This has been said but as a game, Earthbound has some glaring problems. Things like quality of life slip ups, annoying UI quirks, and combat that’s pretty run-of-the-mill keep it from being the perfect JRPG. However most of the problems might be the consequences of time, and as an experience, Earthbound absolutely shines. Videogamedunkey said that Earthbound is “a weirdo game”, and that is a gross understatement. The undeniable highlight and main appeal of Earthbound is its absurd, and goofy presentation and how it wears this like the biggest, weirdest badge of honor. Most JRPGs are medieval or steampunk and pit you against dragons or trolls or slugs or slimes. You heal with potions or spells and probably live in some cute little farming village. In the realm of the genre, it’s standard stuff. In Earthbound the starting area is a modern suburban town where a gang of kids dressed as sharks on pogo sticks are trying to keep you from going on a quest a bee sent you on. Heal with a juicy hamburger you got from a present in the woods, fight a hippie with a yo-yo and get your pictures taken from a random photographer who descends from the sky. Just watch out for the giant metal eraser in your way, and don’t forget to get rid of it with an item you got from a kid in an apple costume. But seriously, that’s like 10% of this game, and I barely got into the Blue KKK. This wacky attitude and unconventional dialogue really take you out of the frustrations and tropes that sometimes plague this gem, and also don’t cover up a subtle story of love, friendship, overcoming odds, and breaking through pressures and evils. Combat, as standard as it is, offers a rolling slot machine as an HP counter rather than a bar. This gives you the chance to heal a party member before the numbers roll down in real time to 0. It’s pretty neat. Something to be said here is that the quiet moments in Earthbound are so special and almost sacred. Soft dreamy melodies and simple dialogue really tough your heart throughout the game. Honestly, it just doesn’t get more Earthbound than Earthbound.