Thread:UnitedStateofPikachulious/@comment-24463571-20150318035957/@comment-19490032-20150318215816

I've played the games, but only the second and third ones. I got lucky and found EarthBound from a family friend, while I had to use more illegal methods for Mother 3 (downloading the ROM on a computer and playing it). You can play most games in the series legally though- depending on your flexibility.

For Mother 1:


 * You get Mother 1 + 2 and apply a translation patch (this site should help with the patch). These games are bought online typically and then shipped overseas- so 150 - 200 unfortunately sounds about right. I don't remember their typical prices- but I think that range has decreased from it's expensive state when I last checked. >o>


 * You play Mother 1 illegally and download it via uTorrent or such. This is obviously the illegal way, but unfortunately other methods of getting the game are so much more difficult. BlameNintendoforthat.


 * Don't bother looking the actual NES cartridge of this game.


 * Note that Mother 1 is considered "Nintendo Hard" (if you trope, you'll get what I mean), and is very old. It may not be for your tastes so if you choose not to play it and skip to the second one then that's perfectly fine.

For Mother 2/ EarthBound:


 * Buy EarthBound online. Just buying an EB cartridge is cheaper than the whole package, but whichever you go for- you should be wary of fake cartridges or such.


 * You may get lucky and find a copy of EB at your local game store or flee market.


 * If you have a Wii U, you can buy EB off of Virtual Console there for about $10 (much cheaper- you need the system though of course).


 * Also available in a Mother 1 + 2 cartridge, which has been previously mentioned above.


 * Generally this is the most enjoyable game in the series- and if you don't think you can jump right into Mother 1 right off the bat, starting the series by playing EB is fine.

For Mother 3:


 * Buy a Mother 3 cartridge online and get it shipped from overseas, may be costly like the Mother 1 + 2 cartridge. If you don't know Japanese, you'll need to patch up the cartidge with a translation patch similarly.


 * It's a cartridge or illegal download, much like Mother 1, though typically a bit easier to find than the first game. Stillhardthough.


 * The game tends to be humorous yet depressing, some say the humour adds to the depression. Just giving a fair warning on that if sad games aren't your thing.

Overall:


 * Don't count me on this- especially since it's been awhile since I've last checked- but the series price ranges are typically something around $100 and may go up to about $400 for an EB cartridge.


 * This might be of use for buying.