History VideoGame / EquestriaBound

VideoGame/EquestriaBound is an ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' [[GameMod ROM hack]] in a similar vein VideoGame/PonyFantasyVI is to VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI. In the continuity of the show, it seems to take place sometime mid-season three, as stuff like King Sombra is referenced, but other things such as the Elements of Harmony still being a thing at this point and [[LateArrivalSpoiler Twilight is still a unicorn instead of an alicorn, and Discord is still a villain,]] which are present and treated as normal.

The plot kicks off with a meteor crash lands one night near Dinky's house. Setting out to figure out what's going on not unlike Ness did in the original, she eventually goes through similar events where Diamond Tiara knocks on her door and asks her to find Silver Spoon, not unlike Pokey / [[SpellMyNameWithAnS Porky]] did to find his younger brother Picky in the original, and eventually encounters Princess Luna, (who use the last of her magic to transform herself into a fly to escape from the evil threatening the future) who comes from the future where the evil spirit that possessed her has returned and, took over Twilight's body as it's host to render the elements useless, eventually reducing the element of magic itself to a husk, with the others likely destroyed.

Originally attempting to go to Twilight herself with Dinky guiding her, at the 'persuasion' of Tiara and Silver Spoon, Dinky drops them off at their house first, where, [[RunningGag much like Buzz Buzz in the original]], Luna gets swatted down by their mother. Distraught that all her efforts were in vein, she was about to give up hope, until she gets an idea. After seeing how Dinky handled herself in battle, and theorizing that she may one day be able to use the husk element as her own, gives the remaining husk of the element of Magic to her, and tells her to go see Twilight. Upon doing so, Twilight, although a bit skeptical at first, tells her the elements from their current time should be able to restore it, at which point it can hopefully purge the spirit controlling her future self.

Things won't be that simple though. After Discord and Chrysalis managed to get a hold of the Elements of Harmony before they could use it against them, they scattered them amongst the lands of Equestria and only they are aware of where they're at, with Twilight herself teleporting her element to a random location that even ''she's'' not sure where it is. ([[LampshadeHanging Which she admits]] [[WhatAnIdiot was a stupid move in hindsight]])

In hopes that she can restore the element back to its normal self and stop the BadFuture from happening, Dinky sets out an adventure, having to work with the main cast in hopes of finding where they hid their elements and hopefully restore the future Element of Magic back to it's former glory, and stop the spirit of Nightmare Moon once and for all. She is not alone, however, as she is soon accompanied by the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who are more than willing to help a fellow filly out. (Especially if it gets them their "World Saviors" cutie mark in the process.)

While the plot of the game itself is essentially ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' with a ''[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Friendship is Magic]]'' makeover, that doesn't mean it doesn't have any interest for those who don't just want to replay ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' [[RecycledInSpace but with ponies]].

While some areas remain the same like Onett being renamed Ponyville, completely new areas have also been added in based on locations from the show, and while some enemies may be ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' enemies by another name (The Parasprites being Spiteful Crows, for example) it also adds in a whole new slew of bosses, original enemies, and does quite a few minor tweaking to some aspects that were in ''VideoGame/EarthBound''. Additionally, while there's still lines from the original game present, there's also a lot of new, humorous dialogue added as well. The difficulty is also notably increased in comparison to ''VideoGame/EarthBound''. Not to ''Kaizo'' insanity lengths, but enough that it'll make you actually consider [[UselessUsefulSpell using certain PSI and items you normally wouldn't in the original]], such as paralysis, flash, and shields, even stuff the neutralizer and secret herbs.

Overall, while it starts off slow, it eventually finds it's own wings, and at least worth a look if you are not normally not into these kinds of things.

Download for the patch can be found [[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Community/PKHack/EquestriaBound/page/1/ here.]] As per-Wiki policy, you'll have to search out your own rom.

!! This hack contains examples of:

* AdaptationPersonalityChange: In addition to CharacterizationMarchesOn below, certain characters have had personality changes that are either the result of [=FiM=] characters replacing ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' characters or vice-versa.
** With the Minch family being replaced with Tiara's family, they're a lot nicer than Minch family is, being rather polite to Dinky and co. when talking to them. Of course, Diamond Tiara is still a jerk though, and [[spoiler: her mother still thinks she deserves a swift hoof sometimes, and does end up accidentally killing future(!) Princess Luna.]]
** The Diamond Dogs [[note]]The [=FiM=] characters, not the actual ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' boss[[/note]] are also far more nicer to Dinky and Co. than they were to the mane cast on the show, thanks to replacing the excavation team in the desert. Could be handwaved due to the fact that Dinky and Co. do help them out with their dig, but even before hand they're willing to let them rest at their site with no problems.
* AdaptationalVillainy: While a lot of them ''are'' jerks in the show, much like Giygas in the original game, Nightmare Moon is able to influence beings from the past to do her bidding, all of whom have a grudge against Equestria or the mane cast for some reason. [[spoiler: Some examples being Trixie and Gilda.]] It even extends to some non-jerkish characters as well, such as [[spoiler: Lyra.]]
* AdaptedOut: The Bubble Monkey and his later wife are completely absent from this hack, and don't even get pony / show replacements to reprise their roles.
* AmazonBrigade: Unlike ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' which operated on TheSmurfettePrinciple in terms of party members, all the members you get as your main party are female.
* AntiFrustrationFeature: The game notably has a few tweaks to it that deal with some of the minor complaints ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' gets.

