EarthBound
News, coverage and analysis tracking EarthBound across the outlets.
Japanese gamers vote on most influential game and series, favorite character, favorite developer, moreFamitsu magazine's 40th-anniversary survey of over 5,000 Japanese gamers revealed Nintendo as the favorite developer and Mario as the favorite character. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was highly recommended, while Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series dominated influence and sequel requests. Masahiro Sakurai was named favorite creator.
3 Nintendo franchises that would make great movies, and honorable mentionsThis article discusses which Nintendo franchises would make compelling movies, following the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It highlights EarthBound and Kirby as strong contenders due to their narrative potential and distinct characters, while also considering Splatoon for its visual appeal and flexibility. Franchises like Xenoblade Chronicles and Metroid are deemed more challenging due to their lengthy stories or silent protagonists.
Hands On: Pokémon-Inspired Switch Hopeful 'Petal Runner' Stole The Show At BitSummitPetal Runner, an indie game inspired by Pokémon and EarthBound, stood out at BitSummit with its vibrant pixel art and unique gameplay. Developed by Nano Park Studios, the game focuses on collecting and delivering digital pets called HanaPets rather than battling them. The preview highlights the game's endearing characters, engaging minigames, and a narrative exploring the bond between humans and their digital companions, with a planned PC release in 2026 and an eventual goal for Nintendo Switch.
Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it in 2026? Our verdictThis analysis evaluates the value of Nintendo Switch Online in 2026, considering its evolution since its 2018 launch. While initial online play faced criticism, the service now offers a robust library of retro games from NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, and more, alongside features like cloud saves and free DLC for Expansion Pack members. Despite some drawbacks like limited drip-feeding of new retro titles and certain game exclusions from cloud save functionality, the subscription is deemed a worthwhile investment due to its expanded benefits and competitive pricing, especially with family plans.
Star Fox Is Back, So What's Nintendo's Excuse For Other Abandoned Franchises?The return of Star Fox, including a new game for the Nintendo Switch, prompts a discussion about why other Nintendo franchises remain dormant. While Star Fox is being revived, potentially as a remake of Star Fox 64, series like F-Zero, Metroid, and many others have been neglected for years, leading to fan frustration. The article questions Nintendo's rationale for needing "grand new ideas" for sequels, suggesting that modernized revivals of older IPs could be beneficial.
How to get into Nintendo’s EarthBound series in 2026, and which order to play inThis guide explains how to play Nintendo's EarthBound series, recommending an order of EarthBound, Mother 3, and then EarthBound Beginnings. While EarthBound Beginnings and EarthBound are available on Nintendo Switch Online, Mother 3 has never received an official English release, leading players to unofficial methods or fan translations. The article also touches on the series' naming conventions and the unlikelihood of an official Mother 3 release due to mature themes.
EarthBound creator says Mother 3 is still a cutting-edge RPG, even as fans continue their 20-year wait for an official…Shigesato Itoi, the creator of EarthBound, celebrated the 20th anniversary of Mother 3 by stating that the game remains a cutting-edge JRPG. Despite the long wait for an official English translation, fan translations have been available for years, though Itoi expressed a desire for Nintendo to officially release the game.
Japanese gamers reveal the top 10 JRPGs that make them cry the mostA survey of 4,700 Japanese gamers revealed the top 10 JRPGs most likely to evoke tears, with Final Fantasy 10 topping the list. The ranking predominantly features games from the 2000s, including titles like Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7, Persona 3, and several other Final Fantasy entries, highlighting the series' enduring emotional impact.
Feature: A Look Back At Every Game Nintendo Life Scored 10/10 Over 20 YearsNintendo Life looks back at the 69 games it has awarded a perfect 10/10 score over its 20-year history. The article details the criteria for a perfect score, emphasizing games that raise genre bars and push industry boundaries, and lists titles from Mega Man 2 to New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Preview: SNES RPG Meets Celtic Tradition - Can 'Forge Of The Fae' Stand Out In The Pixel-Art Crowd?Forge Of The Fae is a new pixel-art RPG from indie developer Datadyne that blends SNES-era inspirations with Celtic mythology and steampunk elements. The game features a unique turn-based combat system with Adrenaline Points for special skills and an ARC Crystal System for magic customization. While currently slated for a 2027 release on PC and consoles including Nintendo Switch, the developer aims to further lean into its Celtic roots.
10 best games on Nintendo Switch Online - from Zelda to EarthBoundNintendo Switch Online has evolved into a compelling service offering a vast library of retro games. This guide highlights 10 must-play titles available through the subscription, spanning various Nintendo consoles like the Game Boy Advance, GameCube, and Nintendo 64, alongside classics such as Metroid: Zero Mission, F-Zero GX, and EarthBound.
Revolutionising Recovery: The Impact of Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation - UnigamesityThis article explores the world of ROM hacks, fan-made modifications that rejuvenate classic video games by altering characters, adding new levels, and rewriting stories. It highlights 15 notable ROM hacks across various franchises like Pokémon, Mario, and Zelda, showcasing their creativity and polish. The piece also touches on the thriving community behind ROM hacking and how to get started playing them.
Smart Practices for Buying and Selling Gaming Collectibles Online - UnigamesityThis guide provides essential tips for safely buying and selling gaming collectibles online, focusing on preventing fraud. It highlights common scam tactics, red flags to watch for, and best practices for both buyers and sellers, including secure payment methods, seller verification, and documentation. The article also offers advice on what to do if you become a victim of a scam and resources for authenticating collectibles.