History FanficRecs / Earthbound

Proof that [[SturgeonsLaw the remaining 10% is worth being absorbed by the darkness for]] here:

These are recommendations made by Tropers for ''Videogame/{{Earthbound}}'', all of which have been signed. After a few samples, you will be able to judge whether you might be interested in the 'fic, based on who recommended it. ''No-name recommendations will be '''{{zapped}}'''.'' Nobody would back up the rec. Discussion of the recommendation is welcome on the discussion page. As such discussion is important, do remember to add the discussion page to the watchlist, if need be.

Do warn when a fanfic may head into sexually explicit or non-canon territory. Some people just don't like it, and as we all know, {{Shipping}} is SeriousBusiness.
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[[WMG:[[GenFic General Fics]]]]
''Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that isn't focused on romance.''

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/21680089/chapters/51705415 The Pride Of Twoson]]'' by ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]''
* Reccomended by Tropers/PhoenixFire69
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'': Post-Second Sanctuary - the newly met Ness and Paula have a chance to get to know each other better. However, upon entering Twoson, Ness realises that the biggest challenges are still to come as Paula has unfinished business with her family.
* ''Comments'': Very well-written and wholesome, with a dose of drama. The way Ness and Paula are portrayed makes them feel more like real kids.

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/18836578 That's What Being Friends Is About]]'' by ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]''
* Reccomended by Tropers/PhoenixFire69
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'': Early-game Earthbound. The introverted and shy Ness recounts the first time he meets the bold and brazen Paula. The two realise how important their friendship is, and get to know each other better in Threed.
* ''Comments'': Also very well-written and wholesome, with a side of hurt/comfort.

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/17568824/chapters/41405444 Guardians]]'' by ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/robotrolecall/pseuds/robotrolecall robotrolecall]]''
* Reccomended by Tropers/PhoenixFire69
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'': Things get pretty deep when you’re stuck in a small space underneath a cemetery.
* ''Comments'': A nice look into what exactly Ness and Paula were doing while Jeff was on his way to rescue them.

''Two Skies,One Color'' by ''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2608496/The_Nefarious_Nerd TheNefariousNerd]]''
* Recommended by dompeace23
* Vanished from the internet. Please post a link if found.
* ''Synopsis'': Cave Story/Earthbound crossover in which Ness and Co. are warped to the Cave Story universe during the final battle with Giygas due to a mistake on Pokey's part. Now they must work together to save both universes.
* ''Comments'': Interesting concept. Above average writing and neatly utilizes the original game dialog. Features plenty of quality action. A great read.

''Fanfic/FobbiesAreBorange'' by Stephen Georg (xfisjmg1), Martin Tovar (matilda_caboose), Benjamin Carignan (Katon), Lewahi, and Chaz Estell ([=BlackLeader=])
* Recommended by {{Shaon}}
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'': Technically a fan ''radio play'', but still. Retells the story of ''Earthbound'' by adding some rather demented CharacterDevelopment (or undevelopment, in the case of Jeff) to the otherwise HeroicMime characters and some bizarre subplots involving sweet tea.
* ''Comments'': Considered by many to be the most epic undertaking by the fandom; formerly performed live over [[http://starmen.net/radio/ Radio PSI]].

''Webcomic/TheChosenFour'' [[http://starmen.net/comics/series/chosenfour/ by Darrow]]
* Recommended by SparkyLurkdragon
* ''Status'': Ongoing
* ''Synopsis'' - A fanmade comic adaptation of ''Earthbound''.
* ''Comments:'' Absolutely ''phenomenal'' execution. It's every bit as funny, strange, and at times scary as the game, with tons of AdaptationExpansion and pretty much no AdaptationDecay. As of this writing still in progress - you can follow the forum thread and get some very interesting author's notes [[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Fan/Forum/48624/page/1/ here]].

''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6570845/1/Existing_and_Exiting Existing and Exiting]]'' by ''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/u/174358/The_Exile The Exile]]''
* Recommended by [[Tropers/LadyBealzabub Lady B]]
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'': Giygas is defeated but Poo does not return to his body and nobody knows how to bring him back. Poo had never really understood the purpose of his Mu training until now.
* ''Comments'': A really interesting idea. Expands a little bit on the universe without turning GrimDark, like some of the fanwork tends to turn. I personally don't care for how Poo is characterized, but the idea makes up for it. [[spoiler: Also, an interesting take on the origin of the Absolutely Safe Capsule.]]

