Editing EarthBound (universe)

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|title          = EarthBound (universe)

|image          =  

{{tabber|width=300px|title1=EarthBound|content1=[[File:EarthboundTitle.svg|300px]]|title2=MOTHER|content2=[[File:MotherTitle.png|300px]]

|caption        = [[File:EarthboundSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]]

|designer      = [[Shigesato Itoi]]

[[File:SSB64 Congratulations Ness.png|thumb|The four main party members from EarthBound appear in Ness's [[congratulations screen]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 64]]''. From right to left they are: [[Ness]], [[Paula]], [[Jeff]], and [[Poo]].]]

An influential Japanese copywriter, actor, and television personality named Shigesato Itoi took a foray into the Nintendo-dominated video game market of the late 1980s despite some initial skepticism from Nintendo's higher-ups about working with celebrities. He and then-Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi formed a new subsidiary called Ape Inc. and Itoi pitched to Shigeru Miyamoto an RPG game set in modern day. this pitch was approved, and the game would release in July of 1989 for Famicom as ''{{iw|wikibound|Mother|video game}}''. Itoi wanted to make an unconventional take on the primarily sword-and-sorcery themed RPG genre. The game was set in a humorous rendition of contemporary America realized in the town of {{iw|wikibound|Podunk}} and had the player assuming the role of {{iw|wikibound|Ninten}}, a neighborhood boy with psychic powers who would go on an adventure that would eventually lead to him confronting {{iw|wikibound|Giygas}}, a villain that would become a series regular and one the few connecting elements of the series. It featured conventional objects such as baseball bats and yo-yos as stand-ins for weapons that could be equipped and a variety of bizarre and comical enemies such as possessed automobiles, crazed animals, and hippies and gang members. It also featured a very odd blend of simplistic character designs and dark themes and undertones. The game sold very well in Japan, and an English localization immediately began, with a planned fall 1991 release date with ''Earth Bound'' as the intended Western title. However, marketing executives anticipating the mid-1991 release of the Super NES decided that the prototype NES game would be too costly to produce and market, and the localized product was shelved with no foreseeable plans for a future release. This was the case until 2015, when the translation was finished and released for the [[Wii U]] [[Virtual Console]] as ''EarthBound Beginnings''.

[[File:SSBU Congratulations Ness.png|thumb|The four main party members reappear in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' with updated designs.]]

Itoi returned to design a sequel for the Super Famicom, ''Mother 2'', though the title's development was troubled by a new inexperienced development staff and was stretched across five years, nearly facing cancellation. The project was only saved when late veteran programmer [[Satoru Iwata]] joined the development team, now making the ''Mother 2'' project a joint effort by Ape and [[HAL Laboratory]] (HALKEN at the time), separate studios based at separate locations (employees would regularly have to travel between studios to work). It was released in August 1994 in Japan and, unlike its predecessor, actually saw a Western localization the following June, under the first public occurrence of the name ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}''. This game saw new protagonist [[Ness]] and his friends and their adventures across time and space to save the world from Gyigas. However, while the game's Japanese sales figures were relatively close to the original's, it sold poorly in the West because of an unusual and ineffective marketing campaign and the fact that American audiences were largely indifferent to JRPGs at the time (this would only end with the 1997 release of ''[[Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy VII]]'', which brought the genre to the mainstream). These poor sales even prevented the game from being released in the PAL regions. Critical retrospectives, however, portray it as not only one of the best RPGs in the 1990s, but also one of the most original, both in its approach to established JRPG mechanics and in its uniquely quirky humor, storyline (which is comparatively more light-hearted than its forerunner), character, and bizarre psychedelic aesthetic, as well as its many parodies of American culture and JRPG - and science fiction - storytelling conventions. Some publications have named it the defining example of a cult classic, with substantial fanbases in both Japan and North America.

More development and release date woes awaited the ''Mother'' franchise following ''EarthBound''. Ape Inc. would immediately disband after completion, though most would come back to form the modern day [[Creatures]] to assist [[Game Freak]] to develop ''{{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Red & Green}}'', which why they share ownership between Game Freak and Nintendo. Itoi immediately began development of the series' second sequel for the Super Famicom in 1994, which was then moved to the Nintendo 64DD add-on for the [[Nintendo 64]], popularized by the media as the then-upcoming ''EarthBound 64''. When the ill-fated disk drive peripheral was met with commercial failure, the game was cancelled and restarted its development cycle on the Nintendo 64 itself, where it was initially expected to be a launch title for the console's Western release. But Itoi's development team was inexperienced with developing three-dimensional titles and the Nintendo 64 hardware itself, and the project remained unreleased even as ''EarthBound'' was included by [[Masahiro Sakurai]] as an unlockable franchise in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' in 1998. Itoi eventually announced the official cancellation of ''EarthBound 64'' in August 2000, citing that he did not want to make anything other than "something truly special" in addition to the project becoming too complex with its interest in three-dimensional graphics. [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] subsequently became interested in finding ways to salvage some of the work, though this had to be put on hold because the ''Mother 3'' development team was put on Nintendo GameCube projects. Meanwhile, the translated prototype of the Western version of the NES game was discovered and purchased by a fan translation group, which was modified, retitled "''EarthBound Zero''", and distributed through the Internet as a ROM image.