** Dinky appears to get homesickness far less than Ness does. It's possible to go the entire game and have Dinky get home sickness only ''once'' throughout the entirety of it.

** You also get some items and equipment earlier than normal to help you get passed some of the more annoying areas in the game.
** Certain items like the HP Sucker, sprays, and shield killers have been buffed to be a bit more useful.

** While the show ''has'' shown that ponies are more technologically advanced than one might think, they have never shown anything like cars and vans in it. As such, with some areas like Onett only getting a rename and some mild aesthetic changes (like renaming the Onett sign to Ponyville) this results in things like paved road ways and ponies driving around in cars, which has never been in the show itself.

* ArsonMurderAndJaywalking: According to Jet Set (who's replacing Monotoli) the reasons he acted the way he did were because his business was collapsing, his wife left him, and he missed lunch.

* BaitAndSwitch: A lot of humor in this hack seems to come from playing with what you'd expect in regards to [[VideoGame/EarthBound the original game's plot.]] For example, when you're attempting to get the bad key machine like Jeff did in the original, it turn's out Apple Bloom's teacher doesn't appear to be nearly as good at technology as Jeff's is, as when he give it to you, it quickly catches on fire, much to his shock. As result, he ends up giving you a simple lock pick set instead.
* BigDamnHeroes: Like in the original where the Runaway Five stopped the Clumsy Robot, Vinyl shows up to help stop it in this hack. However, unlike the Runaway Five, she doesn't hit the off switch. She blasts it with her Bass Cannon and does over ''[[NoKillLikeOverKill six digits worth of damage to it!]]''

** The 'Hotsauce Cupcake' Pinkie made. It's apparently hotsauce upon hotsauce that's baked directly into the cupcake that causes the pony (or anyone, really) who eats it to ''[[FireBreathingDiner breathe fire]]'' shortly after. A good thing too, since wooden cupcakes replace the iron pencils from the original.

* BonusBoss: The game has four which give out the playable casts {{Infinity Plus One Sword}}s. According to the hack creator, they were added specifically so there could be a set drop for them, as to prevent any [[RareRandomDrop Sword of Kings]] situations. In order to locate them, you need to use the Changeling Cobbler near a pony who's acting strange, with a few hints from [=NPCs=] in the area pointing you in the right direction. Note though; attempting to ''fight'' the bonus bosses as soon as you get the Changeling Cobbler is [[NintendoHard not recommended unless you really know how to use EarthBound's battle mechanics.]]
** Of the four Bonus Bosses, [[spoiler: a Changeling disguised as Big Mac is one of them. Besides using super bombs, his charge attack, while not technically a OneHitKill, can very well one shot a character even with power shields up unless you're really high leveled. He also takes ''[[DamageSpongeBoss four roman candles to the face]]'' [[note]]the games equivalent to Multi-Bottle Rockets[[/note]] before going down. Beating him gets you Apple Bloom's ultimate weapon, a [[ChainsawGood chainsaw.]]]]
** A [[spoiler: Changeling disguised as Sapphire Shores is the second one, located in Manehattan. She has a wide variety of status inducers which range from paralysis to feeling strange, but thankfully her attacks will only likely one shot Scoots. She's immune to roman candles, and has a power shield to reflect against magic attacks, so make sure to have the neutralizer on Bloom if you attempt to fight her. Beating her, naturally, gets Sweetie's ultimate mic, which while it's actually weaker than what she likely has equipped by that point damage wise, increases her guts stat to an insane degree.]]
** A[[spoiler:''nother'' Changeling disguised as Rainbow Dash is also one of them. Like Sapphire, she has a power shield to reflect magic, and this time ''doesn't'' telegraph when she's about to use the Sonic Rainboom, in addition to having ''several'' crowd hitting attacks that slam the entire party, escentially being the Kraken ''on steroids''. LifeUP Omega is pretty much needed if you don't want a TotalPartyKill, and expect to be casting it every turn. Beating her gets you Scootaloo's scooter, the games equivalent to the Sword of Kings.]]
** Surprisingly, the BonusBoss that gives Dinky her ultimate weapon [[spoiler: ''isn't'' a Changeling. Rather, you end up fighting the ''real'' Princess Luna in Canterlot Royal Palace after you beat her Changeling counterpart guarding her original birth place. Ironically, despite being able to nuke the group with Friend omega, she's arguably the easiest of the {{Bonus Boss}}es. Defeating her gets you the [[LethalJokeWeapon Cardboard Tube]], which not only increases attack, but also gives a massive guts boost, in addition to letting her finally get [[CriticalHit Smash Attacks]].]]
* BreakingTheFourthWall: Like on the show, Pinkie is prone to this. When you have to give her some food to advance the plot, she asks if it's ice cream, but quickly backpedals and mentions that ice cream 'isn't in this game'.

