EarthBound 64

About

EarthBound 64 was a cancelled role-playing game meant for the Nintendo 64 and its add-on 64DD. It served as an early prototype for what eventually became Mother 3 on the Game Boy Advance. Players would have followed Lucas and his friends as they fought against the Pigmask Army led by Porky Minch. The story involves a chaotic invasion where strange creatures and new technology threaten the Nowhere Islands. The gameplay likely featured turn-based battles and exploration typical of the series, letting fans see how this chapter in the saga started before it shifted platforms. The project never saw a commercial release in its original form, leaving only prototypes and concept art to share with the public. Community discussions often highlight how close this version came to finishing the story that Mother 3 eventually told years later. Many fans treat the known details as a missing piece of gaming history rather than just a lost title. The development team at HAL Laboratory had a clear vision for Lucas's journey, but technical hurdles and shifting priorities stopped the N64 release. Today it remains a fascinating glimpse into an alternate timeline for one of the most beloved RPG franchises.

Storyline

EarthBound 64 would probably get most of the plot points that pertained to the later released Mother 3. In that game, chaos ensues after an invasion by the Pigmask Army, named after the uniforms, which resemble pigs, and its leader, Porky Minch, the "Pig King". They slowly construct a police state, while experimenting on the land's flora and fauna, and introducing new technology and infrastructure to the islands. The various chapters record the life of a boy named Lucas and his family and friends, banding together to rid the Nowhere Islands of the Pigmask Army.