EarthBound Beginnings (USA, Europe) (Virtual Console)

EarthBound Beginnings is a classic turn-based role-playing game (RPG) that puts players in the shoes of Ninten, a young boy with special abilities. The story begins when objects in Ninten's house come to life and attack him. Ninten soon discovers that an alien force is sowing chaos throughout the world, and he must gather friends with similar powers to stop this threat.

The gameplay of EarthBound Beginnings follows the traditional RPG formula with an overhead view for world exploration and a first-person perspective during battles. Players will guide Ninten and later his party through towns, dungeons, and wild lands, interacting with non-player characters (NPCs) to gather information, buy items, and receive quests. Battles occur randomly as players move around the map. In combat, each character will have options such as physical attacks, using PSI abilities (psychic powers similar to magic), using items, or defending. PSI abilities are a crucial element, allowing players to attack enemies, heal allies, or inflict status effects. The combat system requires players to be strategic in managing their Psychic Power (PP) points and choosing targets.

The game stands out with its contemporary setting (compared to fantasy RPGs of its time) and a simple yet charming art style. Quirky humor and unexpected situations are highlights throughout the adventure. Players will encounter many unique characters, from talking animals to eccentric townspeople. The main goal is to collect eight melodies from different locations around the world, which will lead Ninten and his companions to the final battle to save Earth. Despite its notable difficulty, EarthBound Beginnings remains a memorable RPG experience with a compelling storyline and engaging gameplay.