Itoi and Nintendo eventually decided to rerelease both ''Mother'' titles in Japan as ports compiled on one Game Boy Advance cartridge, ''{{iw|wikibound|Mother 1 + 2}}'', which was released in June 2003 in Japan and included all of the enhancements the English prototype had made to the original ''Mother''; to the dismay of fans, this was never released in the West either. However, Itoi realized he would once again be pressured into reviving his shelved project, an idea he was initially opposed to, but encouragement from fans led to his decision to restart development for the game for Game Boy Advance, which he approached as though he were developing his magnum opus. After three years of development, ''{{iw|wikibound|Mother 3}}'' (essentially now a Game Boy Advance recreation of ''EarthBound 64'') was finally released in Japan in April 2006, twelve years after development began and over a year after the launch of the handheld's successor, the Nintendo DS. This Game Boy Advance title returned the series to a two-dimensional aesthetic but placed more emphasis on a serious plot and character interaction and tweaked gameplay elements of its predecessors. The game saw new protagonist [[Lucas]] and his adventures with his family and later his newfound friends as they try to save the world from being destroyed entirely. It was released to critical acclaim that praised its new rhythm-based but otherwise simple approach to turn-based combat and, most significantly, tragic storytelling and characterization that achieved a rarely seen degree of depth in titles in the genre.

Unfortunately, Nintendo of America would once more decline to localize the game for Western audiences, once again apparently because of fears that its inconvenient timing at the end of the commercial lifespan of the platform it was based on would negatively affect its sales. The fansite Starmen.net made headlines in October 2008 when it released its own English translation patch that could be applied to a copy of the ROM image of ''Mother 3''. This monumental translation effort was spearheaded by professional translator Clyde "Tomato" Mandelin and the patch received over 100,000 downloads from the website in the first week of its release. Despite the project not being completely legal, it became one of a handful of unofficial video game localization projects that officials in the video game industry did not formally object to, but instead expressed admiration for. In the meantime, the ''Mother'' series has regularly appeared in every subsequent ''Super Smash Bros.'' game to date, including ''Mother 3'' being focused on in 2008's ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', though Itoi has announced that he has no plans to direct a fourth ''Mother'' game and reaffirmed this statement several times. In the years to come, developers large and small would create role-playing games that would draw heavy inspiration from the world, humor, and battle system of the ''Mother'' series, including the critically-acclaimed {{uvm3|Undertale}} in 2015 by [[Toby Fox]], and more recently ''{{iw|wikipedia|Omori|video game}}'' in 2020 by omocat. Although the series is seldom referenced directly by Nintendo, the rights held to it by Itoi have enabled the continued development of merchandise and other projects honoring its legacy, such as a collaborative tribute book and a rearranged version of the first game's studio album.

While never achieving the same mainstream success as [[Mario]] or even other RPG franchises, the ''Mother'' franchise has received a cult following that has only grown in the wake of the internet and continued representation in the form of cameos and the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. Merchandise being made about the franchise to this day and fan projects that would go on to be successful game releases in their own right is a sign of this fan devotion, as arguably more popular franchises do not share this privilege, such as ''{{iw|wikipedia|Oddity|video game}}'', formely ''Mother 4'', left in development since 2010. Official merchandise featured, produced, or published by Hobonichi titled "Hobonichi Mother Project" also takes part of it, ranging from cosmetics to plushies and even a live concert titled ''The Music of MOTHER''.

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==

''EarthBound'' is one of the "bonus franchises" in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' - contributing one unlockable character and a song (his victory theme). There are no stages [[home stage|based on]] ''EarthBound'' in the game, so Ness instead has to be fought on [[Dream Land (SSB)|Kirby's stage]] in order to be unlocked.

