EarthBound Beginnings Remake Nears Completion After Over a Decade of Fan Development

EarthBound Beginnings Remake Nears Completion After Over a Decade of Fan Development EarthBound and Mother fans have plenty to celebrate: after more than a decade in the making, EarthBound Beginnings Remake—a fan-driven ROM hack that pays homage to the original 1989 RPG—has been confirmed as nearing its long-awaited release.

A fresh trailer presented during the recent Free Fangame Festival (F3) has spread renewed excitement, revealing that the project is on track for a projected 2026 release. A Community’s Love Letter to Mother EarthBound Beginnings Remake has a remarkable history rooted in the passionate fandom surrounding the Mother series.

Originally launched in 2007 as EarthBound Zero, the project set out to recreate the Famicom classic, Mother (known in the West as EarthBound Beginnings), within the graphical and mechanical framework of its beloved SNES sequel, EarthBound. The initiative began under the guidance of Clyde Mandelin—also known as "Tomato"—a renowned Mother fan, Starmen.Net co-founder, and leader of the acclaimed unofficial Mother 3 translation for Game Boy Advance.

Development duties later shifted to the Starmen.Net forums in 2012, led by a user known as H.S.

For nearly seven years, steady progress was made largely behind the scenes, fueled by the dedication and technical expertise of the online Mother community. Resilience and Preservation However, in 2019, development stalled when H.S.

became inactive, prompting uncertainty about the future of the remake.

Community member Livvy94 took action during this period, assembling and preserving the available project assets on Github to protect the team’s progress from being lost.

This preservation effort ensured the legacy would endure, even as active development paused. A New Spark for the Fan Project In 2021, another dedicated member known as Gabbls reignited the project, developing their own offshoot that aspires to fulfill the vision of seamlessly blending EarthBound Beginnings with the iconic SNES style.

The team debuted their first full trailer during the 2024 Mother Direct, reporting consistent progress and keeping fans eagerly engaged. The most recent trailer, revealed at the Free Fangame Festival, suggests that the ambitious ROM hack is approaching the finish line.

Featuring gameplay, updated visuals, and authentic soundscapes meticulously crafted to pay tribute to both the Famicom and SNES generations, the project represents a significant labor of love. Release Imminent in 2026 Although not an official Nintendo product, the EarthBound Beginnings Remake highlights the unwavering commitment of the Mother fanbase and the thriving community at Starmen.Net.

With over ten years of development, multiple team leads, and preservation efforts, the remake is expected to release in 2026, providing a new avenue for players to experience the legacy of one of Nintendo’s most cherished RPG series. Stay tuned for further updates on the EarthBound Beginnings Remake as its ambitious journey nears a milestone release, and follow developments from the vibrant ROM hacking and Nintendo fan gaming communities.

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