MOTHER 2: More Than a Retro Game, Still Captivating Creators Worldwide
MOTHER 2: More Than a Retro Game – Why It Still Captivates Creators Worldwide
Released on Super Famicom in 1994, the RPG "MOTHER 2: Giygas's Counterattack" (known as EarthBound in North America). Even now, more than 30 years since its launch, its impact on the gaming industry is immeasurable, earning passionate support from creators and players worldwide. What is the core of its appeal that cannot be dismissed as merely a "nostalgic game"? Why has "MOTHER 2" come to be called a bible for subsequent indie games? This article delves into its universal value.
The Greatness of "Ordinary" That Adventures Taught Us Back Then
While many RPGs are set in medieval fantasy worlds of swords and magic, "MOTHER 2" chose a setting reminiscent of modern-day America. The protagonist is not a hero of special lineage, but an ordinary boy named "Ness." His weapons are everyday items like bats and frying pans, and recovery items are common foods like hamburgers and pizza.
This thorough depiction of the "ordinary" is what makes "MOTHER 2" unique. Players are thrust into an extraordinary adventure in a world continuous with their own daily lives, awakening to psychic powers and battling alien invaders threatening Earth. This contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary imbues the story with intense realism and immersion, deeply moving players' emotions.
A Unique Worldview Woven by Strange and Endearing Words
Indispensable to discussing the appeal of "MOTHER 2" is the scenario and text crafted by copywriter Shigesato Itoi. Casual conversations with townspeople are sprinkled with humor that elicits a chuckle and philosophical questions that make one pause. As indicated by the tagline "For adults, for kids, for sisters too," his words resonate with players across generations.
Surreal gags interspersed between serious developments, and enemy characters' somewhat charming dialogue, demonstrate Itoi's linguistic flair, lending warmth and depth to the entire game. This distinctive text has become an unforgettable experience for many players and remains one of the reasons it is still talked about today.
The Impact of Sound That Overturned Game Music Conventions
"MOTHER 2" was also extremely innovative in its music. The sound, crafted by Keiichi Suzuki and Hirokazu Tanaka, was full of experimental attempts that broke conventional game music norms of the time. While showing influences from various genres such as jazz, rock, and contemporary music, the novel collection of songs, heavily utilizing sampling, was pop yet somehow strange, creating an unsettling atmosphere.
In particular, the battle scene BGM was not merely background music; combined with psychedelic visuals, it created an effect that directly impacted the player's psyche. The anecdote that 8 megabytes out of the Super Famicom's total 24-megabyte capacity were allocated to music underscores this dedication. This original sound design was highly praised by overseas fans and provided significant inspiration to subsequent game creators.
Growth and Absurdity Depicted Through the Boy "Ness"
The protagonist of the story, Ness, while being a very ordinary boy, grows through his journey, encountering various people and confronting unreasonable adults and the absurdities of society. He sometimes shows weakness, becoming homesick and wanting to call his mother. Such human-like depictions enhance the player's identification with the protagonist, making the grand adventure feel like a personal experience.
However, it is not easy to fully grasp the satire, philosophical themes, and the true meaning behind the direction that poses a question directly to the player in the final battle on a first playthrough. For those who wish to understand the meaning of this adventure more deeply, exploring the hidden messages in the story through books that compile development documents from that time and expert analyses is also enjoyable.
Unraveling the MOTHER DNA Inherited by "UNDERTALE"
When discussing the influence "MOTHER 2" had on subsequent generations, the existence of the indie game "UNDERTALE," released in 2015 and becoming a global hit, cannot be ignored. Its developer, Toby Fox, has openly stated that he was heavily influenced by "MOTHER 2."
Many commonalities can be seen in both works. A combat system where defeating enemies is not always necessary, a unique worldview where humor and seriousness coexist, and a meta-structure that speaks directly to the player – "UNDERTALE" can be said to have inherited and further developed the innovations of "MOTHER 2."
| Item | MOTHER 2 | UNDERTALE |
|---|---|---|
| Worldview | Modern-style world with elements of the extraordinary | Underground world inhabited by monsters |
| Text | Conversations blending humor and philosophy | Unique conversations woven by individual characters |
| Combat | Command-selection RPG | Bullet-hell elements + choice not to defeat enemies |
| Core of the Story | Growth of boys and girls and the power of "prayer" | Player's "DETERMINATION" and actions change the future |
The values "MOTHER 2" presented – "fusion of the ordinary and extraordinary" and "RPG is not just about fighting" – significantly influenced the indie game scene, giving rise to numerous follower works. Even more than 30 years after its release, the reason "MOTHER 2" continues to captivate creators without fading is not mere nostalgia, but its innovative game design and universal narrative.
