Retronauts Retronauts Episode 69: EarthBound
Jul 4, 2016
Gaming experts Bob Mackey, Ray Barnholt, Michael Grimm, and Andrew Goldfarb dive into the cult classic EarthBound, discussing its evolution from flop to masterpiece. They explore the game's unique Japanese take on Americana, innovative gameplay mechanics, creative development, and unforgettable music composition.
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EarthBound's Lengthy Development Cycle
- EarthBound's five-year development cycle was prolonged mainly by complex graphics and sampling-heavy soundtrack.
- Satoru Iwata drastically reduced development time by reprogramming the game from scratch within a year.
Bob Mackey's Summer with EarthBound
- Bob Mackey personally spent his summer engrossed in EarthBound, enjoying it so much he paused to savor the experience.
- This marked his first true nerd moment, bonding deeply with the game during his childhood.
EarthBound’s Americana Through Japan
- EarthBound captures American post-war youth culture through a Japanese lens, reflecting media-influenced Americana.
- The game feels like a celebration of 60s and 70s pop culture, music, and psychedelic art.