===Fighter===

*[[File:NessIcon(SSB).png|50px|right|link=Ness (SSB)]]'''{{SSB|Ness}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): A boy living in the town of [[Onett]], Ness is gifted with psychic powers. He is chosen by a little alien named Buzz Buzz to save the world from Giygas, a malevolent entity which is causing the citizens and animals of his town and others to become hostile. To do this, he must first travel to eight sanctuaries and record the Eight Melodies in his Sound Stone, given to him by Buzz Buzz. Ness then must combine those melodies and make the "Sound Stone Melody", which will give him the power of the Earth necessary to defeat Giygas at the end of the game. (The second half of the melody comprises Ness' victory theme in the first two games of the ''Smash'' series.) All of Ness's special moves (PSI Magnet, PK Fire, and PK Thunder) were incidentally used by Paula, not Ness, in ''EarthBound''.  Ness is currently in low tier, sitting at 10th out of 12 on the [[tier list]], mainly due to his easily exploitable [[recovery]].

*'''[[Victory theme#EarthBound (Mother) Victory Theme|24: Ness Wins]]''': The victory theme of [[Ness]] is an orchestrated version of the last several notes of the Eight Melodies (not to be confused with the separate Eight Melodies from its predecessor, ''Mother'') that Ness collects throughout his journey at the eight "Your Sanctuary" spots in ''EarthBound''. This incarnation of the Eight Melodies also appears in ''EarthBound'' as part of "Smiles and Tears", which also appears in remixed form in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U''.

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==

''EarthBound''{{'}}s representation in the ''Smash'' series was expanded significantly upon in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', with a returning character, two new stages, a new item, and many new trophies.

===Fighter===

[[Lucas]] was supposed to replace Ness in ''Melee'' but, due to constant delays and then cancellation of ''{{s|wikibound|EarthBound 64}}'', Ness was kept in at the last minute.

*[[File:NessIcon(SSBM).png|50px|right|link=Ness (SSBM)]]'''{{SSBM|Ness}}''' ([[Starter character|Starter]]): Ness is still the only playable ''EarthBound'' character in the game, but he now has [[PK Flash]] for his neutral special. As a result, his previous neutral special, PK Fire, has been moved to his side special. Despite his flaws in ''Super Smash Bros.'' like his recovery, Ness has suffered an overall nerf, countering most of his buffs. As a result, Ness is currently ranked 23rd out of 26 in the tier list, similar to his ''Smash 64'' tier placement.

*[[File:OnettIconSSBM.png|right|link=Onett]]'''Eagleland: [[Onett]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): The quaint suburban hometown of Ness, whose citizens and animals become hostile under Giygas' otherwise invisible influence. The red spherical meteor on the hilltop in the background is the alien Buzz Buzz's spacecraft and, when Ness investigates it, he is instructed by Buzz Buzz to go on a quest to save Onett and the world from Giygas' influence. This stage takes place on and around houses and a drug store whose balconies serve as battling platforms. The road in front of the characters on the ground has speeding cars on it, and cars zooming past characters on the ground will almost certainly KO them.{{clr}}

*[[File:FoursideIconSSBM.png|right|link=Fourside]]'''Eagleland: [[Fourside]]''' ([[Unlockable stage|Unlockable]]): The New York City-inspired urban metropolis in ''EarthBound'' manifests as a battle-on-skyscrapers-in-the-nighttime stage for ''Melee'', and in essence, it is the spiritual successor to the [[Saffron City]] Pokémon stage from the first ''Super Smash Bros.'' The layout of the stage consists of three main platforms with bottomless pits in between buildings, so this is the most conceivable stage where the [[Wall jump]] technique can be used to save oneself from a fall. The {{iw|wikibound|Monotoli}} helicopter occasionally appears in the background, landing on the Monotoli building before flying off after a short time. In addition, from time to time a [[UFO]] will materialize above the city and serve as an extremely slippery semi-soft platform.{{clr}}

''Melee'' introduced an item for the ''EarthBound'' series as well:

*'''[[Mr. Saturn]]''': A race of odd little creatures with big noses, whiskers, and the ability to talk, Mr. Saturns are encountered as friendly NPCs by Ness in ''EarthBound''. They make their home in an area of Eagleland called Saturn Valley, and when they speak the text in the game is presented as hard-to-read kindergarten scrawl, and they often mix the words "boing", "ding", and "zoom" into their speech for unknown reasons. As a ''Melee'' item, a Mr. Saturn is an intentional "dud" item. It walks around on its own, and it can be picked up and hurled at opponents for minor damage, but it can be reused this way because it does not disappear after one use. In addition, a thrown Mr. Saturn does 21 shield damage in this game, and several bonuses are available based on the usage of these creatures.

*'''{{SSBMMusicLink|Mother}}''': Despite being known as "Onett" in ''Smash 4'', it is not actually heard in the town of Onett or in ''EarthBound'' for SNES overall, and is instead a combination of two tracks first heard in ''Mother''. The first is ''Bein' Friends'', which is the overworld theme whenever Ninten has more than one character in his party, and the second is the ''Eight Melodies'' that Ninten collects throughout the game. Finally a small portion of title theme is played before the song finishes its loop. The music also ends with an enemy encounter tune, which appears in both ''EarthBound Beginnings'' and ''EarthBound'' - albeit only for bosses in the latter. It is heard on [[Onett]]. It is Song 19 in the [[Sound Test]].