** During the Dungeon Man / [[spoiler: Human Museum]], while listing off fun facts about the human body, one of the billboards says 'Did you know the punishment for trying to summon humans is 200 hours of community service?'. Take a wild guess what happens early on in the game, [[spoiler: and who that punishment is dealt to.]]
** The game also has one, surprisingly, to ''VideoGame/EarthBoundBeginnings''. [[spoiler: In order to defeat Nightmare Moon, you need to use Dinky's sing command to sing the song the Elements of Harmony played when Dinky collected them, like how Ninten and co. had to do with Giegue after collecting all eight melodies.]]
* CharacterizationMarchesOn: This game was made sometime around early season four, and thus uses some common fandom interperations of characters at the time. Characters that would eventually reappear in later episodes [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic of the show]] ended up having some rather different characterizations than what fans thought, ranging from minor differences to being all but the ''complete opposite'' of what the fandom thought about them, so as a result, some characterization may seem wildly different from the show, even considering it supposedly takes place sometime during season three.
** One of the notable examples is [[spoiler: Gilda. In this game, she's hell bent on revenge against Rainbow Dash and the others and has no problems enslaving the Mr. Saturns and tormenting them for fun. Then [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E8TheLostTreasureOfGriffonstone she returned in a season five episode]] that showed that deep down she was a JerkWithAHeartOfGold and one of the few griffon's to care about others, albeit without letting on. The episode ends with her and Rainbow Dash making up and becoming friends again, too, which doesn't help.]]
** Vinyl was [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E9SliceOfLife also confirmed to be]] TheVoiceless in the episode focusing on the popular background ponies, yet has no problems speaking in this game. Granted, not as bad as some of the other characterizations that got {{Jossed}}, since many people often take liberties with TheVoiceless characters in fanworks [[note]]an example being Link from ''Franchise/LegendOfZelda''[[/note]], but still notable.
** Depending on who you ask, Lyra's human obsession and the entire human cult mini-arc is either now this thanks to the events of [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E9SliceOfLife "Slice of Life"]], or was simply not given focus in the episode.

** Similarly, this puts ''Diamond Tiara herself'' here. In the game, she's portrayed as a straight up {{Jerkass}} with no redeeming qualities what so ever and delights in taunting the Crusaders at every chance she gets, in no thanks to taking up Porky's role from the original. Then the above episode aired, and it now puts her characterization in this game in an [[IJustWantToHaveFriends equally]] [[HarsherInHindsight different]] [[JerkassFacade light]].

* CharacterNameLimits: Like ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', there's a limited amount of space to the characters names. However, the game manages to get around this slightly by having you name one part for characters who have two part names. For example, Sweetie Belle will always have 'Sweetie' at the start of her name, so if you rename the 'Belle' part with something else, it'll be 'Sweetie 'X''.
* ComingOfAgeStory: In a sense. While the Crusaders don't change too much over the course of the game, [[spoiler: Dinky ''does'' get her cutie mark over the adventure. [[FailureIsTheOnlyOption None of the other Crusaders do, mind you,]] and it's a fact they're rather annoyed by, but they consider "One out of four" isn't so bad. Which is mildly HeartwarmingInHindsight since it was eventually confirmed that helping others find their special talent ''is'' their special talent.]]

** Character wise, Lyra ends up filling the roles of both Mr. Carpainter and Dungeon Man. Both of these end up changing the goals from "blue themed cult" and "wanting make the best dungeon" to "human themed cult that wants to summon humans to Equestria" and "wants to make the best human themed museum" respectively.

** Pinkie is mentioned to be a good baker like on the show. However, some [=NPCS=] make mention that some of her original creations tend to be rather... ''weird''. One NPC makes mention of how when she tried one of her original creations, it ended up turning her plaid for a short while.
** In addition, she makes a cupcake that's so spicy it causes those who eat it to ''breath fire'', dragon dentures so ponies can eat gems like dragons (even though it tastes like rocks to them), and a cobble that somehow tastes better the closer it is to changelings. [[spoiler: The last of which is needed for locating the games {{Bonus Boss}}ess.]]
* CreatorCameo: Not the creator of the hack itself, but rather Creator/{{Lauren Faust}}'s AuthorAvatar replaces the hint guy from the original.

* DemonicPossession: The spirit of Nightmare Moon is back, and realizing that she can't beat Twilight and co. in a direct confrontation, she decides that, if you can't beat 'em, [[TakeAThirdOption possess 'em.]]
* DemotedBoss: PlayedWith when you get to Fire Spring. [[spoiler: They're not the bosses you faced ''specifically'', but rather the true forms of the Changelings that were disguising themselves as the mane cast at each sanctuary.]]

** {{Subverted}} then Played Straight. [[spoiler: The Celestia and Luna you fight guarding their birth places are actually Changelings in disguise. However, you ''do'' get to fight the ''actual'' Princess Luna as a BonusBoss for Dinky's InfinityPlusOneSword, and of course, you also eventually punch out Nightmare Moon at the end of the game.]]
** Of course, Dinky and Apple Bloom also [[spoiler: punch out Discord too.]]

