Let's Play EarthBound

Hey! Just signed up today, but I've been lurking for quite some time, and I figured that making an LP would be a good start here.

You've all probably heard about EarthBound, but in case you don't know what it is, let me lay it out to you. EarthBound is a JRPG (yes) released for the SNES in 1994 in Japan and 95 in the US. It's kinda notable for being set in modern times and, supposedly, being funny. Over the years it's gained a cult following and is even liked by some people who hate JRPGs.

I've personally only played through the first city (and even that was a few years ago), so this could be considered a blind LP (not that I'm gonna get too confused in a JRPG). This post is kinda gonna work as a pilot 'episode', so please tell me if you enjoy it and if I should continue with it. So, without further ado...


(yes, that's supposed to be Ness, the main character)



Static.



Aliens.

wait what.



Oh man, filter rape.

Ok, let's start.



First example of the extremely deep C&C system in the game



Time to name our character. Wow, we're given a whole six spaces...



What? We gotta name other people too?!

Whatever, let's get this over with...





That should do it...

Oh for Pete's sake


Done?



WHAT.




Yes! Finally...

Alright, so here the camera moves from bottom right to top left...



And here it moves from bottom left to top right over the exact same location...





While our hero CODEX is sleeping, something crashes outside :O


Time to investigate!


Did dad leave us?



I'm fuckin crazy bitch.




That's some great parenthood right there.

*Fade to black*

Back in our room...


We finally go outside.






A good way of achieving that could be actually moving...


Serious business...


Could it be? Could luck be on CODEX's side?

Um... yay?

Time to go talk to old weirdo creep!





Where's Chris Hansen when you need him?



Seriously Chris, this smells fishy.


no.



ok.

Oh wow, he's good.

First glimpse of the meteorite.

First glimpse of Cartman.



I hate you already.




Well I fucked your mother.

Time to go talk to the cops.

No.

No.

No fuck you.

So I guess we're going back home now... A bit anticlimactic.


Don't tell me I have to go back after Cartman.


Oh thank God.







fuck



Hey dude, hands off.





Not at all...


I guess I have to...


This is pretty creepy.


Why? I mean, we're just going after Cartman's brother...




Right?

*Fade to black*

Let's go get that baseball bat.

And let's equip it.

Cartman joins our party

CODEX joins our party

Now the phone starts ringing. Let me play the real game, damnit!



Dad?! Were have you been all these years?! Why did you leave us?

no

I really could have used your support these last few years, you know.

Am I missing something? We're just looking for Cartman's brother.


Yes, we'll finally be able to save.



Note: One thing I actually really like about the game is the ATM system. Basically, you can store money in your account and if you die, you lose all the money on you, but still have the money in the account. I think it adds some strategy and tension to the game.



Wa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!

ha ha ha!

ha!

...

ha.

...


Swoosh! Boom! Zap!

Alright, let's just save our game now...




===End of Part 1===

I know I'm kinda cutting of at the most interesting part (the start of the real game), but this post is long enough as it is.

Do you want me to continue this?

Cool, you're from Latvia!

I would make bigger screens.

entertainer said:

Cool, you're from Latvia!

Click to expand...

Cool, you're close to Latvia...

Major_Boobage said:

I would make bigger screens.

Click to expand...

The emulator makes them that small automatically. I guess I should just play on a bigger window from now on then. I thought the size was ok.

Edit: Wait that's stupid. Why would that change anything.

Bah, I thought that was set in Demon: The Fallen.

But this is fuckable shit... and that is exactly what I'm going to do.

Pretty good so far, keep it going!

Just a couple things:

1. As someone said, make the screenies bigger. Not OVER-SIZED, mind you...maybe 2 or 2.5 times bigger.

2. Consider doing dialog parts like this LP does:
http://lparchive.org/LetsPlay/KOTOR%202 ... index.html

If I recall correctly, Earthbound isn't the most dialog-heavy game, but it's a bit of a pain to read right now, and it cuts down on screenshots that are the same picture with different text. Though, if the screenshot size is increased, it'd be a lot easier to read.

