EarthBound Beginnings

About

EarthBound Beginnings is a retro RPG following Ninten as he battles rogue objects and alien forces using psychic powers. Developed by Ape and released for the Famicom in 1989, it blends turn-based combat with exploration across quirky environments. Players manage a small party, leveling up abilities and solving puzzles to uncover a story about extraterrestrial schemes. The game’s charm comes from its offbeat humor and simple yet strategic gameplay. It runs on modern Switch and Wii U systems alongside the original NES version. Though overshadowed by its sequel, this title holds a cult following for its role in the Mother series’ legacy. Its English localization sat unfinished for decades before hitting the Wii U Virtual Console in 2015. Fans praise its accessibility and influence on later RPGs, with many noting how its straightforward design feels fresh even today. With minimal modernizations, it offers a pure slice of late-80s game design.

Storyline

EarthBound Beginnings follows the young Ninten as he uses his great-grandfather's studies on psychic powers to fight hostile, formerly inanimate objects and other enemies. His adventure leads him to new friends and eventually uncovering an alien plot that must be stopped.