*'''{{SSBMMusicLink|EarthBound}}''': Synthesized music heard prominently in ''EarthBound'', this is the official theme for the city of Fourside in both the game and in ''Melee''{{'}}s [[Fourside]] stage, with the first half of ''EarthBound''{{'}}s Eight Melodies inserted at a point (the last half of the original version, incidentally, are used as [[Ness]]'s victory theme). It is Song 20 in the Sound Test.

*'''{{SSBMMusicLink|Mother 2}}''': The song's real title is ''Pollyanna''. This is a quaint soft rock remix of the overworld theme in ''Mother'' whenever Ninten is the only character in his party. A slightly abridged remix also appeared in ''EarthBound'' whenever [[Ness]] returns to his house during his quest, with the intro to the original version also being used in that game in Onett when the sun rises. It also appeared in ''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3}}''. It is used as a secondary track on [[Onett]]. It is Song 35 in the Sound Test.

*'''[[Victory theme#EarthBound (Mother) Victory Theme|Ness's Victory]]''': The victory theme of [[Ness]] is an orchestrated version of the last four notes of the Eight Melodies that Ness collects throughout his journey. It is Song 47 in the Sound Test.

 

 

Lucky and Nice of the Runaway Five appear in the introduction movie in Onett. There is also a sign showing a picture of both members that is absent in the Onett stage. The equivalent sign in the stage is moved further to the right and has a different design, with only Lucky being present in the picture.

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==

The content from the ''EarthBound'' franchise have been given a boost

===Fighters===

*[[File:NessIcon(SSBB).png|50px|right|link=Ness (SSBB)]]'''{{SSBB|Ness}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): The protagonist of ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'' was confirmed to be returning in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' by the opening sequence of the game and by the official Dojo on February 1st, 2008. He has been slightly buffed from ''Melee'' while still retaining his old moveset and voice clips. He gained an additional 10 frames of lag when grab released, making him extremely vulnerable to infinite grab-release follow-ups. Thus, he is ranked 26th on the tier list, being a mid tier character rather than a low tier character in ''Melee''.{{clr}}

*[[File:LucasIcon(SSBB).png|50px|right|link=Lucas (SSBB)]]'''{{SSBB|Lucas}}''' ([[Starter character|Starter]]): The protagonist of ''{{iw|wikibound|Mother 3}}'' and the most recent hero in the series is a [[newcomer]] in ''Brawl''. Although his special moves are similar to Ness's, Lucas's standard moveset is largely different. Some similar moves between the characters differ in function, i.e. whereas Ness would have an attack that deals one solid hit, Lucas has one that deals multiple small ones and vice-versa. One of Lucas's alternate costumes makes him look like his twin brother from ''Mother 3'', Claus. He is ranked 30th on the tier list, being lower than Ness, the lowest of the newcomers in ''Brawl'', and at the very bottom of the lower-mid-tier. He shares the same problem with Ness, having an additional 10 frames of his grab-release animation that leaves him prone to grab-release follow-ups.{{clr}}

*[[File:Porky.jpg|right|120px|link=Porky Minch]]'''[[Porky]]''': Porky Minch appears as a boss in ''Brawl''{{'}}s [[Subspace Emissary]] mode. Porky's supposedly robotic [[Porky Statue|statue form]] chases [[Lucas]] around [[The Ruined Zoo]]. Ness retaliates against the giant statue and uses a PK Flash to destroy it. When the statue crumbles, a mechanized spider-looking machine appears with Porky in the center.

*[[File:Icon-onettmelee.gif|right|link=Onett]]{{gameIcon|SSBM}}'''[[Melee Stages]]: [[Onett]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): One of the stages that returns from the previous game, it only has a few minor changes such as the addition of [[My Music]] and the knockback from the cars having been significantly lowered. {{clr}}

*[[File:Icon-newporkcity.gif|right|link=New Pork City]]'''[[New Pork City]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): An enormous stage akin to ''Melee''’s [[Temple]] stage. Based on the locale from the Japan-only ''Mother 3'', a beast known as the [[Ultimate Chimera]] makes an appearance here and can [[one-hit KO]] players with its bite.{{clr}}

===Items===

*'''[[Mr. Saturn]]''': Mr. Saturn is mostly unchanged from his Melee appearance: he inflicts minimal damage when thrown, but now deals 43 units of shield damage, one more than twice as much as its Melee shield damage of 21.

