4 Real Reasons Nintendo Will NEVER Localize Mother 3.

[@SuperDerek]

This video is attempting to objectively and mindfully explore some sensitive subjects. Please keep these comments civil, folks.

[@ohamatchhams]

Anti censorship crowds needs to understand of how these works should be taken less seriously, much like how Japanese or even non-Westerners views The Western politics in general whether of rightist, leftist, centrist or partisan politics which doesn't agree to disagree between different ideologies Heck even Eastern Communism and Western communism has differences if any of Westerner are bother to google through the differences of ideals and practices, as so how the Capitalist models is adapted differently to different regimes and administrations in Eastern countries with it's own slew of merits and problems, the solutions is not always one-way and require gradual introspective of pragmatism and utilitarian takes which blurs the differences between ideologies Not to mention infighting within an ideology is very common too which in itself can became very interesting topics and themes to explore further to see nuances and perhaps surely, eradicating censorship or at least bringing common ground to the table for all the differences But then again, this is just an opinion from an irrelevant denizen of a country in Southeast Asia, we've been clients of both communist and capitalist countries for decades since The Cold War lol and both sides of Western political ideologues doesn't bother with us 3rd worlders with their own excuses :(

[@doodlehobbo8697]

I don't think Twitter won't listen to you...

[@hunterculpepper1973]

The reason mother 1 and 3 are a were almost not realised to how it's is without censorship every thing is violent blody and in earthbound beginnings=mother 1 your actually murdering people just like in mother 3 who are deafintly weirdos considering kumutora a half naked girl with lucus a 13 to 14 year old boy and duster a 16 year old kumutora a princess whose sudeces lucus into getting over his mother and brothers death and kumutora slowly implied to have sex with lucus in multiple points in the game with the offical fan traslations mother 3 in mother one theres practically everything is more vilotnet there blood all over enemy's the game has more offensive description it's more political in the even though you don't see it that much is more about killing the enemies until they can't kill gigas whose is nintens great grandfather reaveled by Maria at the end of the game nintens great grandfather whose an all powerful alien ninten by extent is the most powerful mother character in the series and pretty much tries to learn only defensive pcy to not hurt people he doesn't like to kill because just like gigas he has a soft side he needed needs to train to learn them ana is probably nintens twin sister considering she looks just like nintens grandmother Maria for all we know there a reasoning mother 1 wasn't released and translated at first

[@andreiulyanov9241]

I stay optimistic. After all, "Night Trap" is now available on Switch, a game that "would never be on a Nintendo system", according to Howard Lincoln.

[@rikustorm13]

If Mother 3 ever gets officially localized it would be HEAVILY censored

[@justsomejojo]

The Magypsies were pretty much THE reason I could think of. The one that surprised me the most was the one about domestic violence. First off, I wasn't even aware that was one of Nintendo's no-no topics (seems oddly specific) and second, I didn't even think of associating Flint's outburst at the start of the game as such. It's a very dramatic scene, uncommon for a game like this not necessarily in content (there's plenty of dramatic outbursts in RPGs and otherwise, also on Nintendo consoles) but in its depiction. Flint's demeanor in that scene, punching the ground and crashing that campfire sure stuck with me. It would be a shame if that got censored to be honest. I'm not from the US - I live in the middle of Europe - so it's doubly sad to see, seeing as most of these reasons seemed very US specific at the time. In any case, your reasoning makes a lot of sense. It almost makes me glad we have the version we do and not an official one, because, yes, it probably wouldn't fly untouched.

[@Lcirex]

Super eye patch wolf did an interesting deep dive into Mother 3 not to long ago as well. It's a bit long but really interesting prospective on the game. This video got me thinking about it all over again. But good little vid Derek I enjoy seeing you try out some little experimental videos like this.

[@ComputerOyyy]

but whatever is preventing this game to go to west - that's what makes the game's story SO good. Because it's believable and real. You see these conflicts and stuff everywhere and it's depicted in that game in its own way.

[@pkrockin3923]

Agreed. Thunder tower = HAARP weather control Chimera Lab and Claus = Transhumanism agenda

[@pkrockin3923]

The story and theme of Mother 3 are eerily relevant in this current day and age thats why.

