Itoi Announces MOTHER Developments

Playable Mother? Hrm… iOS? 3DS full-scale remake? Virtual console release? I’m excited!!

I think it would be pretty safe to assume it’s a compilation release. Since he is referring to the MOTHER series as a whole, that seems slightly more likely. Perhaps for the 3DS? That would be great.

I can’t really see it being released on iOS – I don’t think any Nintendo franchises have ever been released on it.

Probably a JP version of Mother coming to any of Nintendo’s handheld/consoles things

There’s no way it’s for iOS, nor would I want it to be. I hope it’s for 3DS. This is sooo exciting. Keep MOTHER alive! 😀

Yeah! This has got to be a MOTHER compilation for 3DS. Wow! Whatever it is, count me in.

I am beyond excited right now.

The little child in me can’t stop screaming. It’s that same little child who was told Santa doesn’t really exist, but that won’t stop me making one specially for her. It’s that kind of emotional outcry.

Looks like the new-age people were right about a new era of goodness happening around the 21st after all.

iOS might sound silly, but I need to curb my enthusiasm anymore for how Japanese developers and companies have gone. Even if it’s unlikely, now it’ll be better for me when it turns out to not be the case.

Though I do wonder now out of curiosity: if Nintendo started doing any iOS games, I wonder what franchise they’d start with?

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Well.. if it’s a release for Japan, it’s certainly not for America. That’s the only thing that depresses me.

I tend to think this is a rerelease due to him saying it’s a Mother “republication.” However, I’m still hoping for an entirely new version of the game on the Wii U 😀

MOTHER 1+2+3 on the virtual console?!
The year Itoi saved Christmas?!

Exciting stuff! I can’t wait to hear more!

I have no words to describe how excited this makes me. Republication could mean many things though. For one, I hope this is a compilation of the trilogy and that it is not released only for Japan. Whether virtual console for Wii, 3DS or Wii U, this is just great to hear that something is in the works for the Mother series.

I would really enjoy a compilation for the 3DS, I mean, just imagine how the battle screens would look.
Sounds really great, can’t wait to see when he unveils what it is!

I’m going to say this for the fifth time now, and I don’t give a damn.

The Mother series would be great in 3D nowadays because we’ve reached the point where 3D games aren’t hideous anymore. If the characters were done in the style of the clay models they would look fantastic.

I also believe that the 3DS is more than capable of doing this.

Ew, stop saying Virtual Console. I want a proper compilation for 3DS. 🙂

It doesn’t have to be virtual console and I agree, a proper compilation on a “console” itself would be amazing. It would be the one factor that makes me get a 3DS, in hopes it comes to America and is released for the 3DS. But this is all speculation until more details are confirmed.

The 3DS would be nice (I want an excuse to play Ace Attorney and the sequel to 999) but I imagine it would be a lot of money to remake the games in 3D and manufacture physical cartridges. I just said VC because it’s more realistic to me. Besides, they have all the games playable on a portable console already (GBA) so wouldn’t it be nice to play Mother at home in HD?

It won’t be released in America, so calm your tits everyone.

Please be something for 3ds
I suppose it will be a new ebsiege….

What does he mean exactly by “republication”? I suppose that could mean anything from a VC release (more likely in my opinion) to a compilation release (which would be TOTALLY awesome, though I take such an idea with a grain of salt). Of course, no matter what it is, I imagine the community would try to get a U.S. release for it. Which I’d be totally behing 110%.

diegoesgriam said on Dec. 20, 2012
Please be something for 3ds
I suppose it will be a new ebsiege….

8|

Oh my goodness I am conflicted you have no idea…

If Nintendo releases yet another MOTHER compilation (obviously MOTHER 1+2 was the first) in Japan and refuses to import it to America, then I will never, ever pay money for another Nintendo game or system or product as long as I live. I understand that Nintendo won’t re-release EarthBound on the Virtual Console due to legal issues, but there was literally no justification for not importing MOTHER 3 as its own game (other than censorship issues, but with all the “mature” games out there, I find that to be a weak point). On the other hand, if they do release it over here, that alone would justify purchasing whatever system I’d have to play it on.

MOTHER/EarthBound fans should consider boycotting Nintendo. I imagine there aren’t enough of us out there to make a huge difference, but what have they done for us lately?

NOTE: My anger notwithstanding, wasn’t the big holdup for an EarthBound Virtual Console release the fact that Nintendo of Japan didn’t want to remove the legally dicey parts of the game? Itoi and Iwata have both acknowledged the American fans a handful of times over the past few months. Maybe this announcement means that they finally relented and decided to bring the APE and HAL teams back together to make the necessary adjustments so that the VC port (or whatever) can finally be released. Not holding my breath, though.

The way Virtual Console was designed was to make playable games that are as close to the original release as they can get (some translation notwithstanding — Mario Picross for SNES didn’t even get that). In order for EB to be playable, enough would need to be changed that it would no longer be ‘close to the original’ as I tended, which I have always believed was the reason for the refusal.

A remake on the other hand?

That would be a different story.

So if Itoi was emphasizing that it wasn’t Mother 4, why is this post tagged as such?

Chances are this won’t ever make it out of Japan, though.

Oh, and Mato:Nintendo has released two official Pokemon apps on the iPhone: the first was a tapping rhythm game of some sort that was Japan-only, and the second was a Pokedex app that was released just recently. So they’re at least somewhat open to iOS games.

I know it’s highly unlikely but… Earthbound 64 for the wii u?

Hey I can dream can’t I? ^__^’

Hejiru: I tagged it as such because I didn’t know what else to put for it – I don’t know what this secret project of his is. Plus past Mother 4 entries are him saying “no Mother 4” too 😛

Mato, in your translation he seems to be referencing a prior tweet in which he alluded to the same project. I don’t recall seeing this on your site–only more general tweets about how he appreciates all the MOTHER fans and has grown more sentimental about the project. Do you know what he’s talking about?

Please?