*'''''[[Franklin Badge]]''''': This equippable item from all three ''EarthBound'' games is an item in ''Brawl''. In ''Mother'', it reflects the normally one-hit KO Gamma-level PK Beam attack, while in ''EarthBound'' and ''Mother 3'', it reflects electricity-based attacks back at the attacker; in ''Brawl'', it is worn by a character for a short while, making him or her immune to all projectile-based attacks which get reflected back in the direction whence it came.

*'''[[Jeff]]''': Jeff uses his bottle rocket launcher and launches homing missiles at all opposing characters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*[[File:MagicantIconSSB4-3.png|75px|right|link=Magicant]]'''[[Magicant]]''' ([[Unlockable stage|Unlockable]]): staged in a [[wikibound:Magicant|dreamy realm]] from ''{{iw|wikibound|Mother|video game}}'' and ''{{s|wikibound|EarthBound}}''. Its appearance primarily derives from ''Mother'', though some elements are from ''EarthBound''. A [[Flying Man]] will sometimes appear on the right side of the stage as a hazard. If a player touches one, he will fight along side them like an Assist Trophy. The Flying Man can be launched and defeated by other players. Should one be defeated, another Flying Man will spawn on the same right-side platform. After five Flying Men have been defeated, they will no longer appear in the rest of the match. Characters from ''EarthBound'' - the {{s|wikibound|Mobile Sprout}}, {{s|wikibound|Dungeon Man}}, and {{s|wikibound|Sky Runner}} - cameo as platforms. Occasionally, a "rip" in sky will open in the background and shows moments from ''Mother'' and ''EarthBound''. Many characters make cameo in this rip, including {{s|wikibound|Ninten}}, the protagonist of ''Mother''. This is one of the possible stages to appear in Level 5 of [[All-Star Mode]] as a [[home stage]] for Ness, who is also [[unlock]]ed on this stage. Its [[Ω form]] is a floating platform like [[Final Destination]].{{clr}}

*[[File:OnettIconSSB4-U.png|75px|right|link=Onett]]{{gameIcon|SSBM}}'''[[Onett]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): staged in Ness's hometown from ''EarthBound''. Various vehicles drive on the road in the foreground and will hit grounded opponents. The colors of the stage are more pronounced than they were in ''Brawl'' and two mailboxes have been removed. It is one of the possible stages to appear in Level 3 of [[All-Star Mode]] as a [[home stage]] for Ness and it is large enough to accommodate [[8-Player Smash]]. Its [[Ω form]] is columnar and staged on top of the Drug Store.{{clr}}

*'''[[Mr. Saturn]]''' (throwing): a bow-wearing being from ''{{s|wikibound|EarthBound}}''. It can be picked up and thrown as a bouncy projectile that does enough shield damage to cause an instant [[Shield#Shield_breaking|shield break]]. Otherwise, Mr. Saturn walks harmlessly around the stage.

 

<small>'''''Bold italics''''' denote an Assist Trophy new to the ''Smash Bros.'' series.</small>

*'''[[Jeff]]''': a bespectacled friend and ally of Ness's from ''EarthBound''. He attacks opponents with a bottle rocket. He does not harm the summoner.

*'''''{{b|Starman|EarthBound}}''''': an extraterrestrial enemy from ''{{iw|wikibound|Mother|(video game)}}'' and ''EarthBound''. It teleports around the stage and attacks opponents with PK Beam. Opponents can attack and ultimately launch the Starman if it accumulates enough damage. It does not attack the summoner. It also appears as an enemy in Smash Run.

 

*'''[[Mr. Saturn]]''' ({{color|#F00|Red}}): a bow-wearing being from ''EarthBound''. The user can break an opponent's shield more easily.

*'''[[Franklin Badge]]''' ({{color|#F00|Red}}): a badge from the ''EarthBound'' series. The user starts battle with the badge equipped.

*'''[[Porky]]''' ({{color|#0F0|Green}}): Ness's neighbor and a major antagonist from ''EarthBound'' and ''Mother 3''. The user steals an opponent's Tour Items.

*'''[[Ultimate Chimera]]''' ({{color|#F00|Red}}): a toothy monster from ''Mother 3''. The user takes two fighters from the last opponent KO'd instead of just one. It will activate even if the user did not place first in the battle.

 

*'''{{b|Starman|EarthBound}}''': an extraterrestrial enemy from ''Mother'' and ''EarthBound''. It teleports around the stage and attacks opponents with PK Beam. It also appears as an Assist Trophy. Its PK Beam can be reflected and absorbed only in Smash Run.

*'''[[Devil Car]]''': Also known as the '''Psycho Car''' in ''EarthBound Beginnings'', the English release of ''Mother''. It attacks opponents by spinning {{iw|wikipedia|doughnut|driving}}s and running over them. It has a lot of [[HP]] and [[armor]], making it difficult to launch. It cannot be [[grab]]bed.