[@Luna2942GM]

Yeah, I saw yet another damn chimera again today And I also got attacked by a men’s bathroom sign, bastard used PK starstorm and almost killed me but luckily I defeated it with PK freeze and I’m fully recovered thanks to my PK lifeup!

[@randomuser5369]

@@Luna2942GM 💀💀💀

[@Luna2942GM]

@@randomuser5369 ikr it’s so annoying

[@DanielSantosAnalysis]

While it is a shame that Mother 3 will more than likely never get an official release, at the very least, we have a lovingly crafted English translation made by fans that can be enjoyed. Great video Derek, some of these points I was already aware of, but it was interesting to hear it in more detail that I hadn't heard of before.

[@SuperDerek]

Thanks Daniel!

[@svennaulaerts9083]

What an insightful video! Thank you and greetings from Belgium

[@gamingthroughtheages7138]

Completely agree with you that these issues would cause backlash were Nintendo to ever localize it; yet these same issues make me want to play it (esp. the political messaging) because they make the game actually interesting. Thank God we have the fan translation for when I finally get to it some day.

[@SuperDerek]

It's like through some bizarre twist, we actually got the best of both worlds with this fan translation. It's a really professional job. :)

[@minusp895]

@@SuperDerek agreed. If we got an official localization, it would likely be a butchered version of the game. At least this way we got something faithful to the original release.

[@RucuryBeans]

Great video, I really enjoyed it and found it refreshing how you covered each topic respectfully! Keep up the great work, the fans demand it!!

[@juanortiz9123]

You couldn't talk about these topics any better derek! Thank you and congratulations! I totally agree with you! Knowing Nintendo they wont take the risk with mother 3, because it kinda looks outdated? Don't get me wrong, i loved the game and finishing it was quite an experience. But nowadays the public isn't into quirky turn based jrpgs that looks and plays like these one. Also Nintendo WILL lose money censoring it (they totally would) and even if they don't, well, the backlash would be messy.

[@Justine-justin]

A another reason the death of Iwata, since he was champion the game to the west for fans.

[@SuperDerek]

Aw man, yeah Iwata was a saint. I was so focused on the game itself I didn't step back to consider the people involved in the process. Excellent point!

[@Dusty_B]

Definitely an almost no-win scenario for Nintendo. I think them not coming down on the port that was done with an iron hammer and C&Ds was really throwing a bone to the fans. It feels like the sentiment is we can't do it, but we know how much you want it.

[@JeanKP14]

They actually CAN'T touch Mother stuff, because Itoi owns the copyright

[@ptourt]

What a cool video, I wasn't aware at all of the history of Nintendo's seal of approval. I'm sure that many of these topics are conversations that NOA would have when bringing it up and piling up too many red flags can bring down a project pretty quickly.

[@i.m.evilhomer5084]

Most of these seem trivial & can be changed to small degrees, with the exception of Magypsies. Keep in mind the re-releases of the Earthbound games are rated T for Teen & its equivalent in most of the world. Either way, I think most these can be addressed with a remake. Infact, they should remake the entire series. That's the only way I can see them releasing Mother 3 outside of Japan. It would also mean the entire trilogy could be localised into multiple languages!

[@ChaoticHoly]

1. Domestic Violence: Solved by editing where Flint goes nuts & have him knocked out just after grabbing the burning stick & swinging it. Making "violent threats with burning wood" = night in jail to "cool off". Pun it. 2. Piggy salute: Solved by changing it to a fist pump. Boom, done. Don't need to edit their theme music at all as it perfectly plays off as a Storm Trooper reference. 3. Magypsies: Solved by a minor name change (Magispyes, or something) and making them clean-shaven. Now they're just _very_ homely looking women to kids (which a line change by Flint before they're introduced can enforce), while older players still keep the nudge/wink. 4. Imperialism: Solved by having a character or two near the beginning mention something about how, while everything is peaceful, there's been no desire for self/social/world improvement for generations. Enforce, subtly, that while the "Piggy Revolution" brings selfishness, what they had before was stagnancy - an existence solely for the sake of existing.

[@SuperDerek]

I like some of your ideas. For point number 4 though, that does fly in the face of a late-game revelation. (SPOILERS BELOW) At the end of the game it is revealed that this society isn't, well, *real*. It's a bunch of survivors from the end of the world who replaced their memories with a story they made up, forgetting all of the technology that they had been using up to that point that lead to the destruction of the world. I think they'd have to change that up quite a bit too. And again, if they did make all of these changes I don't think fans would want it anymore.