* EarlyGameHell: {{Zig Zagged}}. In certain aspects, it's easier than in the instance of this in VideoGame/EarthBound, but in other aspects, it's harder. Dinky can't get [[CriticalHit Smash Attacks]] with her weapons, and [[spoiler: the Changeling disguised as Pinkie Pie]] is also a notable step up from the Titanic Ant, which [[WakeUpCallBoss that alone should tell you something.]] However, you don't fight five Onett police officers in a row and then Officer Strong. Instead, you just fight [[spoiler: [[GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere Tom]]]], who doesn't have anywhere near as devastating attacks as Strong did. Certain replacement enemies also don't seem to hit as hard or use their hard hitting attacks as often, such as the Trixie fanboys in comparison to the Sharks.
* EnlightenmentSuperpowers: Upon getting all the elements, like Ness in the original, Dinky gets a ''massive'' boost to all her stats. [[spoiler: She also gets her cutie mark in the process.]]
* {{Expy}}: While the game sticks true to the canon characterization to the characters, albeit fit into the roles of characters from ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', gameplay wise, the playable characters are mostly this to the chosen four in ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', albeit with a few minor tweeks. Specifically;

** [[WeatherManipulation Scootaloo]] = [[QuirkyBard Poo.]]
* FailureIsTheOnlyOption: Even after going on a grand adventure and single hoof-edly saving Equestria, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo [[spoiler: ''still'' fail to get a cutie mark out of the deal, a fact they're rather annoyed by. ''Dinky'' does, which is enough for the Crusaders to consider the whole thing not ''so'' bad.]]

* FriendToAllLivingThings: As per-usual, Fluttershy. In the hack, she is busy taking care of the {{Underground Monkey}}s.

** In the 1.6 update, certain [=NPCs=] like the Canterlot Royal Guard will walk into the head party character if you stand in the wrong place while talking to them and triggering an event flag, causing them to get stuck and forcing you to restart the game. Hope you saved before hand...
** Also in the 1.6 update, sometimes the save points in Cloudsdale won't register you've saved with them, bumping you back to the last save you made when you restart the game. Hope you didn't do a lot of things before saving there. Also makes Cloudsdale an unintentional MarathonLevel, especially when you're going for the sanctuary location.

* GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere: Unlike in the original game, where Onett's famous police force blocked off the road to Twoson, the road was instead blocked off by a bunch of boulders from the meteor strike. After getting the Element of Laughter, Applejack volunteers to help clean it up. Upon going there and talking to her, however, she notes something is weird about the boulders... [[spoiler: At which point it are promptly attacked by Tom. Yes, ''that'' Tom. The rock Rarity thought was a giant gem.]]

** {{Averted}} in regards to a certain someone in the original. Even though Tony has been replaced with Twist in the hack, she still has his rather [[GettingCrapPastTheRadar interesting sub text dialogue]] in regards to Apple Bloom.
** Also {{Averted}} in the fact that [[spoiler: despite the fact that the entire party is made up of girls, Sweetie stills holds to Paula's original role in that she's implied to have deeper feelings for Dinky at the end of the game.]]
* ImprobableAccessoryEffect: Like in ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', weapons and armor don't just increase your offense and defense. Instead, they can provide a variety of different stat buffs to magic, guts, defense and so on. However, the game actually shows you what stats can be boosted by any possibly accessory, instead of just showing attack and defense like in ''VideoGame/EarthBound''.
* ImprobableWeaponUser: While the group has equipment based on their personality (Apple Bloom using stuff like power tools, Scootaloo using different kinds of weather based attacks) Dinky stands out in that she uses ''old mail'' as her main weapon.

* InfinityMinusOneSword: Dinky's "future mail". It actually gives a higher attack stat than the cardboard tube, but unlike that, it doesn't give the guts boost the cardboard tube has, in addition to being unable to get [[CriticalHit Smash Attacks]] like it can.
* LethalJokeWeapon: Dinky's ultimate weapon is a cardboard tube. Despite what it sounds like, it gives her a big attack boost, the second highest in the game, in addition to giving her a massive boost to her guts stat, as well as finally letting her get [[CriticalHit Smash Attacks]] like the rest of the group.
* LookWhatICanDoNow: [[spoiler: Like Poo with PK Starstorm in the original, the first thing Scootaloo does after returning from her training is use the Sonic Rainboom to punch out the returned Gilda.]]
* TheMagnificent: As per-usual, Trixie refers to herself as 'the great and powerful'. Upon defeating her [[spoiler: and her Robo-Ursa]] she'll start referring to Dinky as 'The Great and Powerful Dinky'.
* TheMentor: Rainbow Dash decided to become this to Scootaloo. After she managed to prove herself rather capable in her own right in several aspects, she considered her worthy enough to teach her the Sonic Rainboom. (The game's equivalent to PK Starstorm in the original.)
* MirrorBoss: [[spoiler: Nightmare Dinky. Unlike Ness' nightmare, she has her own unique sprite, in addition to having ''every'' ability in Dinky's arsenal. This includes lifeup and shields. She can also use the omega version of Dinky's main attack. Hope you stocked up on magic puddings. This battle's going to take a while...]]
* MotorMouth: Like in the show, Pinkie often ends up going on tangents about anything and everything. Notably, her texts often ends up scrolling without you ever pressing a key.

** Every battle against an opponent that, in ''[=EarthBound=]'', played the track "Battle Against a Weak Opponent", such as the battle against the Parasprites (who replace Spiteful Crows) or Runaway Dogs, plays the theme Pinkie used to get the Parasprites out of Ponyville.
** The hotel theme is the song Fluttershy sings the Crusaders when she first babysat for them. (Well, at least the mellow parts of it, anyways...)

** Dinky's Magicant, rather fittingly considering the context, plays an absolutely amazing ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' style remix of 'A true, true friend'. The Sea of Eden's theme is "I've Got to Find a Way".

