The host of the series Shigesato Itoi is still busy pumping out the merchandise through the Hobonichi Mother Project. Of course, besides being related to one of the most absurd gaming franchises, the latest product reveal is slightly more surprising. As a brief advertisement for the project new Casio G-Shock watch, professionals Kasumi Sakurai and Sakurako Horikoshi recreate the touching dance scene from the first Mother game (that is originally called EarthBound Zero in the UK) in 2014. In Mother, when an party member makes her love for Ninten, the protagonist, a grueling mountain trek. The player was given the choice to reciprocate her feelings (the right choice) or to reject him (the providence of monsters and fools). Here is how it looked on the Famicom in 1989. As you can see, Sakurai and Horikoshi added quite a few artistic flourishes to what was a basic dance number, because of the limited use of the console, but their added steps give the performance a lot more depth. The pixelated furniture and the globe make for a nice touch, too. The watch itself is built on the Casio from 2012. It is well placed at a level of size – a simple symbol of the Mother logo and SMAAAASH!!!, the famous hit indicator with the face and a lighted globe on the back of the watch. Casio and Hobonichi plan on selling a limited-edition timepiece next month for over $20. Although I’m absolutely blind, I’m not sure whether this is good or bad. Other items previously produced through Itois collaboration with Hobinichi include complete scripts for the three games of the Mother series, twocollections of tribute paintings by popular manga artists, and diverse knick knacks like towels, calendars, and an adorable Saturn plushie. I guess that’s the next best thing to a new game. And now, for me, I will pay at least itoi.