[@ChaoticHoly]

@@SuperDerek Then do nothing with point 4, or just do the first part of "no changes". This part would likely fly over the heads of most kids, and many millennials would lap it up, really.

[@jorgesaito461]

I'm glad that a lot of people played this game with an open mind. Mothers 3 can be be analysed in a lot of ways. I like the critique of capitalism and how it brings greed. And also how TV can create a passive behavior to it's viewers. Any form of creative work should not be limited to fit people's beliefs. Mother 3 makes us think and reflect. And that is great (and rare). But maybe certain societies are not mature enough to this game yet.

[@tchitchouan]

it's because of the music.

[@mitchell2491]

There are a few additional reasons that immediately come to mind: 1. The scene were Lucas unlocks PSI is not so subtly implying sexual misconduct by one of the Magypsies 2. The drug induced hallucination from eating the "strange mushrooms" is very important to the character development, and would be extremely difficult to work around 3. The biggest reason, to me at least, is that it's already been translated. We all have access to the game with a faithful translation that's more true to the original than an official release in the west would end up being. Not to say they are thinking about that magnanimously, more that they are thinking, "they have what they want, no need to spend the money." Overall I think their ultimate reason is that it would be very difficult to localize, cost money they dont want to spend, may cause outrage with the amount of changes necessary to make it appropriate, or releasing it with an M or PEGI 16 rating, which may not net as much profit as an official nintendo product. It sucks, but I do see where they are coming from, and I think if they were more transparent about their reasoning it would make things much easier for all of us.

[@calvdesign]

You missed the possible confusion regarding a sacrifice / suicide within the game and explicit animal torture. Yep. Mother 3 wont see the light as an official english translation. But it's part of the beauty.

[@mitchell2491]

@@calvdesign for sure, the amount of content in the game that wont translate well for the west is Legion. There's Reggie, the dark skin big red lipped man wearing tribal clothes and living in a teepee, fighting zombies of former townspeople who comment on how delicious you've grown up to be, not only the concept of chimeras, but also true evil of our main villain as *spoiler* doing all these horrible things because he's bored. The disconnect between presentation and substance is like Conker's Bad Fur Day, minus all the references to sex and doodie

[@mitchell2491]

@@mrrowwmeoww you're right, and I apologize for not thinking to include that on my list. Not saying it's an excuse, but many Americans don't know terms like "gypsy" or "eskimo" are slurs. I myself know, and I apologize for not bringing attention to that. Though I can't fully understand the gravity as we don't have much interaction with Romani, at least no negative interaction that I've ever witnessed, I should obviously make myself more aware of world issues. I imagine that because compared to Europe the Romani population in the US is much smaller that isn't much in the national consciousness. A name change for them would be very simple and have 0 negative impact on the story

[@HybridAngelZero]

Even with perceived issues, I feel like Nintendo of America now is very different from what they were in the 2000s. I think the Nintendo that's published multiple Bayonetta games multiple times, Astral Chain, and Xenoblade 2 all uncensored could make the game happen in North America. A simple disclaimer on the title screen and a T/PEGI 12 rating would be all they need

[@trcsonic]

There's also a lot of animal abuse in Mother 3. I mean, poor monkeys 😢

[@crazycanyon3028]

At least fan translations can have it open for people who don’t care about these problems and just want more of the masterpiece knows as earthbound games

[@crazycanyon3028]

Also is it worth it to play mother 1 because I’m almost finished with mother 2 and I don’t want to stop playing these games

[@TerraWare]

I think you're onto something here. It would also sort of explain why Nintendo didn't strike down the fan localization project. They probably figured since they couldn't bring it to their fans they may as well let the fans translate it on their own and get to play it that way. I don't blame them either, I can only imagine the amount of articles that would be written about this game and twitter mobs using it to discuss their politics. As someone that dislikes the amount of current day politics in gaming and in movies I admire Nintendo's stance to not be political.