* MythologyGag: [[spoiler: Sea Ponies replace the Tendas from Tenda Village. Quite a few also quite big {{Jerkass}}es.]]

* NotAsYouKnowThem: Each area where an Element of Harmony is located is guarded by the respective holder of said element. Even though they know you need the Elements to stop the BadFuture from happening, they won't let you in unless you fight them... [[spoiler: This is because they're Changelings disguised as a member of the mane cast, who are being controlled by Nightmare Moon to stop them from getting the Elements.]]
* PinocchioSyndrome: The Happy Happists in the game have been replaced with a group of ponies who wish to bring humans to the world of Equestria. Take a wild guess as to who is leading the charge. This even extends to enemies, as the Happists enemies have been replaced with ''pony human [[{{Cosplay}} cosplayers!]]''
* ReadTheFinePrint: Vinyl Scratch replaces the Runaway Guys in this hack. While the Runaway Guys were suckered into the role by the manager, Vinyl ended up in the role because she's terrible at reading contracts, mentioning how she usually nods off a quarter of the way through. Later when she preforms in the theater at Manehattan, it turns out to be a {{Subversion}}. Yes, she stuck there, but not because of a contract. [[ShockinglyExpensiveBill Rather, she racked up a million bits in room service.]]
* RemixedLevel: Several levels from the original game have been given new coats of paint to resemble areas from the show but, otherwise, are basically the same when it comes to the layout. For example; Cloudsdale takes place [[CaptainObvious on clouds]] and has a new building design there but, otherwise, it's layout is basically the same as Dalaam in the original. Canterlot is similar; the beach has been turned into an overlook on top of a cliff face but, otherwise, it's still Summers in all but name. Even the buildings there are mostly unedited. According to the hack creator, this is the result of a combination of the game graphically freaking out whenever he attempted a major overhaul, many event flags needing to be changed to keep the overall plot of the game intact if he were to massively overhaul the maps and/or causing many {{Game Breaking Bug}}s as a result.
* Main/{{Revenge}}:
** Part of the reason [[spoiler: Gilda]] is working for Nightmare Moon is to get revenge against [[spoiler: Rainbow Dash]], despite [[spoiler: her]] hatred of ponies.
** Trixie originally returned to Ponyville in order get revenge on Twilight. After Dinky manages to beat her [[spoiler: and the Robo-Ursa]], she appears to have mellowed out and accepted defeat this time.
* RunningGag: Changelings disguised as Rainbow Dash. Over the course of the game, you end up fighting no less than [[spoiler: ''three'']] of them at different points, with one of them being a reoccurring enemy in a late game dungeon! [[spoiler: And another one as a BonusBoss, of which also seems to imply that ''canon'' Rainbow Dash is a changeling!]]
* SanitySlippage: [[spoiler: Nightmare Moon slowly starts losing her coherent thought process shortly after transforming into her pure nightmare form. Fitting, considering whose she's replacing...]]
* SequelHook: Like ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', the game ends with [[spoiler: Diamond Tiara daring Dinky to chase after her.]] Considering there's no real way to hack ''VideoGame/{{Mother 3}}'' yet outside of stuff like fan translations, only time will tell if this is ever followed upon... Of course, the hack creator ''has'' said he hopes to make another [=FiM=] RPG using it's own custom game engine. Whether or not it follows on this though...

** Among the many default naming options for Dinky, [[Fanfic/PastSins Nyx]] is one of them, as well as [[WesterAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends Bloo.]] Meanwhile, one of Sweetie's default names is [[WebVideo/FriendshipIsWitchcraft Bot.]]

** Considering Doctor Whooves replaces Dr. Andonuts in this hack, you can expect a ton of Series/DoctorWho references.
** One of the enemies in game is called "[[Series/TheWalkingDead The Trotting Dead]]".
** One of the ponies in the desert calls [[spoiler: Lyra's GiantMecha]] [[Manga/GetterRobo Getter Human Z]].

* TookALevelInKindness: The Diamond Dogs are notably a lot more nicer than they were in their original appearance here, from treating the ponies with something resembling respect to even helping the group out later on. Granted, the later was because they see gold as WorthlessYellowRocks, but still.

** {{Averted}}. While it was also {{Averted}} to a degree in ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', quite a few bosses also have their own weaknesses added based on their personality from the show. In addition, some of them ''will'' make you use stuff like shields and stat boosts, which is often glossed over in ''VideoGame/EarthBound''. For example, [[spoiler: the Changeling Disguised as Rainbow Dash is weak to sleep due to Rainbow Dash being rather lazy when she isn't training for possibly joining the Wonderbolts, and her Rainboom Attack ''will'' TotalPartyKill your group if you don't get Sweetie Belle's magic shields up on everyone.]]
** This even extends to [[AvertedTrope averting]] things such as items. Almost ''nobody'' uses stuff like secret herbs or the shield killer or neutralizer, mostly because PSI Healing easily covers the former and the latter is so rare and not particularly dangerous that it's not worth having on hand. In this hack, you ''will'' need the former thanks to certain status' appearing far earlier than ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', which includes up to ''diamondizing'' appearing mid game, when it normally doesn't until late game, and the latter is useful since several bosses have shields they didn't in the original. The neutralizer in particular is going to be needed for some of the {{Bonus Boss}}es in the game, as all but ''one'' of them have psychic shields to reflect your magic back at you.
* VagueAge: Dinky and the Crusaders look no older than they do on the show, but certain things, such as Apple Bloom apparently being old enough to go to a boarding school for mechanics by herself, and the fact that most of the Crusaders sisters don't seem all that worried about them wandering around Equestria by themselves, seems to suggest that they may be OlderThanTheyLook in this hack.
* VideoGameCrueltyPotential: The Starmen in the game have been replaced with enslaved ponies, all of who have sad look about them like they're only reluctantly fighting you like they have no choice. As in the original, one of them can possibly drop Scoots' ultimate weapon, but you wouldn't go around knocking them out when they likely don't want to fight in the first place... would you?

