MOTHER 3 is the third and final installment in the Nintendo RPG series of video games, MOTHER, created by copywriter Shigesato Itoi. It was released on April 20th, 2006 only in Japan, following a historically-long development period and much fan anticipation. 

The story follows a family of five: a perceptive young boy named Lucas, his reckless twin brother Claus, their pensive father Flint, his loving wife Hinawa, and the beloved family dog Boney. Their family bond is challenged once the rustic land of Nowhere Islands is invaded by a strange army of Pigmask soldiers, impelling the young Lucas to grow up all too fast.

MOTHER 3 digs deeper into the familial themes explored in the past two games while also challenging the player with new thematic elements such as grief, capitalism, individualism, and much more. In every sense of the word, MOTHER 3 is a tragedy that is often considered a prime example of bridging the gap between literature and video games. However, it balances out with the same inspiring, yet odd sense of humor the series is known for.

The game began development on the Super Famicom in 1994, immediately after the production of MOTHER 2 ended. It switched over to the Nintendo 64 Disk Drive in 1996, then downsized to a regular Nintendo 64 cartridge in 1998. After six years of development, this version of the game was canceled on August 22nd, 2000, but series creator Shigesato Itoi was still determined to get the game released one way or another.

Rumors of a MOTHER 3 revival were sparsely heard over the next few years, but none of these rumors had a definite lead that the game would return. That changed in 2002 when series art director Benimaru Itoh confirmed on stage at a Super Smash Bros. Melee concert that news on the game would be coming “very soon.” One year later, a commercial advertising the Game Boy Advance release of MOTHER 1+2 officially announced that MOTHER 3 would be made for the GBA. Unlike the previous iteration of the game, marketing on this version would remain secretive due to Shigesato Itoi’s apprehension over the previous 64 cancellation. 

Fans were fed spoonfuls of information regarding the game over the next few years, confirming that it would follow the original script Itoi wrote and that Nintendo subsidiary, Brownie Brown, would be forefronting development. It wasn’t until 2005 that the official website launched, revealing new screenshots and pieces of information each day until release. On the eve of release, a special livestream was held where Itoi held a Q&A about the game. It was here that he broke confirmation that this would be the final game in the series, closing a long chapter in his career.

MOTHER 3 was a critical and commercial success, receiving a “Platinum Hall of Fame” label from Weekly Famitsu and selling over 200,000 copies within its first week of release. Last record has it sold at over 400,000 copies, which is considered successful for a post-Nintendo DS release on the Game Boy Advance. While it was received well critically, fan reaction overseas remains mixed to this day. While the exact reasons cannot be pinpointed, it may be due to the departure of formula from the previous two games, such as the more sentimental storyline. Regardless, MOTHER 3 is even now a much-discussed and debated topic in the gaming community, especially over in the West. 

For one reason or another, the game has never been officially translated into English. Many speculate this is due to the plethora of sensitive topics the game explores, or perhaps hefty localization costs for what is considered a “niche” game. The demand for MOTHER 3 in the West has inspired many memes over the years, spreading worldwide social media attention to the game. In 2008, professional translator Clyde “Tomato” Mandelin—along with esteemed programmer Jeffman—produced an unofficial translation of the game, one that has been greatly received by fans and industry insiders alike. While we may never know when or if the West will officially get a chance to play MOTHER 3, the impact it has made, whether you have played it or not, is undeniable.

In-Game Screenshots

The title screen; very simple, dark, and firm.

Naming the characters!

Hinawa greeting Lucas, who just woke up.

Lucas and Claus playing with the Dragos while Alec watches.

A battle to the death with the Mole Cricket! Brace yourselves!

Flint inside his house.