 

*'''[[Flying Man]]''': a yellow-and-red birdman from the first two ''EarthBound'' games. In Smash Tour, he aids the first player who bumps into him and travels along the board. He launches the next opponent he crosses paths with. He also appears in the 3DS version as a hazard on the Magicant stage.

 

 

*{{Head|Mii Brawler|g=SSB4|s=24px}} '''[[Flying Man|Flying Man Outfit]]''' ([[DLC]]): this outfit is based on a [[Flying Man]], a yellow-and-red birdman from the first two ''EarthBound'' games who resides in Magicant. Pixelated, two-dimensional Flying Men appear on the Magicant stage in the 3DS version as hazards, but they were originally going to be three-dimensional models. This was ultimately scrapped, but the assets used to make the 3D Flying Man were repurposed for this outfit. The outfit was released with a corresponding hat in the Flying Man's likeness on July 31, 2015 as [[downloadable content]].

 

{{main|List of SSB4 Music (EarthBound series)}}

 

*{{GameIcon|SSBM}}'''{{SSB4MusicLink|EarthBound|Pollyanna (I Believe in You)}}''': an arrangement of "Pollyanna (I Believe in You)" from ''Mother'' similar to a vocalized arrangement of the same piece from the 1989 ''Mother'' album. This piece was abridged in ''Smash for Wii U''. It plays on Onett.

 

*'''[[Victory theme#EarthBound (Mother) Victory Theme|Victory! EarthBound Series]]''': a flourished arrangement of the first few bars of "MOTHER Earth" from ''Mother'' at a faster tempo. It is sourced from ''Brawl''.

{{main|List of SSB4 trophies (EarthBound series)}}

===Masterpiece===

*''{{b|EarthBound|game}}''

==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==

===Fighters===

*10. [[File:NessIcon(SSBU).png|50px|right|link=Ness (SSBU)]]'''{{SSBU|Ness}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): The small town boy from Onett returns as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''. He is significantly more expressive than his past appearances, even having his pupils grow when he gets hit. Many of his attacks and animations, such as neutral air, up air, pummel, and PK Fire, have been reworked to distinguish himself further from Lucas and now even feature new PSI-inspired visual effects. For his Final Smash, {{s|wikibound|Paula}} and {{s|wikibound|Poo}} now join him to perform [[PK Starstorm]]. Although Ness was previously strongly buffed in his transition to ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', Ness once again received improvements between games, and additionally, the new gameplay mechanics of ''Ultimate'' have indirectly buffed him in other ways, such as the return of directional [[air dodging]] greatly improving his recovery. Overall, Ness has achieved great tournament results in ''Ultimate's'' early metagame.{{clr}}

*37. [[File:LucasIcon(SSBU).png|50px|right|link=Lucas (SSBU)]]'''{{SSBU|Lucas}}''' ([[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]): The timid boy from Tazmily Village returns as an unlockable fighter after being DLC in ''Smash 4''. Like Ness, he is significantly more expressive than his past appearances, even having his pupils enlarge when he gets hit. Several of his attacks and animations have been reworked, such as his pummel and throws, and some now feature PSI-inspired visuals. For his Final Smash, {{s|wikibound|Kumatora}} and {{s|wikibound|Boney}} now join him to perform PK Starstorm. Lucas has received a mix of nerfs and buffs in his transition to ''Ultimate''. While his combo game was toned down, his overall mobility has been increased, and his aerials and specials were improved. ''Ultimate's'' engine has also indirectly buffed him in similar ways to Ness, such as the aforementioned changes to air dodging. Lucas has since achieved favorable tournament results in the early metagame, though not to the same degree as Ness.{{clr}}

 

All ''EarthBound'' stages from previous titles return.

*{{gameIcon|SSBM}}[[File:OnettIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Onett]]'''[[Onett]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): Based on Ness's hometown in ''EarthBound''. The battleground is situated around a drug store and a couple of houses, with more buildings being visible in the background. Cars occasionally pass by and can damage fighters in their path, including a car based on the Runaway Five’s black bus. This stage is similar to its previous appearances, although the colors stand out more and some textures have been redone.{{clr}}

*{{gameIcon|SSBM}}[[File:FoursideIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Fourside]]'''[[Fourside]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): A metropolitan city that Ness and company visit in ''EarthBound'' makes its return after a 17-year absence. Its nightly appearance is based off of Moonside, an illusion created by the Mani Mani Statue. The Monotoli helicopter and the slippery-surfaced UFO make occasional appearances. The stage is darker than its ''Melee'' counterpart, and the colors stand out more; overall, the jump to HD required a graphical overhaul for the stage. {{clr}}

