As you can probably tell by the title, this thread is about potentially bringing back Project Ultimate Chimera. If any of this sounds familiar, I brought up this topic in the Discord about two months ago, and I’m probably going to be more or less copying the things I said then here. As I went through the Mother games for the first time over the summer, I noticed a few errors and other problems with the site walkthroughs. As the guides are probably what mainly brings people to the site these days, we should make sure they are the best they can be, and I would like to help fix them up.
Without further ado, here is a list of things I know of that need to be addressed, organized by game:
Big one I came across during my playthrough: despite what the guide says, Pippi does not automatically give you the Franklin Badge. She asks you a pair of questions, and you have to answer them correctly to get it. If you don’t, then to get the badge you have to finish the cemetery quest, then walk all the way north to her house, where she will ask you the questions again.
I don’t know why this one sticks out to me, but I specifically remember encountering the Red Snake in Halloween/Spookane, despite the guide not listing it as appearing there.
Related thing I just found in my Switch replay: I encountered the ManiacTruck on the way to the healer’s house outside of Reindeer, but the guide doesn’t list it there.
Admittedly, this might just be a personal preference, but I feel the level recommendations in the guide are a bit too high. I think I one/two-shot pretty much every enemy I fought all the way up to, like, Mt. Itoi.
Another minor mistake: the weapons page says they increase Fight, when they actually boost Offense.
The enemy profiles are missing information about elemental resistance. (The Mother 3 enemy profiles have this information included, and the EarthBound enemy profiles have a link to the EarthBound Database, which includes information on resistances, as well as detailed information on enemy attacks.)
Speaking of which Mother 1 lacks a database. (Mother 3 does have one, but I believe it is unfinished.)
Several items on the sidebar don’t have pages:
“Other” under Business Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips and Tricks
Speedrun Challenge
Low-Level Challenge
This may be a mistake, but I’d need to do more testing to check. I’m currently in Duncan’s Factory in my replay on the Switch, and the Bomb item seems to be doing ~60 damage while the walkthrough says it does ~30, but since the guide doesn’t list resistances, I don’t know if that’s just because the enemies here are weak to fire.
The item guide lists the Air Gun as not for sale, when it can be bought in Youngstown.
Lloyd’s name is spelled “Loid” throughout the guide. ( Lloyd is how his name is spelled in Smash Ultimate, so I’m assuming that’s the intended way.)
There should be a page for the differences between the original Mother 1 and the EarthBound Beginnings/Mother 1+2 release, making use of this thread by maximuspinpoint.
As to be expected, the Earthbound guide was the best put together out of the three, so I don’t really have an error so much as a comment. At the point where it describes getting the stat boosts after Magicant, the word “gypped” is used, which is considered a slur these days, so that should probably be changed.
In addition, a few items on the sidebar are missing pages:
“Other” under Business Lists
Speedrun Challenge
Low-Level Challenge
The EBDB has a list of things that we might want to add to it, which I will repost here for convenience:
Location details
Player character details (spells, starting items, etc.)
More details on enemy groups
Locations and frequency of appearance
Battle strategies to use against particular groups
Add indication of whether an item can be given away and/or sold on the items details pages
If an item isn’t sold, the buy price doesn’t need to be displayed
Enemy death actions
Levels information
Cost per HP or PP in food items
Add sort functionality to most item category pages
Ability for people to post comments about enemies/items/etc. This could be more difficult to maintain as it would require moderation.
Details for Poo’s recovery with food items
Area maps to show where the gift boxes are
Specialized lists, like 1/128 items, etc.
If an enemy is called to a battle, it should show up as being available in that location.
Indicate chance of mirror success against enemies. (Suggested by Ninten1 – 01 Mar 2007)
Internet Explorer Fixes (Editor’s Note: HAHAHA)
Make select box on enemies and items pages redirect on select work in IE
Fix gift box column width on item details pages so IE displays it correctly
The guide lists the Black Antoids that appear alongside Titanic Ant as being different enemies than the normal ones (with the difference apparently being that the normal ones drop cookies, but the Titanic Ant ones do not), while the EBDB does not. Someone with more knowledge/experience of EarthBound hacking than me, please check which one of these is true so it can be updated accordingly.
The PSI Information page has Defense Up (which does not appear in EarthBound) instead of Defense Down.
By far, the Mother 3 guide is the one in need of the most work, with the problems getting more severe the farther into the guide you go.
A general problem throughout the guide is items and enemies being referred to by incorrect names (presumably due to the guide being based on an earlier version of the translation), so that needs to be fixed up.
Several parts of the guide are missing images, using placeholders instead.
