ESRB Update: EarthBound Finally Coming To Virtual Console!

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Fri, 02 May 2008 - By Drake

EarthBound - It's really coming to VC!

EarthBound - It's really coming to VC!

If you're familiar at all with the Mother series (Only the second game was released outside Japan, as EarthBound) you should know it's got an enormous cult following. In fact, EarthBound was the number one wanted VC game in the Nintendo Power poll just a few days ago! Fans have pleaded for Nintendo to release the other games in the series, Mother and Mother 3 in the West, or at least give the series some more attention, but to this day, their wishes still haven't been satisfied. That is all changing now - EarthBound has been rated by the ESRB, indicating that it will be released on the VC in the future.

All the praise EarthBound gets is really not just because Nintendo seems to be ignoring it outside Japan. It's a really solid and unique RPG - Instead of in the past or future it actually takes place during the present day, and you fight with weapons like yo-yos and baseball bats. The game is filled with cultural references to bands, videogames and more, has an excellent story, an excellent soundtrack, great, colourful graphics and tons more good stuff. Sadly, the game was never released in Europe, but we can always hope it shows up as an import game, right?

The ESRB (As well as the PEGI, earlier today) also rated the Neo Geo game Metal Slug. The ESRB has also rated Samurai Shodown II and the WiiWare games Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King, Dr. Mario & Germ Buster (The ESRB lists it as Dr. Mario Wii - Its possible US name?) and Gyrostarr.

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1. Charco Ireland 02 May 2008, 15:57 GMT

Make way for the most comments in a VC thread so far!!

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2. slangman United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 16:04 GMT

Awesome i wounder when Earthbound will get PEGI rated for this years Hanibai Festival?

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3. Shortay-01 United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 16:06 GMT

Yes!!! Finally! :D

Hopefully we'll get it soon :)

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4. GameGod3008 United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 16:13 GMT

Horray. Here's to hoping this is released in the Hanabi Festival, along with Super Mario RPG although i highly doubt that it will happen for Mario RPG

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5. MrPoo6321 United States 02 May 2008, 16:22 GMT

sweet!! I never got to play earthbound as a kid and i've always really wanted to. it came in a huuuuge box that looked like it had a super scope inside. i know the game doesn't use the super scope at all, but i've always been intrigued by that big 'ole box. and since then i've become very familiar with Ness in Smash Bros. and it's gonna be great to finally see where he came from. Now if we could only get Fire Emblem.....

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6. Stuffgamer1 United States 02 May 2008, 16:28 GMT

@MrPoo6321: That big box had a player's guide for the game in it. I still have that box in my basement...
EARTHBOUND!!!!!!!!! Here's hoping it actually gets released soon instead of having ESRB weirdness like Mario RPG and Kirby's Dream Land 3. It's SO worth 800 points! If/when it releases on VC, you should all download it without hesitation.

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7. Bensei Austria 02 May 2008, 16:48 GMT

I hope we'll get it this year and not at Hanabi festival 3, if we get it :( (Although I don't think they can stop a Brawler on the VC)

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8. DDR Paladin356 United States 02 May 2008, 16:48 GMT

WOOHOO

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9. Rapadash6 United States 02 May 2008, 17:01 GMT

Wow! Maybe Nintendo was actually paying attention to the NP poll. Hopefully Super Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger won't be too far behind. Of course I'll try to keep my excitement to a minimum. Just because it's rated doesn't necessarily mean it'll be released soon, sadly.

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10. Raichu06 United States 02 May 2008, 17:03 GMT

Yes this better not turn into a long waiting game as with Super Mario RPG and such. I simply cannot wait! Still have the Player's guide and the game but will gladly buy it again =]

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11. DJ Triforce United States 02 May 2008, 17:11 GMT

Haha, Charco! It's true... this good looks, sounds, feels, and plays amazingly... It's like Nintendo has finally listened. Earthbound and a possible hard drive... what a great week. :) Either that, or VC-Reviews is trying to lie to us. :P

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12. Jupiter Adept Canada 02 May 2008, 17:19 GMT

This was a triumph.

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13. pdrydia United States 02 May 2008, 17:31 GMT

I really, really hope Earthbound gets released on everyone's VC. It's a great game, we all should get a chance to play it.

Also:
OMIGOSH YAY! = D

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14. RoninDennis Netherlands 02 May 2008, 17:44 GMT

Well, nothing but good news recently! But dammit, where's my Mega Man!!!! (sorry, couldn't resist, I'm not even from the US!) ;-)

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15. Sockapal United States 02 May 2008, 18:19 GMT

Bout Time!