** [[spoiler: The Changeling disguised as Pinkie Pie.]] Though Trixie does have a few new techniques that Frank didn't in the original (such as magic attacks, being able to put up shields) she isn't that much more difficult than he was in the original game. [[spoiler: The Changeling disguised as Pinkie]] however is a notable step up from the Titanic Ant from the original. It possess more devastating attacks [[spoiler: the party cannon can take out a third of your HP even if you're a bit over leveled than you'd normally be in VideoGame/EarthBound]] in addition to being able to inflict immobilization. You'll likely have to end up doing some level grinding to get Dinky's shield spell if you were expecting a usual Titanic Ant run...
** [[spoiler: The Changeling disguised as Rainbow Dash]] is another one. While the above is a notable showing that the bosses are much harder in this hack, the bosses that come between the above and this one either don't change too much from ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' or share weakness from bosses from ''VideoGame/EarthBound.'' [[spoiler: Changeling Disguised Rainbow]] however serves as a wakeup call that some bosses in this hack ''will'' require some form of strategy to beat. Namely, [[spoiler: for her at least, casting hypnosis at the right moments to avoid her ultimate attack then getting shield up to reflect it. Why is this important? Because, she uses the Sonic Rainboom, and in this hack, the Sonic Rainboom is the equivalent to '''''PK Starstorm''''' in the original. It ''will'' result in a TotalPartyKill if you don't know how to spot it's tell and prepare for it.]] Once you know how to prepare for it, it isn't too hard a battle, but knowing ''how'' to counter it is key to winning.

* WhatAnIdiot: InUniverse, Twilight herself [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] that teleporting her element to a random location that even ''she'' isn't sure of where it went in hopes no future {{Big Bad}}s would steal it before they could get to it was, admittedly, a stupid move in hindsight. [[spoiler: Turns out to be an even ''bigger'' dumb move than she thought, since said location is '''the Changeling Hive!''']]
* WholePlotReference: The main thing that makes it this instead of a simple texture swap like VideoGame/PonyFantasyVI is that it doesn't follow the VideoGame/EarthBound plot to an exact letter. In addition to the characters remaining faithful to the [=FiM=] roots, the plot is again, similar, but not exact. Some minor differences and such do pop up, in addition to the new areas added to the game.
* WorldOfChaos: Moonhattan, the Moonside counterpart to Manehattan. [[spoiler: Unsurprisingly, it's Discord's doing.]]
* WorthlessYellowRocks: The Diamond Dogs replace the excavator in Dusty Dunes Desert. Unfortunately they weren't able to find a gem like the excavator. All they found were worthless yellow rocks, which is conveniently enough yellow rocks to pay off the massive room service bill Vinyl racked up. Still, it wasn't a gem, so they give it to Dinky and Co. anyways.

---------

** {{Averted}} in regards to certain someone in the original. Even though Tony has been replaced with Twist in the hack, she still has his rather [[GettingCrapPastTheRadar interesting sub text dialogue]] in regards to Apple Bloom.

** Ponyville plays a more mellow remix of the show's main theme.
** The battle against the Parasprites or Runaway Dogs plays the theme Pinkie used to get the Parasprites out of Ponyville.

** Manehattan's theme is "Babs Seed, just a bad seed" even though Babs Seed doesn't appear in the game.
** Canterlot's theme is "The Failure Song".
** Dinky's Magicant, rather fittingly considering the context, plays an absolutely amazing ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' style remix of 'A true, true friend'.

* MythologyGag: [[spoiler: Sea Ponies replace the Tendas from Tenda Village. Quite a few also quite big {{Jerkass}}ess.]]

** Among the many default naming options for Dinky, [[Fanfic/PastSins Nyx]] is one of them, as well as [[WesterAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends Bloo.]]

** This even extends to [[AvertedTrope averting]] things such as items. Almost ''nobody'' uses stuff like secret herbs or the shield killer or neutralizer, mostly because PSI Healing easily covers the former and the latter is so rare and not particularly dangerous that it's not worth having on hand. In this hack, you ''will'' need the former thanks to certain status' appearing far earlier than ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', which includes up to ''dimondizing'' appearing mid game, when it normally doesn't until late game, and the latter is useful since several bosses have shields they didn't in the original. The neutralizer in particular is going to be needed for some of the {{Bonus Boss}}es in the game, as all but ''one'' of them have psychic shields to reflect your magic back at you.

