RPG Haven

Earthbound Beginnings is the first game in the Mother series. We didn't actually get an official release until it came out on the Wii Virtual Console, but we were supposed to get it back in 1990 originally. I haven't played this one yet, but I know there's a reference to this game in Earthbound, when you first take on Gigas he displays the image of Ninten, the main protagonist of this game. Have you played this one yet?

Earthbound Beginning’s link to the rest of the Mother series is quite interesting. The passing reference of Ninten when one plays Earthbound adds another layer of excitement to the game. I'm really fascinated with the history of the game as well, and I'd like to experience it all.

Never knew about it till some years ago, and kind of wish I did as the game looks rather fun.

Also Mewtwo's design is based on Gigyas' design in this game too I forgot to mention that!

Ravenfreak wrote: Thu May 22, 2025 9:34 pm Also Mewtwo's design is based on Gigyas' design in this game too I forgot to mention that!

Huh, never knew that. Pretty neat information.

The game’s fun, but the encounter rate can get obnoxious at times. You can get attacked within 2 tiles from your previous encounter. I wish I was being hyperbolic.

Grungie wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 3:23 am The game’s fun, but the encounter rate can get obnoxious at times. You can get attacked within 2 tiles from your previous encounter. I wish I was being hyperbolic.

I would throw my controller out of disgust.

Demonskeith wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 5:17 pmI would throw my controller out of disgust.

It does get frustrating near the end. That is why the NES controllers are indestructible

Grungie wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2026 3:23 am The game’s fun, but the encounter rate can get obnoxious at times. You can get attacked within 2 tiles from your previous encounter. I wish I was being hyperbolic.

I haven't played it much, but that sounds annoying AF. I wonder if that's why they changed how encounters work in the sequel.

Ravenfreak wrote: Sun Jul 05, 2026 12:31 am I haven't played it much, but that sounds annoying AF. I wonder if that's why they changed how encounters work in the sequel.

Wouldn’t be surprised. It has one of the most inconsistent algorithms for encounter rates I’ve ever seen. It’s a decent walk from your house to the first town, and the encounter rate can range from two tiles after your last battle to zero.

Like most NES RPG’s, you gotta do a bit of grinding to survive the next areas, and the inconsistent encounter rate can make it take longer