Why is English localization so different from original? What about other language?

[eriyamayuen]

All of these contains SPOILER! Please read at your own risk.

***About the Dubbing***
I play using Japanese dub and it’s superb. The only one I hate is Prompto singing “Pa-pa-pa-pam!!” while hitting me with that bazooka and I died. Damn you, Prompto…. I curse you.
English dub is not good IMO… because it changed Ignis personality. The blame isn't on the actor alone, but also on the script. English-spoken Ignis is proud, funny, cheesy, and sarcastic-comedian while original Ignis is humble, polite, kind, and serious (no-joke, no-meme). It’s like 180 degrees of totally opposite character. Now that the Ignis DLC is out, I can feel the incompatibility in it. In DLC, sometimes Ignis dubs felt a little out of character. And, did you feel Ignis in DLC is a lot cooler than main game?
Gladio & Noctis Eng dubs are okay, but Prompto is probably has the best Eng dub, yaay!

***About the Translation & Localization***
I play using English subs. I learn Japanese and understand about 70% of what they said. The English translation however, is probably only half accurate than the original. I know how the translation/dub process so I don't want to criticize much. But, why is the German translation is more accurate than English? Sometimes the English is so inaccurate it makes the character seems rude/insensitive/annoying. Maybe, this is why players feel the emptiness between the chocobros. Because lost in translation.

The most fatal translation is probably in Ignis DLC.
For example: In English, Ignis said: “I don’t care about this world, but I refuse to let Noct sacrifices his life to save ours. I won’t let you take him away! Even if it cost my life to save Noct, I will pay that price.”.
There’s nothing wrong with this translation, but this sentences given us zero explanation and confusing. Ardyn didn’t want to take Noct away; his intention is to destroy the crystal and previous kings. And moreover, how exactly Ignis save Noct?? Now, please look into the original sentences…
In Japanese, Ignis simply said: “I don’t care what happen to the world or everything. But I will never accept a future where Noct become sacrifice. I will cut down that future.”
Now, it’s clear that Ignis is trying to make a new future, a ”DLC future”. There’s 1st future where Noct going alone without the chocobros. Also there’s 2nd future where Noct will become sacrifice, and Ignis knew about that future thanks to Crystal’s help. So, Ignis wants to make brand new future, even if he has to risk that 2nd future (that’s why he said that he didn’t care about this world). This sentence also makes it clear that what will happen next (if you win the battle), will really happen, not just in Ignis dream.
I don’t understand Deutsch but I think the translation is better. In Deutsch: “He suffered enough! The price is too high! And I'll never let Noct sacrifice his life for us! I will do everything to change his destiny!”
French is probably more accurate: “If I have to deny everything ... everything in this world ... so be it! I don’t want a future where Noctis sacrifices himself... I will never accept it! I refuse this destiny! I'll change it, whatever it costs me!”
***
My theory: According to Bahamut, there are 3 things needed to banish Ardyn. (1)Crystal light (2)Glaives of past ruler (3)Blood Price. The crystal is near, and definitely wants to help Ignis, so Ignis could try to pay the blood price with his own using the ring. Don’t know why, the ring took a like on Ignis and didn’t kill him! The burn scars on Ignis body are the same as Noct’s (when he sacrifice himself) so I assume the ring/crystal accept Ignis’ life as replacement. With Crystal’s power + Ignis’ blood price, Ardyn probably took damage. Later, with new determination in Noct’s heart, maybe he can use the crystal with even greater power (luckily the crystal is kind enough to give back Ignis’ life). With Ignis and Ravus alive, Niflheim & Lucis can work together to find more efficient way to banish Ardyn. The blood price has been paid and crystal power has been acquired. With Aranea, they probably search other tombs to get more glaive’s power while waiting for Noct. Ravus has oracle blood in him, so maybe he’s also useful in one way or another. After 10years in Crystal, finally Noct absorbed all the Crystal power. In the end, Ravus personally handed over late king’s glaive and then all 5 entered the capital, probably fighting Ardyn in a group and winning. There’s no need for Noct’s sacrifice anymore. The 3rd future Ignis so desire has come true, but sadly it’s only on DLC…
***


Other not-so-accurate English translation examples:

*Contradiction about Ignis eyesight.
Through dialog in the car & DLC, we all know that Ignis can see well without his eyeglasses.
In one event, Ignis lost his glasses and Noct helps him get them back.
(ENG)
Ignis: Ah… something the matter?
Noct: Just realized I’d never seen your face without your glasses.
Ignis: Yes, well, without them I could hardly make out yours, but we saw our way through it.
(♥♥♥)
Ignis: What’s wrong?
Noct: So that’s how you look like without glasses.
Ignis: Huh? Oh, I see. Maybe because glasses have become part of my face.