*{{gameIcon|SSBB}}[[File:NewPorkCityIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=New Pork City]]'''[[New Pork City]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): The last city Lucas and company visit in ''Mother 3'', being the headquarters of Master Porky and the location of the final needle returns after an absence in ''Smash 4''. The flying limo makes occasional appearances and the Ultimate Chimera also roams around the city, and fighters who hit it get instantly KO'd, though no longer via the blast lines. The colors and streetlights now stand out more, and the city walls are now shaded purple. {{clr}}

*{{gameIcon|SSB4-3DS}}[[File:MagicantIconSSBU.png|75px|right|link=Magicant]]'''[[Magicant]]''' ([[Starter stage|Starter]]): Based on a mystical realm in both ''EarthBound Beginnings'' and ''EarthBound'' that Ninten and Ness travel to, respectively. A rip in the sky reveals key moments from both titles. Elements from ''EarthBound'' make cameo appearances such as the octopus statue, Dr. Andonut’s Skyrunner, and the Dungeon Man. The Flying Men makes frequent appearances and - once a character allies with one - attacks other nearby fighters. The colors and textures are much more vibrant and detailed than its 3DS counterpart, and the background has been significantly updated to closer match the layout of ''EarthBound Beginnings''{{'}}s Magicant.{{clr}}

 

<small>'''''Bold italics''''' denote an item new to the ''Smash Bros.'' series.</small>

*'''[[Mr. Saturn]]''': A peculiar entity that first appeared in ''EarthBound''. They do minimal damage when thrown, but can instantly break a full shield on contact.

*'''[[Franklin Badge]]''': A badge of great importance that has appeared in all three ''Mother'' games. When equipped, it will instantly reflect projectiles.

*'''''[[Ramblin' Evil Mushroom]]''''': A minor enemy that first appeared in ''EarthBound''; it acts as a spraying weapon that reverses the opponent's left and right controls.

 

*'''[[Jeff]]''': One of Ness's party members in ''EarthBound'', he launches one round of bottle rockets at the opponents. Cannot be KO’d.

*'''{{b|Starman|EarthBound}}''': Extraterrestrial entities that first appeared in ''EarthBound Beginnings''. They teleport around the stage and shoot PK Beams at opponents. The Starman can be KO'd.

 

 

*{{Head|Mii Brawler|g=SSBU|s=24x24px}} '''[[Flying Man|Flying Man Outfit]]'''

 

*'''[[Flying Man|Flying Man Hat]]'''

*'''[[Mr. Saturn|Mr. Saturn Hat]]'''

 

*'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Magicant}}''': A synth-heavy rock remix of the [[Magicant]] theme, sampling some 8-bit sounds from the original game's version, from ''{{iw|wikibound|EarthBound Beginnings}}''.

*'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Fourside}}''': A fast-paced rock and trumpet-centric remix of [[Fourside]]'s theme, also known as "Because I Love You", that also incorporates the {{iw|wikibound|Eight Melodies}} from ''{{iw|wikibound|EarthBound}}''.

====Returning Tracks====

Arrangements and remixes returning from previous ''Smash'' games.

*{{gameIcon|SSBM}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Bein' Friends}}''': A medley of tracks from ''EarthBound Beginnings'', including "{{iw|wikibound|Bein' Friends}}", the {{iw|wikibound|Eight Melodies}}, the title theme, and the "Enemy Encounter Theme". Returns from ''Melee'', renamed from '''Mother''' in ''Melee'' and '''Onett''' in ''Smash 4''. This track played in Ness's character trailer.

*{{gameIcon|SSBM}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Pollyanna (I Believe In You)}}''': A soft rock remix of "[[wikibound:Pollyanna|Pollyanna (I Believe in You)]]" from ''EarthBound Beginnings''. Returns from ''Melee'', renamed from '''Mother 2'''.

*{{gameIcon|SSBM}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Fourside (Melee)}}''': A techno-based remix of "Because I Love You", the {{iw|wikibound|Fire Spring}} theme, and the Eight Melodies from ''EarthBound''. Returns from ''Melee'', renamed from '''EarthBound'''.

*{{gameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Humoresque Of A Little Dog}}''': The theme that plays in {{iw|wikibound|Drugstore}}s and {{iw|wikibound|Department store}}s, from ''EarthBound Beginnings''. Returns from ''Brawl''.

*{{gameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Snowman}}''': A remix of the theme of {{iw|wikibound|Snowman}} from ''EarthBound Beginnings''. Returns from ''Brawl''.

*{{gameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Mother 3 Love Theme}}''': A remix of "Mom's Hometown", the theme that plays during the prologue, in ''{{iw|wikibound|Mother 3}}''. Returns from ''Brawl''.

