Should I Play Earthbound if I Like Undertale?
As a fan of Undertale, you might be wondering if you should give Earthbound a try. While both games have a unique charm, they have distinct differences that might not necessarily align with your preferences. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Earthbound and its relevance to Undertale fans, helping you decide if it’s worth your time.
What is Earthbound?
Earthbound is a classic role-playing game (RPG) developed by Ape and Intelligent Systems, released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game, known as Mother 2 in Japan, is a follow-up to the first Earthbound game, released in 1989 for the Famicom (a precursor to the SNES). Earthbound’s storyline follows a young boy named Ness, who sets out to save the world from an alien invasion with the help of his friends, including a psychic boy, a martial arts master, and a genius scientist.
What Makes Earthbound Similar to Undertale?
While Earthbound predates Undertale by decades, both games share some striking similarities:
- Indie roots: Like Undertale, Earthbound is an indie game developed outside of the mainstream gaming industry. This independence has contributed to both games’ quirky charm and unique storytelling approaches.
- Turn-based combat: Both games employ turn-based combat systems, where players take individual turns making attacks or decisions to progress through the story.
- Emphasis on storytelling: Earthbound, like Undertale, puts a strong focus on its narrative, with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and engaging storylines.
Key Differences Between Earthbound and Undertale
Before you dive into Earthbound, it’s essential to recognize the significant differences that might affect your gaming experience:
- Tone: Earthbound has a more lighthearted, humorous tone compared to Undertale’s darker and more serious approach. Earthbound’s story often takes a more whimsical, even absurd, approach, while Undertale explores heavier themes like morality, morality, and existentialism.
- Gameplay: Earthbound’s gameplay mechanics differ significantly from Undertale’s. Earthbound features exploration, puzzle-solving, and a more traditional RPG approach, whereas Undertale relies heavily on its branching narratives and player choice-driven mechanics.
- Level design: Earthbound’s level design is more open-ended, with a greater emphasis on exploration and non-linearity. Undertale’s levels, on the other hand, are more structured and linear.
Conclusion
If you like Undertale, you’ll find some similarities with Earthbound, but it’s essential to understand the key differences that set these games apart. Earthbound offers a unique blend of lighthearted storytelling, exploration, and RPG gameplay that might appeal to Undertale fans looking for something new and different. Here are some points to consider:
- Pro-Undertale fan checklist:
- Humor: Earthbound’s lighthearted tone might not resonate with Undertale fans looking for a darker, more serious story.
- Combat: Earthbound’s turn-based combat is different from Undertale’s; if you prefer a more fast-paced, action-packed experience, you might not find Earthbound’s gameplay to your liking.
- Story: If you enjoy Undertale’s character-driven narrative, Earthbound’s story might seem too lighthearted or whimsical by comparison.
- Cons to consider:
- Graphics: Earthbound’s graphics are understandably outdated compared to modern games; if you’re not accustomed to retro graphics, this might be a barrier.
- Music: Earthbound’s soundtrack is memorable, but its soundtrack is not as diverse or memorable as Undertale’s.
Ultimately, the decision to play Earthbound comes down to your individual gaming preferences. If you’re willing to explore a more lighthearted, retro RPG experience, Earthbound might be worth your time.