Watching this really made me feel like I was sleep walking through the whole game. There's so many things I never realized, especially near the end. You did a great job conveying the message of the game. Great video as always bru, hopefully this is the first of many brutalcumpowder commentaries!
Coincidentally, in the "Fobbies Are Borange" radio show on Starmen way back when, they gave Pokey a VERY Eric Cartman inspired voice. And yes, it fits just as well as you can imagine.
Played through Earthbound this week, it's really good. I made a sandwich and a drink to sit down to grind for the sword of kings, and then got it on my first try...
in recent years, my fiancee and i would make a drinking game out of the sword of kings grind. not one in the course of six or seven years did the item drop stop the game.
In his stream he said if I remember correctly, however I think I don't, but something like Mother 1 was like shittier version of 2 and 3 had better story, but 2 had better atmosphere
@@evillogberry mother 1 certainly had an aesthetic charm. earthbound was better in so, so many ways. but if mother 1 were examined in such a similar way, i'd love to see such a thing.
I just finished Earthbound for the first time last week. I'm 25 years old and I'm not ashamed to say I teared up at the end. After experiencing a truly frightening and unsettling final boss, the entire ending of this game is such a sweet, gentle, goodbye. And like a good book, once you reach the last page you close it with bittersweet hesitation. Walking Paula home while that peaceful music played was so beautiful. I'm so glad I found your video. I've been trying to assess and analyze the game and story and my own emotions for a few days. You already described so much of what I experienced and it was really interesting to hear your own thoughts and reactions to the game. I'm actually glad I never played this game as a child. I think there's an extra bit of melancholy and nostalgia you feel as an adult that comes from experiencing the loss of childhood innocence. My perspective of the games story and dialogue is different now than it would have been as a child. And it's comforting to be able to briefly be reunited with your inner child. I know there are flaws in this game, but honestly, I was so charmed by it that they feel pretty damn insignificant to my enjoyment of it. Earthbound is more than the sum of its parts. I love the stylized look of it. I love the psychedelic backgrounds. I love the absurd enemies. I love the sounds and music and the way they convey such atmosphere and mood. I love that underneath all of the wacky, silly, eccentricity, there is real emotion. Small hints of simple truths. Family, friendship, love. Corruption, greed, evil. I love that you cannot conventionally defeat Giygas. That the game forces you to feel true helplessness as you pray for help. And I love that asking for help is not seen as a weakness in this game, but a strength. Because you can't do it alone. Pretty awesome that a 24 year old, 16 bit game, can still surprise and entertain all these years later.
Played this for the first time near the beginning of this summer, completed it a few months later, I gotta say, I was not expecting the game to be this great, Magicant nearly made me tear up, I used to think people who cried at games were just friggin man-babies. This game is great and the whole time I had a blast even through it's more thought provoking and story parts. Personally Pokey was actually the most depressing thing in the game for me. The game is an experience for anybody, and for anybody it's different
I'm glad you loved my favorite game so much. It definitely transcends time. I first played it when I was 7 years old, I traded a kid at school and extra copy of Super Mario All-Stars I had for Earthbound and Chrono Trigger because he couldn't stand RPGs and they both ended up being pretty much the best RPGs ever made. Video games were so mysterious and exciting back in the day when you couldn't go on the internet and look them up or look up strategies. My brother and I have so many memories of figuring out games and experiencing them together for the first time without them being spoiled on the internet
49:43 I didnt realize it until now, but the battle background for the mani mani statue is very similar to the one in the masked man's battle at the end of Mother 3.
First I was like" two hours!? No way I'm watching all this." Then, "oh wow! It's over already?" Excellent video, man. This game holds such a special place in my heart. It's a nostalgia overload that brings tears to me eyes, to listen the soundtrack or watch videos such as this. Thank you for this.
My first time playing the game after finding out about the Sword of Kings, I grinded it out, got the weapon, saved, and headed to the boss. On the way, I ran into more Starman Supers, and had another one drop for me. Unfortunately, you can't drop it, so it hurt my inventory management, but it wasn't a huge issue. It was later that I found out that I couldn't sell it either, and now it rests with Escargo Express lol.
Man I feel really bad for putting this on the backburner for so long. This is truly an excellent video and criminally underrated on top of it. If you're even still reading these, thank you brutalc.
I hope that you do a video like this for the original Mother and Mother 3. Mother 1 especially gives some insight into Giygas' background and true nature of what it used to be that people who have only played the second two games otherwise wouldn't have (it conclusively debunks the "fetus theory" for example). I think the most interesting thing about the Mother series is the villains and how Giygas links the first game to the second and Pokey links the second to the third.
All that time you spent on this really paid off and I loved watching it. You have so much charisma and I legit laughed at some points. I've never played this, but I could tell from your commentary how this game left such a big impression for so many people. If you end up making more shit like this in the future, consider me excited!