*{{gameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|You Call This A Utopia?!}}''': A remix of the theme "Isn't This Place Such a Utopia?" played in [[New Pork City]], which itself is an arrangement of "His Highness's Theme", "The Pig King's Playroom", and "Theme of King P", from ''Mother 3''. Returns from ''Brawl''.

*{{gameIcon|SSBB}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Porky's Theme}}''': An arrangement of "His Highness' Theme" and "LOG-O-TYPE" from ''Mother 3''. Returns from ''Brawl''.

*{{gameIcon|SSB4-WiiU}}'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Onett Theme / Winters Theme}}''': A remix of the theme of [[Onett]] from ''EarthBound,'' and the theme of {{iw|wikibound|Snowman}}, from ''EarthBound Beginnings''. Returns from ''Smash for Wii U''.

====Victory Theme====

*'''[[Victory theme#EarthBound (Mother) Victory Theme|Victory! EarthBound Series]]''': A new flourished, faster arrangement of the final two melodies of the "Eight Melodies" from ''EarthBound Beginnings''.

==Media with elements appearing in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series==

The ''EarthBound'' universe has media represented throughout the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series with a total of 6 games and media. The latest media represented in this universe is ''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3i}}'', released on April 20, 2006.

===''{{s|wikibound|Mother}} / {{s|wikibound|EarthBound Beginnings}}''===

*Stickers:

**{{gameIcon|SSBU}} "'''[[Victory theme#EarthBound (Mother) Victory Theme|Victory! EarthBound Series]]'''": Ness and Lucas's victory theme in ''Ultimate'', which is a fast arrangement of the last two melodies of the "Eight Melodies" from this game.

**{{gameIcon|SSBB}} [[PK Starstorm]] originates from this game. However, neither Ness nor Lucas can learn PK Starstorm.

**{{gameIcon|SSB4}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Smiles and Tears}}'''": Is the theme that plays during the end credits of this game.

**{{gameIcon|SSB}} "'''[[Victory theme#EarthBound (Mother) Victory Theme|Victory! Ness]]'''": Ness's victory theme in ''64'' and ''Melee'', which is an orchestrated version of the last four melodies of the "Eight Melodies" from this game.

**{{gameIcon|SSBU}} A Mr. Saturn appears on ''Ultimate''{{'}}s panoramic character artwork.

===''{{iw|wikibound|Mother 1+2|soundtrack}}'' (soundtrack)===

*Music:

**{{gameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Humouresque of a Little Dog}}'''": The arrangement includes an extra line that comes from this version.

===''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3}}''===

*Trophies:

**{{gameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Mother 3 Love Theme}}'''": The main theme of this game and is played during many cutscenes. This rendition also includes the theme of pre-modernized Tazmily Village (Mom's Hometown).

===''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3+}}''===

**{{gameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Snowman}}'''": The arrangement uses its version in this album as a basis.

===''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3i}}''===

*Music:

**{{gameIcon|SSBB}} "'''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Porky's Theme}}'''": The "LOG-O-TYPE" portion of "Tazmily in the Stage" from this album is used in this arrangement.

*The copyright for Shigesato Itoi / Ape Inc. is not listed in the title screen of ''Super Smash Bros.'' and the back boxart for ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', possibly due to Ness being an unlockable fighter in both games. Additionally, the copyright is not listed in the ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' eShop copyright listings without including the DLC page.

*''EarthBound'', {{uv|Final Fantasy}}, {{uv|Persona}}, and {{uv|Dragon Quest}} are the only universes that do not have a character from their original installment playable in ''Super Smash Bros.''

**Subsequently, ''EarthBound'' is the only Nintendo series with this distinction, as well as the only series not introduced as DLC.

*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' marks the first and only time both ''EarthBound'' characters share the same availability, being unlockables.

*''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' marks the first time where ''Mother'' is retitled ''EarthBound Beginnings'' via music source. This is due to ''Mother'' making its international debut on Wii U Virtual Console in 2015 as ''EarthBound Beginnings''. The stage prefix for Magicant, however, is simply listed as ''EarthBound'' rather than ''EarthBound Beginnings'', despite the stage being heavily based on its appearance in the latter game.

*In the Famicom version of ''Mother'', a kid asks Ninten "Have you played ''Dragon Quest IV''? I'm still having trouble with ''Dragon Quest III''." The [[Hero]] protagonists from ''Dragon Quest III'' and the then-upcoming ''Dragon Quest IV'' would become playable alongside ''EarthBound'' and ''Mother 3'' protagonists Ness and Lucas in ''Ultimate'' almost exactly 30 years later.

*{{iw|wikibound|WikiBound}}

{{Universe}}

{{EarthBound universe}}