* RunningGag: Changelings disguised as Rainbow Dash. Over the course of the game, you end up fighting no less than [[spoiler: ''three'']] of them at different points, with one of them being a reoccurring enemy in a late game dungeon! [[spoiler: And another one as a BonusBoss, of which also seems to imply that ''canon'' Rainbow Dash is a changeling!]]

* RemixedLevel: Several levels from the original game have been given new coats of paint to resemble areas from the show but, otherwise, are basically the same when it comes to the layout. For example; Cloudsdale takes place [[CaptainObvious on clouds]] and has a new building design there but, otherwise, it's layout is basically the same as Dalaam in the original. Canterlot is similar; the beach has been turned into an overlook on top of a cliff face but, otherwise, it's still Summers in all but name. Even the buildings there are mostly unedited. According to the hack creator, this is the result of a combination of the game graphically freaking out whenever he attempted a major overhaul, many event flags needing to be changed to keep the overall plot of the game intact if he were to massively overhaul the maps and/or causing many GameBreakingBugs as a result.

* RemixedLevel: Of the levels that carry over from ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', such as Peaceful Rest Valley, the layouts have either been altered in some way from a lot to a little. Peaceful Rest Valley is notably a lot more open than in ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', and has a few more dead ends and new items that weren't there in the original.

** The game stays true to the portrayal of the Changelings as a malevolent species of shapeshifters led by Queen Chrysalis since their debut in the [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS2E26ACanterlotWeddingPart2 Season 2 finale]]. Unfortunately, this long-established characterization has become [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS6E17TheTimesTheyAreAChangeling obsolete]] in the [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS6E25ToWhereAndBackAgainPart1 following wake]] [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS6E25ToWhereAndBackAgainPart2 of Season 6]].

The plot kicks off with a meteor crash lands one night near Dinky's house. Setting out to figure out what's going on not unlike Ness did in the original, she eventually goes through similar events where Diamond Tiara knocks on her door and asks her to find Silver Spoon, not unlike Pokey / [[SpellMyNameWithAnS Porky]] did to find his younger brother Picky in the original, and eventually encounters Princess Luna, (who use the last of her magic to transform herself into a fly to escape from the evil threatening the future) who comes from the future where the evil spirit that possessed her has returned and, in a moment of {{Dangerously Genre Savvy}}-ness, took over Twilight's body as it's host to render the elements useless, eventually reducing the element of magic itself to a husk, with the others likely destroyed.

* DemonicPossession: The spirit of Nightmare Moon is back, and [[DangerouslyGenreSavvy realizing that she can't beat Twilight and co. in a direct confrontation,]] she decides that, if you can't beat 'em, [[TakeAThirdOption possess 'em.]]

** {{Subverted}} then {{Played Straight}}. [[spoiler: The Celestia and Luna you fight guarding their birth places are actually Changelings in disguise. However, you ''do'' get to fight the ''actual'' Princess Luna as a BonusBoss for Dinky's InfinityPlusOneSword, and of course, you also eventually punch out Nightmare Moon at the end of the game.]]

* DangerouslyGenreSavvy: Nightmare Moon, or at least, her spirit, upon reforming at some point in the future, made a specific goal to possess Twilight before enacting her revenge, as it would make the Elements of Harmony useless against her since Twilight herself is the Element of Magic.

* WhatAnIdiot: InUniverse, Twilight herself [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] that teleporting her element to a random location that even ''she'' isn't sure of where it went in hopes no future {{Big Bad}}s would steal it before they could get to it was, admittedly, a stupid move in hindsight. [[spoiler: Turns out to be an even ''bigger'' dumb move than she thought, since said location is ''the Changeling Hive''!]]

* WhatAnIdiot: InUniverse, Twilight herself [[LampshadeHanging lampshades]] that teleporting her element to a random location that even ''she'' isn't sure of where it went in hopes no future {{Big Bad}}s would steal it before they could get to it was, admittedly, a stupid move in hindsight. [[spoiler: Turns out to be an even ''bigger' dumb move than she thought, since said location is ''the Changeling Hive''!]]

** Depending on who you ask, Lyra's human obsession and the entire human human cult mini-arc is either now this thanks to the events of [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E9SliceOfLife "Slice of Life"]], or was simply not given focus in the episode.

** Pinkie is mentioned to be a good barker like on the show. However, some [=NPCS=] make mention that some of her original creations tend to be rather... ''weird''. One NPC makes mention of how when she tried one of her original creations, it ended up turning her plaid for a short while.

** A[[spoiler:''nother'' Changeling Disguised as Rainbow Dash is also one of them. Like Sapphire, she has a power shield to reflect magic, and this time ''doesn't'' telegraph when she's about to use the Sonic Rainboom, in addition to having ''several'' crowd hitting attacks that slam the entire party, escentially being the Kraken ''on steroids''. LifeUP Omega is pretty much needed if you don't want a TotalPartyKill, and expect to be casting it every turn. Beating her gets you Scootaloo's scooter, the games equivalent to the Sword of Kings.]]

* ApatheticCitizens: Despite the fact that they're just fillies and a few of them are sisters to one of the mane cast, the mane cast seems to have no problem letting Dinky and the Crusaders journey around Equestria while they sit around twittling their hooves.

