EarthBound 1994

About

A turn-based JRPG and sequel to the then-Japan-only Earthbound Beginnings (1989) in which Ness, a young boy living in a land based on the USA, leaves home to go on an adventure through strange locations, get to know quirky characters, and defeat an unknowable alien threat called Giygas while facing up to the realities of growing up and becoming familiar with the real world.

Story

The story begins when Ness is awakened by a meteor that has plummeted to the earth near his home, whereupon he proceeds to investigate the crash site. When Ness arrives at the crash site, he finds a police roadblock and Pokey Minch, his friend and neighbor, who tells him to go home. Later, Ness is woken up again by Pokey knocking at his door, demanding help to find his brother Picky. They find him asleep behind a tree near the meteor and wake him. Then the three encounter an insect from the meteor named Buzz Buzz, who informs Ness that he is from the future, where the "universal cosmic destroyer" Giygas dominates the planet. Buzz Buzz senses great potential in Ness and instructs him to embark on a journey to seek out and record the melodies of eight "sanctuaries," unite his own powers with the Earth's, and gain the strength required to confront Giygas.

What is happening now

EarthBound is a quirky turn-based RPG released for the SNES in 1994, following a group of young heroes as they battle surreal threats across an oddly familiar America. The game stands apart from traditional fantasy RPGs through its contemporary setting, offbeat humor, and unconventional combat mechanics that emphasize psychological warfare alongside traditional attacks. The franchise continues to maintain cultural relevance through official merchandise initiatives. Recent announcements have introduced new planners and calendars bearing EarthBound imagery, catering to longtime fans and collectors. These releases suggest Nintendo's ongoing interest in supporting the property's legacy nearly three decades after the original's debut.