EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison

Let's explore this historic game localization in incredible detail!

Super Mario Bros. Translation Comparison

Let's explore the localization of this all-time video game classic!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison

Let's examine the localization of a revered classic: the first Legend of Zelda game!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison

The journey to explore Final Fantasy II/IV's original localization begins!

MOTHER 3 Translation Comparison

A new journey begins as we take a look at the MOTHER 3 fan translation!

MOTHER 3 Translation Comparison: Introduction

The story of MOTHER 3's rocky history and how fans wound up translating it for themselves.

MOTHER 3 Translation Comparison: Game Start

Info on all the default names, the title screen conundrum, AND some secret anti-piracy stuff!

MOTHER 3 Translation Comparison: Prologue

Discover the B button! Learn about Hinawa's secret affair!

MOTHER 3 Translation Comparison: Chapter 1 Start

It's time to take a look at forest fires, Japanese swearing, and a secret challenge mode!

Super Mario Bros. Translation Comparison: Introduction

A brief look at the history of Super Mario Bros. and my fateful encounter with this classic game.

Super Mario Bros. Translation Comparison: Gameplay

Why's the Japanese game written in English? Why didn't they use Japanese? Let's find out!

Super Mario Bros. Translation Comparison: Names

Learn the Japanese names of all the stuff - and their origins - in Super Mario Bros.!

Super Mario Bros. Translation Comparison: Manuals

It's time to dig into the Japanese and English manuals and see how they differ!

Super Mario Bros. Translation Comparison: Miscellaneous

You know the infamous Minus World? Well, screw that! Japan got hundreds of secret worlds!

Super Mario Bros. Translation Comparison: Final Thoughts

At last, I give my thoughts on how well Super Mario Bros. fared in terms of localization.

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Introduction

Let's explore the history of the first Zelda game and how I happened upon it as a wee lad.

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Audio

Hardware differences meant Zelda music and sound effects had to be slightly changed. Hear them here!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Graphics

Have a look at some of the slight graphical differences between the Japanese Legend of Zelda and the English-language version!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Gameplay

Language differences, cultural differences, and even hardware differences all meant that Japanese and Western players experienced Zelda slightly differently!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: First Quest

It's time to look at all the dialogue and text differences found in The Legend of Zelda's first quest!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Second Quest

The second quest of The Legend of Zelda doesn't have much new text, but some differences still abound!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Items

Here are a few interesting things about some of the items and item names in The Legend of Zelda!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Enemies

A couple enemies in Zelda 1 had drastic name changes. Some even had surprising connections to other Nintendo games!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Instruction Manuals

Let's also take a detailed look at the instruction manuals for the Japanese and English versions of the game! Neat stuff in here!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Miscellaneous

Check out all the different versions of the first Zelda game, the different commercials used to market the game in each region, and more!

The Legend of Zelda Translation Comparison: Final Thoughts

How did The Legend of Zelda's localization fare? How did it succeed and where could it have been improved?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Introduction

The game starts off with a bang, and the localization changes already start flying!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Baron

Let's take a look at the first town in Final Fantasy II/IV and see what's different in each version of the game!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mist

It's time to venture toward the village of Mist and learn that yes and no in one language don't always mean yes and no in another!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Kaipo

The oasis town of Kaipo is full of little text differences here and there. Let's dig them up!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Watery Pass

Explore the depths of the Watery Pass and its localization differences!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Damcyan

At last, the time has come! Spoony Bard analysis, activate!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Antlion Cave

It's time to beat the Antlion and save Rosa... but not before analyzing the game's translation in great detail!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mt. Hobs

It's time to team up with Yang and kick some Bomb butt! Why does he keep sneezing though?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Fabul

Fabul Castle is brimming with fighters, monsters, and interesting localization tidbits! Let's do this thing!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mysidia

Mysidian wizards, legends, and Devil Roads, oh my! There's a lot of localization content to cover in this magical city!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mt. Ordeals

The trek up Mt. Ordeals is replete with important story elements. Let's dive into the details of this key plot point!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mysidia 2

How did the localizers handle Mysidia's text when it's NOT full of a bunch of jerks? Let's find out!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Quick Summary

Here's a super-quick summary of the differences between MOTHER 2 and EarthBound!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Introduction

Localization differences abound even seconds after you turn on the game!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: New Game

The default names in MOTHER 2 and EarthBound are way different... See for yourself!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Onett

Explore the town of Onett! Learn of the localization differences! And bash dogs.

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Twoson

Welcome to Twoson! We have a department store, kidnappers, and lots of neat localization differences!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Happy Happy Village

Blue blue! Let's investigate the eerie cult and the localization choices surrounding it!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Twoson 2

It's time for Ness and Paula to take in a Runaway Five, err, Tonzura Brothers show!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Threed

Welcome to Threed. Or is it Threek? It depends on which game you're playing!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Winters

Before you sneak out of your dorm and get a pet monkey, read up on the localization changes made to the Winters area!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Threed 2

What's the deal with Fly Honey? And Zombie Paper? Read and find out!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Saturn Valley

Boing? Zoom? What's this nonsense? The original text had completely different stuff!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Threed 3

Discover text that was never used in the final version of the game but got localized anyway!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Dusty Dunes Desert

The vast desert between Threed and Fourside is home to some interesting localization changes!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Fourside

Get lost in the metropolis of Fourside, which is also brimming with localization thingies!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Fourside 2

After returning to Fourside with a diamond, more localization changes (and a kidnapping) await!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Moonside

Moonside people talk crazy, as you probably know. How do they talk in Japanese, though? Let's find out!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Monkey Caves

These monkey-filled caves are filled with localization changes too! Ki ki kya!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Fourside 3

It's time to infiltrate the upper levels of the Monotoly Building and save Paula! But what localization changes await...?

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Threed 4

The trip back to Threed to get the Sky Runner is short and uneventful, but here are a few things of note anyway!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Winters 2

Dr. Andonuts is a neglectful father and is fond of cave boys! Find out more here!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Summers

Let's take a nice, relaxing look at the localization changes in this luxurious vacation destination!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Dalaam

Magic Cake, Mu, Poo, crazy ancient ancestors, near-death experiences, and lots of localization changes abound in Dalaam!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Summers 2

Now that Poo's in the party, it's time for NPCs to bring up Asian references. Let's see what they said in the original Japanese text!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Fourside 4

Let's check out Fourside again! More alcohol-to-coffee localization changes are to be had!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Dalaam 2

Let's drop by Dalaam again and check out a few quick localization changes!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Summers 3

Ahoy, matey! Thar be a wee bit of localization changes here!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Scaraba

Come visit Scaraba! Or is it Scarabi? Let's find out more about this desert town and its localization changes!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Dungeon Man

Dungeon Man has tons of stuff hidden inside him... including some localization things!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Deep Darkness

Here's your guide through the localization swamps of Deep Darkness!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Tenda Village

It's time to make a brief stop at Tenda Village. Wait, are they even called Tendas in the Japanese version?

