Zombies are recurrent themes in the Mother series. As the two first games' setting is a parody of the United States and the occidental culture, it is common to find references to horror films as well. Zombies in the series are normally associated with causing trouble to a specific town or city, and it is normal for them to attack by biting. Zombies from EarthBound are linked to the zombie invasion in the town of Threed by the time Ness and Paula arrive. They are under the control of Master Belch. Before he is defeated, however, the zombies are temporarily stopped by Apple Kid's Zombie Paper.