Max: I’ve been trying to find where he mentioned this too but no luck. I’m hoping someone else will know…

Its gotta be 2+3 or 1+2+3. Its only right! 😀

Huh. I think I’ll try not to get excited yet.

Buuuut. This is going to be interesting, either way.

I don’t know what the previous mention is either; I’ll look, too.
With the timing of his focus on overseas fans, I’m actually optimistic that he’ll at least make new efforts to pull strings for us. That’s just my personal feeling.

Oh mannnn so excitinggggg!!!!

Chewy: That’s what I was pondering, too. After all, if they needed to “pull strings” to release any of those games in America (with all the legal concerns and changes that needed to be made), it would require the sign-off of Mr. Itoi himself to proceed. But I have so little faith in Nintendo at this point in terms of their relations with EarthBound fans, that I’m skeptical.

Even if they were making a Mother dating sim, I wouldn’t care as long as they’re doing something somewhat Mother related.

It’d be pretty awesome if they brought it over here, and asked to use your translation of Mother 3 in it.

Mother/Earthbound Wii U!

PLEASE

The apps available for iOS were not released by Nintendo. The Pokemon Company are separate from Nintendo which is why they were able to release it in Japan and this new “Pokedex” recently.

I love how this got so many comments so quickly. What’s iOS?

I’m wondering whether Itoi is speaking more as a copywriter than as a game designer when he refers to making MOTHER “playable.” Considering that he recently discovered the overseas fanbase for MOTHER, it’d make sense that he’d want to do something to make his work legally playable to that audience.

Or maybe it’s music, since music is “playable”.

Unfortunately, i doubt it’ll be released outside of Japan, due to Itoi kind of stating that one of the reasons they didn’t brin mother 3 to the U.S. is because of not that many people liking the mother franchise. Unless it’s on virtual console.

I meant Reggie. Not Itoi.

I thought Mother 3 just didn’t come over seas because the gba era was almost over. :/

I think Mother 3 had the same issue as the last DS FE, they came out too late. By the time localization was done the console they were on would be irrelevant.

iOS refers to the Apple devices using this operating system. Since it’s one of the more popular markets for mobile gaming and applications, I imagine folks would wonder if a release is possible for it. Personally, I wouldn’t and don’t see it happening.

With the recent past events focusing on the western fanbase, I remain hopeful for something good. I believe Reggie is also aware since he has mentioned it before. Only time will tell!

Mr. Fils-aime mentioned the revival of a classic Nintendo franchise not seen in a long time a few months back when he announced details for the Wii U.
And now that Itoi mentioned wanting MOTHER to be more playable, I interpret that to mean an actual remake.
That’s why old games get remakes, so that people who missed out on the first release will have the opportunity to experience these games in a modern format, just like how Dragon Quest VII is getting a jaw-dropping-ly awesome remake on the 3DS.
And if it were an actual remake, I STRONGLY believe that the game WILL be released in the west.
Nintendo loves us. They’ve heard our cries. It would be more than feasible to release full 3D remakes of the MOTHER games over here.
The question is, what system will it be for?
My guess would be the 3DS.

Wow, I’m rather curious what this could be. It’s hard not getting excited. I have to keep myself in check so I don’t get disappointed.

Sounds like not even Japanese fans are paying attention to the part where he says “mentioned earlier.” He might have just been saying it that way because he’s been on a MOTHER nostalgia kick on Twitter, etc.

And for what it’s worth, many of the Japanese fans are betting on a VC release.

A VC release would make me sad.

A Virtual Console release seems more plausible to me than a remake or 3DS port; it would require the least hassle and programming. And even then, if history is a guide, the probability of Nintendo releasing it over in the United States is very small. Not one-hundred percent unlikely! But small.

That said, if Nintendo brings whatever it is over here, I will eat my words–and celebrate. I’ve just been obsessed with this game since I was nine (I think I was that old when it first came out), and I’ve watched Nintendo raise and flatten everyone’s hopes too many times.

A VC release would be better than nothing at all. It’s been too long. We need this at least. Hopefully, a compilation is the end project.

Well, this is potentially awesome.

I would love if it was even just a Mother 2 + 3 3DS compilation. Not even necessarily 3D enhanced, just playable.

Though I’m seriously worried that whatever it is will only be released in Japan.

Plot twist: it’s Contact 3DS

hhahahaaaah i can already see the purists pooping themselves over every little change and running to the internet to cry about it

I read that people in Japan are speculating that it’s a remake of the first MOTHER game? No? Am I smoking crack (figuratively speaking)?

If it were a remake, I’d be in heaven. We MOTHER 1 lovers would reunite in never-before-seen glory!

Hey Mato, I see that he tweeted something else mentioning Mother.
https://twitter.com/itoi_shigesato/statuses/281812398728441856
I don’t understand it, even when translated. Any idea as to what it says?

He was just responding to a reply someone sent him about it. He says he looks forward to whoever they’re talking about playing the game.

MOTHER 1, 2 + 3D would sound really nice.
What ever it is, i hope it will get in Europe the Name MOTHER.
Sorry but i doesn’t really like the name EarthBound…

But anyway, i hope that this time we will get a global release in all Nintendo Regions!

From the sound of it, its a playable version of mother… which I thought was quite playable. I would appreciate a remake but I don’t even keep with nintendo anymore. Lol

HOLY FARK!!!!!! Can you believe he budged in any way with Mother stuff? Mato maybe his brain is delayed…. for years and all the petition / booklets and what not are just catching up. Whatever it is (even if it was an announcement of some crappy obscure thing) its AWESOME!

@ LucasTizma

I would buy 4 copies and make everyone I know buy copies just to make sure they got the memo that we give a $%^&* this time… 🙂

Itoi’s been talking about MOTHER a lot lately.

Something is up.

weoooo omg cant wait im literally shaking with exitement!

This is incredibly exciting news. Just because this one isn’t Mother 4, doesn’t mean he wouldn’t want to after he finishes this project. I mean he eventually changed his mind about Mother 3.