[@3DoublePoint]

It's a shame that Nintendo could not give the fans they wanted. 😠 After years of speculation it's finally official Super Mario RPG is coming up in 2023, the fans have been clamoring for a remake for years and now their wishes are finally coming true. Why Nintendo can't accept Earthbound fans? We all wanted a mother 3 remake!!! 😭

[@renegadetoltec6180]

Excellent... Way to bring it forth. Other games tend to disguise what little societal paradigm critique they offer, with strange fantasy settings and so get by the censors. Or games that obfuscate it with a focus on action or at worst a celebration of violence. Mother is in a modern setting and says it clearly. Welcome to thought control. Wonderful video and much appreciated.😎💙

[@jackprime5378]

So rad. Well done sir. Sad but true subject matter. Very illuminating.

[@nuclearbeeberman]

agree with all what derek said but the game is a piece of art and a brilliant one. it should be treated like art and art can be critical and art can be dirty. for me it's one of the best games ever made

[@MessiahProphylaxis]

Guys...are we the capitalist pigs? :(

[@jorgesaito461]

Yes and with happy boxes to keep us passive. LOL

[@princepjohnson]

Great essay on this masterpiece! We are all very fortunate to have the excellent fan translation. A dream would be to see visuals similar to Curiomatic's tribute or the LOZ:LA remake in a updated version. But, it would likely be torn to shreds without Itoi and Iwata involved. The game's later explored themes would have been a bit too much of a wake-up call for most outside of Japan. Excellent work again, Derek!👑😎🙏

[@kahaole123456]

This more serious and somber tone was incredible. You should create more content like this! You handle it pretty well!!

[@minusp895]

You pretty much hit on every reason I'd come up with that Nintendo won't localize Mother 3. It's a shame, but at least we have the translation to play through.

[@SuperSupersoda]

None of your four reasons hold up today. Maybe 15 years ago they did, but have you seen the state of modern gaming today? In a time when the last of us 2 comes out, courts massive controversy, but sells really well and has its sales enhanced by the controversy, why would anyone resist going that path anymore? People want to be angry, controversy sells, that's the entire point of our modern social media induced, divided country. Times have changed, Mother 3's messaging and plot are simpatico with the modern forces that control video game studios, culture, and the game media. You want to create a game that would be banned in the west? Make one focused on the good of religion, strong family values, and the importance of a strong work ethic that reinforces the idea that you must work and earn your keep and provide value to a society to have a place in it. See how quickly twitter, game journos and the game developers turn against you.

[@zachammer666]

Hey Derek! Long time watcher here. Great job on these Mother 3 videos, I adore the Mother series and you’re doing it justice for sure. Also, you look great, fit, happy and healthy; coming from an ex big guy himself, way to go!

[@SuperDerek]

Thanks dude! I've got a final entry in The Mother of All Summers coming out next Friday, the review of Mother 3 to book-end the series. Thanks for the support Dude! :)

[@sirrealkiller8357]

Awesome video, SuperDerek. First off, you’re looking like a million bucks - good job. Secondly, every point you just made is 100% accurate and I feel like it hasn’t been discussed at length to date. Thank you for this. Hope this video gets as much coverage as possible. Also, hope to get the original version released on the N64 Classic Mini next year in North America.

[@billyblack6381]

SuperDerek video = thumbs up.

[@poppingclaire6923]

Such a nice voice this guy has

[@DavidCastJRPGs]

I never even played mother or earthbound.. That was a super well done video Derek, good job 🙏

[@RayOfTruth]

Glad you went deeper into the issue than the surface level single theory that most of these videos default to.

[@willmistretta]

Fact is, some people won't shut up about this and be satisfied with the fan translation because they just love being disgruntled. Even if Nintendo did release it, it would be altered and the very same people would simply pivot to a new lost cause: Pestering them to release the pure, unbutchered Mother 3. It's a no-win situation with this crowd and Nintendo knows it.

[@SuperDerek]

Pretty much exactly this. It's time to accept the situation and move on. We can play Mother 3 in it's best form, it's pointless to belabor the point with Nintendo any further.

