh1t-eatiness to ADVANCED DARKNESS. And you can't... that childish "me, me, me" WAS the darkness all the time. (I also wonder how Picky fared in his life. He grew up in the same family Porky did yet didn't become the destroyer of the worlds. Not that NOT being evil is such a great achievement, its just interesting Porky had a brother who was essentially Claus to Porky's Lukas yet they didnt have any kind of love for each other, Porky doesn't ever mention him. It's just so sad.)
Mother series in general feels like an evolution of expression through video games, especially EarthBound and Mother 3. I do like the NES original and EarthBound, but Mother 3 is still far and beyond my favorite, even though I do see why people might find EarthBound more special. EarthBound vs Mother 3 I see as a comparison between the concepts of 'life' and 'art.' EarthBound is kinda like a collection of moments and journeys that are relatable to each and every one of us as it touches upon our very human experiences of growing up in this modern world, but its also just a person's life story. Everybody has a life story and EarthBound does not go that extra step to make us attached on a deeper level with it. Mother 3 is pure art as it transfers feelings, ideology, messages, through the medium of video games in this case, and it gives us more of a substance to hold on to emotionally. It grabs us by the feels and holds us even after the ending, and when we finish playing, our mind is left to mull over what we have just experienced. It is not only the blank message of 'oh after we pray for 9 times we feel the power of everybody that we have been through our life with' no it gives us a reason to think, to think if we are creating such a society that will end up like this, to think (SPOILERS) if the dragon will reset the world once again for the pureness of Lucas' heart, to think if Porky is happy alone all by himself in his capsule, to think about everything that happened and that will happen. Mother 3 does transcend to the point of being a truly magnificent tale and not just something that we can see and say 'hey I used to do that too' or 'hey I see how its funny' and damn do I love that game for it. (Plus cuz the gameplay is an improvement in every possible way and it practically contains all of EarthBound's most memorable moments, quests and mechanics and pays homage to it at the same time) But in truth, all Mother games are masterpieces. Yes, even the first one. And yes, I know u will crave for a guide, but guess what, EarthBound can be stupidly cryptic too and its always glossed over so shut up and google a guide, it's not a big deal.
1:54:53 what I think is really brilliant about this battle is that it works everytime, even if you know what is going to happen, Shigesato Itoi plays your emotions like a fiddle. By the time I get to this part of the fight, I am always invested. I am praying that I'll beat him, and I'm praying those 4 kids I grew to know over the course of the long journey make it out ok. The entire game builds up to this moment. Everything in the game, all the moments, every experience makes you really care about the world of Earthbound, and setting you up so you're about to lose, legitimately making you feel helpless as you run out of people to grasp for help from, presenting your efforts as just not enough to stop Giygas, that it will still destroy the entire world that you've come to love. This sequence works every single time I've played or watched let's plays of Earthbound. It's truly beautiful.
I think Porky is also a prime example of the cycle of abuse. We know his home life isn't the best and that he has stunted emotional growth which makes him lash out at others. But his actions being influenced by Gygas potentially represents how people stuck in the abuse cycle will often find themselves gravitating to other abusive relationships and being duped into radical ideas like cults or world destruction or sorts.
When I was a kid I spent so many hours trying to get the sword of kings. I got Ness to his maximum level, I fought so many fights, he leveled up to his final level. And I never, never got it.
Tip: if you're having trouble with Giygas at last, try using Brainshock on him, he's one of the few enemies susceptible to brainshock. It basically highers the chance of him attacking himself.
