Ninten
The protagonist of MOTHER, a boy who uses psychic powers while investigating supernatural events.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
A | Confirm, talk, inspect, and interact |
|---|---|
B | Cancel or open the field menu, depending on the game context |
Control Pad | Move the character or select menu commands |
Start | Open or confirm the pause/menu screen where supported |
Control notes
Button functions can differ between MOTHER and MOTHER 2 and according to the current menu.
How it plays
How does MOTHER 1+2 play?
Each game uses a top-down perspective. Players explore towns, roads, caves, buildings, and other areas, speak with characters, collect equipment, solve story events, and fight enemies in turn-based battles.
MOTHER 1 follows Ninten and a small party across a contemporary United States-inspired setting. MOTHER 2 follows Ness and three companions through a larger world. Characters gain experience, learn abilities, improve statistics, and obtain money and equipment. The compilation presents the two adventures as separate games from the title screen.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play MOTHER 1+2?
Talk to residents and inspect objects frequently; important clues and items are often obtained away from the main path.
Keep healing items distributed among the party, upgrade equipment when new towns offer it, and use status effects or PSI weaknesses rather than spending all powerful abilities immediately. Save often at available telephone locations in MOTHER 2 and at other designated save points.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Ana
A psychic girl who joins Ninten and specializes in powerful PSI abilities.
Lloyd
A technically minded boy who contributes science and long-range weapons to MOTHER's party.
Teddy
A skilled fighter who can join the party during part of MOTHER.
Ness
The protagonist of MOTHER 2, a psychic boy from Onett.
Paula
A powerful psychic girl and one of Ness's closest companions.
Jeff
A schoolboy inventor who uses mechanical tools and items in battle.
Poo
A prince and martial artist who joins Ness's group later in the adventure.
Giygas
The central extraterrestrial antagonist of MOTHER 2.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
The two included games use different stories, party members, and progression systems.
- 2
MOTHER 1 can be punishing early, so avoid long stretches without healing or saving.
- 3
MOTHER 2's rolling HP meter can allow recovery before a fatal result if the party is healed quickly.
Community discussion
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