The "Favorite Thing" in EarthBound
In the Super Nintendo Entertainment System role-playing game EarthBound (known as Mother 2 in Japan), the "Favorite Thing" is a player-defined string of text entered at the beginning of the game. This input serves distinct gameplay and narrative functions.
Functional Integration:
- PSI Flash Ω: The most prominent gameplay role of the "Favorite Thing" is its direct association with the protagonist Ness's ultimate psychic ability, PSI Flash Ω (Omega). When this powerful offensive PSI attack is successfully executed, the player's chosen "Favorite Thing" is displayed prominently on screen as part of the spell's visual effect.
- Narrative and Dialogue Integration: Beyond combat, the "Favorite Thing" is woven into various dialogue exchanges and descriptive text throughout the game's narrative. This integration often leads to contextually unique and memorable moments, contributing to EarthBound's characteristic blend of humor and poignancy, the specific tone of which can be influenced by the player's chosen input.
Design Purpose and Impact:
The "Favorite Thing" mechanic is a key element of EarthBound's design philosophy, aimed at enhancing player immersion and personalization. By allowing players to inject a self-chosen element directly into core game mechanics and story moments, it fosters a stronger, more personal connection to the game world and its events. This feature is emblematic of the game's often unconventional approach to traditional RPG elements, making a simple text input a significant part of the overall player experience.