Love the vid, the only thing is that ocarina of time gives you a literal gift, the master sword, because it's the only way the story can progress and the game is meant to be beaten by anyone who picks it up, earthbound is just a bit deeper, and you don't need a weapon or item to know you've gotten stronger 🤷 idk just a thought, keep up the good work 👌
This was great! I miss this game and this was a nice trip down memory lane... you should do one for mother 3, I’m curious to what you’d have to say about certain scenes. :D
Was rewatching this and I just had this little lightbulb If itoi played dragon quest prior to him making earthbound there's a chance he took some inspiration for giygas in dq4's final boss psaro the manslayer In dq4 the main antagonist, Psaro despises humans but enjoys the presence of other creatures like dwarves, wildlife, and elves. This is shown through a town you find called "Rosehill", named after his lover. Pretty much what happens by endgame is that Psaro discovers the secret of evolution and is reborn into Psaro the manslayer. Right before you face him he says, "Grraaargh! How dare you people disturb me!? I am Psaro the Manslayer. I have just reawakened as the Master of Monsterkind. Grraaargh! I know nothing of my past. I remember nothing. But I know what it is I must do. Grraaargh! I must eradicate all of humankind!" The only thing this new form lives on is it's will to destroy humans. It has no memory of it's past. No love, no sorrow, nothing. This is akin to Gigue becoming Giygas especially with the fact that the two have little to no control of themselves or their actions. They've been consumed by hatred and emotions. Dq4 initially released in 1990 and Earthbound in 94' so it's very possible that this isn't mere coincidence.
I think the difficulty of Peaceful Rest Valley was a useful concept that got taken too far. The idea is to make it difficult for you when you go through it the first time, so that, when you come back with Paula later after beating the second Your Sanctuary, you feel like you've improved. Also, I think you missed a bit on Orange Kid. It's not that he has dumb ideas of what to make. It's that he's an "inventor" for fame reasons only. The "unboil an egg" idea is one that sounds cool but is impractical. It's a message about not judging people based on superficial appearances--albeit one that unfortunately pushes some stereotypes about actual geniuses being slovenly and bad with social skills.
1:50:18 Well Giygas' attack could take the form of a PSI Freeze, Lightning or Flash. From the way you could get solidified, have the Franklin badge work on lightning or have Jeff or Poo easily cry ,get numb or die (both very weak to Flash).
I heard this game was scary....I've made it to the third town where there are hippies...there were ghosts, so I went to happy town or something and then went back to save. I enjoy it more than most rpg games....thank goodness for the snes mini.
Watching this really made me feel like I was sleep walking through the whole game. There's so many things I never realized, especially near the end. You did a great job conveying the message of the game. Great video as always bru, hopefully this is the first of many brutalcumpowder commentaries!
hey
I just finished Earthbound for the first time last week. I'm 25 years old and I'm not ashamed to say I teared up at the end.
After experiencing a truly frightening and unsettling final boss, the entire ending of this game is such a sweet, gentle, goodbye. And like a good book, once you reach the last page you close it with bittersweet hesitation. Walking Paula home while that peaceful music played was so beautiful.
I'm so glad I found your video. I've been trying to assess and analyze the game and story and my own emotions for a few days. You already described so much of what I experienced and it was really interesting to hear your own thoughts and reactions to the game.
I'm actually glad I never played this game as a child. I think there's an extra bit of melancholy and nostalgia you feel as an adult that comes from experiencing the loss of childhood innocence. My perspective of the games story and dialogue is different now than it would have been as a child. And it's comforting to be able to briefly be reunited with your inner child.
I know there are flaws in this game, but honestly, I was so charmed by it that they feel pretty damn insignificant to my enjoyment of it.
Earthbound is more than the sum of its parts.
I love the stylized look of it. I love the psychedelic backgrounds. I love the absurd enemies. I love the sounds and music and the way they convey such atmosphere and mood. I love that underneath all of the wacky, silly, eccentricity, there is real emotion. Small hints of simple truths. Family, friendship, love. Corruption, greed, evil.
I love that you cannot conventionally defeat Giygas. That the game forces you to feel true helplessness as you pray for help.
And I love that asking for help is not seen as a weakness in this game, but a strength. Because you can't do it alone.
Pretty awesome that a 24 year old, 16 bit game, can still surprise and entertain all these years later.