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Winters 3

Winters has been invaded by aliens! Let's localize 'em a thing or two!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Stonehenge

Stonehenge is actually a secret alien base! We must investigate and search for localization changes!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Onett 2

Gotta go back to the Onett Library to get a book! Shh! There are some tiny localization changes here!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Tenda Village 2

It's time to revisit Tenda Village and explore Lumine Hall! Some big changes here!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Lost Underworld

Whoa! Everything's so big... or is everything tiny? Let's dig into the localization and learn about the universe!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Magicant

Japanese Magicant has nudity, devils, and more! English Magicant has the secret of a newborn daughter! Let's do this!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Phase Distorter

The Phase Distorter isn't called the Phase Distorter in Japanese. What is it? Find out here!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Giygas

This is it - the final battle. Let's dig into the details of Giygas, Pokey, and the fate of our heroes!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Ending

EarthBound has an amazing ending, and the differences it has with MOTHER 2 are just as interesting!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Battles

Even the battles in EarthBound have some localization changes! Let's check 'em out!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Enemies

One of the best things about EarthBound's localization is its enemy names!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Items

Many of the items in EarthBound received some localization changes. Let's check 'em out!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Names

Here's a look at a bunch of names and terms that got changed during EarthBound's localization.

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Newspapers

Some of the newspaper headlines in EarthBound have some interesting localization changes!

EarthBound / MOTHER 2 Translation Comparison: Final Thoughts

It's time to look back at EarthBound's transformation and give it a rating! How will it fare?!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Baron 2

It's time to return to Baron, but this time as a Paladin! What localization hijinks await now?!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Baron Castle

It's time to get to the bottom of things and then sneak into Baron Castle! All with hilarious localization consequences, of course!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Baron 3

Now that the king is gone, how will the people of Baron react? And is Cid any different? Let's find out!

MOTHER 3 Translation Comparison: Chapter 1 – Desperate Search

It's time for Flint to go find his wife... but things don't turn out very well. Let's take a close look at how this tragic scene unfolds.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Baron Castle 2

New text, new treasures, and King Baron's ghost await! What differences will we find in Baron Castle this time?!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mist 2

We begin our worldwide field trip with a stop at the village of Mist! What changes await, if any?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Fabul 2

Next on our little worldwide field trip: another visit to Fabul! The monks have a few new greetings for Cecil!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mysidia 3

There's not a whole lot of new stuff going on in Mysidia right now, but let's take a quick visit anyway!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Mythril Town

Midgets, pigs, and frogs - oh, my! The remote Mythril Town has plenty of neat localization goodies to pore over!

How Symphony of the Night’s “Miserable Pile of Secrets” Scene Works in Japanese

This game features one of the most famous video game quotes of all time. But what did it originally say in Japanese?

People Used to Marry Pokémon All the Time

Get that honeymoon trip booked - it's time to get hitched to some Japanese critters!

How Axel’s “Got It Memorized” Catchphrase Works in Japanese Kingdom Hearts

What was the original Japanese version of this fan-favorite catchphrase?

How Final Fantasy’s Infamous “I Will Knock You All Down!” Quote Worked in Japanese

Final Fantasy features one of the most famous game quotes from the NES era. But what did it originally say in Japanese?

How Dr. Robotnik Turns into Dr. Eggman in Japanese Sonic Adventure

The iconic mad scientist got renamed in the English version of Sonic Adventure, but what about the Japanese version?

How Lyn from Fire Emblem Speaks in Japanese

People say this main Fire Emblem character talks like a sweet country gal in Japanese. Does she really?

I Had to Write a Final Fantasy Fanfic for Square

When I applied for a translation job at Square long ago, I didn't realize they'd ask me to write fan fiction!

What the Famous “Jill Sandwich” Quote from Resident Evil Says in Japanese

How does this infamous & quotable scene unfold in the Japanese version of the game?

Why That One Guy in Zelda II Says “I Am Error”

Zelda II features one of the most famous game quotes of all time. But was it a mistranslation? What was it in Japanese?

Final Fantasy IV, Secret of Mana, and Chrono Trigger Had a Connection

My investigation into an old gaming rumor turned up an unexpected discovery.

2 Characters in Animal Crossing Who Changed Gender in Localization

Two effeminate characters were changed into full-blown female characters when localized into English.

What the Famous Quote From “Bad Dudes” Originally Said in Japanese

What did this army guy say in the Japanese version of Bad Dudes? What was Bad Dudes called in Japanese anyway?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Agart

The southern town of Agart is full of mysteries! A view of a blood-red moon... A strange well... What does it all mean?!

How Kefka’s Famous “Son of a Submariner” Works in Japanese

Final Fantasy VI features one of the series' most famous and iconic lines. But what did it originally say in Japanese?

Does Ocarina of Time Have Farting Cabbages?

French fans weigh in on the flatulent controversy.

What’s the Donkey Kong 64 Rap Like in Japanese?

The English version of Donkey Kong 64 features a rap about the game's characters. But what about the Japanese version?

How the Official and Unofficial Danganronpa Translations Led to Fan Disagreement

Danganronpa fans seem split between which version is better - the professional translation or the fan translation.

Why Super Mario Bros. 4 Is Actually Super Mario World

The Mario games stopped getting numbered sequels in the 1990s, but there *was* one more after Super Mario Bros. 3.

How a Translation Oversight Led Chun-Li to Become a “Family Man”

This is the perfect example of why game translators must keep all possible scenarios in mind at all times.

Why Yoshi Is Sometimes Called Yossy in Japan

Yoshi's name often appears as "Yossy" in Japan. Have we been pronouncing his name wrong all this time?

How the Rap Lyrics in Mario Party Advance Work in Japanese

The English version of Mario Party Advance features rapping turtles. What do they say in Japanese?

How the Metroid Series’ “Varia Suit” Was Originally a Mistranslation

The Varia Suit is a key power-up throughout the Metroid series, but the name is actually a mistranslation.

Shadowgate Is Considered So Crappy in Japan That It’s Legendary

Rumor has it that Japanese gamers consider Shadowgate one of the crappiest games ever. But why?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Toroia

The city of Toroia is just bustling with girls, hostess clubs, chocobos, and secrets! What localization treasures can we dig up?!

How to Pronounce Ryu’s Name

How do you pronounce Ryu's name? The question has baffled gamers around the world for decades.

2 Japanese Games with Unexpected MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice References

Japanese games are full of pop culture references - you just have to know where to look.

How Frog Talks in the Japanese Version of Chrono Trigger

This unusual character speaks in an unusual way in English, but what does he sound like in Japanese?

How Toad’s Name and Gender Occasionally Caused Confusion for Japanese Fans

Is Toad one person or many people? Also, what other interesting Toad trivia is there?

Was Samus Called a He in Japanese Metroid Too?

Players around the world were surprised to learn Samus was a woman. Was it a surprise in Japan too?

How the Ending to Midnight Wanderers Lost a Cultural Reference

The English and Japanese endings are different in this Capcom game. What changed?

What Does Japan Think of Metroid: Other M?

This game is often derided by Western fans and critics, but what do Japanese players think of it?

What’s the “D” Status Ailment in Final Fantasy IV/II Means

The letter "D" mysteriously appears in this classic game's translation. What's going on?

How a Disco Reference Was Added to a Zelda Game

This is an article from the 2010s about a game from the 1990s in a series from the 1980s that has a reference from the 1970s.

How Japanese Ellipsis Usage Compares with English

Play any Japanese game and you'll probably find an avalanche of ellipses. What's the deal?

What Are Mega Man “Robot Masters” Called in Japan?

Dr. Wily's robots are famously known as "Robot Masters" in English. But what are they called in Japanese?