''[[http://starmen.net/comics/series/harmony/index.php Harmony]]''
* Recommended by Yaridovich23.
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'' A series of comics with two main stories showing Porky returning to Ness' time, and a view of the White Ship on its launch day.
* ''Comments:'' It's good for a few laughs and really has an accurate MOTHER tone to it, and it has interesting ideas on how some of the characters and events of MOTHER 3 came to be.

''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5133893/1/Dumb-Memories Dumb Memories]]''
* Recommended by Charlie95148
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis:'' Because no one deserves to live forever.
* ''Comments:'' For those who need a FixFic in which Porky Minch - [[JerkassWoobie the product of parental abuse, demonic possession,]] [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds hatred from his hometown peers for his body type, and time travel side effects on his mind]] - sees the error of his ways and [[spoiler: gets released from the Absolutely Safe Capsule.]] In the world of Mother, magic and love can trump the metal prison of science.

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/151022 Ten Songs]]'' by ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Rii Rii]]''
* Recommended by Topaz Light
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'': Ten songs, ten memories of the creature known as Giygas. In every memory, in every corner of its mind, she is there.
* ''Comments'': A short fic that's at once heartwarming and absolutely heart ''wrenching''. Far less concerned with depicting a series of factual events than with expressing Giygas' emotions, each of the ten passages reads like a raw stream of thought and feelings, never really exiting the realm of the simple perceptions and desires Giygas felt as a child. This fic is a short, emotional journey that's well worth the read for anybody interested in Giygas as a character.

''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12991064/1/Wisdom-Courage-Friendship-An-Earthbound-Novelization Wisdom, Courage, Friendship- An Earthbound Novelization]]'' by [[https://www.fanfiction.net/u/3281964/MetroidMan101 MetroidMan101]]
* Recommended by [=SuperYoshiFan02=]
* ''Status'': Complete
* ''Synopsis'': A young boy from Eagleland is awakened by the call of adventure and sets out to defeat the forces of evil. This adaptation includes several reinterpretations of key events and characters, so hopefully it'll still be an interesting read for fans who are already familiar with the story. Featuring characters and plot elements from [[VideoGame/EarthboundBeginnings Mother 1]], as well!
* ''Comments'': A great novelization that's more than a simple retelling thanks to added elements from the original ''Mother''. Well worth a read!


[[WMG:[[GameMod Game Hacks]]]]
Stories told by altering the game itself. A friendly reminder to anyone wanting to add examples here: '''while linking to ROM patches isn't against Wiki policy, ''linking to pre-patched [=ROMs=] and places where you can download untouched [=ROMs=] is'''''. Keep this in mind before adding an example here.

''[[http://www.romhacking.net/hacks/814/ The Rat Race]]'' by
''The Author''
* Recommended by Inyarear, kt-low
* ''Synopsis'': This is mostly the same story as the original, but now with Paula ("Jenny") heading up the party and Ness ("Jimmy") as her second. (Also, the Dalaamese Prince from Videogame/EarthBound has been swapped out for a Dalaamese Princess and shipped with the geek, Tony is now Jewish, and Pokey/Porky's replacement looks [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed suspiciously similar]] to Michael Moore.)
* ''Comments'': The Author himself serves as a kind of MartyStu narrator in a few areas, but never makes any physical appearance in the game; it also portrays The Player (you) as a kind of SelfInsertFic (which arguably applies to almost ''any'' RPG). Play for a bit of ego-stroking, stay for some rather interesting insights on {{God}}, destiny, free will, religion, and how to pronounce Giygas' name. [[spoiler: That would be "Gee-eye-gus" if this game is to be believed.]]
** kt-low: I second that; thanks for the tip; halfway through the game and I'm quite impressed. Despite being labeled as a game "for girls" it doesn't feel girly at all, aside from the [=NPCs=] referring to you as a lady. They are still funny, a lot of trivial text is changed, and it retains the Videogame/Earthbound atmosphere: sometimes breaking the fourth wall, other times making fun of the game itself (Like the library receptionist who's just giving maps for anyone for "no reason") and the signs. Oh, the signs. They are more fun to read than before. "Onett: The flower of Eagleland" becomes "Onett: Malaria free since 1965." Overall, it's almost the same game but it's still a fresh, nice, and humorous Earthbound experience.