[@claudevandog]

Another reason would be drug use, Lucas and party eat psychedelic mushrooms at one point and it's too big of a story element to cut out and would be hard to re contextualize it as something else. It would be nice if Nintendo would be willing to risk the game uncensored and have it get rated T or M and simply market it to a more mature audience, but unfortunately I don't see them doing that

[@gushen_]

No need to remind us… 😭

[@SeafoamSmiles]

I knew about some of the stuff you touched on here, but not the full extent of the potentially controversial subject matter and how intrinsically linked some of it is to the core plot of the game. I also very much doubt that Mother 3 will ever see an official localization, but that's what the hardcore fan translators are for. I was scrolling through the comments here and noticed someone suggesting remakes of the series could help skirt some of these issues. I feel like that's even less likely to happen, but I can't help but get excited at the thought of an EarthBound remake where the character models resemble the clay models from the strategy guide.

[@SuperDerek]

Duuude that would be incredible!

[@darkangel2347]

The reason for the game’s no release outside Japan is for its music soundtrack. Have you heard about the “Blurred Lines” copyright case? And despite Nintendo’s use of DMCA takedowns, they have never issued one to the Mother 3 fan translation as well?

[@sebshifter]

So, the problem is because it's a game MADE by Nintendo and not the fact that its on a Nintendo console ? Because im thinking about games nowadays like The Binding of Isaac, that are available on the Switch despite being highly subversive.

[@SuperDerek]

Yeah, Nintendo doesn't seem to be applying these standards to others on the console, but definitely do for their first-party titles. NoA has never developed an M-rated game, and I don't think they will. And if they changed it enough to publish it, nobody would want it anymore.

[@nonanimeprofilepic]

so basically it's because people will be butthurt because they can't separate fiction from reality

[@toolman4745]

Wow that was an amazing, in depth video. I agree with you too. There would be too much backlash. Makes me wanna play it now.

[@DuoBeard]

All of these are solid reasons! I can’t offer any more reasons then these reasons. All solid, nothing else to say here except I am wearing the same shirt today :D I hope we get proved wrong

[@benpregent]

Keep the great content coming! Really liking your new videos ☺️

[@SuperDerek]

Thank you Leonidas! I'm definitely stepping outside of my comfort zone with some of these, so that's really great to hear! :)

[@Venoix]

At first I thought this was going to be one of those click-baity lists with a personal opinion on why the game would never come west, however it's so full of academic level research that I'm impressed. Thanks for making such a high quality, informative video, Derek.

[@Hotsaucedeluxe]

I remember when video games were niche enough that nobody gave 2 shits about the messaging.

[@SuperDerek]

Same here. I miss when everything video games did was kind of under-the-radar for the most part. But I think that started changing after Columbine. That's when FFVII and Doom started getting scrutinized, because people would rather blame art for violence than addressing the root of a problem.

[@insaneasock3156]

Meanwhile we get a bunch of non-censored games on the Switch and censored games on the PS4. 🤔

[@IaconDawnshire]

It's too dark for today's spineless society.

[@SuperDerek]

It's dark, but not too dark for society. Trails in the Sky the Third gets way darker IMO. Too dark for Nintendo's image though, quite probably.

[@SuiteLifeofDioBrando]

@@SuperDerek agreed 100%

[@sebastiandk9575]

FANTASTIC video and a great deep dive on the topic

[@TheMetalHeadbangger]

i think commentary like this from a game is not a bad thing if done well that is. having not played the game dont know witch. saying the other side is just completley evil is just not honest writing in my opinion when it comes to real world politics, but when something is bad it is bad and that deservs to be called out. no matter what side you support. i wish i could say gamers who would buy the game if it came to the west to be grown up enough to not lose their "stuff" over this kinda story, but nowdays not so sure about that. great vid derek!

[@ohamatchhams]

Man, Nintendo could fund Earthbound-like or even LISA-like and Undertale-like games akin to OMORI and they'll going to make sleeper hits just because of the creativity and vibrancy it can explore of personal and/or collective journeys

[@RetroGameRemix]

Finally got to watch this one! I agree with every point. I think reason #5 would be that there's already a playable version out there. The Mother series is so niche at this point, I don't think it matters to Nintendo that it's had a fan translation, albeit a very high quality one. It's a rare case of Nintendo allowing a fan community to exist, seemingly in blissful awareness. Both Nintendo & the Mother fan community have this unspoken rule to let everyone go about their business, but the caveat is no official release. And hey, I am OK with this.

[@stagelights_]

it's been explicitly stated that the content of mother 3 was never the reason it didn't get released. it was largely just unfortunate timing because by the time an official localization would have started, the DS had already come out, so it likely wouldn't sell. the reason it's not released now is largely that itoi owns half of mother, so if a localization were to happen, it'd be up to itoi, and he's a very busy man.