Played this for the first time near the beginning of this summer, completed it a few months later, I gotta say, I was not expecting the game to be this great, Magicant nearly made me tear up, I used to think people who cried at games were just friggin man-babies. This game is great and the whole time I had a blast even through it's more thought provoking and story parts. Personally Pokey was actually the most depressing thing in the game for me. The game is an experience for anybody, and for anybody it's different
I'm glad you loved my favorite game so much. It definitely transcends time. I first played it when I was 7 years old, I traded a kid at school and extra copy of Super Mario All-Stars I had for Earthbound and Chrono Trigger because he couldn't stand RPGs and they both ended up being pretty much the best RPGs ever made. Video games were so mysterious and exciting back in the day when you couldn't go on the internet and look them up or look up strategies. My brother and I have so many memories of figuring out games and experiencing them together for the first time without them being spoiled on the internet
Someone called pokey the Eric Cartmen of earthbound and that fits really well
Coincidentally, in the "Fobbies Are Borange" radio show on Starmen way back when, they gave Pokey a VERY Eric Cartman inspired voice. And yes, it fits just as well as you can imagine.
Makes sense, the creators of South Park did cite Earthbound as the inspiration for Stick of Truth.
Earthbound was released before South Park first aired. Cartman is the Pokey Minch of South Park.
Funny I saw that comment as well
Lol I never heard that before but that's awesome. Stick of Truth was fantastic.
Played through Earthbound this week, it's really good. I made a sandwich and a drink to sit down to grind for the sword of kings, and then got it on my first try...
in recent years, my fiancee and i would make a drinking game out of the sword of kings grind. not one in the course of six or seven years did the item drop stop the game.
This video made me start a second playthrough of Earthbound about a month ago, and I’m honestly so glad that I played it again
but...i...well fuck dude. its like a .78% drop
nice 😎 i got it after like 10 mins. i’m replaying it and i’m thinking i probably shouldn’t get the sword of kings again
Ok chuggaconroy
First I was like" two hours!? No way I'm watching all this." Then, "oh wow! It's over already?" Excellent video, man. This game holds such a special place in my heart. It's a nostalgia overload that brings tears to me eyes, to listen the soundtrack or watch videos such as this. Thank you for this.
me too
I hope this does well in the fanfest, it's so good
as a huge earthbound/mother fan, i rewatch this and the mother 3 video every few months. beautiful work bro.
Man I feel really bad for putting this on the backburner for so long. This is truly an excellent video and criminally underrated on top of it. If you're even still reading these, thank you brutalc.
This is as satisfying as Earthbound. Going through a fun long experience that is deep and finishing it
Hi porky, you’re one of the best video game antagonists ever
49:43
I didnt realize it until now, but the battle background for the mani mani statue is very similar to the one in the masked man's battle at the end of Mother 3.
I noticed that on the second play through of earthbound after mother 3
All that time you spent on this really paid off and I loved watching it. You have so much charisma and I legit laughed at some points. I've never played this, but I could tell from your commentary how this game left such a big impression for so many people. If you end up making more shit like this in the future, consider me excited!
"Jeff has no pp!" I never laughed so hard....
Jeff is girl confirmed!
Trans Jeff
I played this when it was still new. Traded my neighbor a star crunch for this game, which is so ridiculous knowing it’s value now and even then. Loved it then and now.
My first time playing the game after finding out about the Sword of Kings, I grinded it out, got the weapon, saved, and headed to the boss. On the way, I ran into more Starman Supers, and had another one drop for me. Unfortunately, you can't drop it, so it hurt my inventory management, but it wasn't a huge issue. It was later that I found out that I couldn't sell it either, and now it rests with Escargo Express lol.
Your analysis, style, and passion for the game are inspiring. I don't know if any game has ever spoken to people quite like Earthbound does... there are like four points in the game that make me cry, and maybe a few new ones after watching this video.
Fantastic retrospect of the game, reminded me of my own playthrough.
Holy shit. Amazing video, dude. Can't believe you managed to do all of this in just one stream VoD.
