This is part of an IGN review...
EarthBound is one of the most bizarre and memorable RPGs I've ever played. It balances its dark undertones with a sharp wit that is still mostly unrivaled today, and is full of ingenious ideas that buck genre trends. Though its punishing difficulty in its early stages might be tough to get past, EarthBound still remains one of the best, most unique RPGs to date.Source: IGN