61 Frames Per Second

I'm in an Earthbound frame of mind these days, which is a good place to be. With the release of the Mother 3 fan translation inching closer and some very pleasant message board conversations that remind me why I actually sacrificed precious naps to play through Itoi's masterpiece, I've taken to thinking about what makes Earthbound special.

I could sit here for hours relaying all the reasons (okay, twenty minutes--I type fast), but one of the main reasons warrants its own entry: the music.

Earthbound is probably the most underappreciated title in video gaming's short but passionate history. Everything was overlooked: the expressive graphics, the innovative battle system, the emotional story that perfectly balances bizarre fun with a deep, subtle story about growing up and leaving home...and, of course, the music. Earthbound is not a game that can be appreciated with a glance ("God, what baby graphics. Who made them, Crayola?") or a quick listen ("This music is too cutesy"). You're required to experience it from beginning to end. Admittedly, the music took a while to grow on me, but when it did, it hit me like a Mr Saturn to the face.

I think the first track that made me aware of what I was listening to was Sanctuary Guardian, which serves as the boss music in some of Ness' Sanctuary locations. You'll notice I said "some:" the beauty thing about Earthbound is that the soundtrack is so blessedly mixed, you'll rarely get tired of any one theme. Unlike most games, there's no hard rule about a boss being introduced exclusively by some Bad Guy Ballad. It's all about how well the music fits an enemy or situation. Hence why Kraken of the Sea applies to Ness' battle with the Kraken sea monster, but is also used for battles with many robotic enemies.

Of course, each of the four heroes has his or her own theme, standard issue in most RPGs: everyone gets a sword, a motive, possibly an outrageous hairdo and their own theme. Earthbound does an exceptional job expressing what makes each character special through their music. Paula's theme is quiet but somehow indicative of bigger things at work, which is suitable for such a powerful character. Jeff's theme is shy and hesitant. Poo's carries a mystical Eastern flavour for obvious reasons and Ness' a Flash of Memory conjures images of home. The Earthbound soundtrack deserves to be on any iPod--as is, in all its 16-bit glory.

Be wary about mixing popular culture and Earthbound, though. You get horrors like Ronald McGiygas. You cannot grasp the true form of Giygas' Big Mac Attack.