Your call really.

Thanks for the LP! Keep it up.

Too many screens in this LP, you don't need to show every new line of a conversation. And the size is rather small. The emulator probably takes screenshots in the default resolution of the game. You'll need to resize them yourself, afterwards.

Alright, thanks for the feedback guys. I'll make less screenshots and make them bigger next time.

Very cool. I would call them Kingcomrade (ness, but it would have to be Kngcom), Kaiserin (paula, the girl), Cleve (jeff, the nerdy friend) and DefJam (Poo, the azn boi), but thats just me

fav food = chikinz, fav thing = islam

dog can be cloaked figure, dunno

Dgmeat

Clockwork Knight said:

Very cool. I would call them Kingcomrade (ness, but it would have to be Kngcom), Kaiserin (paula, the girl), Cleve (jeff, the nerdy friend) and DefJam (Poo, the azn boi), but thats just me

fav food = chikinz, fav thing = islam

dog can be cloaked figure, dunno

Click to expand...

That would lead to the inevitable and awesome line "Psi Islam Omega hits the Foo for 300 damage!"

He is from Latvia AND from the same town as Gnidrologist.

Riga's the capital.

Yeah, good LP. Don't think the screen really need to be that much bigger, after all it's a low res game. Less shots though, paraphrase the conversations somewhat and that should reduce the number.

Decided to make another part, since I'm free now and I won't be able to update for a few days.

Fixed the problems you guys mentioned, hope the LP will be better now.

Part 2: Bees, space robots and fat people

Off to find Cartman's brother!



Oh fuck...


OH FUCK.


OH... kay. That wasn't so bad.

NOTE: Some of Cartman's amazing combat moves include playing dead, smiling and complaining to CODEX. What would I do without him?

Anyway, we proceed to fight a dog or two when...

What.

There's Cartman's brother



What is it, Dogmeat?
If I knew this was going to be such a scary place, I wouldn't have come along... I'm outta here!
You pussy. Don't expect to have the Dogmeat icon in the next parts of this LP.

Fuck.


Time to get Cartman's brother and get this over with...

Oh! You woke me up... Cartman! I've been looking all over for you...
By sleeping?
You see, Cartman got scared and ran away... Well, I'm glad that you're okay at least... Let's go home now.I bet Mom and Dad are worried sick about us. Geez, sometimes I wonder which one of us is the real big brother.
Hey!


Cool?


Do you hear that buzzing sound that sounds like a bee flying around?
There's a bee in the forest?! Incredible!
Oh, c'mon... you must hear it...
Yes, I do hear it, you dipshit! Who cares? Let's go already!


woah.


Woah!


WOAH!

(I guess the developers didn't think that someone might stand in front of the meteorite)


not...
Wow, that's a pretty lame joke dude.
Shut up and listen! I'm from 10 years in the future. And, in the future, all is devastation... Giygas, the universal cosmic destroyer, sent all to the horror of eternal darkness... However, you must listen! Where I am from, there is a well-known legend that has been handed down from ancient times. It says "When the chosen boy reaches the point, he will find the light. The passing of time will shatter the nightmare rock and will reveal the path of light." You see, it is my opinion that you are that boy, CODEX. This I believe... Giygas' monstrous plan must have been set in motion somewhere on Earth... If you start to confront the enemy immediately, you may have time to counter the evil intentions of Giygas. Three thing are of utmost importance: wisdom, courage and friendship. The legends from the ancient times tell of three boys and a girl...
Gangbang?
NO... Three boys and a girl who defeat Giygas... I will tell you more later.
I'd rather you not.
Go now! And do not be anxious about the future. You have much work to do, CODEX.

Thank you for listening to my long story. You are as exceptional as I expected you to be...



Oh God. What now?
It looks like you're really in a lot of trouble this time... Three boys, he said? ...Uhhh... I'm not one of those three, am I?
I hope not.
... 'Cause... I'm not into this kinda thing at all... Geez. My heart is almost pounding right out of my chest.
Well obviously. Obesity causes heart disease, you know.