*when waiting for Regalia
(ENG)
Ignis: And now we play the waiting game.
Prompto: Never liked that game.
Noct: Never any good at it, either.
(♥♥♥)
Ignis: Guess we will stay here for a while.
Prompto: I wonder how long.
Noct: Well, let’s just take it easy, ok?

*When Cidney, I mean Cindy, calls you to tell your car is finished
ENG Cindy: If y’all wanna fix ‘er up before ya roll out, lemme know. >>? So is the car done or not?
♥♥♥ Cidney: While the car is here, do you want me to try customizing her?

*Who will drive?
(ENG)
Gladio: So, who’s up next behind the wheel?
Prompto: Ignis should take it and never let go.
Gladio: It helps that he can keep four eyes on the dash.
Prompto: I couldn’t even keep one.
Noctis: Not sure I’d do any better.
Ignis: Put me in the driver’s seat.
Gladio: Good, ‘cause I need the legroom in back.
(♥♥♥)
Gladio: Now, about the driver…
Prompto: I think Ignis should do it, forever.
Gladio: I agree. Outside here, even forgot refueling could be fatal.
Prompto: I lost my confidence~.
Noctis: I’m confident I will break the car again.
Ignis: ….just let me do it.
Gladio: Thanks, because the driver’s seat also too cramped for me.

*When Noct protests after walking a distance.
(ENG)
Noct: There’s only so far a man can walk.
Prompto: Our Crown City upbringing didn’t prepare us for this.
Ignis: Pretend you’re walking to the car. >> ???
(♥♥♥)
Noct: There should be limits for people to walk.
Prompto: The problem is that we were born in Crown City.
Ignis: Be patient until we get the car back.

*Stop at the motel
ENG Ignis: Sounds like a waste of time and money.
♥♥♥ Ignis: Sigh… just don’t waste the money, ok?

*Gladio: Umbra can really track a scent.
ENG Ignis: Certainly “nose” how to find us.
♥♥♥ Ignis: Because he’s a reliable messenger. >>Ignis probably knew about Umbra’s power

*Camping
ENG Noct: Could crash right here…
ENG Ignis: You can remain awake long enough to eat.
♥♥♥ Noct: So sleepy…
♥♥♥ Ignis: You have to eat dinner first.

*When you canceled your stay at motel
ENG Owner: You sure? We ain’t got bedbugs or nothin’. >>Noct seems like rude here
♥♥♥ Owner: You sure? Please don’t overwork yourself.

*when you running around bumping to Ignis.
ENG Ignis: Temper, temper.
♥♥♥ Ignis: Why are you so upset?

*when Noct accidentally hit his friend
ENG Noct: Didn’t mean to do that.
♥♥♥ Noct: I’m sorry, really.

*when Ignis help Noct from danger
ENG Ignis: Set yourself up for a fall, more like.
♥♥♥ Ignis: Don’t be overconfident with your strength.

*When first meeting Dave
ENG Gladio: And look who’s in here –the man of the hour. Dave, right? Been looking for you.
♥♥♥ Gladio: Are you.. Hunter Dave? We’ve been looking for you. Oy, you alright?

*Prompto: Let’s eat Crow’s Nest.
ENG Ignis: If you wish to put on weight? Certainly.
♥♥♥ Ignis: Junk food again? It’s not good for your health and it will make you fat.

*Prompto when he’s so depressed, tired and sad.
ENG Prompto: Catch ya later, Aranea. >> ?????
♥♥♥ Prompto: What should I do now…?

*when you walking around Ignis and cornering him to wall.
ENG Ignis: Most intriguing, Noct.
♥♥♥ Ignis: What are you doing?

