novel solutions (in keeping with the irreverent tone of Earthbound) such as the dungeon packed with Groucho Marx faces who randomly showered me with experience if I ignored their attacks.

EarthBound, known as Mother 2 in Japan ... Psychic powers required “PP”; all attacks were queued to play out sequentially, based on characters’ speed. Even those with extensive experience ...

These relentless attacks, combined with Ness' extremely limited inventory space, his mana-gobbling healing spells, and expensive inns can make the first few hours of EarthBound a turn-off.

and Poo's ability to mirror enemies and adopt their attacks. Even if there isn’t much visual feedback, maximizing the group’s abilities is a rewarding experience. Despite its age, EarthBound ...