Super Metroid & Other English Games with Japanese Text Options

Super Metroid was ahead of the curve in many ways. What other games offered a Japanese language option?

How the Dr. Robotnik & Eggman Confusion Works in Japanese Sonic Generations

Changing the name "Eggman" to "Robotnik" back in the 90s left the door open for this future surprise.

Japanese Speech Styles & Loads of Typos in Tales of Vesperia

This "old man" stands out from the rest of the game's heroes. So how does he present himself in Japanese?

How “Control Code” Mistakes Can Wreck Game Translations

Game translation involves more than just text. If you're not careful, you could end up with problems like these.

Here’s What All Those Foreign Signs in Street Fighter II Say

Street Fighter II takes place all over the world, so there are signs in many languages. What do they say?

What the Monado Symbols Mean in Xenoblade

All the Monado symbols have actual meanings in Japanese. So what do they stand for?

What’s the Deal with That Creepy Sonic CD Secret?

A hidden mode in Sonic CD features a spooky message written in Japanese. What does it say?

What Do Japanese Fans Call These Legendary Pokemon?

Raikou, Entei, and Suicune... Are they dogs, cats, or something else?

How the “Thanatos” and “Tanatos” Name Change Was Handled in Kid Icarus: Uprising

"Tanatos" gets a name upgrade in the English version, but what happens in the Japanese version?

How Pearl Fey’s Gravy Accident Was Handled in Japanese Ace Attorney

An important clue in this mystery game involves gravy, but what was it originally in Japanese?

How a Rare Message in Final Fantasy II/IV Got Messed up in Translation

This is the perfect example of an obscure line of text getting mishandled in translation.

What Sabin’s Strange Line in Narshe Means in Japanese Final Fantasy VI

There's an odd line in Final Fantasy VI's original English translation. What did it originally say in Japanese?

Is Breath of Fire II’s Mt. Fubi a Reference to Mt. Fuji?

An early destination in Breath of Fire II has a name similar to Mt. Fuji. Is it an intentional reference?

How Gilbert’s Sexual Innuendo in Legend of Mana Is Handled in Japanese

This hunk makes people "hard" in the English version of Legend of Mana. But what about the Japanese release?

How the “Adversary” Boss in Pocky & Rocky Speaks in Japanese

This monster says something that sounds like a mistranslation. What did he originally say in Japanese?

Learning Japanese & Becoming a Translator

If you've ever considered studying Japanese or translation, this information will be useful to know.

What the Famous “Link, Zelda Is Your…” Line Means in A Link to the Past

What was Link's uncle trying to say at the start of A Link to the Past?

What’s the Difference Between Seppuku and Harakiri?

There's a lot of confusion surrounding these Japanese loanwords. How do they differ, at all?

What the Japanese Writing Says in Animal Crossing: New Leaf’s Shirt & Ice Cream

There's a bit of Japanese kanji in the localized versions of Animal Crossing. What do they mean?

Is Picross a Big Deal in Japan?

Picross games have existed since the 1980s. How popular are they in Japan, though?

How Mario Party Advance’s Comedy Routines Work in Japanese

Dialog-based comedy rarely translates well between languages. How did these comedy routines get localized?

How a Castlevania II Reference Was Added to Shanoa’s English Dialogue

This is a great example of how one generation of a classic series paid homage to its roots.

Why Final Fantasy Tactics’ “Little Money” Line Is So Incredibly Slow

Why... is... this... line... so... absolutely... slow...?

Fan Translation: Does It Help or Hurt Getting Professional Work?

Here's a quick summary of my own experiences as a professional translator and a fan translator.

What That Tourist Lady Says in Pokémon X/Y

An NPC in the English game speaks in Japanese. What does she say? And what does she say in the Japanese game?

How Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance’s TMNT References are Handled in Japanese

There's a Ninja Turtle reference in the English version, but what about the Japanese version?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Toroia Castle

It’s time to talk to princes, frogs, and clerics! And female warriors in leotards! And mistranslations and bugs!

How Breath of Fire’s Massage Scene Was Changed in Translation

This old man's text was censored in the English release, but in a surprising way.

Does Jane Talk About English in Japanese Kingdom Hearts?

Or does the Japanese version ask if you understand Japanese instead?

How Super Paper Mario’s Famous “Complaining on Message Boards” Scene Worked in Japanese

This super-nerd's quiz questions changed a bit during localization. What did he originally ask?

The Truth Behind the Secret Final Fantasy IV Frog

Talking frogs tie some of the Final Fantasy games together in a surprising way.

What Those 2 Untranslated Posters Say in Link’s Awakening

Nintendo forgot to localize a couple shop signs in this classic game. What do they say?

Why Conversation is Mysteriously Prohibited at the Well in Suikoden

An example of how even the shortest of phrases can easily be mistranslated.

What Are Some Games with Untranslated Credits?

There's a surprising number of games with untranslated credits. Can you think of any?

What the Temple Text Says in the Ace Attorney Games

This game features some decorative Japanese text that was left untranslated. What does it say?

How Pokémon’s Famous “Smell Ya Later” Phrase Works in Japanese

What is the original Japanese version of this mainstay Pokemon catchphrase?

The 4 Japanese Names for Super Mario World’s 8 “Special” Courses

What are Super Mario World's special courses called in Japanese? Are their names as gnarly as the English names?

How Banjo-Kazooie’s Rhyming Text Was Handled in Japanese

Localizing this English game into Japanese couldn't have been easy, as we see in this intro scene.

What’s So Funny About This Line in Phantasy Star IV?

Why does something seem off about a single line in this translated scene?

Why the “Daisy, Can You Take Care Of…” Line in Kingdom Hearts is Confusing

Game translators face many unusual challenges, including incomplete sentences and dialogue lip-flaps.

Do Mario & Friends Wear Goomba Corpses in Super Mario 3D World?

Fans argue about what this Goomba power-up suggests. Luckily, the Japanese devs have an answer.

Why Watt’s Gender in Paper Mario Has Caused Confusion

Why does Nintendo call this character a "he" half of the time but a "she" at other times?

Does Raiden Take a DOOMP in Japanese? And How Does George Talk?

How does this cyborg poop joke work in Japanese? And how do English dialects work in Japanese?

Did Professor Oak Forget His Own Grandson’s Name in Japanese?

Is this intelligent Pokemon professor as forgetful in Japanese as he is in English?

Why the Secret Skeleton Man Clucks Like a Chicken in Final Fantasy V

This hidden old man turns into a skeleton and clucks in English. But does he cluck in Japanese?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Cave Magnes

What kind of localization goodies has this magnetic cave attracted? Let's investigate!

Does Japanese Mega Man Live in Monsteropolis?

Mega Man explores the world of Monsteropolis in English. But what about in Japanese?

How Corpse Party’s Infamous “Pooper” and “Retard” Lines Worked in Japanese

Were these crude, offensive lines added to the English translation? What are they in Japanese?

There’s a Localization Gem in This Generic Pokémon Clone

What would you call a dog with a flower for a butt? There's no better name than this!

What Happens When PETA, Super Mario, and Game Localization Collide

Can controversy be localized? And can controversial parodies be reverse-localized?

Why Japanese Gamers Laughed at Tomb Raider’s Translation

Early screenshots of a translation in action can affect a game's reception well before release.

Here’s What Being a Translator Is Like, Business-Wise

Pro translators have to do more than just translate - the business side of things is a challenge too.