*when Ignis singing
(ENG)
Ignis: …You alright, Prompto?
Prompto: Were you… humming?
Ignis: I suppose I was.
Prompto: Who are you, and what did you do with Iggy?
Ignis: My lips are sealed.
(♥♥♥)
Ignis: What is it?
Prompto: Eh? Were you singing?
Ignis: I guess… yes.
Prompto: Ignis is… singing?!
Ignis: Is something wrong with me singing?

*when Noct driving Regalia version D
ENG Ignis: Seatbelts, everyone. >>> Lol!
♥♥♥ Ignis: Please don’t be so reckless!

*after Noct shove poor Prompto out of train
ENG Ardyn: How long were you in the dark?
♥♥♥ Ardyn: Hey, since when do you think this has started?

*deep conversation with Noct in bedroom
Ignis: Noct, perhaps we should end this journey.
Noct: Wha?
ENG Ignis: It’s just that… we’ve already lost so much. Too much.
♥♥♥ Ignis: If we continue… I feel we will lose something more important. That’s why…

*last camping.
Noct: This is so hard to say…
ENG Gladio: Out with it! *harsh tone
♥♥♥ Gladio: What’s wrong? *kind tone

*last camping.
ENG Noct: You guys, are the best.
♥♥♥ Noct: I love all of you, guys!

*in not-so-friendly battle, when Ignis lose
Noct: Hmph. If you can’t take the heat, maybe you should stay in the kitchen.
ENG Ignis: I’ll serve my next dish cold.
♥♥♥ Ignis: Heh… You’ve become so strong. *in relief tone
-----

So, I think some of the translation is fun, and cute. I agree they have to change something to match English readers, but if it's too much puns like this, it can damage the serious vibe of the game, and even destroying a character's image. Maybe they forgot that this game is actually pretty serious & tragic. Sometimes, I can't even understand what they said because it's too British or something (?)
I watch for a while Ignis in Germany and I feel he's more serious & cooler than English-butler Ignis T_T. Too bad I only understand English as my 2nd language. Japanese is my 3rd language.
So, if you're playing in different language other than English, is the translation more accurate?
Also, what do you think about English localization? Thank you ^^

[lilwing]

I heard that japanese and english versions were developed at the same time, and while japanese actors and directors and writers knew exactly what they were doing, american tranlators were making their own 'adaptation' or whatever semi-blindly. Even main characters' actors worked separately for the most time. So, probably people resposible for organizing things were just really incompetent. Plus development hell.

I played english version first - didn't get anyting about the story, ending, the message, ended up hating Gladio like a LOT, Ignis sounded like a Weirdlish-speaking grandpa, Noct was too soft and haven't changed at all in the end. And it all felt like a total mess. With japanese voices it's a completely different story, a proper, understandable story. Though I don't speak Japanese at all and have to guess what people say from intonation. Thanks a lot for examples, by the way, it's very nice to read them, really.

As for other versions, they were made later. German is accurate translation of JP version, people say it's good. French and Russian are translations of EN version and the latter is pretty bad.

[eriyamayuen]

Messaggio originale di lilwing:

I heard that japanese and english versions were developed at the same time, and while japanese actors and directors and writers knew exactly what they were doing, american tranlators were making their own 'adaptation' or whatever semi-blindly. Even main characters' actors worked separately for the most time. So, probably people resposible for organizing things were just really incompetent. Plus development hell.

I played english version first - didn't get anyting about the story, ending, the message, ended up hating Gladio like a LOT, Ignis sounded like a Weirdlish-speaking grandpa, Noct was too soft and haven't changed at all in the end. And it all felt like a total mess. With japanese voices it's a completely different story, a proper, understandable story. Though I don't speak Japanese at all and have to guess what people say from intonation. Thanks a lot for examples, by the way, it's very nice to read them, really.

As for other versions, they were made later. German is accurate translation of JP version, people say it's good. French and Russian are translations of EN version and the latter is pretty bad.

Thank you for your answer.
Wow, I didn’t know that. It’s definitely very hard to localize a game that hasn’t existed. So this is probably Square Enix’s fault. Team localization, translators, and actors probably gave their best, but without any clue about the real whole game, they definitely made a different new game.

I’m happy to hear you enjoy the game again. And it’s also good news that at least Germany players will understand the originality of the game. I kind of understand about hearing the original dub, even though you don't understand the language, can still change the gaming experience. I also don’t understand German language, but I can still feel the different emotions than the English version.

