Gamers who are eager for an English translation of Mother 3, the third installment in the EarthBound series, are advised by the franchise creator to make their voices heard directly to Nintendo. Discussions regarding the potential localization of the cult classic JRPG have surfaced online following the recent news that the game is now playable on current-generation consoles, but solely in Japan.
Launched in 1989, the original Mother differentiated itself from other games of its time by adopting a contemporary setting and satirizing the conventions typical of fantasy RPGs back then. It quickly became one of Japan's top-selling games that year, leading to two sequels, both of which achieved similar success in the region. While Mother and Mother 2 received English adaptations as EarthBound Beginnings and EarthBound, respectively, Mother 3 never underwent that process, despite being regarded by many as the pinnacle of the series.
Those advocating for an English version of Mother 3 are encouraged by franchise creator Shigesato Itoi to engage with Nintendo, as mentioned in a tweet. This interaction followed the addition of Mother 3 and other classic titles to Nintendo Switch Online, including Mother 3.
The recent inclusion of Mother 3 on the Nintendo Switch Online service was announced during the Japanese iteration of the February 21 Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase. However, this release of the Game Boy Advance gem developed by Brownie Brown and HAL Laboratory is confined to Japan.
The Mind Behind the Mother/EarthBound Series
- Shigesato Itoi
Mother 3 is frequently lauded as one of Nintendo's finest RPGs, sparking ongoing discussions about its absence in English. Former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime previously argued against an English localization, citing business reasons. Speculation arose that Nintendo had considered translating Mother 3 but ultimately shelved the plan due to worries about the game's themes of loss, drug use, and animal mistreatment attracting controversy.
In addition to the Nintendo Switch Online debut of Mother 3, EarthBound enthusiasts can anticipate more series-related developments in 2024. A commemorative event is set to mark the 30th anniversary of Mother 2's Japanese release in August 1994, hinting at increased activity within the franchise.