What Masahiro Sakurai Says in an Old Super Smash Bros. Update

The old Japanese Super Smash Bros. preview site featured content not shown in English.

How the Heavy English Accents in Dragon Quest IV Work in Japanese

Controversy surrounds the heavy English accents found in this Dragon Quest localization.

Is This Character in Pokémon X/Y Transgender?

Pokémon localizations are filled with interesting changes concerning gender roles and cultural values.

Is the Blitzball Kid in Final Fantasy X Really This Dumb?

This little kid doesn't seem very bright in English. But what about in Japanese?

Is Helen Keller Seriously in this Japanese Video Game?

This game features a surprising reference in English. But was it in the original Japanese game too?

How Bionic Commando’s Infamous “Nerd” Insult Works in Japanese

Why does this enemy soldier talk like a high school jock? What does he say in Japanese?

How a Kangaroo Accidentally Appeared in Tales of Phantasia’s Translation

This is a last-minute nightmare scenario for any modern game translation team.

These Fan Translations Became Official Translations

Some fan translations have made the legendary jump from unofficial project to official release.

How Zero Wing’s “All Your Base” Translation Compares with the Japanese Script

This infamous video game intro feels very different in Japanese and English.

How a Simple Line in Paper Mario Became a Fire Emblem Advertisement

This is a perfect example of how outside circumstances can influence a game's localization.

Was Princess Daisy Originally Princess Toadstool/Peach?

Mario's first Game Boy release left players with many questions, including one about this damsel in distress.

Does Japanese Disgaea Have a Horse Wiener?

Was this surprising line from the English translation in the original Japanese script?

All 3 Weird Endings in the Notorious “Transformers” Famicom Game

This game's ending is written in Japanese... but with English letters. What does it say?

AVGN Translation Topics

He took you back to the past, and now I'm gonna take you to Japan!

AVGN Translation Topics: Castlevania II

Let's look at the Japanese version of Castlevania II, and see Japanese reactions to the Castlevania II AVGN video!

AVGN Translation Topics: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

What is this monstrous game like in Japanese? Let's punch things and find out!

AVGN Translation Topics: The Karate Kid

Daniel-san! Your game is Japanese-themed! What did Japanese gamers think of it?!

How Geno Introduces Himself in Super Mario RPG

This character introduces himself in an odd way in English. But what does he say in Japanese?

Rare Video of the Ninja Gaiden Prequel Never Released Outside Japan (Translated)

There's a little-known Japanese-only prequel to the original Ninja Gaiden. What was the story about?

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Toroia Castle 2

Let's return to the castle and see what more has changed in the localization!

Is Syfa from Castlevania III Male or Female?

The English release of this Castlevania game left some details unclear. What about the Japanese version?

What Does This New Pokemon X/Y TCG Card Say?

Some Pokemon trading cards feature decorative Japanese text. What does this text say?

What Does The “Killing Weenies” Line in The Last Blade 2 Say in Japanese?

Old SNK games are known for their peculiar translations. What was this line originally in Japanese?

What Does This Untranslated Japanese in The Wonderful 101 Mean?

There's a good amount of decorative Japanese text in this game. What does it mean?

How 2 Grand Theft Auto Scenes Were Localized in Japanese

How are modern, AAA English games localized into Japanese? Here are some specific examples.

Did Secret of Mana Reference Final Fantasy VII?

Did Square sneakily reference two Final Fantasy VII characters years before the game's release?

How Final Fantasy VI’s Secret “Scrap of Paper Scene” Works in Japanese

Banon has a somewhat secret line in Final Fantasy VI. What does he say in the Japanese version?

How Were These Japanese Characters and Typos Handled in Ace Attorney?

What does this decorative Japanese text say? And are these English typos based on Japanese typos?

Which Is the Correct Translation in Cave Story: Grasstown or Bushlands?

Cave Story fans seem split over which translation is better. This name is particularly controversial.

AVGN Translation Topics: Who Framed Roger Rabbit

The Nerd's hatred for bunnies begins with this Roger Rabbit game - let's see what Japan thinks of this game too!

What Were These “Sweet Tacos” Originally in Japanese?

This classic SNK game features an unusual food combination. What was it originally in Japanese?

Is Lance from Pokémon Supposed to Be This Sadistic?

Does this enemy leader really threaten to strangle you with dragons' tails?

What the Weird “Googly-Goo Zombie” Line in Suikoden Was Supposed to Say

A great example of why context is vital to translators, and why insults don't always translate well.

What Does Japan Think of Little Mac in Smash Bros.?

Punch-Out was never quite a smash hit in Japan, so what was the response to Little Mac's Smash Bros. announcement?

Is This Pokémon Couple as Suggestive in Japanese?

This lovey-dovey couple has an "interesting" Pokémon combination. Was it the same way in Japanese?

Why Japanese Games Have Small Text on Top of Normal Text

Japanese writing sometimes has smaller writing on top of it. This explains what it is, and why it exists.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Tower of Zot

This tower is full of traps and villains! Let's brave its perils and discover its localization secrets!

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Intermission

After many months, it's time for a little break from the Final Fantasy grind.

How Zelda’s “Like Likes” Were Named After a Japanese Proverb

These foes have an unusual name with an unusual origin, but some games give inconsistent reasons for the name.

Is Ridley from Metroid Really Native to Zebes?

Is this powerful foe really the source of all life on Planet Zebes? Or was there a mistranslation somewhere?

How Did Japanese Fans React to the Greninja Smash Bros. Update?

The announcement of this ninja character had Smash Bros. fans curious about fans in other countries.

Why Harvest Moon Keeps Asking You To “Confirm the Origin of Fire”

The Harvest Moon series is known for its consistently awkward translations. This line marks the start of that legacy.

Did Natsume Misspell Its Own Name in Harvest Moon 64?

The Harvest Moon games are known for their poor translations, but surely they can't be *this* bad, right?

What Did Famitsu Think of American Super Mario Bros. 2?

This classic transformed several times before re-entering Japan in the 1990s. What did Japanese gamers think of it?

Did Castlevania II’s Endings Get Mixed Up in Japanese Too?

This classic has three endings, but something seems off about them in English. What were they like in Japanese?

What Do Japanese Fans Think of the Super Mario Bros. Movie?

The Super Mario movie has a poor reputation in America and elsewhere. But what about in Japan?

What’s with the “Dark Friar” Attack in Illusion of Gaia?

Why is one of the special attacks called "Dark Friar"? Is it a mistranslation, or something else?

Does Japanese Final Fantasy X Feature the Macarena Too?

Does the world of Final Fantasy X really know about 1990s Earth music? Was it mentioned in the original Japanese script?

Why Bishops in Elminage Are Always “Touching” Things

Why is "YOU TOUCHED IT" a failure message in this game about dungeon crawling?

Why Grilled Mormons Are in Takeshi’s Challenge

Is this Japanese restaurant really trying to cook religious believers? Or is it a mistranslation of some sort?

How Palutena’s Name Works in Japanese and English

This is a great example of why translating names between cultures, languages, and eras is a challenge.

How to Tell the Difference Between Chinese and Japanese Writing

If you don't know Chinese or Japanese, these easy tips will help you differentiate the two.

The Bananas in Final Fantasy Legend II Are Actually Drugs

This is a classic example of the type of content changes that Nintendo forced back in the 1990s.