Tomato, it’s obvious we shouldn’t expect to much, but what would your best guess be?

I’m hoping for a remake and or 3DS port. Thing is, what if it doesn’t come to us? That’s going to be no good. I just want something about Mother so I die happy.

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! I’m so ready for this!

This could actually be our chance to pester Nintendo for the series to be released over here again if this is the case. The Mother fanbase has grown HUGE since the release of the Mother 3 fan translation. Nintendo would have to be morons to not follow through with a localization.

After hearing Chewy’s comments in the podcast, I’m definitely more optimistic that, whatever this is, it’s potentially big news for American fans of the series.

Hearing this just made my day. 🙂
I wouldn’t mind if its a remake, virtual console release or a complication of all three, just knowing that something’s happening with this series is good enough for me. I’d buy it in a heartbeat. (Providing if it gets released everywhere outside of Japan too)

OH JOY!

Well a new MOTHER game means more merchandise!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I’m reeeeeally excited now!!:D

Just seeing “Itoi Announces MOTHER Developments” was already too good to be true.And it is truth!

Ok,I know I shouldn’t get too much hopes up.But as a Mother fan and a Mega Man I got some really good surprises today.Of course the Mother one was more unbelievable and exciting,but I’m just happy 😀

OMG, can’t wait… even if it is just remakes!!!

Leeaux: My rational side guesses that Mother 1 and 2 will be modified and released individually on the 3DS shop. My fan side wishes that it’s a trilogy compilation and it’ll be released for a console.

Wow. This made IGN and earthboundcentral.com is listed as the source. Way to scoop the big boys!

Mato. What do you think are the odds about it possibly being the original MOTHER 3 (on the n64)being remade for the Wii U? Or is it even possible by this point?

If Mato is right (and he’s been following this for a long, long time, so I trust his judgment), we’re probably getting ahead of ourselves.

I feel a rising excitement deep within me…!

Maybe he is doing a compilation of the 3 MOTHER games on the DS. THAT WOULD BE SO AWESOME EVEN IF IT’S IN JAPANESE!!!!!!!!!!

Oh wait… just realized that if it’s a Japanese 3DS game I will need to buy a new 3DS… OH WELL!!!!!!!!

I’m imagining that this’ll be VC releases in Japan, not the US, of Mother 1, 2 & 3. What I wouldn’t *give* for them to release M3 on US VC with your patch, but whatever…

@MotherFan

The 3DS could be hacked soon, maybe. Two exploits have been found but they will not be released, because they would have been to easy to fix for Nintendo. Maybe with this exploits the guys at 3dbrew.com find some other which let us play games region free. Of course you should import the games and not download them for free, if that all would be possible in the near future.

@Max: In addition, NOA proubly censored EarthBound a lot, so there really was never an excuse to release the game on the DS. I can understand why they didn’t consider a GBA release. The GBA was already almost obsolete at MOTHER 3’s release. And I will assume that it would take at least a year to translate, so the here wouldn’t be a surprise if new gamers would be surprised to hear the term “game boy”

And it would be pretty easy to make a west compilation. Just chuck an EarthBound and MOTHER 3 ROM into a cartridge. Oh and also the prototype ROM of Earth Bound.

If anything, it’s a positive indication that something is in the works. And this is the Mother series we’re talking about, how can we not get ahead of ourselves. The anticipation of exactly what is going to be released and where, that’s the part to be hopeful for.

I’ve got an idea!! Everybody sign the EB o virtual console petition to increase chances to the game being released to the west!!

To be honest, I think we need to get MOTHER more recongnized, and more well known then it is now, If we want any hopes for it being released here in America. I think also good pressure on NOA itself would be a good idea, especially if we expand the community, and thousands of people in America are expecting a good game to be released, I think they will finally budge.

@Fuffelpups it is almost impossible to hack a 3DS so because if you try to modify it the 3DS will stop working forever… so what I’m saying is that there is a very slim chance of the 3DS being hacked.

On the 12th day of Christmas Itoi gave to me…. a compilation of MOTHER 1, 2 and 3.

THIS IS THE BEST THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO MOTHER!!!!!!!!!! EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

Mato, if it was only released in Japan, would you gave intrest in translating this one?

Hey…. isn’t it the 21st. Why do all my comments say its the 20th?

@Ness PK Rocks that would be CRAZY!! MATO TRANSLATING ALL OF EARTHBOUND EARTH BOUND AND MOTHER!!!!!!! HE SAID HE WAS DONE WITH CRAZY HACKING WHEN HE FINISHED MOTHER 3!!!!!!!!!!

If they wanted to tweak the games Excitebike style, they’d look awesome in 3D. Just sayin’. :^)

Thanks Mato,

Sounds reasonable, lets hope so!

this is the best end of the world i have had in a while

I would not be shocked at all if Mother 3 for the N64 has been remade for the Wii U.

I would.
That game wasn’t even half done and was being made for a console that’s 3 generations old.

I can’t help but speculate it’s just SSB4, if only for the “This has to do with making “MOTHER” playable.”

Personally, I’d just like to be able to PLAY the series. I’m still in middle school, but I’d LOVE LOVE LOVE to play MOTHER sometime in my life. This is really exciting!

I think that Mr. Itoi should just stick with MOTHER 3’s graphics. They were great. I don’t really want a 3D-clay model-style graphics like Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Gates to Infinity’s. I’m a huge fan of 8 and 16 bit games and how they look. Seeing the two other games, EB and EB0, remade into MOTHER 3’s graphics…. that’d be spectacular!

thank you itoi for this great notice

I’m not paying this much mind. Knowing Itoi it could be anything: a masterpiece in ssbb4, Cd. I’ll stay somewhat optimistic but I’m not gonna go all OMG it’s the Mother series. If it was it is unlikely it’ll be released here any way. Should we get the sundaes now or when these guys have their dreams crushed? If I’m wrong, I’ll take this comment back but a release on any console is un likely. Oh, and for those speculating an Earthbound 64 release it was about 60% done according to programmers. Still I am doubtful.

