EarthBound
EarthBound is a 1994 RPG developed by Ape and HAL Laboratory for the Super Nintendo, trading swords and dragons for a quirky modern-day America of suburbs, malls, and alien invaders. Players guide young Ness and his friends across a rolling-counter battle system as they seek to stop the cosmic threat Giygas.
Its offbeat humor, everyday settings, and heartfelt tone set it apart from its fantasy contemporaries. Baseball bats and yo-yos replaced traditional weapons, enemies included possessed cars and piles of vomit, and the writing balanced comedy with genuine emotion. The battle system's clever rolling HP meter let players save a mortally wounded character by winning quickly, adding tension to every fight.
Initially overlooked in Western markets despite an ambitious marketing push, it grew into a beloved cult classic celebrated for its originality and warmth. Ness later became a recognizable face through Nintendo's crossover fighting games, and the game has since been re-released on classic-game download services for a much wider audience.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to EarthBound, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNDERTALE Indie | € 9,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| YIIK: A Postmodern RPG Indie | € 19,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| OMORI Indie | € 16,79 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| DELTARUNE Indie | € 23,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch |
| Nintendo Switch Online | € 19,99 + in-app purchases | Not on Steam | Switch |
UNDERTALE Indie
€ 9,99A landmark indie RPG deeply inspired by EarthBound's tone and combat.
UNDERTALE runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
YIIK: A Postmodern RPG Indie
€ 19,99An indie RPG channeling EarthBound's surreal modern-day setting.
YIIK: A Postmodern RPG runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
OMORI Indie
€ 16,79A surreal, emotionally heavy RPG built visibly on EarthBound's structure and its unease.
OMORI runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
DELTARUNE Indie
€ 23,99Toby Fox's follow-up to Undertale, carrying the same odd humour and inventive battle system.
DELTARUNE runs on PC, Mac, PlayStation, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox.
Nintendo Switch Online
€ 19,99 + in-app purchasesEarthBound is available through the SNES app with a subscription.
Nintendo Switch Online runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox.
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