Why was EarthBound so expensive?
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EarthBound was expensive due to the extras that came with it, including an oversized box, a large full-color strategy guide, and a scratch and sniff in the back, with the scratch and sniff being a key factor in its high value, particularly if it is still intact. The limited supply of old SNES cartridges and the demand for them also contributed to the game’s high cost, making it a valuable and rare item among retro game collectors.
Introduction to EarthBound
EarthBound, also known as Mother 2 in Japan, is a role-playing game developed by Ape and HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was released in 1994 and has since become a cult classic, known for its unique story, quirky characters, and satirical humor.
Factors Contributing to EarthBound’s Expense
Several factors contribute to the high cost of EarthBound, including the condition of the game, the rarity of the SNES cartridge, and the demand from collectors. The game’s value can also be affected by the presence of the scratch and sniff and the strategy guide, with complete and mint condition copies being the most valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What makes EarthBound so expensive?: The extras that come with the game, such as the oversized box, large full-color strategy guide, and scratch and sniff, make it valuable and rare.
- Is EarthBound a classic?: Yes, EarthBound is considered a cult classic and has had a significant influence on the gaming industry.
- Why did EarthBound sell poorly?: The game sold poorly in the US due to a combination of simple graphics, satirical marketing campaign, and a lack of market interest in the genre.
Game-Related Questions
- Is EarthBound a dark game?: Yes, EarthBound deals with mature themes and has a dark and surreal atmosphere.
- Is EarthBound hard to play?: The game has a wonky difficulty curve, with some unexpected difficulty spikes throughout the campaign.
- How many hours does it take to finish EarthBound?: An average playthrough of EarthBound takes around 25-30 hours to complete.
Inspiration and Influence
- Was Undertale inspired by Earthbound?: Yes, Undertale was inspired by the Mother series, including EarthBound.
- Is Omori inspired by EarthBound?: Yes, Omori is heavily inspired by the Mother series, including EarthBound and Mother 3.
- Why is EarthBound a masterpiece?: EarthBound is a brilliant game with a powerful story, perfect pacing, great characters, and a smart and engaging battle system.
Collecting and Value
- Why are retro Nintendo games so expensive?: Retro games are becoming more expensive due to the aging of the hardware and the limited supply of working copies.
- What did the original NES cost?: The original NES cost $149.99 when it was released in 1985.
- Why is Mega Man X3 so rare?: Mega Man X3 is rare due to its limited run and the fact that it was released during the declining support of the SNES.
Satire and Social Commentary
- Is EarthBound a satire of America?: Yes, EarthBound is a satire of American culture and Western society.
- Is EarthBound a parody?: Yes, EarthBound parodies numerous staples of the role-playing game genre.
- What is the moral of EarthBound?: The game suggests the worthiness of defiance and the potency of the driven, hopeful individual in the face of adversity.