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16. DEMON212 United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 18:19 GMT

Well this years Hanabi is a SHMUP fest. So maybe next year of even in December time, we'll get an RPG fest with this, SMRPG and Chrono?

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17. toffeeman30 United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 18:20 GMT

I TAKE IT BY THE COMMENTS THAT THIS EARTHBOUND IS A BIT SPECIAL. NEVER PLAYED IT SO WILL GET IT IF IT COMES OUT IN THE EU. JUST GONNA GET IT JUST FOR THE FACT THAT PEOPLE ARE RAVING ABOUT IT! MIND U THOUGH, STILL WAITING FOR AXELAY!

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18. Mike United States 02 May 2008, 18:33 GMT

Not to burst anyone's bubble of excitement, but Kirby Dream Land 3 was rated quite a long time ago and it still hasn't shown up on the VC yet. Just because it's rated doesn't mean it will come out soon. Heck, Super Turrican was rated last summer and it didn't come out until last month. I just hope by Dr. Mario getting rated that it will come out on May 12 when WiiWare launches in the US.

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19. Lugia2 United States 02 May 2008, 18:38 GMT

toffeeman30: Think of this like an Okami: Great game that sold horribly. I managed to borrow it for a few months- and trust me: it's a great game!

And hey: if enough buy it, Nintendo might bring its superior sequel to the USA and the EU!

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20. ReZon United States 02 May 2008, 18:42 GMT

This is the best news I've heard all day.

Awesomeness~!

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21. J.K. United States 02 May 2008, 18:58 GMT

I haven't touched that game in probably 10 years...around when I sold it once I was finished (at a decent profit.) Local shop to where I was living had it complete in box for $30 in the mid 90s...sold it a few years later for like $60 or so. There are days I wish I still had it, but probably mostly from all the online fanbase whining over being ignored so long. I imagine I could end up picking this up on the Wii as I'm not stupid enough to pay that $100 or whatever idiots have driven it up to these days online as that's just as sick as it is sad.

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22. NintendoBrad United States 02 May 2008, 19:01 GMT

YESSS!!! FREAKING-CHIMP-ON-A-TRICYCLE-WHISTLING- MEGAMAN2-WHILE-THROWING-MONEY-AND-POO AWESOME!!!

This made my day!! THERE IS A GOD!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

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23. Smoke39 United States 02 May 2008, 19:14 GMT

WIN. Now just don't wait forever to release it, Nintendo! O:<

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24. CopyofCopyX Germany 02 May 2008, 19:18 GMT

Finally!!!!! ;)

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25. NintendoBrad United States 02 May 2008, 20:13 GMT

And those of you saying it won't come like Mario RPG and Kirby Superstar... Mario RPG was removed because of issues with Square, and Kirby SS was removed because a DS remake is on the way.

As for Kirby's Dream Land 3, that game is being held back because Kirby 64 was released around the same time it was rated. And as for Shining Force... that's Sega's problem, they also rated Sonic & Knuckles a few months ago but it has yet to see a release.

I'm just glad it's finally rated. I began to worry if it would ever come out, just yesterday infact. But now, here we are. I guess Nintendo really does understand the series' potential. The efforts of Starmen.net helped, but I'm fairly sure Nintendo Power's VC Poll had a lot to do with it. Thank you, Nintendo!

Now, hurry up and come out. ;)

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26. Adamant Norway 02 May 2008, 20:22 GMT

Fun. I recently picked up the original Mother for the Famicom, looks like I'll be getting this after finishing that.

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27. toffeeman30 United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 20:30 GMT

THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS LUGIA2. I TRUST U ON THIS ONE!

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28. N.A.T.O United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 20:33 GMT

Now this is coming, can everyone begin agitating for a wii version of Shenmue 3?

Pretty please?

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29. Kevin United States 02 May 2008, 20:40 GMT

Nice, I finally get to play it.

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30. calc_nerd United States 02 May 2008, 20:46 GMT

Yeah, don't get too excited, smk and mario rpg are have been been esrb rated for over a year, both which have not been released yet!

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31. lockelocke United States 02 May 2008, 21:01 GMT

While its possible that Earthbound could be rated by the ESRB and still never make it to the VC, I highly doubt its a coincidence that EB was rated just shortly after it appeared in NP as the number one wanted VC title. I'd say we'll be seeing Earthbound, and we'll be seeing it soon. Hells to the yes, I'm bout to beat some ass with my cracked bat, y'know?

