Earthbound was one of the "must play" experience for the SNES RPG, right along chrono trigger and final fantasy III (VI) IMHO. I remember having played the heck out of it, boosting to the maximum, and above using a glitch with candies if my memory is right about it. I remember my HP being so high, that it was weird symbol appearing.
Because of Earthbound, everytime I see a final scene in a game where everyone in the world join their heart and thought to power-up the hero/team, I always thought of this game. Unfortunately, most of the time, others games do it seriously, while Earthbound it was just satire, so most of the time, it's not as epic as Earthbound.
Also unfortunately, since I was not a big emulator guy, I never played Mother 1 and 3 to completion. Which is a big shame I admit.
On a small funny last note, in Smash Brothers, I was the official Mr. Saturn protector. While everyone where trying to throw them away when one appeared on stage, I was always the one who grabbed one, and holding on to him, while trying to avoid the hit of others, so he can stay unharmed
EDIT: Also, the fact that you could name thing such as your dog name, favorite thing and food at the beginning of the game could lead to some really awkward but totally funny situation
Posted: Sun Sep 26, '10, 7:18 pm 
I might try it sometime. I've been the route of feeling totally helpless and desperate in other games, so this one should feel quite normal. 
Hmmm, this does stir my curiousity up about the game. Thanks, CW!