Suikoden 3 [Part 3] Side-by-side Japanese/English Translation Discussion

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1:49:36

Overview

This video is a discussion and side-by-side comparison of the Japanese and English localizations of Suikoden 3, specifically focusing on Hugo's chapter. The streamer, who has been recovering from illness, returns to streaming and dives into the game's narrative and dialogue. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the translation choices, highlighting instances where the English version embellishes or alters the original Japanese dialogue, sometimes to the point of adding rhyming couplets where none existed. The streamer also touches on the complexities of Japanese language and writing systems, including kana and kanji, and how these can present challenges in translation. The conversation branches into discussions about other RPGs, personal anecdotes, and viewer interactions, creating a relaxed and informative atmosphere for fans of the Suikoden series and JRPGs in general. The stream covers the early parts of Hugo's story, introducing characters like Mel, Guillaume, and the three knights of Saint Louis.

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Chapters

•Streamer returns after a month-long break due to illness and technical issues (spilled water on laptop).
•Confirms ability to run both Japanese and English audio simultaneously for comparison.
•Recalls the previous stream ended during a boss fight in the Northern Cavern.

•The current segment is identified as Hugo's Chapter 1.
•Introduction of characters like Mel, Elliot, and Alainis (the three knights of Saint Louis).
•Discussion about the character Guillaume, his perceived creepiness, and his Japanese laugh.

•Focus on the differences between Japanese and English dialogue.
•Examples of Japanese ellipses (...) being expanded into full English sentences.
•Discussion of the term 'zoku' and its various applications (bandit, pirate, etc.).

•Explanation of Japanese writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.
•Challenges of Kanji memorization and its multiple readings.
•Discussion of how idioms and puns (like the Chrono Trigger frog example) don't always translate directly.

•Critique of the English translation making bandit dialogue into rhyming couplets, which is not present in Japanese.
•Example of 'shit' in English being translated from a less offensive Japanese term.
•Discussion of the 'Rage Rune' (Nekka) and its translation, noting potential confusion with the 'Fury Rune'.

•The party engages in battles against bandits.
•A duel occurs between the protagonist and Guillaume.
•The streamer notes that the player might not be intended to win this specific duel.

•The three knights of Saint Louis (Mel, Elliot, Alainis) have a farewell scene.
•Discussion about Alainis's character and potential as a magic user.
•The children part ways, with Hugo heading back to Grassland.

•The streamer reflects on the challenges of translating RPGs and the choices translators make.
•Brief discussion about other RPGs like Stardew Valley and tactical RPGs.
•Confirmation of the stream schedule: Suikoden 3 on Tuesdays, Breath of Fire on Wednesdays.

Key Takeaways

1The English localization of Suikoden 3, particularly in Hugo's chapter, features significant embellishments and alterations compared to the original Japanese dialogue, including the addition of rhyming couplets for bandit speech.
2Understanding Japanese language nuances, such as idioms, puns, and the different writing systems (Kana and Kanji), is crucial for appreciating the complexities of game translation.
3Translators face difficult choices when adapting content across languages, often balancing faithfulness to the original with making the game accessible and engaging for a new audience.
4The stream highlights specific examples of translation choices, like the term 'Rage Rune' and the handling of expletives, demonstrating the impact of localization on the player's experience.
5The narrative of Hugo's chapter involves themes of childhood adventure, friendship, and the challenges of separation, even within a fantasy setting.
6The streamer's personal experience with illness and technical difficulties underscores the dedication required for consistent streaming and content creation.
7The discussion touches upon the broader RPG landscape, comparing Suikoden 3's translation approach to other games and genres.
8The video serves as an educational and entertaining look into the process of game localization, offering insights for fans interested in the 'why' behind translation decisions.

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