Speaking of placeholders, several of the late game bosses (specifically the barrier trio, and pretty much every Chapter 8 boss) have placeholders instead of strategy guides.
Minor problem all things considered, but the Cast of Characters part of the guide only goes up to Chapter 3.
Several items on the sidebar don’t have pages:
Status Ailments
Mastering Sound Battles
Special Move Information
Game Maps
Detailed Story Information
Shops and Vendors
Hotels and Lodging
Other
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips and Tricks
Translated Song List
To my knowledge, none of the pages have maps, which is especially a problem in places like the Sea Floor Dungeon.
The story section (under the Detailed Game Info section) on the main site is only a placeholder at the moment. It should be replaced by a proper plot summary and analysis. (Such as this one by maximuspinpoint.)
That’s all I have for now. If you know of anything you think needs to be fixed up in the guides, please feel free to add on.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
I don’t know if this is allowed, but I figured I’d bump the topic to say that I am still working on this, and just added some more issues to address for the EarthBound Beginnings guide.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
Gonna say you’re okay to bump it as long as you give some kind of progress update.
Rumors of my death are, in fact, completely accurate.
Alright folks, unless you’ve been living under a rock (or as we in the business call it, “Flintstones-era housing”), you’ve no doubt heard that EarthBound and EarthBound Beginnings are coming to NSO. The games being on Switch means more people playing the games. More people playing the games means more people coming to Starmen.net. and more people coming to Starmen.net means more people reading our guides! So now is a perfect time to bring back Project Ultimate Chimera, and make those guides the best they can be!
Also, the issues list has been updated with a problem shared between all three guides; several pages on the sidebars don’t even exist! They’re just static text, not linking to anything.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
Ah, now that is the question, isn’t it. Sadly, that is something beyond my power. To my knowledge, only admins can edit the main site, and they have lives to live, much more important things to do. Still, the hope that one day, if enough of us express an interest and willingness to help fix up the guides, the powers that be may answer, and restart PUC, is what keeps me going, updating this list with things to be done if the day ever comes.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
On a less dramatic note, another minor update, this time for EarthBound. (Honestly, I’m a little embarrassed that it took me this long to notice it!)
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
This looks cool! I’d love to bring back PUC. I don’t know if you noted this, but the screenshot differences between M1 and EBB were completed by myself, I made a thread for it but for some reason CQ hasn’t updated the checklist. Love to see the enthusiasm!
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
Thank you! I guess I am very passionate about this, if you look back, my very first forum post was actually about PUC! I added a note about the differences and linked to your thread, by the way.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
I know, Scarlet, this thread is more for the new problems you raised, but I just thought you’d like to know I did the M3 plot summary and analysis and linked it on the PUC Checklist thread.
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
Thank you! I just added a note for that as well, once again linking to your post. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see someone else just as enthusiastic about PUC as I am. And remember, if you can think of anything else you feel should be added or changed (in the guides, or elsewhere on the main site), feel free to let me know so I can add it to the list.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
It’s nice as well! As of right now, I’m focusing more on CQ’s PUC checklist rather than the stuff added by you. Not to say I disagree, but I’ll get around.
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
An unfair bump, I get it, but I was wondering if I could get editing privelages to the M1 walkthrough? I’d like to fix some sections of the main walkthrough (Like levelling tips, god that is beyond useful in the M2 walkthrough) and adding/finishing sections like the Tips & Tricks section, the Challenges, etc…
I’d gladly give you that if I could, but I don’t even have that myself. This is really just wishful thinking here, but hopefully if enough people show interest, the higher-ups will open the guides back up for submissions.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
I’d suggest, Kate, copying the guide and making revisions. From there, you can submit it.
Thanks for showing interest!
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
The other staff and I have lightly talked about this and our general thought is that at this point it’d be best to restart the walkthroughs from scratch. Not that what’s currently up is bad by any means but at least the M2 walkthrough was last updated in 2008 and quite honestly they all could be freshened up all around. As is I don’t have the ability to give editing permission to the current guides but if y’all want to coordinate on getting a new version going we can definitely get them up in time.
Have my wildest dreams come true? Have I really managed to, maybe, possibly, potentially,
BRING BACK PROJECT ULTIMATE CHIMERA?!?!?!
I feel so accomplished! Of course, completely rewriting the guides from scratch is going to be much more involved than what I’ve been planning for, but I just can’t tell you how excited I am about this!
PUC IS COMING BACK, BABY!
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
LET THE FISH WHO THINKS HE KNOWS NO FEAR LOOK WELL UPON MY FACE
this is my rank #2
Awesome, I’ll definitely help if I can! Gosh, this sure is amazing!
