The Mother series (Japanese: マザー, Hepburn: Mazā) is a trilogy of role-playing video games created by Shigesato Itoi and developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory. Published by Nintendo, the series is renowned for its distinctive art style, quirky humor, emotionally resonant narratives, and unique setting in modern or near-future locales, diverging from the typical high fantasy settings of most RPGs. In North America and Europe, the second game in the series, Mother 2, was released as EarthBound, becoming the most well-known title in the trilogy in Western markets.
Overview
The Mother series consists of three main games:- Mother (1989): Released for the Famicom in Japan. It was later localized and released internationally on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2015 under the title EarthBound Beginnings.
- Mother 2: Gīgu no Gyakushū (1994): Released for the Super Famicom in Japan and as EarthBound for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in North America in 1995.
- Mother 3 (2006): Released for the Game Boy Advance in Japan only. Despite significant fan demand, it has never received an official international release.
Each game follows a young protagonist (or group of protagonists) with psychic abilities ("PSI") who must embark on a journey to save the world from an otherworldly evil. While each story is self-contained, they share common thematic elements, gameplay mechanics, and a unique tonal blend of lightheartedness and profound melancholy.
Gameplay
The Mother series employs a turn-based combat system typical of Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs), but with several distinguishing features:- Modern Setting: Unlike most RPGs that feature swords and magic in medieval fantasy worlds, Mother games are set in contemporary or slightly futuristic towns and cities. Protagonists often use everyday items like baseball bats, frying pans, and yo-yos as weapons, and wear ordinary clothes.
- PSI Abilities: Characters possess psychic powers (PSI) that function as magic spells, used for both combat and utility (e.g., healing, teleportation).
- Rolling HP Counter: When a character takes damage, their HP meter "rolls" down, similar to an odometer. This allows skilled players to quickly defeat enemies or heal characters before their HP reaches zero, potentially saving them from a fatal blow.
- Overworld Encounters: From Mother 2 onwards, enemies are visible on the overworld map. Touching an enemy initiates a battle. This allows players to strategically avoid weaker enemies or seek out specific encounters. Stronger enemies may chase the player, while weaker ones may flee. If the player is significantly stronger than an enemy, battles may end instantly, granting experience without a full combat sequence.
- Humor and Satire: The games are known for their eccentric characters, bizarre enemies (e.g., living piles of puke, hippies, sentient coffee cups), and witty dialogue that often satirizes consumerism, pop culture, and RPG tropes.
- Emotional Depth: Beneath the quirky facade, the series explores themes of childhood, loss, family, friendship, and existentialism, often delivering surprisingly poignant moments.
Development and Creator
The series was conceived and directed by Japanese copywriter and celebrity Shigesato Itoi. Itoi's vision was to create an RPG that was accessible to players who might not typically enjoy the genre, offering a more human and relatable story compared to the epic fantasies prevalent at the time. He drew inspiration from his own childhood memories and everyday life.Development for Mother began at Ape Inc., with Nintendo publishing. For Mother 2, HAL Laboratory, with Satoru Iwata (who would later become CEO of Nintendo) at the helm, provided crucial development support after the project faced difficulties. Itoi maintained creative control over the narrative and design throughout the series.
Legacy and Impact
The Mother series, particularly EarthBound (Mother 2), has garnered a dedicated cult following worldwide. Its unique charm, innovative storytelling, and emotional resonance have left a significant mark on the video game landscape.- Cult Status in the West: Despite initially modest sales in North America, EarthBound slowly gained recognition through word-of-mouth and emulation, becoming a highly beloved classic.
- Influence on Indie Games: The series is frequently cited as a major influence by independent game developers, particularly those creating narrative-driven RPGs with unique art styles and unconventional themes (e.g., Undertale, Lisa: The Painful).
- Fanbase Dedication: The intense passion of its fanbase is evident in numerous fan projects, including extensive efforts to unofficially translate Mother 3 into English.
- Super Smash Bros.: The inclusion of Ness (from EarthBound) as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. (1999) and later Lucas (from Mother 3) in Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001) significantly raised the profile of the series among a wider audience, especially in regions where the original games were less known.
- Critical Acclaim: While some titles faced initial commercial struggles, the series has consistently received critical praise for its originality, writing, and lasting emotional impact.
The Mother series stands as a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling in video games, offering a memorable and distinct experience that continues to resonate with players decades after its debut.