Just to recap: Our dog left the party, and a small kid and a bee joined it. Things are going great...



Woah.


WOAH WHAT.


You've been successful at foiling Master Giygas' plans. But... Buzz Buzz, you must now surrender. You're no longer a hero, but just a useless insect. I'll stomp you hard!

What! No, I'm not ready for a boss battle!

FFFUUU-


Oh, maybe I was ready. Didn't take any damage lol.


He came from ten years in the future to kill me, so we can't relax yet! From now on, you'll be fighting enemies sent by Giygas, as well as human who have evil thoughts.

Oh man, I hope this isn't a Christian game.

They'll definitely make trouble during your adventure! Animals are also becoming violent due to Giygas' influence over the evil in their minds! It is the truth, so listen!

We're finally able to get Cartman and his brother home.


Oh my God. What are THOSE? LOOK AT HER FACE. LOOK AT IT.

Both of you are really going to get it now! By the way, I would be happy if you left sometime soon. I'm tired of your family living next door. We've loaned your father a lot of money. It may have been a hundred thousand dollars or more... Well, I guess it really could have been less, but because of the loan, my family and I now live in poverty!

Hah, sucks for you, lard ass.




Wait, don't do it you stupid whore!


FFFUUU-


... much weaker than I thought... So you must now begin your adventure... see... you... Oh, I just remembered... Listen to my final words... To defeat Giygas, your own power must unite with the Earth's... The Earth will then channel your power and multiply it... There are eight points that you must visit. Make these places your own... Each of these locations is "Your Sanctuary." One of them is near Onett. It is called "Giant Step." Go there first...



All right. You are a very intelligent young man... and... Oh! The pain! Everything is getting dark... urgh! *Gasp*... Before I go, I want to give you something... It is the Sound Stone. You can record the melodies from the eight "Your Sanctuary" locations into this stone. It is an awesome item... By the way... I'm almost gone,



Good! It's already dawn outside... But it doesn't matter to me. I'm fading fast... Argh! *Gasp*





Now that that's over with...

He wasn't lying. It really is dawn outside. Look at those sickly bright pastel colors!

Off to Onett!


*10 seconds later*

Onett!


And with that, I end Part 2

===End of Part 2===

Awesome LP. Keep going.

I am enjoying myself.

Very good update, keep it p.

I remember playing this. Got to the meteorite bit then I got bored.

Awesome! No complaints about Part 2 Keep it up!

Peter said:

NOTE: Some of Cartman's amazing combat moves include playing dead, smiling and complaining to CODEX. What would I do without him?

Click to expand...

Skyway's true identity revealed?!

Thanks bro good lp keep it up

Hey, you're a quick learner - the 2nd part is much better. I'm enjoying this, well done :D

You're not going to let this die, are you?

ARE YOU?

Another zesty and well done LP?!

O GOD IT'Z HEAVAN!

...seriously though, when time permits, keep that shit up.

Finally

I'm finally back. First I was busy, then I couldn't access the net, then my computer broke, then I couldn't access the net again, then I played Super Metroid for a bit instead of this. Very sorry for the long wait for this rather lackluster part.

PS

I just found out that the image host I used for the previous parts might be taking down all images. I'm on a really slow internet connection right now (I bet making uploading all the pics for this part may take about an hour), so it would be truly awesome if someone could maybe upload the pics to another host and send me links to them. I know it's a lot to ask, but I'd be really grateful.

PPS

Sorry for the bad image quality in this part.

Anyway,

Part 3: The Sharks?! More like 'The Shits', amirite? Hahaha!!! Get it? Get it?!

Time to head to Giant Step!







Holy shit, a side quest? What a pleasant surpri...



Why am I surprised?

Let's continue...





Obviously...

Time to talk to those douchebags.



Douchebag: The reason it was closed was 'cause a punk named Frank may have trashed the place. What a drag. We can't even change our clothes, and hotels are too expensive.

City Hall locked you out of your own house? ONLY IN JAPAN LOLOLOL!!! ... Or... Japan's twisted view on... America... or... something...