I cried in happiness, after over a decade of loving earthbound, we will finally see a re-release.

It’s VERRRRRRY important that we make this game sell guys. Buy download codes for your friends and family, download the game itself, register it on club nintendo and give it perfect ratings and comments, FIRE THE LAZER!!!!

Such amazing news and this close to the end of the world! Coincidence? 😉

Seriously though, this is awesome! 😀

Hopefully this will be a physical rerelease on 3DS or WiiU, and will be made avalible outside of Japan. Either way this is really exciting to hear. It would be great if these games all got the rerelease they deserve.

Mr. Itoi is a jerk! He’s purposely announcing a new MOTHER game just before the end of the world! He’s just laughing at the fanbase before we all die. Truly he is the biggest troll ever! xD Or maybe since he knows he is going to die he’s just like “fuck it” and releases it would wide for the lolz.

Of course im joking 🙂 I really hope it’s a compilation for 3DS. It’s doesn’t even need to be enhanced (although i would prefer enhanced remakes, maybe with the originals as unlockable bonuses?) it just better get released in Ireland, Europe.

It never said 21st was the end of the world, just something of great magnitude would happen. Maybe this is it!

Man, I hope this comes out on Wii U in the states. An EB remake in full-fledged HD..
Oh man.

WHATEVER IT IS, it will be awesome, but imagine 3ds earthbound, as a 3d classic, those battle backgrounds, IN 3D

probably not though, but like I said, whatever it is, it’ll be awesome 😀

Everyone should also retweet this tweet and favorite it. Also send him a response saying you want it. Simple english, though he can’t understand it fully. Make sure you say Mother though, he’ll understand that.

I’m hoping we FINALLY get MOTHER 1 in America, cause that’s my favorite game ever, and it get WAY to much hate.

Also interesting to note that this will be the first time that a Mother game has been developed while two systems are at their infancy, rather than at the end of their lives.

This is most excellent news! I truly hope we get a compilation of all three games for the 3DS! That would just be AWESOME! Seriously though, I’ve had a feeling something related to this would happen for a long time, looks like the time has come! Can’t wait to see what this news will yield!

Also though, people, don’t be pricks about it. You don’t need to stick it to man and buy two copies to support it, or pester your friends to buy it.

I feel optimistic. No great reason, I worry I’ll be let down, but when I try to turn from optimism I fail. I’m optimistic because I can’t not be.

Whatever it is, I’m excited. I just hope it’s something I’ll be able to import.

I hope the series (or at least one of them) is in the works being remade, and released to America.

I hope the news isn`t just a Mother character in Smash Bros

This really turns my hype on.
I’m okay with everything that Itoi’s want to do about Mother, implaying that there were years without news about the series.
No worries with Mother 4, the fan game is much for me 🙂

Look at all the little fans spewing out their opinion as if it were fact. *Cough* Satsy *Cough*

Don’t say “won’t” or “can’t.”

@PK Derp are you SERIUSLY thinking that the world will end!! you and the 5 othe people. PFF!

@PK Derp are you SERIOUSLY thinking that the world will end!! You and the five other people!! PFF!!

This game so far has about a 25% chance of being released in the west. Now that FF 7 made RPG’s the money making machine that they are today and having the thing being talked about on Nintendo’s Twitter News page and everything. Everybody spread out the word! xD

I want a PHYSICAL COPY of the game. Screw Virtual Console. That stuff is dead. I’m really hoping this to be all three games on one cart, on the 3DS.

Shame that The 3DS is region locked, I imported both MOTHER 1+2 and MOTHER 3, But if this is for the 3DS or Wiiu it means I will have to buy a Japanese system for the first time. Damm it, Make it a true remake of MOTHER so at least I will get some new content of all the money I will be expending on this.

It’s an eshop compilation. I think it might finally make it here. Have they at all contacted you about using your translation?

Hey @MotherFan, quit spamming the comments. Learn to read more carefully because PK Derp said he was joking.
Also, quit speculating by pulling random statistics from your butthole. No one can say anything with certainty right now because we don’t have nearly enough information yet.

It’s going to be a compilation or all separate for the eshop. Do you think they will contact you about using your translation? I hope so. It feels far more accurate then I an official translation would be.

Hey @Anonymous says the guy who has three comments in a row. The only reason I typed one comment twice is because I messed up some words so I wanted to get my text right. Second that was twenty minutes ago. Third it’s hard to see if something is sarcasm or not in text. And why can’t you just type something positive instead of picking on people that you don’t even know.

It was nice to wake up to this bit of news this morning, I just hope it gets released here in the UK.

Hey @Motherfan, do you know what the word anonymous means, because I’m certainly not the person who wrote any of those comments and somehow I doubt a single entity was behind all three of them. Furthermore, if you think you were being picked on then I’m afraid you’re mistaken. You made a poor projection with no factual basis and you got called on it, it’s as simple as that. Just calm down, nobody’s mad at you.

Come on folks, let’s not trample each other here. I know there’s no real information to go on but there’s a lot to be excited about at the same time. There’s nothing wrong with a little speculation, especially when it doesn’t reflect on you personally. If someone makes an ass of themselves then we can just laugh about it quietly over sundaes~

also seriously guys enough about the end of the world, joking or not that got old about twelve years ago

Also I like minors.

really dude

really

Y2K ok. In all seriousness, we should stay on track and be excited for whats to come.

Ok, what.

Well this is something to wait for. Hopefully it will be revealed 2013.

Remake on the Wii U? 3DS? DS? Virtual Console? Oh boy, this is exciting!

Remake on the Wii U? 3DS? DS? Virtual Console? Oh boy, this is exciting! 😀

Reminder on how long the MOTHER games take, considering their works of art, they take years. It took 12 years to make MOTHER 3, (or more, I’m not 100% sure). I think we would be luky to have this done by 2014. But this is just a remake, so I might by wrong.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I screamed because I didn’t know what else to do.