Same like you, at first I played FFXV using English Dub. I don’t hate English Dub. I play lots of game using English Dub, like Persona 5 etc (I didn’t touch the ♥♥♥ Dub), and I think the dubs are great. However, I’ve never seen a rare case like FFXV Eng Dub.

First I know FFXV is from Kingsglaive I watch at the cinema in English. Then I continue playing the game in English too. I finished the game heartbrokenly, and managed to finish half of menace dungeons before stopped. Then one day I watched Brotherhood anime in Japanese and I shocked. Who are these guys?? Wait a sec, is that you Ignis?! I didn’t recognize everybody. I was even wondering if I played the wrong game. I hurriedly bought the Windows version (lucky it’s on sale) and started everything from scratch IN JAPANESE dub. Then I realized….. The translation is maybe similar, but the soul. It’s totally, wholly different. Now when I finished for 2nd time, I feel more emotions in the game and I finally can say the story is good.

Ignis and Gladio are probably the most important roles in this game. If they screw up, then the story will be a mess. I felt so deceived now after I know the real Ignis. First, I thought he’s some kind of weird-old-arrogant chauffeur and I was 100% sure he’s gay. I hated Ignis because his joke isn’t funny at all… sorry. And Gladio, at least he’s straight so I prefer him although I don’t like him too because he’s too rude. Poor Prompto was under shadow because those two overacted.

In my imagination, ENG Ignis is like: “You want me to tell a joke? Certainly. Did you know why Umbra can always find Noct? Because that dog “nose” his location! Not funny? Pretty serious, are we? Should I hum Chocobo… Wait! What is it in your hand? A mushroom? THAT’S it! I’ve come up with new recipehh!”
While original Ignis probably will say: “A joke, you said? Sigh… sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have time. I have to finish Noct’s jacket tonight because tomorrow I have to drive again. If you have time, you should wash those plates over there. I… wait. Prompto, you’ll get cold if you sleep there. At least wear a blanket. And Noct… you forgot to brush your teeth again. Wake up!”
---

Ahh… it felt great after discussing it with someone. Thank you so much. And pls forgive me about the rant. Lol!

[raidebaron]

Messaggio originale di lilwing:

As for other versions, they were made later. German is accurate translation of JP version, people say it's good. French and Russian are translations of EN version and the latter is pretty bad.

I only played the French Version of the game (for now) and it was translated with the Japanese script, then it was adaptated and localized for the Francophone players, the voice acting is actually good compared to other games voiced in French by the past...

[J.P.]

Apparently Japanese VO and subtitles don't match either.

[Ardenian]

Yeah, translations of Japanese games usually have some serious flaws. There is a good reason why Gladiolus is disliked among some people, as in the ENG translation, he is incredibly rude and unfair to Noctis, especially at the second half of the game. They don't even appear to be friends at that point, due to the translation.

I don't speak ♥♥♥, only a couple of words, but I myself know that in the very final cutscene, Noctis doesn't say the ENG SUB 'You guys are the best!' in the ♥♥♥ DUB.

[lilwing]

Messaggio originale di eriyamayuen:

...

Ahh… it felt great after discussing it with someone. Thank you so much. And pls forgive me about the rant. Lol!

Yay, I'm not alone!)) Actually it's sad that people have their first impressions spoiled like this.

Found more about the development. They recorded JP voices and sent it to EN, FR and GER localization teams, along with context and lore maybe. While German and French teams tried to do their best translating stuff, NA team was all about 'adopting story and characters to western culture'. And making as many puns as possible.

Messaggio originale di raidebaron:

I only played the French Version of the game (for now) and it was translated with the Japanese script, then it was adaptated and localized for the Francophone players, the voice acting is actually good compared to other games voiced in French by the past...

My bad. Iirc I heard french Ardyn is hot, is that so? ))

And it makes 2 accurate dubbed translations and 2 not so accurate. Even, kind of.

Messaggio originale di Ardenian:

Yeah, translations of Japanese games usually have some serious flaws. There is a good reason why Gladiolus is disliked among some people, as in the ENG translation, he is incredibly rude and unfair to Noctis, especially at the second half of the game. They don't even appear to be friends at that point, due to the translation.