Is Harvest Moon Supposed to Have Lightening or Lightning?

Poor translations can become even more baffling when typos enter the picture.

MOTHER 3 Translation Comparison: Live Translation Notes

Watch me play through the entire game and share translation notes, trivia, and more!

What Xenogears’ Beloved “Oh My Gabrino” Line Says in Japanese

A character in this sprawling JRPG shouts a very unique line in English. Is it the same in Japanese?

What the Backwards-Speaking Japanese Vampire Says in Virtual Hydlide

This game features a very strange audio clip that seems to be in Japanese. What is it saying?

Why Japanese Demons Are Elephants in English WarioWare

WarioWare's boxers, janitors, and bakers weren't in the original Japanese game. What did they replace, and why?

You Have to Save Lucca’s Mom a Different Way in Japanese

This is a great example of how language differences can lead to unexpected gameplay changes.

How Quina’s “S/he” Pronoun is Handled in Japanese Final Fantasy IX

Pronouns are easily avoided in Japanese, but what happens when you translate pronoun-less text into English?

Why the Letter “W” Appears in Japanese Games All the Time

The letter W often appears in Japanese text for no apparent reason. What does it mean?

What That Cat Sign Says in Paper Mario Sticker Star

There's a bit of decorative Japanese text in this Paper Mario game. What does it mean?

Did Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire Just Suddenly Reference Alain?

Are these anime-exclusive characters referenced in the Japanese games too, or did the game localizers change things?

These Are the Japanese Boxing Ring Aliases in Smash Bros. Wii U

All the characters have silly boxer nicknames... and they're different in every version of the game!

The Shenmue Girl Who Looks Like a Cat

This girl gets angry when she's compared to a cat. But why does she get *this* upset?

Why Is This Egg Tart Censored?

Was this part of the game censored during the translation process? What was it originally in Japanese?

How the Tickle Robot in Medabots Really Acts in Japanese

Something seems off about a certain line in this game's translation. What did it originally say in Japanese?

How Triforce Heroes, Meme References, and Controversy Collided

A recently localized Zelda game features an outdated Internet meme. What did the original Japanese line say?

How The “Litter Joke” Was Reworked in Dragon Warrior IV

The English release of Dragon Warrior 4 features a forced pun. What was it originally in Japanese?

3 Examples of Translated Jokes That Don’t Work at All

Japanese puns can be hard to localize... but the localizers really dropped the ball in this case.

What Do Japanese Fans Think of Cloud in Super Smash Bros.?

This is a great showcase of the kinds of assumptions gamers have about gamers in other countries.

What Do Japanese Zelda Fans Think of Linkle?

A surprising new Zelda character was unveiled recently. How did Japanese fans respond to the announcement?

Legends of Localization Book 1 is Now Out!

Legends of Localization has hit the big time - now you can cite me in all you essays and last-minute assignments!

What’s Written on This Nopon Monado in Xenoblade X?

There's a Monado-like item in this new Xenoblade game, but what does its symbol mean?

How a Cheesy Anti-Drug Message Was Inserted into an Old Game Localization

This ninja policeman shares a really hamfisted anti-drug message. What did he originally say in Japanese?

Culex Is Quite Different in Japanese Super Mario RPG

There's a secret boss in Super Mario RPG with Final Fantasy connections. What is he like in Japanese?

Link’s Gender Pronouns in Early Zelda Games

Which Japanese pronouns are used to refer to Link in early Zelda games? Let's take a look.

Does Japanese Pokémon Reference Stand By Me?

This classic American movie is mentioned in early Pokémon localizations. Was it in the Japanese games too?

Did Project X Zone 2 Reference All These Things in Japanese?

This crossover game references many games and companies. Were these references in the Japanese version too?

Is This “LIE” Also in Japanese Metal Gear Solid 2?

This game gets so crazy that you can't even trust individual words by the end. Was it the same way in Japanese?

What the Hidden Japanese Text Says in Link’s Awakening

There's a set of silly, hidden lines in this classic game. But what did they originally say in Japanese?

How the “Metal Gear” Name Is Explained in Japanese

A scene in Metal Gear Solid 3 explains the meaning of the iconic name, but does it make more sense in Japanese?

The Time Suikoden’s Script Went off the Rails

A party member suddenly spouts developer notes instead of dialogue. What happened?

The Exciting Ups and Painful Downs of Game Localization

Every professional starts from somewhere. This professional translator shares an early misstep in his career.

What the Mario & Luigi Sock Creature Is Named in Japanese

This sock creature has a Japanese name in English, so what is its name in Japanese?

How the Resident Evil 5 Door Pun Is Handled in Japanese

What does a sarcastic one-liner in English look like in Japanese?

Why the Japanese “Clash at Demonhead” Script Mentions Famicoms

The Japanese script mentions Famicoms at one point, but why? And what does the English script say?

What a Certain Line About Gender Roles Says in Japanese

This translated line seems out of place at first glance, so let's take a look at the full scene in question.

Early Japanese Previews of Zelda 64 and MOTHER 3

Here's some early info and high-quality screenshots from these Nintendo 64 games.

Why Are Tootsie Pops and M&M’s in a Japanese RPG?

The English localization includes real-life pop culture jokes, but what were they originally in Japanese?

10 Examples of Untranslated Text in Video Game Localizations

Failing to translate everything is a common pitfall in game localization. These examples help explain why.

The Growing Pains of the Translation (and Professional) World

If you're hoping to learn a skill or start a career in any field, this is a helpful experience to learn from.

How Splatoon’s “Stay Fresh” Catchphrase Works in Japanese

Splatoon's localization is overflowing with squid puns. How did this one work in Japanese?

Was This Line in Tales of the Abyss a Mistranslation?

Even a basic word like "new" can change dramatically in translation. This is a perfect real-life example.

4 Translations in Goonies II That Make More Sense in Japanese

This NES classic has some interesting text that doesn't seem quite right. What did it originally say in Japanese?

How Items and Names Get Sorted in Japanese Games

The first Final Fantasy game organizes items in a weird order, but why? And how are words sorted in Japanese anyway?

Zero Wing Had 32 Weird Secret Endings in Japan

The infamous "All Your Base" game is jam-packed with secret Japanese endings. What do they say?

A New Way of Playing Japanese and English Games Side-By-Side

I worked some technical magic to play games in a weird new way. Here's how my prototype worked.

Behind the Scenes of the EarthBound Legends of Localization Book

I committed a chunk of my life to writing this giant book about localization. Here's what happened behind the scenes.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – Live Japanese Script Viewer

This custom tool displays the Japanese script live as you play the English game. You can try it for yourself!

Check out This Worldwide Japanese-To-English Game Translation Contest

Game translation contests are a great way to build experience and résumés, and the game this time is superb!

Funky Fantasy IV: A Machine-Translated Video Game Experiment

I Google-Translated an entire video game one day. The results were so surprising that I even wrote a book about it!

Breath of Fire II (Super NES) Localization Review

This classic JRPG supposedly has one of the worst translations of all time. Is it really as bad as everyone says?

Tomato Adventure Fan Translation Patch & Tools

This quirky JRPG is the spiritual predecessor of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. It's never been translated... until now.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Dwarf Castle

It's time to head underground and unearth some really big localization changes!

How One Fan Translation Team Turned Official

To some degree, most professional translators start out as hobbyists. Here's one such story.

