Truly genius work of 21st century art, succeeding with modern and postmodern paradigms both. Dense like a book, yet never a slog. Has the most balls of any Nintendo game.
Unlike with EarthBound, Mother 3's sense of humor runs in conscious opposition to its darker, more grueling storyline. There's a notable instance where the once cute and silly save frogs turn up after a monkey has been tortured, and the nearby creature drops his act to tell you to hang in there, a bizarre but necessary empathetic moment. The world is changing, and every aspect of Mother 3's design forces you to reckon with those changes, almost as if you were watching a time lapse of America over its past 200 years. It's frightening but no excuse to give up hope. After all, traces of the world long forgotten can still be found. Some characters even recall the way things once were. The future isn't only something to fear, but we must proceed with understanding of what we may leave behind.
Worthy of note is that this game is only about capitalism when looked at on a surface level. Its greatest commentary is on the devaluation of beauty and empathy in our society, symbolized through the disconnection of two children from their mother.
Also, behold, the ending to end all endings. Itoi's Mother trilogy is life-changing right up to its final moments. It's the last thing I'd ever dare spoil, so you'll have to trust me on it.
Unlike with EarthBound, Mother 3's sense of humor runs in conscious opposition to its darker, more grueling storyline. There's a notable instance where the once cute and silly save frogs turn up after a monkey has been tortured, and the nearby creature drops his act to tell you to hang in there, a bizarre but necessary empathetic moment. The world is changing, and every aspect of Mother 3's design forces you to reckon with those changes, almost as if you were watching a time lapse of America over its past 200 years. It's frightening but no excuse to give up hope. After all, traces of the world long forgotten can still be found. Some characters even recall the way things once were. The future isn't only something to fear, but we must proceed with understanding of what we may leave behind.
Worthy of note is that this game is only about capitalism when looked at on a surface level. Its greatest commentary is on the devaluation of beauty and empathy in our society, symbolized through the disconnection of two children from their mother.
Also, behold, the ending to end all endings. Itoi's Mother trilogy is life-changing right up to its final moments. It's the last thing I'd ever dare spoil, so you'll have to trust me on it.