...




Whatever fuck you.

Yeah guys, I'm sad to announce that I'm running dry already.

Anyway, time to do some unnecessary detective work to make this feel more like a CRPG and lessen the pain.







The Fuzz: ...like the Sharks and the meteorite... Hey, are you the guys who's trying to reform the Sharks?

No...

The Fuzz:Wa ho! Wa ho! Wa ho!

What.


The Fuzz:You've got to be kidding! Scram!



What just happened?



I'm guessing that's Frank. Only someone that gay looking can be a boss character.


Plus, the robot is also kinda irregular.



Woah.

Could it be?







I mean, I've heard that the Japs are sometimes kinda racist and xenophobic.



*Crosses fingers*



Aww man... I'm disappointed

Talk about it dude.



Aww, fiddlesticks...

I think it's that time, kiddies!



After some grinding, I get into their hideout (their hideout being an arcade.)







Why, oh why must you these me with these side quest possibilities?

And if we go to the second floor of the arcade...



Another douchebag: If you get your hands on it, I bet you can stand against any enemy.

Too bad I'm gonna have to destroy it. Yeah bitch, you heard me. I'm crazy. Fuckin' loco and all that. I'm gonna take on that tank, and I'm gonna fucking destroy it, pound it into the ground, blow it up. Yeah bitch, Hiroshima style, man. Charles Barkley ain't got nothin' on me. Be afraid. Be very afraid.







yeah









We finally get to Frank.





What an eloquent guy. The writers did an incredible job in this game.

Frank: I'm Frank... You are?

Hey dude, I'm CODEX. Nice to meet you, du...

Frank: C'mon, can't you at least say your name?

Oh, I'm sorry, I guess you didn't hear me I'm CO...



And he seemed like such a swell guy...

For some reason I didn't take the "YOU WIN" screenshots here, but I guess me winning is pretty apparent.



Frank: Puff puff puff. And this is "Frankystein Mark II."



Shit. There's no way a kid with a baseball bat can take down a...



Sorry, I forgot this was made by the Japanese.



Frank: "Fail-proof" Frank is now just "failure" Frank. I know you've been asking around, so I'll tell you about Giant Step. It... seems... to be quite a powerful spot. Some kind of special power is stored there that allows certain people to do wondrous feats.

Yeah, I know about all of this already. Just advance the plot.

Frank: Let me have my moment, you douchebag. I'll heal you for free afterwards. Anyway, where was I? Oh, right! ... However... a monster sucked up all the energy at that spot. It's difficult to get to Giant Step. That's all I know... I suggest you collect more information on your own. The entrance to the path leading to Giant Step is behind the touring entertainers' shack. Pirkle, the mayor of Onett, has a key to the shack. CODEX, you've become stronger than I! You're adventure is just beginning...

Off to Town Hall again!

Oh Lord. Is every male over the age of 40 fat/bald/both in this game?



Mayor lard ass: You beat up the town bullies,

Yeah.

Mayor lard ass: punched them out big time, kicked their butts, bit their heads off,

Uh huh.

Mayor lard ass: spit in their eyes, and then made them we their pants. Then you forced them to promise not making anymore trouble. Thanks!

(Did I miss something? I don't recall doing that.)



Mayor lard ass: For someone as great as you, giving you the key could help keep the town peaceful. However, if you encounter a dangerous situation, please don't ask me to take any responsibility.





Well, at least the game depicts politics somewhat accurately...



yay.

===End of Part 3===

I was going to include Giant Step into Part 3 too, but the net connection is so painfully slow here, that I'm gonna do that next time. I promise to finish Onett in the next part. Expect Part 4 on Tuesday or sooner.

Your LP is good and all, with the mandatory jap remarks and codex style bitching, but I don't know, you don't seem to enjoy it.

Maybe you thought it would be an rpg or jrpg , but it's not really. It's a unique game full of offbeat humor and surrealistic moments that looks like it's for children , but it's not. It's like Alice in wonderland.