Mega Man V’s Ending Was a Bit Different in Japanese

There usually isn't much story in Mega Man games, but this particular story received some changes.

How a Quote in Final Fantasy IX Became More Famous in English Than Japanese

This beloved quote references two past Final Fantasy heroes. But what does it say in Japanese?

How Nintendo Recently Changed Zelda 1 Even More

Nintendo has been quietly altering The Legend of Zelda for 30 years. Here's a look at the latest changes.

This Be Bad Translation #03, SLASH HERO!

This Japanese mobile game is a treasure trove of machine-translated nonsense.

What Do Japanese Fans Think of the CD-i Zelda Games?

These two Zelda games were never released in Japan. So do Japanese fans consider them holy grails?

This Be Bad Translation #02, Vroom in the night sky!

This notorious Nintendo Switch game is proof that bad translation is alive and well, even on the newest game consoles.

Is This Snowy Translation Really Literal?

A line of dialogue includes a translator's note about literal translations. What *is* a "literal translation", anyway?

How the “Over 9000” Meme Was Inserted into Street Fighter X Tekken’s Translation

This English scene features an ultra-popular Internet meme. But what did it originally say in Japanese?

That Weird Time Lakitu Started Throwing Pipes

This is a great example of how name mistranslations happen in game localizations, and what happens as a result.

All Your Bad Translation Books Are Belong to Us!

I wrote this book about the history of bad video game translations and why bad translations happen.

Why Even Simple Jokes Are Tough to Translate

Jokes are almost always a challenge to translate between languages. Here are two specific examples.

How Ganon’s Motivation Changed in Breath of the Wild’s English Translation

This is a good example of how a single translation can significantly effect an entire story.

This Be Bad Translation #05, Gunbarich!

This popular Japanese arcade game finally hit the Nintendo Switch, along with an awkward English translation.

2 New Books About Lovely Translations & Horrible Translations!

Actual quote from one of the books: "The enema is saying that you should not wear a basketball!"

Mega Man (Japanese / English) [FC/NES]

Screenshots, comparisons, and save files from both versions of the original Rockman/Megaman game.

Mega Man II (Japanese / English) [FC/NES]

132 side-by-side screenshots and 14 save-states from the original Japanese and English versions of Mega Man II.

Mega Man III (Japanese / English) [FC/NES]

14 save-states and over 130 side-by-side images from the Japanese and English versions of Mega Man III.

28 Fake NBA Teams in Japan’s “Super Dunk Shot”

This Japanese basketball game had crazy fake names for NBA teams and players.

What Happened When I Auto-Translated the Official Final Fantasy Browser Game

This official browser game was only released in Japanese - here's what happens when you auto-translate it.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Tower of Bab-il

This small part of Final Fantasy IV features classic Nintendo content changes, technical goofs, name evolutions, and more.

Legends of Localization Projects in 2018

New books, new software, new gadgets, and new discoveries are on the horizon.

This Be Bad Translation #04, Download!

This Japanese game has a surprising amount of interesting and colorful English.

Japan’s Surprising Love of the Word “LABO”

Step foot in Japan and you'll find yourself surrounded by the word "Labo" written in English. What's the deal?

Yakuza 0’s “Fisting Artist” in Translation

How did this surprising scene work in the original Japanese version of Yakuza 0?

How They Translated Bubsy into Japanese

How were all those English cat puns, jokes, and movie references handled in the Japanese translation?

This Be Bad Translation #01, Zero Wing!

This infamous scene from the start of Zero Wing has become the face of bad translation worldwide.

This Be Bad Game Translation Series

Let's explore the world of amusingly poor video game translations in this ongoing series.

This Be Bad Translation #07, Battle Rangers!

This arcade classic features amazing examples of bad 1980s video game translation.

The Ending to Ghostbusters (NES) Is Even Worse in Japanese

This game's notoriously bad translation is somehow an improvement over the original. Here's why.

This Be Bad Translation #06, Hana no Star Kaidō!

This weird old game was only released in Japan, yet it features lots of memorably bad English writing.

24 Times “Yoshi” Was Called “Yossy”

Everyone's favorite green dinosaur has a slightly different name in Japan, as these pics demonstrate.

What Do Japanese Fans Think of Mario Is Missing?

This notorious Mario game was released 25 years ago, but never in Japan. So what do Japanese fans think after all this time?

What River City Ransom’s Famous “BARF!” Quote Said in Japanese

This simple line ranks high on every list of famous video game quotes. But what was it originally in Japanese?

This Be Bad Translation #08, Tales of Berseria!

This big-name, modern translation is bursting with post-game problems.

Localization Roundup #1

Includes: translating NES games back into Japanese, Undertale, Harvest Moon, Banshee's Last Cry, and Super Mario Land.

Why the “Graveyard Duck” from Castlevania II Isn’t a Mistranslation After All

This odd line has puzzled fans for years. It turns out ducks and Castlevania go hand-in-hand!

Localization Roundup #2

Includes: Final Wii shop games, Zelda: LttP beta scans, 7 fan translations, Dragon Ball problems, voice recognition failure.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Loose Ends 1

Cecil and friends return to the surface world and show why literal translations aren't always best!

Localization Roundup #3

Includes: a classic mistranslation, Tengai Makyo Zero fan translation, Breath of Fire II, Japanese view of game localization changes.

Surprising Swear Words in Game Translations

Profanity in video games is nothing new, but it unexpectedly pops up in game translations like these.

Fat, Beauty, and A Link Between Worlds’ Localization

In Japanese, a queen loses her beauty when she grows fat. This changed in English... but how?

Localization Roundup #4

Includes: Yakuza localizer chat, a game *about* translation, Guess That Translation!, Secret of Mana beta map, Monster Hunter World.

Tricky Translations #1: Maou & Daimaou

These two simple words are tricky to translate. Here's why, and how they've been translated since the 1980s!

How the Michael Jackson References Work in Yakuza 0’s Localization

There's a *lot* of Michael Jackson references in these side quests. How did they work in the original game?

Localization Roundup #5

Includes: how big game scripts really are, industry insider info, funny translations, latest fan translations, bad voice acting.

Japan’s Love Affair with Filler English Text

When you need a block of English text no one will read, just copy it from something crazy.

The Problem with L, R, and Other Letters in Japanese Translation

There's actual logic behind all those Japanese game typos, and it goes beyond L and R.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Cave Eblana

This secret ninja cave features confusing name changes, script cuts, and spoiled mysteries.

This Be Bad Translation #09, Sloppy Mobile & PC Ports!

When classic games get ports or remakes, weird little mistakes sneak into their translations sometimes.

Japan’s Mysterious Love of the Word “Let’s”

The English word "let's" appears in Japanese stuff everywhere, including video games. Here's why!

Bad Game Translation Hall of Fame

Let's take a look at the best of the worst English game translations of all time!

Localization Roundup #6

Includes: fan outrage in other countries' translations, a legendary visual novel is getting translated, localized game demo mistakes, unreleased game ads.

How Horizon Zero Dawn’s “Grizzly” Joke Works in Japanese

Some simple wordplay in this English-language game works amazingly well in Japanese too.

Which Final Fantasy IV Translation Should You Play?

There's a new Final Fantasy IV translation every 3 or 4 years. So which ones are the best?

This Be Bad Translation #10, Kidō Senshi Gundam Part 1: Gundam Daichi ni Tatsu!