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32. NintendoBrad United States 02 May 2008, 21:05 GMT

Everyone, as I said before: Super Mario RPG was removed due to issues with Square! There is no reason why Nintendo can't release EarthBound. Nothing is stopping them now, really! It's only a matter of waiting now... Hopefully it'll come this Monday.

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33. Jogurt the Yogurt Canada 02 May 2008, 21:10 GMT

I don't want to say I told you so... but I told you so. Actually, I did want to say that.

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34. Fireballmario United States 02 May 2008, 21:10 GMT

Our pleading to Nintendo has finally came through, it is time to celebrate! So gonna buy this game when it comes out! Right on!

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35. Rexy United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 21:25 GMT

I never knew Earthbound was neglected in Europe >.>
But still, it better show up on our side of the channel and all just as well as it does in America. Heck, there were all sorts of great games sent in for the SNES that we European folk never got, and I'd say the same thing to Chrono Trigger and Kirby's Dreamland 3 as well.

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36. Starwolf_UK United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 21:29 GMT

@ Mike. Don't forget Shining Force 2 in your list of rated ages ago by the ESRB but never came out...oh and Zombies Ate my Neighbours :(

Anyway, I hope the opperations manual has the players guide that game with the game re-created in some form. The guide really does enhance the atmosphere of the game so it would be a shame to be without it (but what can I say Phantasy Star 2 came without the hint book*). Though it can be found online (sames goes the Phantasy Star 2 hint book)

*-Containing Maps for the dungeons which for Phantasy Star 2s dungeons were practically a must.

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37. Tides of Chaos United States 02 May 2008, 21:31 GMT

YES! Now hopefully it'll be released at least in the next few months. I don't know if I can stand waiting another year for it.

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38. Shortay-01 United Kingdom 02 May 2008, 21:54 GMT

What are you talking about Jogurt? You never told us on the forum a few days previous that Nintendo would release EarthBound eventually :P

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39. Kidpit United States 02 May 2008, 22:44 GMT

Since the game was originally sold with a player's guide, does that mean there's going to be an electronic version of the guide for the VC release. :D

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40. Storm101 United States 02 May 2008, 22:56 GMT

Yes!!! I can't wait to finally try this game, and hopefully Mother 1.

And NintendoBrad, there is no evidence to suggest the fact that SMRPG was removed becasue of issues with Square. All of the games originally rated in 2006 were taken off, and these include games like Super Metroid. Most recently released games aren't even rated yet.

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41. SupermarketZombies United States 02 May 2008, 23:13 GMT

Yay Earthbound. Now I want Mother and Mother 3 :(

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42. Atlantis1982 United States 02 May 2008, 23:22 GMT

Heck with Earthbound, Samurai Shodown 2 ftw!!! :D

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43. That Guy from Faxanadu Sweden 02 May 2008, 23:25 GMT

Eatrhboundhmnnjj :o Samurai Shodwwwnn..2! And Metal Slug creeping clooser... Exciting times ahead, hope they make it, please come to Europe sweet games!

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44. Objection_Blaster United States 02 May 2008, 23:26 GMT

Nice. this is exactly what VC needs: a must have game. Havent had one of these ina long time. GO Ninty. Just deliver it soon and keep the momentum going.

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45. NintendoBrad United States 02 May 2008, 23:59 GMT

@ Storm101

I guess so. I have no evidence. It was just the best reason I could think of.

But hey!

EarthBound!

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46. Genroh United States 03 May 2008, 00:33 GMT

The twin blessings of River City Ransom and now Earthbound!
*huggles Wii

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47. TheLuigiDude United States 03 May 2008, 00:36 GMT

I've never played this title and regret not SO much! I can't wait to see what's all the fuss my buds make over this one so I can support the Mother 3 (and 1) campaign

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48. Bass X0 United Kingdom 03 May 2008, 00:36 GMT

We still need the first SamSho game. Unless they gonna skip the first.

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49. Serpent United States 03 May 2008, 02:26 GMT

Yes!!!! Finally.
All we need next is SMRPG and Chrono trigger next.

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50. Clayfrd United States 03 May 2008, 03:35 GMT

Awright! I've always wanted to play EarthBound. I agree with others, though. Please, Nintendo, bring on Super Mario RPG!

