http://gonintendo.com/?p=157

Finally, Ness and Mr. Saturn will have another game to call home instead of Super Smash Bros. Melee. The classic duo will be returning in a GBA sequel to Earthbound which is known as the Mother series in Japan. Starmen.net has translated Shigesato Itoi’s (creator of Earthbound) latest entry on his homepage in which he speaks of the game. Check out the full translation below.

“After some discussion with Nintendo, I’ve decided to make a slightly head-start announcement here on [my webpage]. I’ve worried people quite a bit this whole time, but I’m happy to report that Mother 3 for Game Boy Advance is nearing release.

It looks like its release date will be about one season away, and I’m in the middle of doing many work retreats to get it finished. I’m going to work especially hard for a short while longer to get everything done.

I’m sure I’ll receive all sorts of questions, but I’m probably going to stay quiet about Mother 3 until just before its release. I know the importance of publicity, but what I feel is that I want players to REALLY enjoy Mother 3. So until just before the game comes out, I’m going to remain as quiet as possible.”

OH MY GOD YES! Please come to the US!

Unfortunately, Nintendo seems to think no one cares about Earthbound in the States after the game bombed in the 90's. They didn't bother releasing the remake for GBA last year, even though it came out in Japan and there was already a translation done.

Hopefully we do get this game, as Earthbound is one of my absolute favorite games of all time, but I'm not gonna get my hopes up.

I loved Earthbound and still have my SNES version with the scratch and sniff strategy guide. They really need to get on the ball and bring all the GBA versions to the US.

Earthbound is easily my favorite game ever. I pray Nintendo releases it here. They really have nothing to lose, the fanbase has grown considerably since the game first came out.

I'm with Drop, Earthbound for the SNES is my favorite game ever (along with Chrono Trigger). I think I might even still have those scratch and sniff cards found in the player's guide.

If Nintendo doesn't release it in the States, then well, I'm not buying another Nintendo product. I can't think of any other game that would make me consider doing that.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n08/mother3/index.html

Is it just me, or does it seem like the gameboy is the best console for RPGs

Just you (joking!). I have the GBA, and I completely 100% disagree. Mother 3 most likely won't see the light of day here anyways, since Nintendo didn't even bother giving us Mother 1+2 pack, also on the GBA. And considering that the PS2 has DQVIII, along with Suikoden Tactics, Wild Arms Alter Code: F and Magna Carta, all in November alone, I really have to say you're wrong on this one.

Well, then it's the BEST portable gaming system for RPGs.

I don't know.. quality goes to the opinion of the individual. Very few PS2 RPGs (at least released in the US) appeal to me. While there are some stinkers on the GBA (Golden Suns), the lack of graphical scope and depth to live up to being on the PS2 allows the portable RPGs to maintain a simplicity that I enjoy quite thoroughly.

Hey since this is an Earthbound topic, check out this project, they remixed every song from Earthbound, it's pretty cool! Most are remixers from OC Remix.

edit: whoops, I guess you guys probably want to know where it is.

It's here, enjoy! The convience store one is one of my favorites.

http://earthbound.joecam.net/

This is definitely a personal choice thing, but I was completely let down by 75% of the PS2 RPGs I played. I was a huge fan of the PSone RPGs, but that did not carry over to the PS2. There were at least three RPGs on the Cube I would put above any PS2 RPG released.

The GBA has been the great RPG system for me. Maybe because I prefer the SNES style of gaming, but I definitely enjoyed my GBA a hell of a lot more than my PS2 this generation.

I don't own a PS2, so that could easily color my opinion. I will get one if the price drops to $99 and my wife lets me. There do seem to be at least 15 games for the PS2 I really want to check out.

Release date in Japan is 4/20.

Yeah just you . I'd probably go with the PS1, PS2 not far behind.

I certainly think the gba has a suprisingly weak rpg library.

Title track was released on the official site.

Here's a mirror from gonintendo.com: http://simonbob.fobby.net/mother3_good.mp3

Nice track.

BTW are there any news about FF VI and Chrono Trigger for GBA?

Final Fantasy VI is coming.. but probably late this year as they'll obviously want to get V out first and not a peep on that has released since the original announcement that all three of the SNES Final Fantasy games were being redone for GBA. Nothing on Chrono Trigger.. it seems like a natural extension after the FF games but I wouldn't count on it.

A new Chrono Game for the DS wouldn't be bad either. Since a new Mana game is coming up and not a simple port of Secret of Mana, that would be a nice parallel.

I don't know. I can't see them replicating Chrono Trigger unless they reformed the Dream Team that made CT so special. Look at Chrono Cross.. very, very few people don't consider that a complete failure as a follow-up to CT (though some will admit it's a decent game on its own merits). CC was made with none of the Dream Team members and if I recall, the only key player to return to its development was the composer.

I was under the impression that many people, myself included, loved Chrono Cross (look at its reviews and look at how well it sold in the US for a non FF RPG). It's in my top 10 of all time, and sure, Chrono Trigger is higher on the list, but that can be expected.

I liked Chrono Cross also a lot (though I just made it through the first disc because my PS was damaged after that) and still Chrono Trigger is of course another league.

I did like CC too (in it's own way), but I agree with pixy that it's merit as a followup to CT is somewhat tenuous.