Game Club discussion week 3: What do you think of Earthbound so far?

UPDATE [8/26/13]: With a week 3 of Earthbound under our belts, we've proposed a few questions (located on the fourth slide) for those of you who've been playing along with us. Check 'em out, and provide your answers in the comments below.

Note:Because this is a longer game, we'll be extending this particular Game Club until midway through September.

Most JRPGs feature angsty protagonists with impossible hairdos. Earthbound, on the other hand, tasks four cheerful kids, each possessing psychic abilities, with saving the world from aliens. The only game of the Mother series to see a North American release, Earthbound's known for its hilariously heartwarming adventure--and thanks to its recent port to the Wii U's virtual console, we thought it nigh time to finally play through (or, perhaps, revisit) this SNES classic.

Looking for more? Check out July's Game Club, where we played through Psychonauts.

GamesRadar's Game Club is a community experience where we use you as an excuse to clear through our backlogs and talk about games.

What is your first impression of Earthbound?

How many hours have you put in so far, and is it something that's keeping you interested?

How does it compare to or differ from other JRPGs of the '90s that you might have played?

What about it are you enjoying the most? Does it feel dated, or do you think it's holding up?

What do you think about the game's music?

How do you like the modern day setting?

Is the story gelling for you, or do you feel there is little motivation for Ness to continue with his quest?

What, if anything, have you found to be the most disturbing element of the game?

What moments made you laugh the hardest?

Considering Ness's dad gives him, like, $2,000 an hour in allowance, what do you suppose his father does for a living?