What Was Censored in Earthbound?
Earthbound, a classic RPG released in 1994, was developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo. While the game was well-received in Japan, its Western release was met with mixed reviews and low sales. Despite this, Earthbound has since become a cult classic and a beloved game among fans of the genre. However, not everything about the game’s development and release was transparent. In this article, we’ll delve into the censorship that occurred during the game’s Western release and what changes were made to the game’s content.
All References to Alcohol Changed to Coffee
One of the most significant changes made to the game was the replacement of all references to alcohol with coffee. In the original Japanese version, some characters could be seen drinking beer and sake, which was a common aspect of Japanese culture. However, when the game was released in the West, all of these references were removed, replaced with coffee cups and tea mugs. This change was made to avoid controversy and conform to Western societal norms.
Happy Happyism Members’ Sprites Modified
Another significant change made to the game was the modification of the Happy Happyism members’ sprites. In the original Japanese version, the Happy Happyism members, a group of hippies, were depicted with a distinctive sprite. However, when the game was released in the West, their sprites were changed to remove their distinctive headgear, which was deemed too unusual or outlandish for Western audiences.
Dark Themes and References Removed or Modified
Earthbound has a reputation for tackling dark themes and topics, such as murder, kidnapping, and poverty. While the game’s Japanese release contained these themes, the Western release was watered down to avoid controversy. For example, the game’s "Cults" and "Suicide" references were removed or modified to avoid giving the impression that the game was glorifying or promoting harmful behaviors.
Other Censored Content
Several other changes were made to the game’s content to make it more suitable for Western audiences. For example, some of the game’s music and sound effects were toned down or removed, and the game’s character designs were altered to make them more appealing to Western gamers.
Toby Fox’s Inspiration
It’s worth noting that Earthbound’s unique tone and style have inspired many other games and developers. Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, has openly stated that he was heavily inspired by Earthbound and its quirky, offbeat style. In an interview with IGN, Fox mentioned that he loved the game’s ability to balance humor and darkness, and that he drew inspiration from Earthbound’s character designs and world-building.
Why Were These Changes Made?
The reasons for these changes are unclear, but it’s likely that Nintendo and HAL Laboratory were trying to avoid controversy and ensure that the game was suitable for a broader audience. In the 1990s, video games were still a relatively new medium, and the company may have been concerned about attracting negative attention or sparking controversy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Earthbound’s Western release was significantly altered from its original Japanese release. The game’s dark themes and references were removed or modified, and the character designs and music were changed to make the game more appealing to Western audiences. While some fans of the game may be disappointed by these changes, others may see them as necessary to make the game more accessible to a broader audience.