Step into a world of political satire and retro-inspired adventure in Citizens of Earth. Developed by Eden Industries and published by Atlus, this traditional RPG offers a zany, hand-drawn journey through a present-day alternate universe that is as charming as it is absurd. If you are a fan of classic titles like Earthbound or the Mother series, this game provides a unique twist on the genre by blending nostalgic gameplay with a sharp, comedic take on modern bureaucracy.

A World of Wacky Hijinks and Political Satire

The story begins not with a heroic quest, but with a wake-up call from your mother in a room cluttered with laundry. You play as the Vice President of the World, an individual who—while perhaps lacking in self-sufficiency or empathy—possesses the unparalleled charisma required to delegate all the hard work to others. Though you were technically on vacation, strange events are unfolding across town and the surrounding areas.

In an earnest (if somewhat misguided) attempt to gain favor with voters, the Vice President decides to tackle these disturbances head-on. As you navigate this bizarre landscape, you will encounter anything from deer with telephones for horns to enemies as unexpected as angry toasters, bees, hippies, and even fat pharmacists. The game uses its setting to deliver a striking parody of political bureaucracy, utilizing outlandish quips and pop culture references to keep the tone light and entertaining.

Recruit a Massive Cast of Citizens

The heart of the Citizens of Earth experience lies in its recruitment mechanic. You don't fight alone; instead, you use your "bureaucratic excellence" to convince the inhabitants of this world to join your cause. There are 40 unique citizens to recruit, each bringing their own profession and specialized abilities to your party:

  • The Baker: Provides healing capabilities by creating and selling delicious baked goods as items.
    • The Conspiracy Theorist: Utilizes specialized skills to sniff out and record the stats and abilities of your enemies.
  • Diverse Professions: Your roster can include a wide range of characters, such as Sushi Chefs, Programmers, Architects, Scientists, and Pilots.

To bring these citizens into your fold, you must fulfill their unique requirements, making the act of recruitment a central pillar of the gameplay loop.

Strategic Turn-Based Combat

Combat in Citizens of Earth is tactical and revolves around resource management. While the Vice President can only have three citizens fighting alongside him at any given time, players have the flexibility to restart a battle with a restructured team before a loss occurs.

Instead of a traditional mana system, characters utilize energy tokens. These tokens are earned by using weaker abilities and spent to execute more powerful, impactful moves. This creates a dynamic flow in battle, as certain citizens act as "energy hogs" while others excel at providing or stealing energy from allies, requiring careful planning to maintain your team's momentum.

Game Overview

  • Genre: Traditional RPG / Retro-RPG
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS, PS Vita, and Wii U
  • Notable Features: Hand-drawn graphics, unique character voiceovers, and a deep recruitment system.
  • Ideal For: Fans of satirical RPGs, players who enjoy party-management mechanics, and enthusiasts of the Earthbound aesthetic.