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What is EarthBound about?

One common theme of discussion among Mother/EarthBound is the subject of Mother 3 and how it supposedly revolves around the topic of techonology versus nature. Many people cite the wooden/metal logo and how the urbanization of Tazmily ultimately resulted in a divided community. However, this contradicts the previous Mother games. The first two games took place in a more industrial and modern setting than was the usual for RPGs. Neither of these games seemed to look down upon using technology, nor did they seem to glorify living without any technology. It wouldn't make sense for a series to be 'okay' with urbanized places and then suddenly say that they are bad. What is the theme of EarthBound, then?

The series as a whole seems to have a thread connecting each game. It gives it that defining 'Mother' flavor. The humor, graphics, and battle style are all a part of this, but there appears to be a message in each game, which remains the same throughought the series.

My experience with Earth bound 0 is limited; the most I can go off of is the soundtrack. It is the first game in the Mother series to have a vocal soundtrack with lyrics. One of the most well-known lyrics are those to Pollyanna. It's syrupy, idealistic words are often quoted by fans in the hope that something good (often EarthBound) is coming. Eight Melodies is also known, and is considered the theme of Earth bound 0. The lyrics aren't as well-known as Pollyanna's, but they are still cherished among fans for the loving message it contains. Bein' Friends has an easily recognized melody and deals with the same honey-sweet stuff as Pollyanna and Eight Melodies (in this case, what being a friend involves), but for some reason, the words aren't as remembered. These three songs, I believe, embody what the series is about: love, optimism, and friendship. The rest of the songs on the album (excluding the instrumentals and Paradise Line and Flying Man) deal with similar ideas. One of the most important songs, lyrics-wise, is Smiles and Tears. No version of this song exists with the words sung (as far as I know), but Itoi (the creator of Earth Bound) wrote the words to this song. They recall a fond adventure with friends, filled with smiles and tears. The author of the game is saying that the message is about friendship.

EarthBound continues to carry the message of love and peace, but it starts to focus on negative aspects. The Mani-Mani statue, for example, corrupts everything that finds it. If you look at its shape (particularly in the promo art), you'll see that it closely resembles an Oscar with horns. It could be a coincidence, but it would fit in well with EarthBound: fame corrupts people. Greed is also frowned upon. Pokey's parents live 'in poverty' because they loaned Ness' dad $10,000 (inflation is rampant in Eagleland; Teddy Bears cost thousands of dollars!), and so when Pokey allies with Monotoli, the first thing he does is get a decked-out, gold room. Monotoli and Pokey are both greedy. Pokey is a 'bad guy', and most of the qualities he displays (gluttony, greediness, mean-spirited attitude) are shown in a negative light. The game (Mr. Saturn's coffee speech, in particular) still talks about the importance of courage and friendship, but denounces corruption and the search for money, power, or fame.

(oh no, mother 3 spoilers spotted!) Mother 3 is quite a tragic game: Lucas' mother is killed, his brother missing, and his world turned up-side down. One can still find traces of the message of love and peace that was so prominent in games before, but it's down-played in favor of discussing corruption and isolation. Tazmily is the ideal village (for Mr. Itoi, at least) - there is no money, people are all open and friendly, and things are quite innocent. When Yokuba brings money to the village, things start to fall apart. When one villager loses his money, he immediately blames one of his neighbors. This is the beginning of the end for Tazmily.

Three years passed and the village became a subrub. Everyone becomes immersed in their own world and things. The town worshipped the Dragon, and so to make the money sound glamourous, the currency was named 'Dragon Power'. Considering how they spent time doing things for the Dragon, it would make sense that they would some of the Dragon's power. They worked hard to get more Dragon Power, and then they realized they could buy things with their Dragon Power. Their focus became getting more so they could be happy; however, since there was always something else to get, they were never satisfied with their things, and they spent their lives doing their own things, trying to be happy. The townspeople no longer even talk to each other anymore; their time is filled with Happy Box and working.

Chimeras are an important part of this game; they killed Lucas' mother and became widespread across the Nowhere Islands. The Pig Masks would capture animals, experiment with them, and then turn them into volatile beasts. This is similar to EarthBound, in which Giygas' influence corrupted the people and wildlife into becoming battling machines. This is obviously a jab at 'improving' animals and nature. This may also be an attack on animal testing, considering how the chimeras are treated.

Thankfully, this game isn't just depression incarnate. Before the Pig Masks came, the ghosts in Osohe castle were friendly and talked to each other. They drank wine, played ragtime on their piano, and had a great time. The old Tazmily had concerned neighbors who cared about others' affairs, such as what happened to Hinawa. The Magypsies are good people; for example, Lydia helped a fallen Pig Mask, even though the Pig Masks were responsible for the industrialization of the islands, and their affiliation with the Masked Man, who wants to pull the needles as well. The anonymous Pig Mask, in return, vows to take care of Lydia's snow bunnies. The love and happiness in this game is hidden behind the tragic tale, but it's there, and has been there since the first game.