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51. NintendoBrad United States 03 May 2008, 04:38 GMT

Sorry folks, not coming this week. Perhaps next week, in time for MOTHER's Day.

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52. The shoemaker Canada 03 May 2008, 05:10 GMT

@NintendoBrand

Or maybe for Mothers day Nintendo will release the first one Mother. It was only released in Japan, but US could get an import, and The EU is having it's Habi festival thingy, so they could get it too. As much as i want earthbound, I want to play the first one first.

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53. GameGod3008 United Kingdom 03 May 2008, 07:11 GMT

I've heard that a localization was completed for the first game and was to be called "Earth Bound". Maybe we'll end up getting this at some point

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54. Aldo Germany 03 May 2008, 08:35 GMT

Yeaha!!! Dreams comes true!
What are with the Satellite SNES Games like F-Zero2, Zelda BS and so! Hoply they come on VC out

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55. XCWarrior United States 03 May 2008, 09:02 GMT

Thank goodness. I actually still haven't bought a VC title, mainly because I'm so back loaded on ps2 and gcn games that I never saw a point if they are just going to sit. But if this comes out, I will get it immediately.

Here's to hoping it comes out on Mother's day. That would be perfect.

On a side note, good to see Gryostarr is already rated. That is my first WiiWare game I'm getting, so this post was double good news for me!

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56. Kelvin United Kingdom 03 May 2008, 09:02 GMT

I suspect it was less to do with the magazine poll, and more with the characters' appearances in Smash Bros. After all, didn't the Fire Emblem series finally start to appear in the West after their lead characters' appearances in the previous Smash?

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57. Storm101 United States 03 May 2008, 17:23 GMT

Yeah, but even after two Smash Bros. games Mother 3 was released only in Japan.

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58. coire Ireland 03 May 2008, 18:11 GMT

Hooray! And I can't wait for Dr Mario and Gyrostarr too!

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59. Fulgor_Astral Mexico 03 May 2008, 23:59 GMT

mario rpg plz :(
but im very pleased with earthbound coming to vc

do u guys think its because of the nintendo power poll?

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60. Ness012345 United States 04 May 2008, 00:07 GMT

Not to be a killjoy, and I'm hoping to god that it does come out, but don't forget Mario RPG was rated by the ESRB as well, but than went pop.

Granted, I don't think it's going to be the same thing with Earthbound, seeing as the game had a trial version of it in Brawl, but still, just because it's ESRB rated doesn't mean it's 100% coming.

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61. SuperMichael64 United States 04 May 2008, 02:16 GMT

IVE NEVER PLAYED THIS BUT HAVE HEARD SO MUCH OVER THE YEARS ABOUT HOW BIG OF A CULT CLASSIC IT IS AND I FINALLY GET TO PLAY A PORTION OF THE ONLY NINTENDO FRANCHISE IVE NEVER PLAYED! :D

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62. smashter United States 04 May 2008, 04:40 GMT

Did anyone ever think Earthbound would never come to VC?? i hope not...and im certainly not surprised by this news.

just because its been official doesnt necessarily mean we're guaranteed to see this any time soon. I'm still disappointed in the delay.

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63. whalleywhat Canada 04 May 2008, 05:39 GMT

Best news yet.

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64. Ragnor New Zealand 04 May 2008, 05:52 GMT

I really do hope it comes out during the Hanabi Festival. Then people will shut the hell up about "I WANT EARTHBOUND BAAAAAW"

Besides, Mother's Day, ie perfect time to release it, but this year, Nintendo isn't smart with VC release dates like they were last year. ie no Smash Brothers with Brawl, no SMK with Kart Wii, so I don't expect to see it.

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65. NESgamer Mexico 04 May 2008, 10:19 GMT

Oh hell yes!, i will get this as soon as we are able to download it. Please, pleeeassee don't take a year to do it :(.

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66. Drizzt Canada 04 May 2008, 16:28 GMT

Wow, that's great new. I just hope we see Majora's Mask someday soon. People will finally be able to play the game where Ness comes from and not have to ask so many questions :P .

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67. Chasmang United States 04 May 2008, 17:57 GMT

Get ready for this to be one of the VC's best sellers. It's gonna' be huge...should be considering it IS the best game of all time. ;)

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68. Fulgor_Astral Mexico 05 May 2008, 01:21 GMT

emmm i think calling it the best game of all time is... pointless

that title obviously goes to FF7 haha

tough i really like Earthbound (never finished it tough), its a (very) regular RPG, one of the most loved ones, true, but a regular experience overall. What makes Earthboundgood Its the union of the Mother Saga (NES, SNES,GBA). I really hate that Pokey (or Porky)

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69. deadly.by.design United States 05 May 2008, 01:47 GMT

Earthbound is not a regular RPG. It's quirky, original, and just plain off the wall sometimes. I loved it back then, though the jury's still out on whether I'd actually buy it for the Wii to replay. Definitely would prefer to replay this than FF7 though....

