An epic, heart wrenching storyline and witty dialog make for an overall unforgettable RPG experience. Worthy Perfection.
Onto the review~
Gameplay:
As an RPG, the gameplay is pretty standard. It's all turn based. However, unlike other RPGs, this game adds a unique rhythm system to keep you entertained. It basically works like this: Each song has a tempo. (Duh.) When it is your character's turn to attack, you can press A to the beat of the background song and do "combos". You can do up to 16 combos per turn. It sounds a little easy, but with over 40 battle themes and tempos, it can be a challenge that is both enjoyable and worth taking up.
Also, there are hit point counters. Those familiar with Mother2 should know how the HP counters work, but those who don't, I will explain. In most RPGs, when your character gets hit, he instantly takes damage. In this game, damage is taken gradually. Your HP counter is actually like a gas meter, so when you get hit, it rolls down. Because of this, even if you are hit for more HP then you have left, you can still get a couple of seconds to heal yourself before you actually die. Also, if you defend yourself, the HP counter rolls even slower, adding strategy to the game. Other then these additions, the options are pretty much what every RPG has. Attack/Bash, PK, Defend, Item, Special [an added ability, like Boney's "sniff", and Flint's special 'all or nothing' attack], and Run. Luckily, for people who are not Japanese speakers, all items have a picture. There is an option to see these pictures in battle, too, so abuse that. All in all, the battle system doesn't really ever get frustrating or boring, which is a good thing. I never had a need to grind, but you might have to if you're not good at combos. Due to the fact that it is a turn based RPG, the gameplay might not be for everyone.
....Due to the fact it's in Japanese, it might not be for everyone... but there are really good translation guides on this site that you can look at to help you with that bit. Graphics While seemingly simplistic, the graphics are one of the features of the game that bring forth the most charm. The sprites are not high-tech or fancy, but small and rather cute. The style is basically an enhancement of Mother2's graphics, but is so artistically unique that you would be hard pressed to find anything like it in any other RPG- or anywhere, period. The overworld is bright and colorful, and the character designs are easily appeal able to the eyes. Often, the characters will do animations as a way to show feeling in cut scenes- some simple, some complex- but all extremely fluid and expressive. In battle, the first thing people will probably notice is the backdrop. The psychedelic background is something that Mother2 was praised for, and it returns in this edition. The enemies themselves are done in a cute cartoony manner, some of them look absolutely hilarious. Overall, while not "pushing the limits of the hardware", the graphics manage to provide something much more treasuring- atmosphere. Sound
One of the strongest elements to Mother3 is the beautifully written score that comes with it. Even better then that, there is so much music in the game that it is hard to get sick of any one theme. As I said earlier, there are over 40 battle themes, so even if you grind, it's very unlikely that the music will drive you crazy.
The music varies from scene to scene. In some places, the music is wacky, but in other places, the music is soft and beautiful. The sound effects are smooth and appropriate. When each character attacks, an instrumental noise is played. (I.E Lucas's Synth.) None of the sound effects are loud and jarring or harmful to the ears and only add to the game's effect. An epic soundtrack for an extraordinarily epic game.
Value
Some people have asked me personally if it is worth it to import it and use a translation guide. If there is no further news on an english translation, I'd say definitely. The guide is very easy to use, and is not as much of a problem as most people may think it is. As for its accuracy, I could not tell you, but everything seems to fit together just right, so it probably is, in the least, 'close enough to what it is supposed to be.'
All bias put aside, this game has a simply enjoyable story line that will constantly keep you glued to the screen. It touches the theme of environmentalism, family love, and courage with well-thought out satire and devastating loss. As its slogan promises to be "Strange, Funny, and Heartwarming", the cleverly written dialog and storyline fulfills. It's not the longest RPG in the world, but it isn't very short, either. The length is just right, divided into 8 chapters. It should take the average person somewhere between 20-30 hours to complete. I beat this game a couple of months ago, and I will play it again as soon as it is in English. While generally, when you beat an RPG once, you might not play it again, this game feels different. Either way, this game is a must play for any RPG fan and is well worth the time you put into it. Long live Mother!