So excited. So very, very, very unreasonably excited. You know what?! I don’t even care if I’m setting myself up. It just feels good to actually be excited about stuff again.

I hope it’s an earthbound 64 remake! 🙂 That would be SWEET!!!

My wish is that it gets released as the Kirby Anniversary set did with the game disc, ost, and big ol’ strategy guide.

Make it happen Mr. Reggie or send me to Japan!

PepsiMax said
Also interesting to note that this will be the first time that a Mother game has been developed while two systems are at their infancy, rather than at the end of their lives.

ahahaha oh no, you’ve said it now! 😛 hope everyones prepared to be patient!

(j/k)

—

Bucky: Take it how you will, I stated the intentions of the VC as they have always been sold, and stated the issue with EarthBound, as it has been summed up previously. I’m not expecting a complete 3D remake, I’m not expecting giant overhauls. I have realistic hopes, and the VC idea is just a little too close to ‘no’ for me to put stock in it. If I’m proved wrong, fine, but don’t be snarky. It ain’t cool.

The last time they re-released the MOTHER games they didn’t change anything about the basic graphics, so I’m not sure why they would go to that trouble now. Redoing the old games wouldn’t be quite as hard as making a new one from scratch, but it would still be extremely hard and time consuming. I could be wrong (I often am), but I think this is probably something much more modest than a true remake. In MOTHER 1+2, Itoi didn’t even bother to change the overdue library book joke (still says you need to return it by 2001). If anything, it’s probably a VC port of some kind. Itoi seems to care a lot about fans of the game having basic access to the MOTHER series, without having to use obscure systems. My money is on that. And I’m still cynical about a US release.

Plot twist: It’s the MOTHER 2 iPhone case

I hope it’s a remake of 3 games for Nintendo DS.

PepsiMax. Have you ever thought about the Nintendo DS?

I love how the image for this development in the Popular Posts section is that of the Earth exploding.

My day is officially made. Long live Mother!

Yes! If Itoi does intend to have Nintendo re-release Mother 1, 2, and 3, this pretty much confirms that at least two Mother characters will be in SSB4 as I imagine the games will come out around the same time!

This absolutely made my day. Let’s hope APE, HAL, and Brownie Brown can somehow work together to deliver to us the joyous, orgasmic delight that I would call a MOTHER compilation.

Since some people asked questions:

Mato, if it was only released in Japan, would you gave intrest in translating this one?

Probably, but I dunno how much time I’d have and I’d again want to wait to make very sure we weren’t getting an official localization. And there’d be technical hurdles too.

It’d be pretty awesome if they brought it over here, and asked to use your translation of Mother 3 in it.

My offer to let them use the translated text for free still stands – I’d even retranslate it from scratch if that’d skirt legal issues, or I’d even do consulting work on it for free. I don’t expect them to actually take up the offer though 😐

Mato. What do you think are the odds about it possibly being the original MOTHER 3 (on the n64)being remade for the Wii U? Or is it even possible by this point?

I’d say it’s 0%. I’d be shocked if it winds up being anything more than just the original games slightly modified and repackaged, like how Mother 1+2 was.

@Motherfan I said i was joking, if i wasn’t, why would i be stupid enough to insult Mr. Itoi on a comment section full of MOTHER fans? Of course the world wouldn’t end but since it was supposed to end i thought i’d make a joke that Mr. Itoi wanted to go out as the biggest troll in the world.

Thank you to THAT Anonymous that stuck up for me 🙂

Everyone is going on how American MOTHER has been pushed around by Nintendo. You guys never got MOTHER 1 or 3 and i know that sucks. But why is it that there is little to no mention of European fans? I mean we got none of the series! Im not even sure Mr. Itoi knows about us. The only thing we had to go on the existence of MOTHER was SSB. Thats why if it is released in America (which is brilliant good for you guys, you’ve waiting ages for this!) then i hope it comes to Europe as well. Please Mr. Itoi on behalf of all European fans, make it happen 🙁

That is if it even is a MOTHER compliation but whatever it is bring it to USA and Europe and anywhere else i can’t think of for that matter. Everyone deserves it.

Why are people insisting on the 64 remake? That game eventually developed into Mother 3. All I can hope for is a VC release for the series. The trilogy compilation would the beez neez on 3DS or WiiU as a cartridge or disc based though.

If they make a new mother game for the wii u , I will buy a wii u.

Oh man, I just love that picture you chose for this article’s thumbnail thingy. 😛

“but don’t be snarky. It ain’t cool.”

Spank me.

Listening to Prayer for Safety while reading the article and the comments. It really feels great. Hopefully things will work out and Mother/EB fans from around the world can enjoy a compilation thats avalible in their country.

@Punky

I thin it’s because of all the unused content that was in the original version of Mother 3. What we got in Mother 3 probably isn’t even HALF of what earthbound 64 was suppose to have. It has 4 more chapters, it was going to span over 10 whole years, we were going to see the destroyed world of Mother 2, and more. :/

… Even I hope it’s going to be eartbound 64 now…

I own a Wii U and I have seen A LOT of posts about Earthbound from fans… drawings, recommendations, and a lot posts just simply saying “EARTHBOUND FOR WII U!!” I’m sure NOA takes note of fan activity for their games on there… couldn’t hurt rallying fans on Miiverse.

Mother Trilogy 3DS please <3

@Tamer12345

That’s understandable, I just think it’s not happening, not to be a downer or anything. An Earthbound 64 remake would be just a shocker and completely great, but Mother 3 is what came out from that. A trilogy is what I’m hoping for if a re-release or remake is in the works.

@Tourist

I have seen quite a few posts on Miiverse as well. There should be some sort of day for us supporters to draw, comment or post anything related to the Earthbound/Mother events or just in general. Nintendo would surely see that.

This could be as simple as “Ironing the details that prevent MOTHER to be released on the current Virtual consoles (like those music details)” but even if it is that “BEST B`ACTUM EVER!!”