Totally. Gladiolus is no good. But Gradio... Guradiorasu is awesome, best, friendliest bro ever! So very different. And his parries and counters...

[raidebaron]

Messaggio originale di lilwing:

Messaggio originale di raidebaron:

I only played the French Version of the game (for now) and it was translated with the Japanese script, then it was adaptated and localized for the Francophone players, the voice acting is actually good compared to other games voiced in French by the past...

My bad. Iirc I heard french Ardyn is hot, is that so? ))

And it makes 2 accurate dubbed translations and 2 not so accurate. Even, kind of.

I'll just let you hear him, in case you're interested, his voice was done by Arnaud Léonard

The video contains spoilers. (but i'm sure you've finished the game since you're here :p)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BsEuWWEDAU

Ps: There is also an russian dubbing (and it's playable with the Windows Edition )

[eriyamayuen]

Messaggio originale di J.P.:

Apparently Japanese VO and subtitles don't match either.

Yes... it's not match since the very beginning...

Messaggio originale di Ardenian:

Yeah, translations of Japanese games usually have some serious flaws. There is a good reason why Gladiolus is disliked among some people, as in the ENG translation, he is incredibly rude and unfair to Noctis, especially at the second half of the game. They don't even appear to be friends at that point, due to the translation.

Hahaha, right. At first I thought Gladio as some kind of yakuza retired as bodyguard XD

Messaggio originale di lilwing:

Yay, I'm not alone!)) Actually it's sad that people have their first impressions spoiled like this.
Found more about the development. They recorded JP voices and sent it to EN, FR and GER localization teams, along with context and lore maybe. While German and French teams tried to do their best translating stuff, NA team was all about 'adopting story and characters to western culture'. And making as many puns as possible.

This is sound more and more ridiculous. Why would they want to made puns to a Final Fantasy stories? I have never heard a funny FF game.

Messaggio originale di raidebaron:

I'll just let you hear him, in case you're interested, his voice was done by Arnaud Léonard
The video contains spoilers. (but i'm sure you've finished the game since you're here :p)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BsEuWWEDAU
Ps: There is also an russian dubbing (and it's playable with the Windows Edition :B1:)

Ardyn sound amazing and his voice is clear. Noct and the gang also sounds great! I hope the French translation also better than English.

---
Btw, I finished the Terra Event and the translation is very accurate to original. Noctis now sounds less bratty and more innocent. Sigh... if only they stick to the original script like this since beginning....

[raidebaron]

Messaggio originale di eriyamayuen:

Messaggio originale di raidebaron:

I'll just let you hear him, in case you're interested, his voice was done by Arnaud Léonard
The video contains spoilers. (but i'm sure you've finished the game since you're here :p)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BsEuWWEDAU
Ps: There is also an russian dubbing (and it's playable with the Windows Edition )

Ardyn sound amazing and his voice is clear. Noct and the gang also sounds great! I hope the French translation also better than English.

I know that's a bit late for a reply but If you want, i can translate what Ardyn, Noctis & the bros said in English ^^

[eriyamayuen]

Messaggio originale di raidebaron:

I know that's a bit late for a reply but If you want, i can translate what Ardyn, Noctis & the bros said in English ^^

Sure, if you don't mind ^^
I will try to translate the Japanese too and we can see how similar it is.
Thanks!

[raidebaron]

Messaggio originale di eriyamayuen:

Messaggio originale di raidebaron:

I know that's a bit late for a reply but If you want, i can translate what Ardyn, Noctis & the bros said in English ^^

Sure, if you don't mind ^^
I will try to translate the Japanese too and we can see how similar it is.
Thanks!

Alright : Here's a roughtly translated version. (It has been adapted but i think the meaning of the sentences is close to the original japanese script)

Ardyn: You are really out of luck. (This sentence is tricky to translate correctly since it is an old french expression saying that you're out of luck, so i adaptated it for a better understanding of the context)

Ardyn: The throne, you'd like to sit on it, isn't it? Sadly, i fear it is occupied.

Noctis: You have nothing to do on this throne, It is the King's place.

Ardyn: You have taken your time, Noctis. I began to tell myself that you would never come... This time, the time (hour/moment) has come... to put an end to your lineage.

