Ranking the “Earthbound/Mother-like” games I played/tried
If I were define Earthbound/Mother-like games it be games with simple graphics, turn based, absurdism humour, gets you in the feels, and at times has meta commentary.
Here are some ranked Quick reviews of these type of games I played:
Undertale: This game was perfect in my books for what it tried to aim to be. The style, music, story-lore, combat dialogue choice, novelty, writing, bullet hell combat, simplicity, pacing-length, clear passion project made it a near perfect experience 10/10.
Look outside: This game was simply a pleasant surprise. The horror style the survival mechanics, graphics, humour, the non-linear nature, recruitment structure, rng, replayability is exactly what I look for for a modern earthbound style game. Only set backs is the convoluted trigger mechanics for special events and characters at times. 9/10
Space Funeral: very short ( ~1:30 hrs) free rpg game made in 2011 with great presentation and music. It’s also weird, nonsensical, strange and has funny moments. It gets the absurdism formula right as an artistic expression by the sole developer not overthinking making the game. In an interview (wiki), much of the game was made up on the spot as an excuse to use a specific music track demonstrating the artistic flow of its creation. The creator also wanted to break the form of the Jrpg purism with classical medieval theme with a more absurd awkward presentation. So overall, pretty great with obvious battle weakness and suggest checking out still 8/10
Lisa the painful: Felt like a newgrounds rpg that tries to be edgy. The novel mechanics, personality, and world is interesting but the gameplay frustrations and mixed general plot didn’t vibe. some themes of masculinity were good but didn’t think the execution payed off. Humour and originality does elevate it. 7/10.
Grimm Hollow: Nice 2 hour rpg game that largely forgettable but also simple. Worth check out since it’s free. Remember just liking it. 7/10
Off: THE original Clair obscur expedition 33, even has a matriarch major villain. Expressionist art piece that was pioneer to the indie Jrpg game scene. Puzzles and battle system suck but the abstract story and presentation were appealing along with short play time. The game has auto battle feature and it’s also has a free version on pc. But overall the ambiguity of expressionist art isn’t for everyone. 6/10
Earthbound and Mother 3: Ironically these games that started the genre didn’t flow well as slow gameplay pacing and difficult curve for mother 2 were somewhat off putting when I tried it. Might have to revisit them if I play with faster speed mod to offer a fairer assessment.
Delturne: beat the first chapter and tried parts of second but i think better to wait until game is complete. Hesitant about the length of these games as I think they work best when they’re shorter. I wonder if Toby fox formula is being over extended as well and overdoing it with this or. It.
Others?: haven’t played these games but heard issues with citizens of earth and Knuckle Sandwich. Hylics games have great art style mainly, Omori is well acclaimed that gets your in the feels but maybe long. Oddadventure upcoming Kickstarter game that look very Earthbound like. Oddity is just a psy-op.
So overall, Earthbound like games are an interesting genre of rpg games worth checking out for the simple style and focus on subversive commentary.
Wouldn’t mind hearing other recommendations or viewpoint too if possible. thanks for stopping by and hopefully some people will try some of these games on this list.