The dark, edgy origins of a global musical phenomenon
In short: Before Undertale became a cultural phenomenon, a high schooler was hacking Super Nintendo games. This 2008 project was tonally dark, notoriously difficult, and featured a boss track that would eventually change internet music history forever. It remains a significant milestone in the early career of developer Toby Fox.
Toby Fox, an American indie developer, produced the EarthBound Halloween Hack, a 2008 ROM hack of the Super Nintendo game EarthBound. This dark, alternate timeline unfolds after the original heroes fail to return home following their victory over Giygas. Instead, the player controls Varik—a character name drawn from the Brandish series—as he investigates a murder in a world featuring zombies and tentacled dogs. The narrative begins when the protagonist is hired by ex-mayor B. H. Pirkle to solve a homicide. During the journey, the player may discover Dr. Andonuts' laboratory, where they face a choice to kill the scientist or enter his subconscious dreamland.
The project is notable for being one of Fox's earliest experiences in game development. While it featured custom music, including the track "Megalovania"—which was inspired by the song "Gadobadorrer" from Brandish 2: The Planet Buster—the hack received mixed reviews from journalists. While reviewers frequently lauded the writing, opinions split regarding the high difficulty and 'edgy' comedy, with some comparing the game to a mix of Grand Theft Auto and Silent Hill. The game's mechanics were often described as being more punishing than the original title. Some critics even suggested the writing style felt like a blend of South Park and the early seasons of The Simpsons.
Despite Fox's retrospective view of the hack as a "bad rom hack with swears," its legacy is undeniable. The 'Megalovania' theme was subsequently remixed for various prominent works, such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Undertale. Ultimate. The track's rendition in Undertale gained immense fame, eventually creating a dedicated YouTube remix subgenre. The track's immense popularity on YouTube has even led to the creation of an entire subgenre of remixes. This musical legacy remains a significant part of the developer's history.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: EarthBound Halloween Hack
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