Thank you for that comprehensive analysis. For a while, I had forgotten that I had subscribed to your channel, and this video reminded me why I subscribed in the first place.
You reminded me of my love of Earthbound, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
E. R. Fleming thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it!
@@BruTalc 3 years later and this still needs more views.
it was such a treat listening to this, thank you for this generous and heartfelt work!
This video deserves way more attention,thanks youtube for putting it in my recommended
Why? Why are there only 5,000 views? THIS NEEDS MORE!!!
Good shit, glad you finally finished this thing. Was really caught off guard by Rich Evans' cameo at the magic cake bit and I completely lost it.
I hope that you do a video like this for the original Mother and Mother
3. Mother 1 especially gives some insight into Giygas' background and
true nature of what it used to be that people who have only played the
second two games otherwise wouldn't have (it conclusively debunks the
"fetus theory" for example). I think the most interesting thing about
the Mother series is the villains and how Giygas links the first game to
the second and Pokey links the second to the third.
It's been about a decade since I last played Earthbound, and my heart swelled watching this today!!!
I think Jeff can’t use PSI because in mother 1 PSI is powered by love and Jeff’s father left him for 10 years
I'm pretty sure PSI was something only certain family lines have
This was so fun to watch; I haven't played Earthbound in a long time, but I did play it when it came out-- I was about 12. I remember when I got to Threed I was so freaked out by how the tone of the game shifted. When I ran into the boogey tent by accident I almost screamed, lmao. The final battle with Giygas also freaked me out. Still such a great game, one I always recommend to people if they've never played it.
I watched Chuggaaconroys OG play through when I was 6. The giygas battle completely shattered me. I still have nightmares about it often and I’m 18 years old. It’s genuinely my worst fear, I can’t look at giygas without feeling intense fear, panic, and paranoia, and thus I cannot finish earthbound. Itoi really did a great job creating something that truly represents fear and guilt
@@Digital_PeterGriffin I’m 25 years old and the Giyagas battle is genuinely chilling. VERY disturbing. He did a fantastic job there.
An insightful long, thematic discussion on one of my favorite games of all time.
Take my subscription.
Edit: Made it to the end. Thats a classy touch you added, you magnificent bastard. I hope that means a Mother 3 Commentary is in-bound.
I love how you have this kind of apathetic voice at the beginning, and kinda keep it the whole way through but the more it goes, the more you show your emotions and it's just how I was when I played the game-
Happy days! can't wait to watch this monster. Thanks for your dedication Brutalcumpowder this was a really nice surprise
Something to note about the territorial oak: his explosive attack is probably where most people learn about the rolling HP bar. He can deal double to triple your current max HP.
Went into this expecting it to literally just be a commentary talking about the game as you played it, was pleasantly surprised to see there’s edits and image inserts and whatever! Makes it a lot more engaging for my ADHD brain that can’t focus very well.
That being said, only four minutes in, but so far, I think I’m gonna love this!
Edit: I’ve since finished the video and wow, this was great just as I thought!
I would LOVE to see a similar video for Mother 3. Seriously dude, good work on this.
Maybe the Sword of Kings is Excalibur? That's the only reason I can think of as to a connection between swords, kings, and the British Isles (or, as in Earthbound, Winters/Foggyland). After all, Stonehenge is rumored to be linked to Avalon so it goes.
"Thunder and Lightning Ain't So Frightening" It's AREN'T! If you're going to tug at my 90s PC game nostalgia, do it right. XD
Shrooom! Is actually just called Kyodai Mushroom in Japanese. Kyodai being a yakuza rank
Great video, brings back memories! I can watch this on repeat all day!
This was a fantastic video. Your commentary during the Giygas fight is probably some of your best work to date.
I tried the game once or twice and could just not get over the tedious combat, so I haven't actually enjoyed much of the game myself. But this video perfectly shows what makes the game so great and truly special to you.
Great job, Mike!
