Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Fabul 2

Although a lot’s happened since the last time Cecil visited Fabul, most of the people say the same things. A few of the monks do have some new lines, though, so let’s quickly check them out.

Greetings at the Gate

Final Fantasy IV (Super Famicom)	Final Fantasy II (Super NES)

The two monks at the front gate say in English, “Oh! Cecil!”

In Japanese it’s a little bit closer to something like, “Why, it’s Sir Cecil!”

It’s not a huge deal at all, but again we see that Cecil’s respectful name modifier is gone in the translation. Actually, everyone in Fabul refers to him with this special name modifier, but in English they all refer to him as any old NPC would.

A Monk’s Welcome

Final Fantasy IV (Super Famicom)	Final Fantasy II (Super NES)

Some monks inside the castle now say in Japanese, “You’re all right!” which seems to be referencing the fact that Cecil survived the Leviathan attack earlier in the game.

In the English translation, these monks now simply say, “Welcome back!” as if nothing ever happened.

Seeing You

Final Fantasy IV (Super Famicom)	Final Fantasy II (Super NES)

Monks standing in front of the throne room greet Cecil as well. In English, they say, “Good to see you again!”

In the original Japanese, this is a little more like, “Oh, I’m glad to see you’re all right!”

Again, the Japanese line has the nuance that the monks are relieved that you survived the Leviathan attack at sea earlier in the game. In comparison, the English translation just makes them sound super-friendly and possibly uninformed.