The Timeline Tango: How Long After EarthBound Does Mother 3 Take Place?

The question of how much time elapses between EarthBound (Mother 2) and Mother 3 is a frequent point of discussion among fans of the beloved Mother series. While the games don’t explicitly state a precise number, careful analysis and accepted lore provide a strong estimate. The consensus is that Mother 3 takes place approximately 50 to 60 years after the events of EarthBound. This significant time jump allows for a completely new setting and cast of characters while maintaining a thematic link to the previous games. Let’s delve deeper into the reasoning behind this timeline and address some common questions surrounding it.

Understanding the Temporal Gap

The most direct piece of information we have is that Mother 3 is set in the Nowhere Islands 200 years after Ness’s adventure in the previous story. However, it is more frequently speculated that the timeline is somewhere between 50 to 60 years after the events of EarthBound. The ambiguity in the timeline is intentional, allowing the narrative of Mother 3 to stand on its own while still acknowledging its roots. While there are no direct references to the events of EarthBound, there are subtle hints to the previous game. This connection allows for an understanding of the series’ lore without being fully dependent on the knowledge of the previous entries.

The approximate timeline is pieced together through character age assumptions and subtle clues within the game itself. The game begins with the twins Lucas and Claus who are assumed to be around seven years old at the start of the game. We know that approximately 3 years pass before the events of chapter 4, making Lucas 11 – 13 years of age during the main events of the game.

The Age of Lucas and the Passage of Time

The age of Lucas provides another clue for the time difference between the games. It is assumed that Lucas is about 7 years old at the start of Mother 3, this places the game about 50 to 60 years after Mother 2. If you believe that Lucas is 11 – 13 years old during the main events of the game then you can assume a 3 year time skip. This helps place this game, in conjunction to the previous point, about 50 to 60 years after EarthBound. While the ages are not explicitly stated, these are very widely accepted among fans of the game.

Hints and Connections, Not Direct Mentions

Mother 3 avoids blatant callbacks to the previous installments. Instead, the game subtly weaves in thematic and visual cues. The mention of Ness in the New Pork City movie theater is one such subtle hint to the previous game, where it shows moments of EarthBound, such as meeting Master Belch, Dungeon Man, and approaching the meteorite in Onett to get Zexonyte. Mr. Saturns, beloved residents of Saturn Valley in EarthBound, also appear in Mother 3 within the Nowhere Island’s Saturn Valley. This allows the games to feel linked, while allowing the current story to unfold within a new and unique context. This conscious choice allows Mother 3 to act as a standalone title while providing satisfying nods to veteran players.

Avoiding a Direct Sequel

The deliberate ambiguity in the timeline allows Mother 3 to avoid being a direct sequel. This approach lets the game establish its own narrative identity and explore themes different from EarthBound. Instead of focusing on direct character or plot continuity, Mother 3 delves into its own tale of grief, loss, and the nature of progress. This is why there is not much direct reference to EarthBound, such as characters and major events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Mother 3 a direct sequel to EarthBound?

No, Mother 3 is not a direct sequel in the sense of continuing the exact story of EarthBound. It features a different cast of characters and a new location, but it is thematically connected to the previous games in the Mother series.

How does the setting of Mother 3 compare to EarthBound?

EarthBound is set in a contemporary world inspired by American suburbia, while Mother 3 is set in the fictional Nowhere Islands, which has a more rural and isolated setting. This new setting is deliberately separate from the events of EarthBound.

What role does Ness play in Mother 3?

Ness does not play a direct role in Mother 3 as an active character. He makes a cameo appearance in a movie playing in New Pork City’s theater, showcasing several moments from EarthBound. This serves as a subtle nod to the previous game in the series.

Does Mother 3 reference any other characters from EarthBound?

While not making direct mentions of the characters, there are recurring characters, such as the Mr. Saturns, who appear in both EarthBound and Mother 3. This allows for some continuity to the series without relying too heavily on previous events.

Are there any PSI (PK) powers in Mother 3?

Yes, PSI (PK) powers are a significant element in Mother 3. Characters like Lucas, Kumatora and Poo utilize PK powers, which are vital to the combat system and are necessary to progress through the game.

Why is Mother 3 not available in America?

The reasons are complex, but it is largely due to business decisions by Nintendo and concerns about the game’s potential reception and cultural relevance in the West. Mother 3 has a more mature story and themes compared to previous entries, which may have contributed to the decision not to release it in the United States.

Is Mother 3 a remake of EarthBound 64?

No, Mother 3 is not a remake, but a separate game in the Mother series. EarthBound 64 (also known as Mother 3: Fall of the Pig King) was a cancelled project for the Nintendo 64. The eventual Mother 3 was developed for the Game Boy Advance with a new direction and story.

Should I play EarthBound before Mother 3?

It’s beneficial to play EarthBound before Mother 3, as it will enhance your appreciation for the series’ lore. It will also offer you context for the world. However, the story of Mother 3 is written so that you don’t need to have played EarthBound to enjoy it.

What are the main themes explored in Mother 3?

Mother 3 delves into themes such as loss, grief, technological progress, and the effects of societal control. It has a significantly darker and more emotional tone than EarthBound.

Who is the main antagonist in Mother 3?

The main antagonist of Mother 3 is Porky Minch (also known as “Pokey”), who also served as a secondary antagonist in EarthBound.

What is the significance of the Seven Needles in Mother 3?

The Seven Needles play a central role in the plot of Mother 3. The main characters are tasked with pulling them out to either save or destroy the world. They are a key plot point for the entire game.

What is PK Love?

PK Love is a unique PSI ability that is specific to Claus and Lucas. It is crucial to the story, particularly in the final parts of the game. It’s comparable in power to PSI Rockin.

Why was Mother 3 originally cancelled?

Mother 3 was originally cancelled on the Nintendo 64 due to the development costs and difficulty with the old hardware. It was later revived for the Game Boy Advance. EarthBound 64 was cancelled due to resource allocation towards development of the GameCube.

How old is Lucas in Mother 3?

Lucas’s exact age is never stated but fans believe that he is approximately 7 years old at the start of the game, and around 11-13 years old later on in the story.

What is the connection between Mother 2 and EarthBound?

Mother 2 is the original Japanese name for the game that was released in North America as EarthBound. The change in name was because the original Mother had not been released in the West, so the name change was used to avoid any confusion.

Conclusion

While the timeline between EarthBound and Mother 3 isn’t explicitly stated, the commonly accepted estimate is that approximately 50 to 60 years have passed. The intentional ambiguity provides a new creative landscape for the game, making it more of a spiritual successor rather than a direct sequel. The subtle hints and connections to the previous games make the experience more fulfilling for returning fans while allowing newcomers to immerse themselves into a compelling story. The temporal distance allows Mother 3 to establish its own identity while retaining a link to the series’ rich history, offering a narrative that’s both familiar and entirely new.