Just played Earthbound for the first a couple months ago. It's a very special game and I think we all struggle to put our finger on exactly why that is. But you did so perfectly. And even then, it took two hours! Just proof of how much charm and substance there is to this game. Excellent video, it deserves more views!
Watched this in two sittings. Having never played earthbound this was very interesting. Great video!
syril oof. You should have really played it blind. I feel bad for you honestly
I watch your commentary every night. Not cuz I'm weird... Cuz I am. But I played this game as soon as it was released. Had the book, the cards...that smell. ( I remember them stinking.) I was so fresh to RPGs. And I don't know how many times I wanted to abandon this games cuz my brain could understand the gameplay. But, it grew on me coming back and back and back again. Soon I saw what you comment on today. The nuances held within. The depth of it's story and it's satire of our country (U.S.). You words remind me of the times playing the game. Discovering the levels of it's depth. And how wholesome it is. You also point out alot of quirks in the story or characters that I, having years of play on my belt, skipped over me. (I.E. Frankie& the arcade, The police of Onett and, Tonic Club and Poo's "Insane" trial")
You put alot of hard work and love in to this commentary.
You earned my respect!
PS. My only bother is you missed that if you go back to Lier X. Agerate. He show you the first mention of the Mani Mami Statue. Which I see as a great teaser of things to come. but still top notch hands down.
PSS I know why the sword of kings was so hard. I broke it down by odds ,location, and loading transitions. But I'm weird. Lol
Thx, EarthBound Lover!
Great video. Brings back alot of memories
Nice! I like how you balanced analysis with commentary, although I possibly would've liked a bit more analysis, but that's just me.
This was a fantastic watch! Thank you.
never gave a damn about the Mother series but this looks like a masterfully in-depth video, will edit this comment after watching if it instead turns out to be garbage
How was it?
@@raulmora156 the world may never know
Thanks for the play-by-play lol
Guess it was acceptable, haha :)
Wow. You weren't shitting me during the ttyd stream. This is fucking extensive.
I know this probably took a long time to make, but id love to hear your thoughts on mother 1 and 3
In his stream he said if I remember correctly, however I think I don't, but something like Mother 1 was like shittier version of 2 and 3 had better story, but 2 had better atmosphere
@@evillogberry mother 1 certainly had an aesthetic charm. earthbound was better in so, so many ways. but if mother 1 were examined in such a similar way, i'd love to see such a thing.
I'm so happy you got it put back up
This video turned out amazing! Excellent job bru!
It's about time I hear a review / video essay that goes over the more metacognitive and philosophical aspects of this game! Thank you, you did this so well and put my thoughts into words lol
This was really great! I got to relive the game again, in the time it takes to watch a movie! And good commentary too. Thank you!
A great look back at this unique game! I agree with you about the battle system. Starting off, you don’t have a lot of agency in combat with only one party member that can basically just swing his bat at enemies to progress. Other RPGs of the time also had this problem - the first Breath of Fire comes to mind. But the combat does become more interesting as you gain skills to use and new characters join your squad. And overcoming that initial hurdle is so worthwhile! I hope it doesn’t push people away from the experience like it almost did me as a young lad. This deserves to be experienced.
"The first time the mani mani statue appears," was incorrect and you skipped over Lier.
This is definitely going to be an annual video I’ll watch for the rest of my life
Awesome analysis best one yet please release more earthbound content 😀
That was a GREAT video. I'm really angry youtube didnt show it to me when it was posted and I was actively looking for some cool Mother videos.
I've always felt bad for Porky in that "my god, we've watched that kind of annoying kid grow to become a despicable evil that destroyed the world twice over and there was nothing we could do". It's like trying to catch the moment when exactly you fall asleep, that time you try to "catch" Porky making that jump from regular domestic variety of sh1t-eatiness to ADVANCED DARKNESS. And you can't... that childish "me, me, me" WAS the darkness all the time.