[@retrofan4963]

Yet, Sonic Genesis is still released in everywhere for GBA in 2006, despite it's released2 years after the DS as well.

[@woahwoah5223]

man and this video REALLY made it better.

[@Noratcat]

Wow. You raise a lot of good points. As much as I wish Mother 3 would come stateside, bringing it over might raise some eyes.

[@syladelaney600]

The final battle is likely also a huge stumbling block that I never see anyone mention. Despite being the emotional core of the game and the part most people remember, the content of it is something I don't think NOA would touch with a 10 foot pole.

[@theblarneystone1023]

Reggie confirmed earlier that content was not an issue for m3's lack of localization. It just wasn't a business priority for NoA at the time. Both the ds and the wii were a higher priority than a year long translation of a game from a niche series on a dead console.

[@theblarneystone1023]

As for why we haven't gotten m3 since then. Again, it's not a priority and itoi doesn't participate in the game industry anymore.

[@justincruz2937]

Oh the irony, Nintendo doesn’t localize Mother 3 for various reasons like magypsies and political messages yet this year Nintendo localized a pair of late 1980’s Murder Mysteries Famicom Detective Club but I can understand that irony in some ways, even if the ESRB would rate Mother 3 T or M if it were localized fans would still cause backlash and be offended, thus the Fan Translation of Mother 3 is satisfactory enough even if gamers resort to emulators and roms

[@DanHoger]

Didn't even mention the scene where Lucas learns PK Love.

[@JMrealgamer]

I love this game so far. I’ve had to play it in various ways Nintendo probably wouldn’t like me to, but I’m so glad I finally get to play it. Lol!

[@Zeiru]

Thanks for this video. I was always confident the main reason was entirely related to the Magypsies and just... everything about them. But what are you gonna do, eh? TABULA RASA!

[@redstratus97]

You raise some very good points. And with today’s climate it makes sense why this game may never come to the US. However things do change over time and something that we thought would never happen sometimes does decades later. One perfect example was back in 1993 with the video game Night Trap. Nintendo flat out said back then that game would never come out on a Nintendo system. What happened two years ago? That’s right. Night Trap was released on the Switch. It is quite possible that 30 years from now we may see this game along with many others in a compilation come out for a far future Nintendo system. But will the climate of the world be different enough to be alright with it by then? Will people be more accepting of talking about those topics later on and not be so offended about certain things and use it as a discussion. Only time will tell. The world is constantly changing and I’m still trying to keep up with it. I had no idea the word Gypsy was a bad word until around a year ago. There were TV shows that used this word frequently. Also I remember a music group from the past called the Gypsy Kings existing when I was young. I think many people are very much in the dark with that news.

[@GhibliNova]

Ehh.. if Eternal Darkness and No More Heroes can make it, they could just put an M rating on this one and be fine.

[@MidySeaCloud]

Its not nintendo its the people This game is legit one of nintendos more mature games despite the goofball nature of the mother series the subject matters are what make this game so amazing and it wouldn't be the same game without them censoring them would be insulting the players

[@fenrir3097]

It's not 2021 enough for the west.

[@modmaker7617]

Nintendo's Mother/EarthBound Trilogy; "Morther" (1989)/"EarthBound: Beginnings" (2013) "Mother 2: Giygus' Counterattack" (1994)/"EarthBound" (1995) "Mother 3" (2006)/"???" (TBD) If Mother 3 came to the West, what the title be? Will it just be "Mother 3" or "EarthBound 2" or will it be the name the prototype version was called in American magazines "EarthBound 64" or the most interesting choice "EarthBound: *INSERT SUBTITLE*" (which I suggest "EarthBound: Nature Vs. Technology" nature for Lucas' civilisation and technology for Porkey's empire).

[@ThatOldSchoolMagic]

So its pretty much. Release it: Get Canceled by Twitter or receive backlash from the fans for changing things. Don’t release it: No Problems to deal with. Something I never understood is are people not happy with the Fan-Translation of Mother 3 that they want Nintendo to Localize it? I never understood why people still bother them after its been fan translated and can be transferred to an actual cartridge or Everdrive to play it on physical hardware. Where are the people that demand real Localizations of games like Original Star Ocean, Tales of Phantasia, Bahamut Lagoon, Albert Odyssey SNES and the Script Augmented version of Secret of Mana? Those would be great too.

