Classic JRPGs normally take place in a fantasy setting. Swords, mages, kingdoms, etc. The tropes evoke a sense of magic and wonder. But Earthbound poses the question: What setting could be more magical than carefree childhood?

The vibe of Earthbound is fantastically unique. Instead of potions, you have burgers. Instead of a sword, you have a baseball bat. Instead of goblins and orcs, you fight hippies and clowns. Instead of a dungeon boss being a dragon in a cavern, there's a giant pile of slop in a sewer that burps at you.

The charm of this game is undeniable. I played it for the first time 20 years after its release, and I was shocked at how quickly I fell in love with it. The game makes you feel nostalgic even if you've never played it before. The music is so beautiful and haunting that it somehow feels familiar upon first listen. The setting of a childhood adventure is something that everyone can relate to on some level, and it makes this journey surprisingly heartfelt.

The battle mechanics are quite simple, though a bit cumbersome at times, yet it's never a struggle to get through the game's fights. If the aesthetic and setting of the game seem appealing to you, definitely give Earthbound a go. It's an experience like none other.