Download Earthbound Beginnings SNES: A Look at the Prototype

Earthbound Beginnings, a cult classic game, has been a topic of interest among gamers and enthusiasts for years. The game was initially released in Japan under the title 'Mother' before being localized and released in North America as Earthbound Beginnings. However, few know about the prototype version of the game that existed before its final release.

One of the most notable differences between the prototype and the final version is the naming convention used for some characters. For instance, 'Sparky' was initially referred to as simply 'Spark' in the prototype. Similarly, some built-in names were different in the prototype due to limited character prompts that were later expanded to six characters.

The copyright information in the prototype is also distinct from the final version. In the original Japanese release, the text used for the copyright notice was taken directly from the prototype, whereas the final version used its own font and design.

Other visual differences between the prototype and the final version include the 'EARTH BOUND' text above the 'WAR AGAINST GIYGAS!' screen, which is higher in the prototype. The prototype also lacks anti-piracy checks that were implemented in the final game.

Despite being a debug-enabled build by default, the 'banana' debug menu was not included in the prototype. However, it can be hacked back into the game using specific techniques. Interestingly, a debug menu can still be activated while holding down the L trigger during the boot-up process.

The dump used to create this article was made using a SuperNT console and has been verified multiple times to ensure its integrity. Any graphical or sound-related glitches present in the prototype are inherent to the game itself and not caused by a bad dump.

It's worth noting that the checksum specified in the ROM matches the output, making it impossible to determine the final US build date. The Japanese version's build date can be found in the Boot debug menu, which remains unchanged in the final US release. Additionally, the ROM's build date is recorded in its header and on the EPROMs themselves.

Overall, the prototype version of Earthbound Beginnings offers a unique glimpse into the game's development process and provides insight into the changes made between the prototype and the final release. For fans of the game, this information can be fascinating and sheds new light on one of gaming's most beloved titles.

Download earthbound beginnings snes