[@LFFL381]

Great video but for me the main reason we'll never see an official localization of Mother 3 has always been copyright issues over the soundtrack. The soundtrack of Mother 3 parodies a ton of famous songs from American pop culture and American music labels being as litigious as they are it wouldn't be long before NoA was in hot water with a ton of different labels

[@leeartlee915]

Reason #1: not enough money in it.

[@sleepytwiggaming]

everything you brought up can be easily changed, yes the game might be differen't but they can do so much to have fun with the changes.

[@Justine-justin]

2:42 I really disagree with domestic violence, since it's more understandable Rage, I would say the animal abuse is more hot take issue, since peta "loves" animals even if they fake like pokemon. And what happens to Salsa the monkey.

[@SuperDerek]

I think Salsa's situation is also a great example of the kind of abuse that Nintendo wouldn't want to be associated with. And that also plays a very prominent role for an entire chapter.

[@sakarakit5835]

appreciate your content

[@SuperDerek]

Well I appreciate your comment! :D

[@emmychansuper]

I think that localization was possible due to the fact that Europe has a different landscape of politics than Nintendo of America does, despite all the issues mentioned: A localization would have been possible, but sadly it would only have seen a European release. Now with the political landscape as we have now, I don't think that an international release of Mother 3 is possible due to the fact that they waited for too long to do something... Kinda like expired milk...

[@yazarc4598]

Fans were SO sure back in the day when this game was released in Japan that it was going to be localized. I think it hurt a little more than usual when it actually never happened. I'm playing this game for the first time now. I oftentimes think games are severely overhyped to the west by a very vocal minority of people when passed over for an official release (Seiken Densestu 3 and Castlevania Rondo of Blood, I'm looking at you). I think this game is a overhyped a tad, but it's still really well done.I have a couple of gripes about the actual "game" portion of it, but the story is pretty good. I spent all this money on a Steam Deck and I'm using it to get acquainted with games I missed in my younger years.

[@BloodruneEnt.]

These are things I have told friends that so badly believe NoA could just release Mother 3 in the states. It would result in a game so watered down from it’s original release that the differences would be baffling. Hell an attempt to even release the game as is would have its rating jacked up to an M rating at most, and if your release has an M rating, most retailers will not want to purchase to sell the game in their stores if it got physical releases. It’s a risk that involves money, cultural filtering, and company PR that might be seen more as a lost cause due to American sensibilities still being as old fashioned from the last few generations as it is, and it’ll be some time before the next few generations that those sensibilities ever change. I love Mother 3 and that’s because I’m part of a generation of adults that didn’t accept that we have to traditionally follow the same sensibilities of our forefathers, but those before us still hold on to those same ideals and their still the majority even to this day, regardless if you wanna believe that or not. And because they hold that majority, don’t expect change to come so quickly or even so easily, the old guard needs to have left first before a new one can change things in our lives that teaches us to view the world in a manner of black and white.

[@Sgeenchladmire]

Wow this is SUPER relevant now

[@SuperDerek]

yeah... ☹

[@caerxhan8313]

I don't know how people would be so dumb to not treat the hypothetical localization of mother 3 as just a game and not a message or something that it's not as morrissey says: 'america is not the world'

[@drowningin]

Who backlashes games besides moms in the 80s, and weird people who are outraged about everything aka - Twitter people don't even appear to play, or talk about them except when there's an outrage.

[@abnerdupuis7110]

Honestly, I think the main reason is the fan translation. Mother is still a niche franchise that probably wouldn't make much money were a new entry released today. Everyone who wants to play Mother 3 has probably already played and enjoyed the unofficial translation. There isn't much incentive for those people to get a newer, probably much too sanitized version of a game they've already played

[@johtojedi5328]

I feel like if they do full-out remakes of the full series, that's their best chance to change stuff. But Nintendo would have to actually care about Mother to do that so... It's not happening.

[@Flintofmother]

I doubht the first two are actually of concern, but the second two, yep! that's the problem.

[@SuperDerek]

Yeah, you're probably right. Not all 4 reasons I gave are equal. And I really should have mentioned Salsa's treatment during reason number 1, which would be a lot tougher for Nintendo to white-wash.