(I also wonder how Picky fared in his life. He grew up in the same family Porky did yet didn't become the destroyer of the worlds. Not that NOT being evil is such a great achievement, its just interesting Porky had a brother who was essentially Claus to Porky's Lukas yet they didnt have any kind of love for each other, Porky doesn't ever mention him. It's just so sad.)
Fun analysis of a game I've played too many times to count. Very informative for those unfamiliar with the deeper themes of Mother 2. Keep it up, Bru.
the Shrooom! joke, always gets me
SHROOOOOOOOOO
Really nice and concise summary of this gem :) hats off to you.
This was incredible. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The video itself was an fantastic journey through everything Mother 2 has to offer
Mother series in general feels like an evolution of expression through video games, especially EarthBound and Mother 3. I do like the NES original and EarthBound, but Mother 3 is still far and beyond my favorite, even though I do see why people might find EarthBound more special.
EarthBound vs Mother 3 I see as a comparison between the concepts of 'life' and 'art.' EarthBound is kinda like a collection of moments and journeys that are relatable to each and every one of us as it touches upon our very human experiences of growing up in this modern world, but its also just a person's life story. Everybody has a life story and EarthBound does not go that extra step to make us attached on a deeper level with it. Mother 3 is pure art as it transfers feelings, ideology, messages, through the medium of video games in this case, and it gives us more of a substance to hold on to emotionally. It grabs us by the feels and holds us even after the ending, and when we finish playing, our mind is left to mull over what we have just experienced. It is not only the blank message of 'oh after we pray for 9 times we feel the power of everybody that we have been through our life with' no it gives us a reason to think, to think if we are creating such a society that will end up like this, to think (SPOILERS) if the dragon will reset the world once again for the pureness of Lucas' heart, to think if Porky is happy alone all by himself in his capsule, to think about everything that happened and that will happen. Mother 3 does transcend to the point of being a truly magnificent tale and not just something that we can see and say 'hey I used to do that too' or 'hey I see how its funny' and damn do I love that game for it. (Plus cuz the gameplay is an improvement in every possible way and it practically contains all of EarthBound's most memorable moments, quests and mechanics and pays homage to it at the same time)
But in truth, all Mother games are masterpieces. Yes, even the first one. And yes, I know u will crave for a guide, but guess what, EarthBound can be stupidly cryptic too and its always glossed over so shut up and google a guide, it's not a big deal.
Hope to see more videos like this one.
Nice work!
Congrats!
I don't understand how this is so well done and only has 10k views
1:54:53 what I think is really brilliant about this battle is that it works everytime, even if you know what is going to happen, Shigesato Itoi plays your emotions like a fiddle. By the time I get to this part of the fight, I am always invested. I am praying that I'll beat him, and I'm praying those 4 kids I grew to know over the course of the long journey make it out ok. The entire game builds up to this moment. Everything in the game, all the moments, every experience makes you really care about the world of Earthbound, and setting you up so you're about to lose, legitimately making you feel helpless as you run out of people to grasp for help from, presenting your efforts as just not enough to stop Giygas, that it will still destroy the entire world that you've come to love. This sequence works every single time I've played or watched let's plays of Earthbound. It's truly beautiful.
I think Porky is also a prime example of the cycle of abuse. We know his home life isn't the best and that he has stunted emotional growth which makes him lash out at others. But his actions being influenced by Gygas potentially represents how people stuck in the abuse cycle will often find themselves gravitating to other abusive relationships and being duped into radical ideas like cults or world destruction or sorts.
This deserves more views
Really great video Bru. Thank you!
2hrs, imma enjoy this at work
how can you think tonys goodbye to jeff was comedy. what
When I was a kid I spent so many hours trying to get the sword of kings. I got Ness to his maximum level, I fought so many fights, he leveled up to his final level. And I never, never got it.
I've watched this video like 3 times in the past 2 days
Funfact: you can actually bring Paula with you back home postgame for some extra text
Tip: if you're having trouble with Giygas at last, try using Brainshock on him, he's one of the few enemies susceptible to brainshock. It basically highers the chance of him attacking himself.
