Summary
Gamers calling for an English release ofMother 3, the third game in theEarthBoundseries, should really bring their case directly to Nintendo, the franchise’s creator has told fans. Discussions regarding such a potential localization have popped up online following the recent announcement that the cult classic JRPG has finally become playable on current-generation hardware - but only in Nintendo’s home market of Japan.
Released in 1989, the originalMotherset itself apart from its contemporaries by having a modern setting and by parodying the tropes associated with fantasy RPGs at the time. The title became one of the bestselling games in Japan that year, and it was followed by two sequels, both of which also became hits in the region. WhileMotherandMother 2ended up receiving English localizations in the forms ofEarthBound BeginningsandEarthBound, respectively,Mother 3never received that treatment despite it sometimes being considered by many to be the best game in the series.
Those asking for an English localization ofMother 3should go talk to Nintendo, franchise creator Shigesato Itoi remarked in a Twitter post. The veteran writer was responding to a fan who told Itoi that they hoped an English version of the thirdMothergame would be released someday. This exchange came afterMother 3and several otherclassic games were added to Nintendo Switch Online, includingMother 3.
The recent addition ofMother 3to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service was revealed during the Japanese version of the February 21 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. This release of theGame Boy Advance classicdeveloped by Brownie Brown and HAL Laboratory, however, is only available in Japan.
Who Created the Mother/EarthBound Series?
Mother 3is often hailed as one of thebest Nintendo-published RPGs of all time, and its lack of an English localization is a popular topic among gamers. Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime previously claimed that it did not make any business sense to go with such a release. However, it was rumored that Nintendo had planned an English localization forMother 3, but the company never pushed through with the idea over concerns that the game’s focus on bereavement, as well as its depictions of drug use and animal cruelty, would attract controversy.
Aside from the Nintendo Switch Online release ofMother3,EarthBoundfans can expect to see more activity from the series in 2024. It was announced in January that a celebration would take place this year to commemorate the30th anniversary ofMother 2, which came out in Japan in August 1994.
Mother 3
There are quality mountain huts in the midst of this relaxing and beautiful landscape.
This is the main character’s grandfather’s home. The twin boys who went to visit their grandfather with their mother will return to Tatsumaili Village where their father will be waiting for them today.
The fun time passes in the blink of an eye as they play with Drago, a large and friendly animal, and enjoy their mother’s cooking around the dinner table.
After passing through the usual forest, all that was left to do was to return home. There was not the slightest sign of ominousness.
The place took off into the evening sky with a letter in its mouth that said, “I’ll be home soon.”
Where in the world is this, what era is this, and even more, is it a tragedy or a guest play?
