Do EarthBound and Mother 3 Take Place in the Same Universe?
Yes, EarthBound and Mother 3 take place in the same universe, with Mother 3 being set approximately 200 years after the events of EarthBound in a fictional location known as the Nowhere Islands. The Mother series, which includes EarthBound, is a collection of role-playing games that share a common universe and timeline, with each game building upon the story and characters of the previous ones.
Introduction to the Mother Series
The Mother series is a beloved collection of role-playing games created by Shigesato Itoi and developed by Ape and Pax Softnica. The series includes Mother, also known as EarthBound Beginnings, Mother 2, known as EarthBound outside of Japan, and Mother 3. While the series has a dedicated fan base, it has faced challenges in terms of localization and release outside of Japan.
The Connection Between EarthBound and Mother 3
Mother 3 is a direct sequel to EarthBound, taking place in a new location with a new set of characters. However, the game does contain references to the events of EarthBound, including a movie playing in the New Pork City movie theater that shows scenes from EarthBound. The connection between the two games is evident in their shared universe and timeline, with Mother 3 expanding on the story and themes introduced in EarthBound.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Is Mother 3 in the Same Universe as EarthBound?
Yes, Mother 3 is in the same universe as EarthBound, with the two games sharing a common timeline and story.
FAQ 2: Does Mother 3 Take Place After EarthBound?
Yes, Mother 3 takes place approximately 200 years after the events of EarthBound.
FAQ 3: Is Mother a Prequel to EarthBound?
Yes, Mother, also known as EarthBound Beginnings, is a prequel to EarthBound and the first game in the Mother series.
FAQ 4: Is Ness in Mother 3?
Ness appears in Mother 3 in a movie playing in the New Pork City movie theater, which shows scenes from EarthBound.
FAQ 5: Will Mother 4 Ever Come Out?
Unfortunately, Shigesato Itoi has stated that there will not be a Mother 4, and the series will end with Mother 3.
FAQ 6: Why Was Mother 3 Cancelled?
Mother 3 was initially cancelled due to the transition from the Nintendo 64DD to the Game Boy Advance, and the need for additional development time.
FAQ 7: Why Is There No Mother 4?
Shigesato Itoi has stated that he became hesitant about creating a fourth entry in the series, and eventually decided that Mother 3 would be the final game.
FAQ 8: Are Mother and EarthBound Connected?
Yes, Mother and EarthBound are connected, with Mother being the Japanese name for EarthBound and the first game in the Mother series.
FAQ 9: Why Is Mother Called EarthBound in the US?
Mother was renamed EarthBound in the US to avoid confusion about what it was a sequel to, as the original Mother had not been released outside of Japan.
FAQ 10: Why Is Mother 3 Not in America?
Mother 3 was not released in America due to the game’s late release in the Game Boy Advance lifespan, and the lack of business sense in localizing the game.
FAQ 11: Is Mother 3 Darker Than EarthBound?
Yes, Mother 3 is generally considered to be darker than EarthBound, with a more emotional and mature story.
FAQ 12: How Old Is Lucas in Mother 3?
Lucas‘s age is not officially confirmed, but is often assumed to be around 11-13 years old.
FAQ 13: Why Is It Called EarthBound and Not Mother?
EarthBound was renamed from Mother 2 to avoid confusion about what it was a sequel to, as the original Mother had not been released outside of Japan.
FAQ 14: How Many Years Does Mother 3 Take Place After EarthBound?
Mother 3 takes place approximately 200 years after the events of EarthBound.
FAQ 15: Should I Play Mother 1 or EarthBound First?
It is recommended to play EarthBound first, followed by EarthBound Beginnings and then Mother 3, to get the most out of the series and its story.