[@Flintofmother]

@@SuperDerek I still feel those two are well justified, Flint is going trough a mental breakdown and Salsa´s abuse its used to tell us that Fassad is NOT a good person. But the whole Magipsies thing thats way to problematic, no to mention the way Lucas Psi ist awakend, thats the only moment on the entire MOTHER trilogy that made me feel uncofortable.

[@QuwehShunMark]

The rhythm combat in this game was so hard to cope with via emulator. I don't know that I'd play it again just for that. Would probably buy it on switch anyway though. Recommend Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass to anyone needing to scratch the Earthbound itch. Solid indi rpg in it's own right. I'd probably rather have a switch port of that tbh.

[@Copebroo]

I'm just going to come out and say it. Derek youre looking really good there days!

[@braddye4983]

Me, “Why hasn’t Nintendo released Mother 3?!!” **watches this video** Me, “Oh yeah…”

[@bigboygames6817]

When I played mother 3 back when the fan translation came out I got to the part where Lucas gets his powers in the hot tub… my little kid brain was like ‘this right here is why this game never came out in America’

[@ChaoticHoly]

Meh. Keep them clothed (like in every Mother title) and remove the obvious reference to immersion baptism and Bob's your Uncle, really.

[@bigboygames6817]

@@ChaoticHoly The OG had some very suggestive themes in that part no doubt.

[@ChaoticHoly]

@@bigboygames6817 Probably. Tbh I've yet to get that part - only picked-up the cart a short time ago.

[@bigboygames6817]

@@ChaoticHoly if you ever get that part in the game find this comment and let me know what you thought of the scene!

[@liamcastro9896]

The sad answer is the localization already exists. Nintendo knows about the English patch but they don't take it down because of why waste money making it yourself when it already exist for people to play.

[@SliderGamer55]

I do wonder sometimes if there's maybe a far more boring answer. Mother 3 has only been released in Japan at times where localizing it would not be a guaranteed success (or at least NOA would have reasons to believe that). 2006 GBA and late 2015 Wii U (VC), the only times and places Mother 3 has ever been officially released, are not places with a future. By the time localization would be done, would the majority of even hardcore Nintendo gamers have moved on from these systems? (a very valid fear looking at how 3DS was when they tried to keep that going into the Switch years) I'm sure its not the only factor, but it has to have been a factor, I imagine. Regardless of anything else, unless they decide to put Mother 3 on Switch in Japan, there's basically no chance they're putting it out on Switch outside of Japan, for example.

[@SuperDerek]

You know what, aside from everything I put in my video I think this is also an extremely likely possibility as well. Some bureaucracy or red tape in the way, someone didn't cross a t or dot the i, and now some agreement has expired, etc. Who knows.

[@brandonhiggs88]

You really think the people that would be mad would actually purchase and play their game oh you poor soul.

[@user98xp]

EXCELLENT HAIR, MAN.

[@jesusisking09]

1:00 what music from Mother 3 is that?

[@michialharris1850]

Well I don't think of the issues would be an issue with all the other stuff release on switch nowadays. Maybe back then yea but nowadays no.

[@J2DATVat50]

This Game was Woke before Woke became a thing so a lot has changed since 2006!

[@jeremyt8223]

*Laughs in No More Heroes*

[@MinusInfernoGaming]

I really must play through Earthbound. At least once lol. I have it on Wii U, But just haven't cracked on

[@CT-lh3xp]

Great video. One of your very best. I wonder is a European release equally out of the question. Are Nintendo of Europe equally unwilling to have anything controversial in their games. Would the following in Europe be big enough to even warrant a release 🤔

[@SuperDerek]

Thank you! And that's a really interesting question. Europe has some laid-back groups of people that would probably enjoy this game a lot!

[@CT-lh3xp]

I could see it going down well in the cool places. Soho, Amsterdam. Its a real shame Nintendo have that rigidity. On the flip side tho part of why I love Nintendo is their Disney like feel (in the west anyway). I wish there was some way to have the best of both worlds

[@Mario87456]

One of the biggest pieces of evidence on why Mother 3 will NEVER be localized is the fact that Nintendo has not taken down the Fan Translation and that is proof right there that Mother 3 being released worldwide is as likely as pigs flying.