Gladiolus: He is literally overflowing with resentment.

Prompto: Yeah, that must have consumed him up... (this meant that Ardyn was focused so much on his vengeance plot that he basicallly "lived" only for this)

Ignis: Is he still on the throne?

Noctis: Yeah, and i'll get him off it... It's my place and i will take it back!

Noctis: What have you done?!

Ardyn: I rid myself of the importunate elements, so that we are between kings. I'm waiting you, Noctis...

[eriyamayuen]

Thanks!
Here is the Japanese version:

Ardyn:
I have bad news for you.
/残念なお知らせです

You came to sit here, right? It’s already occupied.
/ここ座りにきたんでしょ. もう空いてないってさ　

Noctis:
You don't have qualification to sit there. It's a king's chair.
/おまえに座る資格はない。そこは王の椅子だ。

Ardyn:
I've been waiting, Noct. Altho I got a little frustrated because I waited too long.
/待ってたよ　ノクト。待くたびれてイライラしたけどね

Finally I can destroy the Royal Family's future!
/やっと王家を未来ごと潰せる　

Gladio: Is this some kind of resentment of years? 積年の恨みってとこか？
Prompto: What obsession. 執念ぶかー
Ignis: Is he at the throne? 玉座にいるのか

Noctis:
Yes, but he'll get drives out soon. ああ　すぐにつまみ出す
That is my chair. あそこはオレの椅子だ
What did you do?! 何をした

Ardyn:
This is our battle between kings. We don't need useless things.
これはオレたち王の戦いだ。無駄なものはいらない

Come here, Noctis. さあこいノクテスー
----------
Wheee, amazing! French is so accurate! Wait, I'll make the three comparison now. I think the only accurate in English is only Ignis dialog...

[eriyamayuen]

ardyn:
JP: I have bad news for you.
FR: You are really out of luck.
EN: I'm afraid you're out of luck.

JP: You came to sit here, right? It’s already occupied.
FR: The throne, you'd like to sit on it, isn't it? Sadly, i fear it is occupied.
EN: The throne brings you here? It seats only one.

noctis:
JP: You don't have qualification to sit there. It's a king's chair.
FR: You have nothing to do on this throne, It is the King's place.
EN: Off my chair, jester. The king sits there.

ardyn:
JP: I've been waiting, Noct. Altho I got a little frustrated because I waited too long.
FR: You have taken your time, Noctis. I began to tell myself that you would never come...
EN: Oh Noct... How I have waited for this. Longer than you could ever know.

JP: Finally I can destroy the Royal Family's future!
FR: This time, the time has come... to put an end to your lineage.
EN: Tonight, the dreams of the blood royal... come to an end.


gladio:
JP: Is this some kind of resentment of years?
FR: He is literally overflowing with resentment.
EN: Spite's all that's kept him going.

prompto:
JP: What obsession.
FR: Yeah, that must have consumed him up...
EN: Talk about a grudge.

ignis:
JP: Is he at the throne?
FR: he still on the throne?
EN: Ardyn sits the throne?

noctis:
JP: Yes, but he'll get drives out soon. That is my chair.
FR: Yeah, and i'll get him off it... It's my place and i will take it back!
EN: Not for long. This is my ascension.

JP: What did you do?!
FR: What have you done?!
EN: What did you do!?

ardyn:
JP: This is our battle between kings. We don't need useless things. Come here, Noctis.
FR: I rid myself of the importunate elements, so that we are between kings. I'm waiting you, Noctis...
EN: They have no place in this, the battle of kings! Come, Noctis!

---------
the English... jester...? Oh well, at least there's not much too different meaning in this part. But again thumbs up for French localization. Ardyn is sexy and sounds great, but also keeping the accurateness :D

[sumolagann]

Going through with japanese and I prefer the english dub for sure. Obviously I would have liked them to keep their character better, but i'm really not enjoying the japanese much at all surprisingly. I watch anime with subs 99% of the time.

Nice translations, it's interesting.

[Judge Lazar]

This has less to do with bad translation and more to do with completely different syntax, grammar, mannerisms, societal norms and culture. That's the entire point of localization. If they just followed the Japanese script verbatim, it would make very little sense to people who don't speak Japanese. I don't see anything wrong with the translations posted in here. The english just makes more sense to