This obscure Japanese computer game is entirely in English - and it's charmingly bad.

When Is It Okay to Localize and Not Localize?

Why does anything need to be changed in translation? Why can't everything just be a straight translation?

Tricky Translations #2: The Four Heavenly Kings

Here's why the phrase "Four Heavenly Kings" appears in so many translations and why it's surprisingly tough to translate.

What Do Japanese Fans Think of the Leaked Pokémon Spaceworld Demo?

A holy grail of secret Pokémon info was just released - how have Japanese fans reacted to it?

What Does Edgar Say About Relm in Each Final Fantasy VI Translation?

How does this infamous scene between two main characters play out in translation?

Why Did Link’s “Cane of Somaria” Get a New Name in Japan?

Some items in A Link to the Past have unusual names - and one even got quietly renamed in Japan.

Popular, Infamous, and Surprising Game Localizations into Japanese

Japanese gamers play a lot of Western-made games, so which ones have the best localizations?

Common Problems When Translating Games into Japanese

Terrible things can happen when you try to translate your game into Japanese - here's how to avoid disaster.

This Be Bad Translation #11, Twinkle Star Sprites!

This Neo Geo classic is a great example of a lesser known, "slow burn" bad translation in action.

Game Translations with Amusing Religious Quotes

Bad translations and religious references often mix in amusing ways, as seen here.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison

Let's look at the Japanese script and the SNES / GBA / Fan / Google translations all at once!

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 2)

Let's look at Sabin, bodybuilders, bears, European languages, mistranslations, and more!

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 3)

Let's compare the Japanese script with the SNES, GBA, fan, and Google translations!

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 4)

Learn about poison, waiters, ghosts, trains, and more in today info-packed translation comparison!

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 5)

Topics include: Mr. Thou, cleavage, Dragon Ball, censorship, kappas, swearing, and much more.

Why Some Japanese Game Titles End with “if”

Japanese entertainment titles sometimes end with "if" - here's what it means.

Tiny Toons, Back to the Future, and the Metric System

This game references Back to the Future's 88 mph, but how is it handled in the Japanese version?

How a Popular American Infomercial Was Localized into Japanese

This classic old infomercial changed a lot when it was released in Japan. Here's how.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 6)

Let's examine translation differences and mistakes from Esper Terra to Zozo.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 7)

The story-heavy elements in this section of the game demonstrate how complicated game translation is.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Opera Scene)

Here's how the big opera scene works in Japanese and in the many different English translations.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 8)

How Celes changes her speech style, how the Super NES translation falls apart, and how drunk people talk in Japanese.

This Be Bad Translation #12, Breath of Fire II!

Breath of Fire II has a reputation for having a bad translation... but it's so bad it's almost miraculous.

How Persona 4 Golden’s “Sub-Buttle” Joke Works in Japanese

This joke about butts had to get reworked a bit in translation. Here's how it was changed and why.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 9)

Lots of strange translation issues pop up as major story events unfold. Also, Mog.

How the Famous “Comfy Shorts” Quote Worked in Japanese Pokémon

There's a famous kid in Pokemon who likes really, really likes shorts. But what does he say in Japanese?

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 10)

Repeated mistakes, content changes, third-person self-references, old-timey Japanese, and more!

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 11)

Chupon, Ultros, Kefka, and more cause trouble for translators during this key section of Final Fantasy VI.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 12)

Jumping off cliffs, translation mistakes, fake names, Kefka six packs, rainbows across cultures, Bushido in the Bedroom, and more.

Stream Recap #01: Ocarina of Time Eyeball Hunt

We had lots of casual game + localization + life discussions while playing Ocarina of TIme.

Game Localization and Nintendo of America’s Content Policies in the 1990s (NSFW)

Nintendo altered lots of games in the 1990s, but how did those changes affect Japanese games localized into English?

Localization Roundup #7

Includes: God of War rune translation, old English vs Chinese gamers, funny English in old JP PC games, and supporting niche games.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 13)

Frightful dragons, pronoun problems aplenty, ranch dressing, forced Nintendo marriages, and more!

Redundant Translations in Games & Anime

Redundancy problems are common in entertainment translation: here are some examples.

Chrono Trigger’s Gato in Japanese

Gato's name and song were changed in translation, but how and why? Let's find out!

What Do Japanese Gamers Think of Shaq Fu?

Gamers have strong opinions about Shaq's original fighting game, but how is it viewed in Japan?

Movies in Japanese #01: The Wizard

How did this classic video game movie change when it was translated into Japanese? Let's find out!

New Legends of Localization Polo, Pins, Tote Bag, and More

New Legends of Localization Polo, Pins, Tote Bag, and More!

MOTHER 3’s Timeline of Hope

A cycle of hope, hype, and disappointment has surrounded one game translation for 23 years.

Localization Roundup #8

Includes: New fan translation, funny English on signs, interview with a translator, Sega's recent localization success.

Game Translations that Turned Surprisingly Political

Politics can seep into everything, including game translations. Here are some examples.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison (Part 14)

Final Fantasy VI's finale features mistranslations, misunderstandings, content changes, and more.

This Be Bad Translation #14, Kitty Love!

Nintendo's eShop is filling up with poorly translated Japanese games. Here's a look at another notorious one.

Memes and References in Video Game Translations

Pop culture references and Internet memes sometimes get added into game translations. Here are many examples.

Final Fantasy VI Translation Comparison Summary

Which translation of Final Fantasy VI should you play? Which is the best? Here's a look at each one.

Famous Game Translation Quotes: “You Spoony Bard!”

This short little line from 1991 is still quoted all the time today. Here's why.

This Be Bad Translation #15, Ayakashi Koi Gikyoku!

Another poorly-translated otome game hit Nintendo Switch's eShop. Let's look at the best of the worst lines.

The Top 10 Most Wanted OFFICIAL Game Localizations

Which Japanese-only games are on everyone's localization wish list? And did your choice make the top ten?

Video Games and Japan’s Three Main Writing Systems

Japanese game text has transformed in a unique way since the 1970s. Here's a look at how and why.

Squall’s “Whatever” Line in Japanese Final Fantasy VIII

The English version of Final Fantasy VIII is filled with the phrase "whatever". What was the Japanese version like?

This Be Bad Translation #13, Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment!

Why is this infamous translation considered a modern "All Your Base"? Let's find out!

Unusual English in Japanese Video Game Credits

Japanese game credits often use English in interesting ways. Let's examine some common patterns and why they happen.

Localization Roundup #9

Includes: 13 new fan translations, pineapples as vegetables, weird Pokemon names, and funny English.

This Be Bad Translation #16, Iris School of Wizardry!

This poorly translated Nintendo Switch game was given a new translation. Here are some before-and-after comparisons!

The Secret Japan-Only Developer Messages in Cadash & Their Pop Culture References

Secret content was removed from this classic game before being released outside of Japan. Here's what Japanese fans got that we didn't.

Localized Names in Video Games that Changed Later On

One side-effect of translation and localization is that established names can change at any time. Here are some examples from games.

Localization Roundup #10

Includes: Ace Attorney localization info, Judgment news, funny food translations, blue vs. green, and more.

Tricky Translations #3: False Friends & Japanese Hips

Jumping between languages is a tricky process. Here's one type of trap that fools every translator at least once.