''VideoGame/TheHalloweenHack'' by ''Creator/TobyFox''.
* Recommended by: Troper/TokoWH
* ''Synposis'': Starting off several months after the events of Videogame/EarthBound, Bounty Hunter Varik is hired by ex-mayor B. H. Prikle to track down a monster that recently killed two townsfolk. Though things start out light-hearted enough, things take a ''much'' darker tone as Varik begins to delve deeper into the mind of one very disturbed old man...
* ''Comments'': Probably one of the more well-known Videogame/EarthBound hacks, the Halloween hack is a very interesting take on the events that happened after Videogame/EarthBound, and what would happen if [[spoiler: the choosen four didn't return.]] Be warned though, once you leave Twoson, the game takes a ''much'' [[DarkerandEdgier darker]] (and [[NintendoHard harder]]) turn. Definitely not for the faint of heart. It also changes up the game mechanics quite a bit in that the normally {{Useless Useful Spell}}s are pretty much needed if you want to have any hope of surviving early game, and stay useful throughout the late game. Be warned though, it can get a bit [[LevelGrinding grindy]] at points, but other than that it's a pretty interesting and challenging hack for experienced Videogame/EarthBound players. Oh! And also, [[spoiler: ''remember to press that B button!'']]

''VideoGame/HallowsEnd'' by ''H.S.''
* Recommended by: Troper/TokoWH
* ''Synposis'': Following the trio of Sally, Clyde, and Craig, what started out as a Halloween like many others quickly becomes an adventure no one expects, as they're attempt to get some candy from the OldDarkHouse ends up with Halloween apparently never existing, and their neighbors forgetting they exist. Determined to figure out exactly what's going on, the group soon begins to find out there may be more going on than what appears.
* ''Comments'': Generally a LighterAndSofter Halloween rom hack alternative to ''VideoGame/TheHalloweenHack'', though not without its dark moments, Hallow's End is an exceptionally well put together mod that not only completely reconstructs the game from the ground up, but manages to tell a rather interesting and darker story without losing the original spirit of VideoGame/EarthBound. With completely new areas, enemies, and attacks, it's something that could be considered a game in it's own right, and is almost as long as VideoGame/EarthBound. Even if it isn't Halloween time, it's a mod that should be checked out by any VideoGame/EarthBound fan.

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<<|FanficRecommendations|>>

Do warn when a fanfic may head into sexually explicit or [[BetterThanCanon non-canon]] territory. Some people just don't like it, and as we all know, {{Shipping}} is SeriousBusiness.

These are recommendations made by {{Troper}}s for ''Videogame/{{Earthbound}}'', all of which have been signed. After a few samples, you will be able to judge whether you might be interested in the 'fic, based on who recommended it. ''No-name recommendations will be '''{{zapped}}'''.'' Nobody would back up the rec. Discussion of the recommendation is welcome on the discussion page. As such discussion is important, do remember to add the discussion page to the watchlist, if need be.

* ''Comments'': The Author himself serves as a kind of MartyStu narrator in a few areas, but never makes any physical appearance in the game; it also portrays The Player (you) as a kind of MarySue and itself as a kind of SelfInsertFic (which arguably applies to almost ''any'' RPG). Play for a bit of ego-stroking, stay for some rather interesting insights on {{God}}, destiny, free will, religion, and how to pronounce Giygas' name. [[spoiler: That would be "Gee-eye-gus" if this game is to be believed.]]

* ''Comments'': A nice look into what exactly Ness And Paula were doing while Jeff was on his way to rescue them.

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/21680089/chapters/51705415 The Pride Of Twoson]]'' by [[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/18836578 That's What Being Friends Is About]]'' by [[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]

* ''Comments'': Very well-written and wholesome, with a dose of drama.

