Play Earthbound Online

Earthbound is a role-playing video game developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory and first released in Japan for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1994. It was later released in North America in 1995. The game follows a young boy named Ness and his friends as they set out on a journey to save the world from an alien invasion. The game has an unusual premise, taking place in a contemporary setting rather than the traditional fantasy settings used by most RPGs of the time.

The player takes control of Ness as he embarks on a quest to stop an alien known as Giygas from taking over the Earth. Along the way, he meets several characters who join him on his journey, including Jeff Andonuts, Paula Polestar, Poo, and Master Belch. During their adventure, they must fight off enemies using special attacks called PSI powers and collect items that will help them advance through the game's various locations. The group also visits eight different "Your Sanctuary" locations which serve to heal their wounds and restore their energy levels.

Earthbound features turn-based combat with an emphasis on strategy rather than brute force; players must use careful planning to defeat opponents. This can be done through various means such as selecting appropriate PSI powers or using items like food or weapons to attack enemies or heal allies. Players are also able to customize their characters with various equipment found throughout the game's world such as clothes, hats, or shoes. Additionally, players can acquire money from defeated enemies or buy new items from shops scattered across the game's map.

Earthbound has been praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and charming visuals which have become iconic for many fans of RPGs today. Its unique setting has been cited as one of its strongest points with many noting its modern setting being refreshing compared to other games at the time which focused on medieval fantasy elements. The soundtrack has also been praised for its upbeat melodies which helped create a memorable atmosphere throughout the game's world while still being appropriate for its intended audience at the time - children and teenagers alike.

Overall Earthbound is considered one of the best RPGs ever made due to its unique take on RPG conventions while still maintaining classic elements such as turn-based combat and item collection that make it stand out amongst other titles of its genre even today - almost 30 years after it was first released in Japan!