Depends. English for something like Final Fantasy games. If the English voices are unbelievably terrible (like usually) then I’ll use Japanese voices. I’d use them without a doubt in Trails of Cold Steel because I played the Sky and Crossbell games in Japanese.
English for me. I enjoy the English voice acting in games like Persona 5 and Trails of Cold Steel. Although I’ve played the beginning of Yakuza: Like A Dragon and it seems strange playing it in English because the rest of the series is Japanese.
I’ve used English across the board for every JRPG, and also for Ghost of Tsushima. I’m just not a fan of reading subtitles. The only game I can think of that I played in Japanese was Yakuza 0, because there isn’t an English dub.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
Always JPN for all JRPGs (and when watching anime) and for most other Japanese made games as well.
Haven't played Ghost of Tsushima yet but I will likely play it in JPN voice, seems more real that way.
I can't stand ENG dubs in JRPGs and I like reading subtitles.
@RogerRoger I was starting to worry that I was the only one! 😅
But I will say that the counterpoint to your and my preference of hearing in our native tongue and not having to struggle with reading time-limited subtitles, is the fact that there is nuance that is lost during translation. Japanese spoken inflection and tone do convey some things which might be lost in the English dub. That said, there is really good localization teams now that do a really good job at translating the cultural jokes and emotions into English scripting and performances that are entertaining for us. Every culture has inside jokes and a style of humor and drama that doesn’t come across 1:1. In my mind, even more so a reason to listen to what the translators have come up with for the English audience.
@RogerRoger I detected no insensitivity, so my apologies if I seemed like the culture police there. I actually just like having the discussion and I find it an interesting topic. You make some salient points (you always do) which are important. I think you and I being in the minority as far as not preferring playing in the Japanese language benefits from those points of clarification. And honestly, I think outside the hardcore bubble, I feel like most native English speakers play in English. The JRPG and anime enthusiast groups are the main people who utilize the Japanese dialogue, I suspect.
And you’re right about the way some of the export entertainment seems almost purposefully shunning any Japanese origin so as to appeal to the West, at least in years past. I can’t remember what game I was recently watching or playing from a Japanese studio and it struck me when the character actually looked Asian. So often characters have a western look or a mixed ‘acultural’ presentation.
So yeah, I’m glad you make those points and I’m totally with you there.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
I’d probably add here that it’s not just games where I’ll use the subs, I exclusively watch subbed anime unless it’s like Pokemon or something. Although I tend to use more dubs in games than in anime.
English, i'm fascinated by the slightly out-dated and ill-fitting terms and slang used in jrpg translations, it just sets the atmosphere perfectly for me. I even like the conversations going on for about 15 minutes too long!
Depends. Often Japanese if it's very story-heavy or set in Japan, and usually English if there's a lot of intense gameplay action. It also depends on how good the English and Japanese voice acting is.
@Jecht_Ultima This is why I was chuffed it got added to Game Pass PC! Started the original version back when it first released and it being added to Game Pass finally gave me the incentive to pick it back up.
@nessisonett@Jecht_Ultima I finished DQXI on PS4 and was tempted to buy the definitive version but changed my mind after playing the demo. The orchestral score is great but it doesn't look as good as the original version.
I've just bought a Series S so if it's on the console Game Pass then I'll take it.
When I watch Anime, it just depends. Sometimes a dub is great, other times I feel like I get a much better feel for the show watching in Japanese with subtitles.
But I play all games in English as long as its been dubbed that way. Its just much easier for me as an English speaker to follow.
Usually English, games like Ni No Kuni and NieR Gestalt/Replicant have stellar English VO's. Always play the Ninja Gaiden games with JP though, the English VO's are horrific in those games, especially Troy Baker's woeful Ryu Hayabusa.
Forums
Topic: What language you choose for jrpg
Posts 1 to 20 of 21
This topic has been archived, no further posts can be added.