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/21680089/chapters/51705415 The Pride Of Twoson]]'' by
[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/18836578 That's What Being Friends Is About]]'' by [[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/18836578 That's What Being Friends Is About]]'' by
[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]''

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/18836578 That's What Being Friends Is About]]'' by ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Schnozzbun/pseuds/Schnozzbun Schnozzbun]]''

* Reccomended by PhoenixFire69

* Reccomended by PhoenixFire69

''Two Skies,One Color'' by ''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/u/2608496/The_Nefarious_Nerd TheNefariousNerd]]''
* Recommended by dompeace23
* Vanished from the internet. Please post a link if found.
* ''Synopsis'': Cave Story/Earthbound crossover in which Ness and Co. are warped to the Cave Story universe during the final battle with Giygas due to a mistake on Pokey's part. Now they must work together to save both universes.
* ''Comments'': Interesting concept. Above average writing and neatly utilizes the original game dialog. Features plenty of quality action. A great read.

''Fanfic/FobbiesAreBorange'' by Stephen Georg (xfisjmg1), Martin Tovar (matilda_caboose), Benjamin Carignan (Katon), Lewahi, and Chaz Estell ([=BlackLeader=])
* Recommended by {{Shaon}}

* ''Synopsis'': Technically a fan ''radio play'', but still. Retells the story of ''Earthbound'' by adding some rather demented CharacterDevelopment (or undevelopment, in the case of Jeff) to the otherwise HeroicMime characters and some bizarre subplots involving sweet tea.
* ''Comments'': Considered by many to be the most epic undertaking by the fandom; formerly performed live over [[http://starmen.net/radio/ Radio PSI]].

''Webcomic/TheChosenFour'' [[http://starmen.net/comics/series/chosenfour/ by Darrow]]
* Recommended by SparkyLurkdragon
* ''Status'': Ongoing
* ''Synopsis'' - A fanmade comic adaptation of ''Earthbound''.
* ''Comments:'' Absolutely ''phenomenal'' execution. It's every bit as funny, strange, and at times scary as the game, with tons of AdaptationExpansion and pretty much no AdaptationDecay. As of this writing still in progress - you can follow the forum thread and get some very interesting author's notes [[http://forum.starmen.net/forum/Fan/Forum/48624/page/1/ here]].

''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6570845/1/Existing_and_Exiting Existing and Exiting]]'' by ''[[http://www.fanfiction.net/u/174358/The_Exile The Exile]]''
* Recommended by [[Tropers/LadyBealzabub Lady B]]

* ''Synopsis'': Giygas is defeated but Poo does not return to his body and nobody knows how to bring him back. Poo had never really understood the purpose of his Mu training until now.
* ''Comments'': A really interesting idea. Expands a little bit on the universe without turning GrimDark, like some of the fanwork tends to turn. I personally don't care for how Poo is characterized, but the idea makes up for it. [[spoiler: Also, an interesting take on the origin of the Absolutely Safe Capsule.]]

''[[http://starmen.net/comics/series/harmony/index.php Harmony]]''
* Recommended by Yaridovich23.

* ''Synopsis'' A series of comics with two main stories showing Porky returning to Ness' time, and a view of the White Ship on its launch day.
* ''Comments:'' It's good for a few laughs and really has an accurate MOTHER tone to it, and it has interesting ideas on how some of the characters and events of MOTHER 3 came to be.

''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5133893/1/Dumb-Memories Dumb Memories]]''
* Recommended by Charlie95148

* ''Synopsis:'' Because no one deserves to live forever.
* ''Comments:'' For those who need a FixFic in which Porky Minch - [[JerkassWoobie the product of parental abuse, demonic possession,]] [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds hatred from his hometown peers for his body type, and time travel side effects on his mind]] - sees the error of his ways and [[spoiler: gets released from the Absolutely Safe Capsule.]] In the world of Mother, magic and love can trump the metal prison of science.

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/151022 Ten Songs]]'' by ''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Rii Rii]]''
* Recommended by Topaz Light

Proof that [[SturgeonsLaw the remaining 10% is worth battling Giygas for]] here:

[[http://starmen.net/comics/series/harmony/index.php Harmony]]

''[[https://archiveofourown.org/works/151022 Ten Songs]]'' by
''[[https://archiveofourown.org/users/Rii Rii]]''

* ''Comments:'' For those who need a FixFic in which Porky Minch - [[DracoInLeatherPants the product of parental abuse, demonic possession, hatred from his hometown peers for his body type, and time travel side effects on his mind]] - sees the error of his ways and [[spoiler: gets released from the Absolutely Safe Capsule.]] In the world of Mother, magic and love can trump the metal prison of science.

* Recommended by Inyarear,kt-low