Finally, after years of “BLAH BLAH COPYRIGHT ISSUES IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN, TOPIC LOCKED”

FINALLY! AFTER 10 YEARS OF WAITING! (for me)

i would laugh then cry if it turned out to be another “masterpiece” on ssb4 of mother 1, only released on the jap version of the game :0 hoping for a 3ds compilation tho. it would be titled “3ds Mother” and would be released all across the lands. im getting my hopes up tho

If they officially announce a NA Mother 3 release, I wonder if Mato will remove the translation patch…

@Punky That definately needs to happen… especially if it’s initially announced as japan-exclusive.

Max said on Dec. 21, 2012
The last time they re-released the MOTHER games they didn’t change anything about the basic graphics, so I’m not sure why they would go to that trouble now. Redoing the old games wouldn’t be quite as hard as making a new one from scratch, but it would still be extremely hard and time consuming. I could be wrong (I often am), but I think this is probably something much more modest than a true remake. In MOTHER 1+2, Itoi didn’t even bother to change the overdue library book joke (still says you need to return it by 2001). If anything, it’s probably a VC port of some kind. Itoi seems to care a lot about fans of the game having basic access to the MOTHER series, without having to use obscure systems. My money is on that. And I’m still cynical about a US release.

Well MOTHER 1+2 was just a small thing they put together to keep the MOTHER fans occupied, they didn’t really put that much work in it, since they practically jumped right on it. I have a feeling this will be different. And as I have said previously, I think it would take a good year (or more) to recode graphics and stuff like that of this makes it through. I don’t think Itoi has the full power to place MOTHER on VC, correct me if I’m wrong though…

Also a question for Mato, if MOTHER 2 is included in this, would you rather see our original MOTHER 2 translation (for the GBA) to go through, or immediately switch to the new one?

Mother 1, 2 & 3 for Virtual Console… only in Japan.

Noooooooooooooooooooo!

Radic:

I’ll definitely be the first to (happily) eat my words if Nintendo winds up putting together a glossy new MOTHER release–whether it’s a remake or a reissue, especially if it has any hope of coming to the U.S.

I know that, compared to a lot of people here, I sound like an old fogey spouting off a bunch of doom and gloom. And that’s true. But I don’t mean to douse everyone’s hopes in negativity.

As you know, Nintendo of America has a storied history of screwing with EarthBound fans. And Shigesato Itoi’s tweet–while it’s extremely exciting (I feel like I went from being 26 to 10 years old in 24 hours)–was sort of cryptic and vague. “Republication” definitely implies a re-release to me, sure, but a full-blown, high-definition upgrade? Not so much. And which game(s) is he referring to? No one knows. I’m not saying I’m right and everyone else is wrong. I’m just saying that we can’t know for sure either way, so let’s wait and see.

For the record, though: I can’t tell you how stoked I’d be if I found out some bright, shiny American localization Criterion Collection special edition trilogy compilation of the MOTHER series were on its way. Don’t mistake my cautious optimism for despair.

I always feel like I have to speak for NOA, but seriously, they’re not trying to screw anybody. They always have a reason for not releasing a game, not just because “it’s funny.” According to Earthbound fanboys NOA doesn’t actually do anything besides troll Earthbound fans.

HEART ATTACK OMGOMG

ahem. Sorry. I’ve been waiting for this sort of thing for ages. Will the work of Starmen.net finally be rewarded after 15 years? I hope we find out soon…

PepsiMax:

Oh, I know they probably have legitimate concerns–whether those are business-related, legal, or anything else. My reference to NOA “screwing” EarthBound fans reflects more my personal frustration with how things have turned out. I’m sure they felt burned by the weak sales of EarthBound, and maybe found it difficult to market MOTHER 3 both because of its darker storyline elements (colorful, happy graphics but lots and lots of death) and the fact it came out on a fading console (the GBA). I also recognize that there are a lot of hardcore MOTHER fans at NOA.

Mother Collection on the 3DS, along with new bonus features. Please make it happen!
Oh and replying to Mato’s first comment on the page, Nintendo actually released a Pokemon app on the iOS.

Oooh, my money is on a Jap-only release.

I hope there will be a release in Europe…
I want Mother 1+2+3. Remade or not, I don’t care.

Very excited about this. I hope its a 3DS collection or other type of physical media. Even if it’s JPN only, I’ll buy me a copy.

@kal

The apps were not released by Nintendo, it’s the Pokemon Company International that’s separate from Nintendo.

Hoo hee hoo hee! So happy! Best Christmas gift I could ask for, news like this!

I hope I’m not getting ahead of myself though.

All of the American hopefuls forgot one thing: what would EB0 be named? As for European hopefuls… well it can still be called Mother. I doubt it’ll get a U.S. release because rpgs don’t get the love they deserve here, maybe with the Mario logo (or not, it doesn’t look like Paper Mario: Sticker Star sold to well). As for Europeans, chances are that you guys will either probably get it or not. Why you would: you guys show more love to rpgs (like Xenoblade). Why not: you guys only really know about it through the Smash Bros. series, which is popular but it might not be enough.

@Punky
Yeah, but it is a Nintendo franchise.

Not to say it’s a lock or anything, but I believe some of you are missing the reason people are getting excited.
Not only has Itoi been talking a lot about mother lately, but for the first time it seems he’s really, really aware of the western fanbase, and he’s made more than a few comments quite recently about how greatful he is to all of his overseas fans.

Basicly, I’m sure we’re on his mind, and he’ll pull some strings to try and get us the games. He may not be the guy in charge, but he’s still got some very potent connections. If it’s ever going to happen, it’s probably gonna be now.

@AppleKid – Pokémon. That is all.

MOTHER
MOTHER 2: Earthbound
MOTHER 3: Welcome to Nowhere

FUCK YEA

@Crav

That’s exactly how I see it too.There is hope for us.

I approve of the Mother Franchise on the 3DS! The GBA had all 3 games, the 3ds is just as capable 😀

I’d give anything for a DS MOTHER compilation release…

I love how to picture for this article is the world blowing up. It’s like all of the world is going “MIND….BLOWN!”