This was so fun to watch; I haven't played Earthbound in a long time, but I did play it when it came out-- I was about 12. I remember when I got to Threed I was so freaked out by how the tone of the game shifted. When I ran into the boogey tent by accident I almost screamed, lmao. The final battle with Giygas also freaked me out. Still such a great game, one I always recommend to people if they've never played it.
I watched Chuggaaconroys OG play through when I was 6. The giygas battle completely shattered me. I still have nightmares about it often and I’m 18 years old. It’s genuinely my worst fear, I can’t look at giygas without feeling intense fear, panic, and paranoia, and thus I cannot finish earthbound. Itoi really did a great job creating something that truly represents fear and guilt
I love how you have this kind of apathetic voice at the beginning, and kinda keep it the whole way through but the more it goes, the more you show your emotions and it's just how I was when I played the game-
Maybe the Sword of Kings is Excalibur? That's the only reason I can think of as to a connection between swords, kings, and the British Isles (or, as in Earthbound, Winters/Foggyland). After all, Stonehenge is rumored to be linked to Avalon so it goes.
That was a GREAT video. I'm really angry youtube didnt show it to me when it was posted and I was actively looking for some cool Mother videos. I've always felt bad for Porky in that "my god, we've watched that kind of annoying kid grow to become a despicable evil that destroyed the world twice over and there was nothing we could do". It's like trying to catch the moment when exactly you fall asleep, that time you try to "catch" Porky making that jump from regular domestic variety of sh1t-eatiness to ADVANCED DARKNESS. And you can't... that childish "me, me, me" WAS the darkness all the time. (I also wonder how Picky fared in his life. He grew up in the same family Porky did yet didn't become the destroyer of the worlds. Not that NOT being evil is such a great achievement, its just interesting Porky had a brother who was essentially Claus to Porky's Lukas yet they didnt have any kind of love for each other, Porky doesn't ever mention him. It's just so sad.)
I played this when it was still new. Traded my neighbor a star crunch for this game, which is so ridiculous knowing it’s value now and even then. Loved it then and now.
Your analysis, style, and passion for the game are inspiring. I don't know if any game has ever spoken to people quite like Earthbound does... there are like four points in the game that make me cry, and maybe a few new ones after watching this video.
Thank you for that comprehensive analysis. For a while, I had forgotten that I had subscribed to your channel, and this video reminded me why I subscribed in the first place. You reminded me of my love of Earthbound, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
never gave a damn about the Mother series but this looks like a masterfully in-depth video, will edit this comment after watching if it instead turns out to be garbage
A great look back at this unique game! I agree with you about the battle system. Starting off, you don’t have a lot of agency in combat with only one party member that can basically just swing his bat at enemies to progress. Other RPGs of the time also had this problem - the first Breath of Fire comes to mind. But the combat does become more interesting as you gain skills to use and new characters join your squad. And overcoming that initial hurdle is so worthwhile! I hope it doesn’t push people away from the experience like it almost did me as a young lad. This deserves to be experienced.
An insightful long, thematic discussion on one of my favorite games of all time. Take my subscription. Edit: Made it to the end. Thats a classy touch you added, you magnificent bastard. I hope that means a Mother 3 Commentary is in-bound.
Mother series in general feels like an evolution of expression through video games, especially EarthBound and Mother 3. I do like the NES original and EarthBound, but Mother 3 is still far and beyond my favorite, even though I do see why people might find EarthBound more special. EarthBound vs Mother 3 I see as a comparison between the concepts of 'life' and 'art.' EarthBound is kinda like a collection of moments and journeys that are relatable to each and every one of us as it touches upon our very human experiences of growing up in this modern world, but its also just a person's life story. Everybody has a life story and EarthBound does not go that extra step to make us attached on a deeper level with it. Mother 3 is pure art as it transfers feelings, ideology, messages, through the medium of video games in this case, and it gives us more of a substance to hold on to emotionally. It grabs us by the feels and holds us even after the ending, and when we finish playing, our mind is left to mull over what we have just experienced. It is not only the blank message of 'oh after we pray for 9 times we feel the power of everybody that we have been through our life with' no it gives us a reason to think, to think if we are creating such a society that will end up like this, to think (SPOILERS) if the dragon will reset the world once again for the pureness of Lucas' heart, to think if Porky is happy alone all by himself in his capsule, to think about everything that happened and that will happen. Mother 3 does transcend to the point of being a truly magnificent tale and not just something that we can see and say 'hey I used to do that too' or 'hey I see how its funny' and damn do I love that game for it. (Plus cuz the gameplay is an improvement in every possible way and it practically contains all of EarthBound's most memorable moments, quests and mechanics and pays homage to it at the same time) But in truth, all Mother games are masterpieces. Yes, even the first one. And yes, I know u will crave for a guide, but guess what, EarthBound can be stupidly cryptic too and its always glossed over so shut up and google a guide, it's not a big deal.
