Did EarthBound inspired Undertale?

Did EarthBound Inspire Undertale?

The release of Undertale in 2015 sent shockwaves through the gaming community, with many praising its unique storytelling, characters, and gameplay mechanics. But did this indie RPG owe its inspiration to a classic game from the 1990s? In this article, we’ll explore the connections between EarthBound and Undertale, and examine the evidence that suggests EarthBound was a significant influence on the development of Undertale.

The Art Style and Gameplay

One of the most striking similarities between EarthBound and Undertale is their art style and gameplay. Both games feature a childish main character who explores a vast, underground world. In EarthBound, this world is the "Magicant" region, while in Undertale, it’s the underground world of monsters. The similarities don’t stop there – both games also feature a focus on exploration, combat, and character development.

The Childlike Protagonist

The childlike protagonist is a key element in both games. In EarthBound, it’s Ness, a young boy with psychic powers, while in Undertale, it’s the silent protagonist, who is also a child. This choice of protagonist adds a layer of innocence and vulnerability to the games, making the player feel more invested in their journey.

The Underground World

Both games take place in an underground world, which serves as a metaphor for the characters’ inner struggles. In EarthBound, the underground world is a representation of the characters’ subconscious, while in Undertale, it’s a world of monsters that the protagonist must navigate.

The Combat System

The combat system in both games is also similar. In EarthBound, it’s a turn-based system with a focus on strategy and character development, while in Undertale, it’s a more fast-paced system with a focus on timing and pattern recognition. Both games also feature a "run" option, which allows the player to quickly escape from combat.

The Story

The story of both games is also similar in many ways. Both games feature a protagonist who is on a quest to save the world from an evil force. In EarthBound, this force is Giygas, a powerful alien entity, while in Undertale, it’s the flow of souls that is being drained from the world.

The Music

The music in both games is also similar. Both games feature a mix of catchy, upbeat tunes and haunting, atmospheric tracks. The music in both games is often used to set the tone and mood, and to convey the emotions of the characters.

The Developer’s Inspiration

Toby Fox, the developer of Undertale, has spoken publicly about the influence of EarthBound on his game. In an interview with Game Informer, Fox stated that he was heavily influenced by EarthBound’s art style, music, and gameplay mechanics. He also praised the game’s ability to balance humor and darkness, which is a key element of Undertale’s own storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that EarthBound was a significant influence on the development of Undertale. The similarities between the two games are striking, and it’s clear that Toby Fox drew inspiration from EarthBound’s art style, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling. While Undertale is a unique game in its own right, it’s clear that EarthBound played a key role in shaping its development.

Table: Comparison of EarthBound and Undertale

References

• Fox, T. (2015). Interview with Game Informer.
• EarthBound. (1994). Nintendo.
• Undertale. (2015). Toby Fox.