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70. poggydude United States 05 May 2008, 02:38 GMT

Played a little on an emulator

cool but I refuse to sit at my computer on an uncomfortable seat for it
my bed is much softer

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71. michinmuri United States 05 May 2008, 03:12 GMT

Only played it a bit on emulator. Didn't get hooked but knew it had potential. Besides, all of these raving mad fans in here can't be wrong. I WILL cough up the money for this game, then cour the web for a walkthough.

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72. miletich3 United States 05 May 2008, 10:15 GMT

This is the toughest, most breathtaking... yet most extraordinary RPG I've ever seen. Hope we get the US release date.

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73. NESgamer Mexico 05 May 2008, 10:31 GMT

Yeah this RPG is kinda tough, mostly the first run and if you don't take your time to level your buddies (because you get them at puny levels). Some things in there are hilarious, sarcastic and really well done.

I would buy Earthbound, without hesitate it a bit.

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74. Hero_of_time United States 05 May 2008, 17:44 GMT

Fantastic! I've been wanting to play this game for ever!!!

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75. DjinnFighter Canada 05 May 2008, 20:45 GMT

Mother 2 on Mother's day... that's sound logic !

I'm waiting for Father 2....
sorry, it wasn't funny finally

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76. poggydude United States 05 May 2008, 23:23 GMT

doesn't japan get all the good games ahead of us?

why do you all think we'll get it before them or even close to them

(I don't know how ESRB spoilers work so I'm ready to be wrong)

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77. Objection_Blaster United States 06 May 2008, 01:14 GMT

@ Ness012345 or anyone else who can answer:
Was there really a demo of Earthbound on SSBB? It said I unlocled all the masterpieces but i dont have Earthbound. I'd love to demo it.
(Looks at Everybody's Nintendo Channel expectedly)

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78. Smoke39 United States 06 May 2008, 03:18 GMT

Only in the Japanese version.

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79. Hexxen7 United States 06 May 2008, 04:59 GMT

Yes, I will also get this as soon as its released, loved this game back in the day..emulators suck and like to screw up on you..

"Ness012345 Granted, I don't think it's going to be the same thing with Earthbound, seeing as the game had a trial version of it in Brawl, but still, just because it's ESRB rated doesn't mean it's 100% coming."

Your 100% correct however it could never be released unless it was first ESRB rated. Its 1 step in the right direction. Think Positive

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80. NESgamer Mexico 06 May 2008, 08:13 GMT

@poggydude

I think we may get it before because there was a port of this game (and the first NES mother) for the GBA on Japan not so long ago, we never got that port either so probably they will give us the game on VC before.

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81. Gameguardian Sweden 06 May 2008, 22:36 GMT

Wonderful news! Hope we get it soon! Go Earthbound

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82. whalleywhat Canada 07 May 2008, 00:39 GMT

Just think about it: You can hit a New Age Retro Hippie with a baseball bat and not get arrested. Plus, no Patchouli stench. Basically, Earthbound is GTA.

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83. poggydude United States 07 May 2008, 00:57 GMT

Thanks NESGamer

yeah I knew that about 1+2

I guess it didn't click

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84. IPX Ares United States 07 May 2008, 02:02 GMT

FINALLY!!!!! I have my Wii Points waiting for this. I loved the SNES version, then that died, and I have used an emulator (bad me) at least two times just to play it, I cannot wait to "own" it again!

I have been checking the VC updates solely for this game, and now my search is over, well when it is released, now Mondays cannot come fast enough.

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85. TheWiiMan Puerto Rico 08 May 2008, 15:47 GMT

Woo hoo Earthbound 4ever :D

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86. rbtransformed United States 10 May 2008, 05:07 GMT

I'm so excited about this game now! I've been watching some play-through videos on youtube and been frequenting Starmen.net more often. I just hope it's released soon and not at the very end of the summer like some big games were last year. (Metroid, Super Metroid, and Metroid Prime 3 to be exact)

I never had the opportunity to play this game the first time around, so I'll definitely download it the day it comes out.

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