I am a Coolio Burgers kind of guy.
Oh my goodness, is that an… an… admin!?
This is amazing! Good job, Scarlet.
I’d love to at least try the M2 walkthrough, but I’m gonna go check what I’m getting into.
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
Causing problems since like 2006 I think
I’m still confused about what PUC is but hey cool it’s coming back woop woop
Mad Duck is the best enemy in the Mother series,
and there’s nothing you can say that will change my mind
I think I can work on redoing the EB walkthrough, but by no means alone.
There’s a lot to do, screenshots, maps, etc. I’ll be asking around for help. I’ll update in a bit.
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
LET THE FISH WHO THINKS HE KNOWS NO FEAR LOOK WELL UPON MY FACE
this is my rank #2
I could probably help you out with that, if you like.
LET THE FISH WHO THINKS HE KNOWS NO FEAR LOOK WELL UPON MY FACE
this is my rank #2
Awesome, looks like we’re all in here!
I am a Coolio Burgers kind of guy.
Veni, vidi, vici
Awesome!
Mafia, where friendships die and your worst enemy is your best ally.
Veni, vidi, vici
I think the guides and walkthroughs that are out now are fine. They could use some modernization, in some areas the guide lacks the most useful info. We probably need to add maps for places like Peaceful Rest Valley too. Also, I noticed that one part of the guide uses the word “gypped” I think this is kind of controversial, but I’m not sure. Thoughts?
Mafia, where friendships die and your worst enemy is your best ally.
Veni, vidi, vici
I’d be down for helping Maximus Pin Point with the guide, with the Earthbound NSO release letting you screenshot so easily I think this could work well.
Mafia, where friendships die and your worst enemy is your best ally.
I’ll make a spreadsheet of everything that needs to be done, and post it tomorrow. Thanks Kate for taking the M1 Walkthrough, if you need help we’re here for you.
I’m excited!
Edit: Screenshots + NSO sounds great! I’ll circle back on those tomorrow.
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
Veni, vidi, vici
At the very least, we really really should rename the Earthbound Beginnings walkthrough. It’s named Earthbound Zero, which can be confusing when people try to search for guides.
Mafia, where friendships die and your worst enemy is your best ally.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
Veni, vidi, vici
I guess EmperorScarlet already caught onto the gypped thing. But I will bother to bring up another point that’s not in this post. The Earthbound guide says you can use a Chick to fix homesickness in the status category, but on the Earthbound fandom’s page, it says that this is a rumor.
So that could be pretty misleading.
Mafia, where friendships die and your worst enemy is your best ally.
Causing problems since like 2006 I think
poof
Mad Duck is the best enemy in the Mother series,
and there’s nothing you can say that will change my mind
LET THE FISH WHO THINKS HE KNOWS NO FEAR LOOK WELL UPON MY FACE
this is my rank #2
Yeah, I’m pretty sure there’s some inaccurate information on the walkthrough.
Also, in the M3 one, it has a few incorrect item names, and a bunch of missing screenshots for the Saturn Valley area if I recall correctly.
There’s missing screenshots for more than just Saturn Valley, pretty much the entire guide from Chapter 7 onwards is straight up unfinished. I didn’t just get my signature from nowhere.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
The other staff and I have lightly talked about this and our general thought is that at this point it’d be best to restart the walkthroughs from scratch.
Looks like starting from scratch is the preferred method here.
The Barrier Trio is guarding the Needle. The best way to take them down is to� STRATEGY.
Like I said, it’s not that the current guides are bad by any means. But they were last updated in 2008 and are antiquated in terms of design and layout. They don’t need to be complex or fancy, just updated for 2022 sensibilities and I think it’d be easier to just start from scratch to do that.
Causing problems since like 2006 I think
Will the original walkthroughs still be preserved in some way or will they be completely replaced by the new ones and gone forever? Just curious
Mad Duck is the best enemy in the Mother series,
and there’s nothing you can say that will change my mind
I think we can use them as a reference, but there should be a clear line between the two. We can always keep them as an archive.
Every anniversary I’ll pay respects and say I’m sorry
For they never stood / A chance, as if they could
When no one knows what it’s like to be us
The old walkthroughs will be archived. We may be replacing them but a lot of people did work hard on them and it’d be rude as heck to just delete all their effort just because some things are outdated.
Veni, vidi, vici
I think what we probably should do is write all the text for the guide, and then follow that guide in the actual game and screenshot anything relevant. Should we start a shared google docs or something to communicate better?
Mafia, where friendships die and your worst enemy is your best ally.
