Earthbound - Why the high praise?

[Cloudman]

spemanig said:

Cloudman said:
I'd say because it's one of the most unique and creative RPGs ever made.

This.

It's the tone. I'd go even further and say that it's one of the most unique works of art ever made, tonally. I've never experienced anything until Undertale that felt like Earthbound, and even that has some gargantuan differences.

Mechanically it's just alright. Thematically it's outstanding.

Ouch, mechanically it's only alright? At least the mechanics are also unique to the EB and Mother 3.. : S