This video deserves more views
Loved the video! Now we wait till mother 3 gets localized...
Love the vid, the only thing is that ocarina of time gives you a literal gift, the master sword, because it's the only way the story can progress and the game is meant to be beaten by anyone who picks it up, earthbound is just a bit deeper, and you don't need a weapon or item to know you've gotten stronger 🤷 idk just a thought, keep up the good work 👌
Great video 👍🏿
Holy fuck... thank you so much daddy. Can't wait to watch the shit out of this
How does this not even have 1k likes?
It does now.
9:39
This may sound too "ummm actually"-ish, but in the postgame, Frank says he's underage.
loud isnt funny, im trying to sleep and chill with long format essays and every 20 minutes i hear OH MY GOD dude
1:04:03 suddenly Rich Evans
That arbitrary scene chain at 50:00 almost had me in tears 😂😂
This was great! I miss this game and this was a nice trip down memory lane... you should do one for mother 3, I’m curious to what you’d have to say about certain scenes. :D
I had no idea the sword of kings was so hard to get, I was just playing through and randomly found it lol
SHROOOOOOOOM!!
Giygas' backstory is so sad... I hope he gets peace someday. What a horrible end for Martha's cute little alien puppy baby... TmT
maria
Was rewatching this and I just had this little lightbulb
If itoi played dragon quest prior to him making earthbound there's a chance he took some inspiration for giygas in dq4's final boss psaro the manslayer
In dq4 the main antagonist, Psaro despises humans but enjoys the presence of other creatures like dwarves, wildlife, and elves. This is shown through a town you find called "Rosehill", named after his lover.
Pretty much what happens by endgame is that Psaro discovers the secret of evolution and is reborn into Psaro the manslayer. Right before you face him he says, "Grraaargh! How dare you people disturb me!? I am Psaro the Manslayer. I have just reawakened as the Master of Monsterkind. Grraaargh! I know nothing of my past. I remember nothing. But I know what it is I must do. Grraaargh! I must eradicate all of humankind!"
The only thing this new form lives on is it's will to destroy humans. It has no memory of it's past. No love, no sorrow, nothing. This is akin to Gigue becoming Giygas especially with the fact that the two have little to no control of themselves or their actions. They've been consumed by hatred and emotions.
Dq4 initially released in 1990 and Earthbound in 94' so it's very possible that this isn't mere coincidence.
"lets start where any good story should - the beginning"
what is memento
You know that weird Mii voice in Tomodachi life? I imagine the Mr Saturns voice is someone like that just less robotic
I think the difficulty of Peaceful Rest Valley was a useful concept that got taken too far. The idea is to make it difficult for you when you go through it the first time, so that, when you come back with Paula later after beating the second Your Sanctuary, you feel like you've improved.
Also, I think you missed a bit on Orange Kid. It's not that he has dumb ideas of what to make. It's that he's an "inventor" for fame reasons only. The "unboil an egg" idea is one that sounds cool but is impractical.
It's a message about not judging people based on superficial appearances--albeit one that unfortunately pushes some stereotypes about actual geniuses being slovenly and bad with social skills.
Okay-Deska.
Ah you left out the fact that the Mani Mani statue is first dug up by your neighbor
Please keep making videos
no graphics
This video is great btw, could've probably been shorter but great anyway
territorial oak is a G
1:50:18
Well Giygas' attack could take the form of a PSI Freeze, Lightning or Flash. From the way you could get solidified, have the Franklin badge work on lightning or have Jeff or Poo easily cry ,get numb or die (both very weak to Flash).
I heard this game was scary....I've made it to the third town where there are hippies...there were ghosts, so I went to happy town or something and then went back to save. I enjoy it more than most rpg games....thank goodness for the snes mini.
You should do more videos like this
39:20 fun fact: Dusty Dunes' music is a remix from Mother 1's desert, Yucca desert.