Also….I’m really excited for this:P

Do you remember how long Mother 3’s development took? I definitely wouldn’t expect anything anytime soon.

Wallyworld, this isn’t a brand new game. Mother 3 took long because it was cancelled at first then made from scratch. Itoi (or Nintendo) doesn’t have to write a whole new story. If it is a Virtual Console release of the trilogy, it could be ready by mid 2013. If it is a collection for the 3DS or whatnot, I would bet on late 2013 to early 2014.

Wallyworld, this isn’t a brand new game. Mother 3 took long because it was cancelled at first then made from scratch. Itoi (or Nintendo) doesn’t have to write a whole new story. If it is a Virtual Console release of the trilogy, it could be ready by mid 2013. If it is a collection for the 3DS or whatnot, I would bet on late 2013 to early 2014.

YES! This news made a yell with joy! Woo!
(But I might be ahead of myself… ^_^)

If the entire series comes out on the 3DS and (god forbid) in the US, with little to no changes, I will be so happy and probably never use my emulators again(at least for the Mother series anyway, but i will use it for the remake hacks though).

Honestly, I’ve been putting off on a lot of things over the years. But if there is a remake of any Mother game released exclusively in Japan (Remake, not re-release) I’m going to spend my time up until the release learning Japanese.

And then I’m going to import a Japanese console.

If it’s only a re-release of the games and it’s Japan only, there’s no point for us in America. But if it’s new like a remake that’s only released in Japan, please Mato…translate it you awesome man 🙂

This is very exciting, indeed!

I hope they include all 3 games in a 3DS Cart and just retranslate most of the games but keep some of the lines that fans liked. You know. Like the GBA remakes for Final Fantasy. Also make the characters models and bring it to America and you’ve got all my money.

*Turns into M. Bison*

YES!

YES!

Honestly, I think it will be a re-release or a remake. I won’t be surprised if it isn’t released outside of Japan, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be angry.

it would be cool if it was a remake, because we could see it in 16 bit. either that or hes making more copies and selling them online because it wouldnt make sense for them to be sold in stores.

Yeaaaaaa whooooooo yea finally thank u oh woooow l!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For all of you who say “ohmawgawd it’s probably gonna be 64!!!!!” I don’t think it’s really a reasonable hope. Despite it being only 60% done and currently programmed in a language specific to a console that is over 10 years out of date, I suppose there is the slimmest chance of it happening. Itoi saying he is making whatever it is he’s making playable is better fit by Matos interpretation, not that the game was broken or unfinished.

That said, I think it is a very reasonable hope to think that he’s talking about a compilation AND that it will be localized here in the US (don’t know about Europe but I’m guessing that it is released in US and Japan that it will become one of Nintendos big ticket games and be released in PAL format. After all, it would already be in English.) Think about it: Itoi has paid the US fan base semi frequent comments about how he knows of our existence and such, and all the sudden, he announces this? Granted, if he didn’t say in his tweet it would arrive in the west, it could be an indication that it won’t OR maybe he’s waiting to tell us at a bigger announcement. It would sure bring EB prices down. (Hopefully.)

As for what it may be released on, I suppose a Masterpiece in the next brawl game might be a thought, but as I recall, Mother 2 was a masterpiece in the Japanese strand of Brawl, so why do that again? Also, I don’t really think he would make this kind of announcement for something as minor as a masterpiece. As for Virtual Console: It could be possible in the sense that it would be less of a gamble for Nintendo in case it’s not well recieved but they already know that Japan loves it. Also, translating a game, not to mention multiple games and in this case, transposing them to a new coding language is no small task. (Just ask Mato!) it would cost a lot, and I just couldn’t see Nintendo putting these three games on the virtual console for like, $10.

As for 3DS or Wii U release, I think either of these is the most plausible. For the 3DS, it’s already a well recieved console, and Mother 1 and 2 are pretty kid friendly. (Mother 3 is pretty heavy though) However, I’m not sure if they can put 3 BIG RPGs on one little 3DS cart. I don’t know it’s hardware limitations but I suppose it could considering Ocarina of Time made it and Mother 1 and 2 fit on a GBA cart. Also, some of you up there were saying to just “throw the ROMs together on a cart/disk and ship it.” No. It’s so much more complicated than that. You first have to get them all on the consoles language, then translate them to English, remove copyright issues, make menus and such, and bug test it. So please stop saying that. As a programmer it drives me nuts. As for the Wii U, while its reasonable, not enough people own it yet, it has a high price, and would be quite a wager for The Big N. However, I could be the game to drive people to the system, especially if they bundled it with a console for a little less than the Deluxe Set. (Part of me hopes for a custom colored special edition console for it but that happening is next to none.)

I hope this shed light on most or all of the possibilities. Remain hopeful but don’t let your hearts get broken once again…

Mato, if u were to guess when this would be finalized and whatever is planned to come out finally does so, when would u say that would be?

Based on past experiences with his announcement timings, probably within the next couple of months.

When people refer to EB64 here, I don’t think they literally mean Earthbound 64, but rather a Mother 3 with the cut bits. Working on a Nintendo 64 game would just be foolish.

Ah I was gonna say… Don’t fix what ain’t broke, right? 😉

Mato, on your previous comment, do you mean that we will get an announcement within the next few months or an actual release?

Oh, I was referring to a release of some sort, I’m sure we’ll hear more news little by little over the next few weeks/months.

Off Topic: Happy Holidays!
On Topic: If they are gonna release a compilation over here, doesn’t that mean there’s a higher chance of another MOTHER character in Smash Bros. 4?

I saw this.
And squealed like I never have before.

I hope you’re right mato, I’d love to see some footage before my spring semester starts. That way I can get it out of my system.

So Itoi is unlike Nintendo, Mato? Generally Nintendo makes you wait forever… You implied Itoi usually announces things close to release?