** Of the four Bonus Bosses, [[spoiler: a Changeling Disguised as Big Mac is one of them. Besides using super bombs, his charge attack, while not technically a OneHitKill, can very well one shot a character even with power shields up unless you're really high leveled. He also takes ''[[DamageSpongeBoss four roman candles to the face]]'' [[labelnote:*]]the games equivalent to Multi-Bottle Rockets[[/labelnote]] before going down. Beating him gets you Apple Bloom's ultimate weapon, a [[ChainsawGood chainsaw.]]]]

** Dinky learns her magic attacks fairly quicker then Ness learns his PSI attacks to make the early game a bit easier. Also, while Homesickness still ''is'' a part of the game, Dinky appears to get it far less than Ness does. It's possible to go the entire game and have Dinky get home sickness only ''once'' throughout the entirety of it.
** Due to the larger hitboxes on pony sprites, certain areas have been made a bit more larger or had certain things removed to keep you from getting stuck.

* EarlyGameHell:
** {{Zig Zagged}}. In certain aspects, it's easier than in the instance of this in VideoGame/EarthBound, but in other aspects, it's harder. Dinky can't get [[CriticalHit Smash Attacks]] with her weapons, and [[spoiler: the Changeling disguised as Pinkie Pie]] is also a notable step up from the Titanic Ant, which [[WakeUpCallBoss that alone should tell you something.]] However, you don't fight five Onett police officers in a row and then Officer Strong. Instead, you just fight [[spoiler: [[GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere Tom]]]], who doesn't have anywhere near as devastating attacks as Strong did. Certain replacement enemies also don't seem to hit as hard or use their hard hitting attacks as often, such as the Trixie fanboys in comparison to the Sharks.

* EarlyGameHell: {{Zig Zagged}}. In certain aspects, it's easier than in the instance of this in VideoGame/EarthBound, but in other aspects, it's harder. It's easier in the fact that Dinky noticeable learns her spells a lot quicker than Ness learns his PSI attacks, but unlike Ness, she can't get [[CriticalHit Smash Attacks]] with her weapon. Also, while the enemies don't seem to posses as many hard hitting attacks early on, Dinky seems to have a lower guts stat growth than Ness, which means her HP scrolls down a bit quicker than his, making it harder to save yourself from mortal blows. [[spoiler: The Changeling disguised as Pinkie Pie]] is also a notable step up from the Titanic Ant, which [[WakeUpCallBoss that alone should tell you something.]] You also don't fight five Onett police officers in a row and then Officer Strong. Instead, you just fight [[spoiler: [[GiantSpaceFleaFromNowhere Tom]]]], who doesn't have anywhere near as devastating attacks as Strong did.
** In short, some things are easier about the game in comparison to ''VideoGame/EarthBound'', while some things are noticeably harder.

* ComingOfAgeStory: In a sense. While the Crusaders don't change too much over the course of the game, [[spoiler: Dinky ''does'' get her cutie mark over the adventure. [[FailureIsTheOnlyOption None of the other Crusaders do, mind you,]] and it's a fact they're rather annoyed by, but they consider "One out of four" isn't so bad.]]

** Similarly, this puts ''Diamond Tiara herself'' here. In the game, she's portrayed as a straight up {{Jerkass}} with no redeeming qualities what so ever and delights in taunting the Crusaders at every chance she gets, in no thanks to taking up Porky's role from the original. Then the above episode aired, and it now puts her characterization in this game in an [[IJustWantToHaveFriends equally]] [[HarsherInHindsight different]] [[{{Jerkass Façade}} light]].

** The Diamond Dogs [[note]]The [=FiM=] characters, not the actual ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' boss[[/note]] are also far more nicer to Dinky and Co. than they were to the mane cast on the show, thanks to replacing the excavation team in the desert. Could be handwaved due to the fact that Dinky and Co. do help them out with their dig, but even before hand they're willing to let them rest at their site before hand.

* AdaptationPersonalityChange: In addition to CharacterizationMarchesOn below, certain characters have had personality changes that are either the result of [=FiM=] characters replacing ''VideoGame/EarthBound'' characters are vice-versa.

Overall, while it starts off slow, it eventually finds it's own wings, and at least worth a look if your normally not into these kinds of things.

** [[spoiler: The Changeling disguised as Pinkie Pie.]] Though Trixie does have a few new techniques that Frank didn't in the original (such as magic attacks, being able to put up shields) she isn't that much more difficult than he was in the original game. [[spoiler: The Changeling disguised as Pinkie]] however is a notable step up from the Titanic Ant from the original. It possess more devastating attacks [[spoiler: the party cannon can take out a third of your HP even if your a bit over leveled than you'd normally be in VideoGame/EarthBound]] in addition to being able to inflict immobilization. You'll likely have to end up doing some level grinding to get Dinky's shield spell if you were expecting a usual Titanic Ant run...

** Vinyl was [[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E9SliceOfLife also confirmed to be]] TheVoiceless in the episode focusing on the popular background ponies, yet has no problems speaking in this game. Granted, not as bad as some of the other characterizations that got {{Jossed}}, since many people often take liberates with TheVoiceless characters in fanworks [[note]]an example being Link from ''Franchise/LegendOfZelda''[[/note]], but still notable.
** Depending on who you ask, Lyra's human obsession and the entire human human cult mini-arc is either now this thanks to the events of ''Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS5E9SliceOfLife'', or was simply not given focus in the episode.