50:30 if you don't talk with the scorched monkey and instead go to 'hints' in the game, his hint is.. "The monkey got scorched, is he okay?' I know most of the hints in the game because I at one point, on my what must have been 12th play through, I thought to get hints at literally every possible moment xD
This was a fantastic video. Your commentary during the Giygas fight is probably some of your best work to date. I tried the game once or twice and could just not get over the tedious combat, so I haven't actually enjoyed much of the game myself. But this video perfectly shows what makes the game so great and truly special to you. Great job, Mike!
I heard this game was scary....I've made it to the third town where there are hippies...there were ghosts, so I went to happy town or something and then went back to save. I enjoy it more than most rpg games....thank goodness for the snes mini.
drop the ruler and protractor. You'll never need them. Also any pills (vitality, IQ, Guts etc.) use them. Traveling inventory is tight but not as much as Mother which I think had capacity for only 8 items...?
Was rewatching this and I just had this little lightbulb If itoi played dragon quest prior to him making earthbound there's a chance he took some inspiration for giygas in dq4's final boss psaro the manslayer In dq4 the main antagonist, Psaro despises humans but enjoys the presence of other creatures like dwarves, wildlife, and elves. This is shown through a town you find called "Rosehill", named after his lover. Pretty much what happens by endgame is that Psaro discovers the secret of evolution and is reborn into Psaro the manslayer. Right before you face him he says, "Grraaargh! How dare you people disturb me!? I am Psaro the Manslayer. I have just reawakened as the Master of Monsterkind. Grraaargh! I know nothing of my past. I remember nothing. But I know what it is I must do. Grraaargh! I must eradicate all of humankind!" The only thing this new form lives on is it's will to destroy humans. It has no memory of it's past. No love, no sorrow, nothing. This is akin to Gigue becoming Giygas especially with the fact that the two have little to no control of themselves or their actions. They've been consumed by hatred and emotions. Dq4 initially released in 1990 and Earthbound in 94' so it's very possible that this isn't mere coincidence.
You say the battle system and rolling health bar aren’t very interesting at the start But I beat frank because the Heath bar was rolling and I won with 1hp
I think the difficulty of Peaceful Rest Valley was a useful concept that got taken too far. The idea is to make it difficult for you when you go through it the first time, so that, when you come back with Paula later after beating the second Your Sanctuary, you feel like you've improved. Also, I think you missed a bit on Orange Kid. It's not that he has dumb ideas of what to make. It's that he's an "inventor" for fame reasons only. The "unboil an egg" idea is one that sounds cool but is impractical. It's a message about not judging people based on superficial appearances--albeit one that unfortunately pushes some stereotypes about actual geniuses being slovenly and bad with social skills.
Went into this expecting it to literally just be a commentary talking about the game as you played it, was pleasantly surprised to see there’s edits and image inserts and whatever! Makes it a lot more engaging for my ADHD brain that can’t focus very well. That being said, only four minutes in, but so far, I think I’m gonna love this! Edit: I’ve since finished the video and wow, this was great just as I thought!
Tip: if you're having trouble with Giygas at last, try using Brainshock on him, he's one of the few enemies susceptible to brainshock. It basically highers the chance of him attacking himself.
Something to note about the territorial oak: his explosive attack is probably where most people learn about the rolling HP bar. He can deal double to triple your current max HP.
I think Porky is also a prime example of the cycle of abuse. We know his home life isn't the best and that he has stunted emotional growth which makes him lash out at others. But his actions being influenced by Gygas potentially represents how people stuck in the abuse cycle will often find themselves gravitating to other abusive relationships and being duped into radical ideas like cults or world destruction or sorts.
When I was a kid I spent so many hours trying to get the sword of kings. I got Ness to his maximum level, I fought so many fights, he leveled up to his final level. And I never, never got it.
Love the vid, the only thing is that ocarina of time gives you a literal gift, the master sword, because it's the only way the story can progress and the game is meant to be beaten by anyone who picks it up, earthbound is just a bit deeper, and you don't need a weapon or item to know you've gotten stronger 🤷 idk just a thought, keep up the good work 👌
Great job, I just hated ur obnoxious yelling really ruined the experience. Could you do a remake or revision without the loud yelling? It's a great retrospective otherwise
Also when u played the samples, some were really loud. If u could edit the audio so that the levels are consistent throughout the video that would be amazing bro, I like to listen to videos while I sleep and u have me a heart attack when things got super loud lol
1:54:53 what I think is really brilliant about this battle is that it works everytime, even if you know what is going to happen, Shigesato Itoi plays your emotions like a fiddle. By the time I get to this part of the fight, I am always invested. I am praying that I'll beat him, and I'm praying those 4 kids I grew to know over the course of the long journey make it out ok. The entire game builds up to this moment. Everything in the game, all the moments, every experience makes you really care about the world of Earthbound, and setting you up so you're about to lose, legitimately making you feel helpless as you run out of people to grasp for help from, presenting your efforts as just not enough to stop Giygas, that it will still destroy the entire world that you've come to love. This sequence works every single time I've played or watched let's plays of Earthbound. It's truly beautiful.
You'd think that someone who played this game the first time would immediately go into the hotel and follow the prostitute, exicted. But I was just like "What the heck?"