WOW! I haven’t seen this many comments to a post in a long time. I think it might be cool to see Mother 1,2,3 in one long back to back game that you play from start to finish. Maybe even have it with M3 graphics or better….

Tourist: Well, in past instances like this, Itoi would make an announcement like this and the game would come out only a few months later. This happened with Mother 1+2 in 2003 and then with Mother 3 in 2005/2006.

I hope this isn’t released for the 3DS, if it is, I’ll have to buy one! XD

My wallet is ready.

We all know that it’ll be released in Japan; let’s hope that NoA catches a clue and it gets released here with little risk of copyright infringement 😀

Actually, apart from the stupid advertisings for M2 in the US, it’s not NOA’s fault, the games are released late and add to that that it also takes some time to localize…There’s no point in releasing games for hardware that is no longer supported

When you think about it, it wouldn’t be completley crazy to see a graphicaly altered release. I meen, Mother 3 was a GBA game when the platform was pretty much dead. Especially when it was originaly meant to be released as a nintendo 64 title. Maybe they dug the old game up and finished it.

Is there any way someone could ask Mr Itoi via Twitter what he means by “republication” and if this is something people outside of Japan will be able to see without importing it?

What I’m curious about, is I’m about to get a complete set of earthbound for SNES, i hope this wont depreciate the value of the game given what im about to spend on it!

It’s hard to say – the Chrono Trigger ports/re-releases don’t seem to have changed the SNES cartridge’s value by much at all. But every game is different probably.

How do we know this isn’t just for Japanese gamers.

Well, let’s not forget that Earthbound/Mother 2 was available in the USA. I’ll bet either he saw opportunity for the WiiU/3DS thanks to Chewy, or better yet Nintendo sought him out for the rights to republish it on Virtual Console.

We shall see what happens in the upcoming news about it, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

*cue O Fortuna*

It would be extremely cool if they could release the game for the Wii or Wii U, just with 3D Okami-style graphics. MOTHER 3 would be extremely beautiful because it would be like a storybook, MOTHER would be awesome too, just imagine the Magicant scene in Queen Mary’s Castle and the Eight Melodies…ahh. EarthBound wouldn’t be half-bad as a Vievtiful Joe graphics game, and Giygas might look pretty sweet, y’know, like a painting.

Maybe they’ll make Giygas a little less terrifying >.<

^I disapprove of this, it was made terrifying for a reason.

If it comes to the US, probably they’ll say something at E3 2013. At least I think so.

@Douglas: Completely forgot about E3. I bet they will, seems like 2013 is a big Nintendo year so far. Can’t wait.

I feel like it will be shown at a nintendo direct rather than an e3

^^^
Giygas isn’t scary; he never was, and never will be.

I wonder when the next announcement will come. I think I speak for everyone when I say I’m standing on pins and needles!

@skyrunner14 I believe you’re right, but at the same time, if it is something other than a game (which I doubt but it is Itoi) or a Japanese only release (extremely likely) I don’t think having High Hopes will help things. Plus it is the extremely predictable Nintendo we are talking about, but who knows? (Maybe Itoi knows).
P.S. for those of you who got the Pink Floyd reference, good for you.

@Apple Kid
I understand what you mean, but it’s like the post said. Thanks to Chewie’s efforts, Itoi is more aware of the English fanbase now than he likely was before. This could mean good things for us. I am subjectively excited, but excited none-the-less. Let’s hope I’m not just being a Pollyanna and this works out for everyone.

@Skyrunner14 I know what your point of view is, I understand. Mr.Itoi is more aware of the American and European fan base, still I agree but disagree at the same time. On one hand Itoi knows us, on the other hand, Nintendo seems more interested on making more Mario and Pokemon games than satisfying loyaler fans to a lesser known series. I guess all we can do now is sit back, relax, have a bag of Pork Chips and wait. I hope I didn’t offend you with either of these posts, I only mean to present the facts, trust me I don’t like them either.

Mato, do you know any news about the subject?

No, I check multiple times every day. If I find out anything, I’ll post about it right away, don’t worry.

He just tweeted again.

「MOTHER」の復活について‥‥忘れてませんとも。大丈夫、前に進んでます。

Google Translates this as:
I even do not forget about the resurrection of ‥ ‥ “MOTHER”. Okay, I go ahead.

You know, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch comes out for PS3 this coming Tuesday, and I think because of the many similarities between the MOTHER games and Ni no Kuni, there’s a possibility that this “republication” is going to get canned. Sorry to rain on everyone’s parade, but MOTHER is, once again, the victim of bad timing.

Not sure why another JRPG out of nowhere would cause the MOTHER “republication” to be canned.

If it does, we still have the original games!

I still hope it’s an EB 64 remake. Or I guess, just “make”, but that sounds stupid.

I’d love to see a nice compilation that cleans up the first two games (just update some of the UI and make sure the first game is a little more balanced) for the 3DS, with some minimal 3DS-exclusive features put in like 3D visuals and random spotpass/swapnote things. I’d buy it one cart or eShop day 1.

I’m hoping for an international Mother game. England wants to get it too!

EVERYONE!!! No matter what relegion you are, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!

As art, these games need to be compiled in their original, uncensored, unaltered form. together.

Mother needs the original sprites, blood and religious symbols intact, as well as a rewritten script to get the original meaning back to the words.

Earthbound/mother 2 is a tough call. personally I would like a re-translation with none of the alterations made to the script and sprites… but at the same time, this may be seen as the strictest form of heresy among mother fans.

Mother 3 could use a touch up on the translation, but really it’s perfect.

These should be 1 screen only games, no DS touchscreen additions, and please for the love of god don’t re-do the ingame graphics to do the ds “3D” look like the animal crossing games or pokemon X and Y.

This would be the perfect release, of the perfect games.

also, I pray hard for mother 4/mother U

I was looking around the Internet and it looks like someone want to form up a team to remake earthbound 64.

yeah! this is why i’m running a campaign here! http://earthboundcentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=822

see it would be better on both the 3DS and Wii U retail/download only!