Professional Translators Discuss Fan Translation Experience

Should fan translators list their work when trying to enter the professional industry? Professionals share their thoughts and experiences.

Nintendo’s Official & Unusual French Translation of Zelda II

Some French versions of Zelda II came with an English-to-French text booklet. Here's what changed in the translation and what they got wrong.

Help Wanted

I'm always looking for help from fellow translators and game enthusiasts. Here are some things I'm looking for.

Games with Famous Bad Translations INTO Japanese

English-speaking gamers have "All Your Base", but what do Japanese gamers have?

What Do Japanese Fans Think of the Sonic Movie Trailer?

The Sonic trailer has met with lots of online criticism. How has it been received in Japan?

Getting It Localized #1: Skies of Fury DX

If you're a developer, getting your game localized is trickier than you might expect. Here's what can happen.

The Phrase “Game Set” in Japanese Video Games

This peculiar phrase appears in many of Masahiro Sakurai's video games. Is it his signature text, or something else?

Interview: Ted Woolsey (Super Play Magazine, Sep. 1994)

This classic interview covers Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI, Breath of Fire, Secret of Evermore, and more.

Tricky Translations #4: “I” & “Me” in Japanese

There are dozens of ways to say "I" and "me" in Japanese. Let's look at how they work and who uses each one!

Movies in Japanese #02: Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters is full of American cultural references, New York references, and more. How were these translated into Japanese?

Why “Hai” Doesn’t Always Mean “Yes” in Japanese

Even simple ideas like "yes" and "no" are troublesome when translating between Japanese and English. Here are some examples why.

What Do Japanese Fans Think of Banjo-Kazooie in Smash Bros.?

Banjo-Kazooie was announced for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Here's how some Japanese fans reacted.

The Infamous “Arche F***s Like a Tiger” Scene in Tales of Phantasia

This is one of THE most infamous scenes in video game fan translation. What was it originally like in Japanese?

Viral and Memorable Mistranslations of Japanese Game News

There are plenty of games with bad translations, but game *news* can get poorly translated too. Here are some examples.

Localization Roundup #11

Some Japan-only games are finally no longer Japan-only. Plus lots of other game localization news bits!

Religious Content Changes in Game Localizations

Game publishers have been changing religion-related content for decades. Now I'm compiling a list of examples here.

Seiken Densetsu / Final Fantasy Adventure Translation Comparison

Let's compare the 1991 English translation of Seiken Densetsu with the original Japanese script!

Final Fantasy Adventure Translation Comparison (Part 2)

Moogles, alcohol, Final Fantasy series history, H.P. Lovecraft, the notorious palm tree puzzle, and more!

Final Fantasy Adventure Translation Comparison (Part 3)

This section of the game features common translation mistakes, name changes, ties to other 1990s Final Fantasy translations, and robot legs.

The Unexpected Abe Lincoln Reference in Secret of Mana

Was this reference added into the English script? What did the original Japanese text say? Let's take a look.

Final Fantasy Adventure Translation Comparison (Part 4)

Birds with kimonos, Christianity in 1500s Japan, Genji equipment, Japanese history, and more.

Vertical Text in an English Game Translation

Japanese Numbers, Dates, and Wordplay

Japanese games are filled with number-based wordplay in ways you probably never noticed before!

Super Mario Bros. 1 Manual Misprint Hunt

A misprint in a Spanish manual reminded me of a similar misprint in the English manual that few seem to remember.

This Be Bad Translation #18, Summer Sweetheart!

What happens when a Chinese game is localized into Japanese and then again into English?

LOCxLOC: Behind the Screens with Heroland’s Localizers

Some of the developers behind MOTHER 3 made a quirky new game - here's an inside look at its localization.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Tower of Bab-il 2

As Edge is reunited with his monstrous parents, we encounter some small localization changes.

Funky Fantasy IV – 3 Years Later

3 Times That Game Translations Were Quietly Changed

When classic games get re-released, sometimes their translations get slight updates too. These are three recent examples.

Favorite English Game Translations of 2010-2019

The 2010s saw many Japanese-to-English game translations, both official and fan-made. Here are some readers' favorites!

Japanese Fans Comment on Sekiro’s English Translation

Ancient Japanese culture and language are at the heart of Sekiro, so what do Japanese fans think of the English translation?

Hair Problems in Ys III

"The fortuneteller was a lovely young woman with long flowing back hair."

How Satan’s Name Changed a Bit in the Japanese Version of Ghosts ‘N Goblins

The iconic final boss of Ghosts 'n Goblins wasn't always known as "Satan". What was his original name? (Updated)

Ys VIII Was Translated Twice – Which is Your Preferred Translation Style?

This 2017 JRPG was retranslated after fan backlash. Which translation style do you prefer?

The Japanese Word “Okama” in Video Game Translations

This controversial word appears often in Japanese games - here's how it's been handled in translation since the 1990s.

Japanese Coverage of American Video Games at CES 1992

We always hear news about Japanese gaming events, but here's a Japanese look at an American event.

Final Fantasy IV Translation Comparison: Dwarf Castle 2

Let's see how this section of the Super NES translation adds a gameplay hint, and changes a few minor details.

Ayla’s Sexual Orientation in Chrono Trigger

Text changes in the English release have led fans to theorize about Ayla over the years.

The Final Fantasy VII “Retard” Line in Japanese

This is an infamous line in the English translation, but what did it say in the Japanese version?

Wanderbar SNES, NES, and GB/GBC/GBA Overview

I glued a Super NES and NES emulator to a web browser to create a useful tool for fans, students, and others.

Final Fantasy VI Beta Images (Early 1994)

This is a fascinating Japanese preview of Final Fantasy VI a few months before its release.

This Be Bad Translation #17, Alice in the Heart ~Wonderful Wonder World~ !

This is one of THE best, unknown gems of bad video game translation. Let's see why!

Behind the Localization of Majora’s Mask (Nintendo Power Magazine, Sep. 2000)

A localizer shares his experience with this classic Nintendo game over the span of 40 days.

Literary Translators Comment on Localization & Re-Translation

The word "localization" is relatively new in the translation industry, but the idea has been around for a very long time.

About Zelda III, Zelda IV, and Zelda 64

Older fans sometimes refer to 1990s Zelda games with these alternate names.

The Pop Culture-Obsessed Monsters in Japanese Super Mario RPG

The Japanese version of Super Mario RPG is filled with references that were lost in translation.

The Duchess’ Riddle in the Japanese Version of Witcher 3

How do you translate an untranslatable riddle? By creating your own untranslatable riddle.

Seiken Densetsu 1 – Scrapped Ideas & Dev Comments

While researching Final Fantasy Adventure for my translation comparison, I found a lot of neat behind-the-scenes info!

The Many Translations of the “Lost Woods”

Zelda, Mario, Pokémon, and many other games have the same forest name in Japanese, but not in English. Here's why.

This Be Bad Translation #19, Refreshing Sideways Puzzle Ghost Hammer!

Are you ready to drink the roast nail stains of a princess?

This Be Bad Translation #20, Selfy Collection: The dream fashion stylist!

Bizarre fashion meets bizarre translation in this Nintendo Switch game!

New Discoveries About EarthBound’s Development and Localization

Old source code reveals a lot of content in EarthBound and MOTHER 2 that was cut or changed over time.

What is Localization?

Just what is localization, and how is it different from translation? Let's take a look! (excerpt from Legends of Localization, Book 3)