Bad translation in games.

[VG_Addict]

We all know that a lot of older games have bad translation from Japanese to English. So, what are some such games?

[Anayo]

I know you asked about bad translation, but personally I get more out of puns and wordplay in games and anime that are untranslatable in English.

For example: in America we call the Turbo Grafx 16's caveman mascot "Bonk". In Japan the TG-16 is called the "PC-engine" and its mascot is called "PC genjin". (原人　＝　gen jin = cave man)

In America the sequel to "Bonk" is called "Air Zonk". In Japan they call him "PC denjin" (電人　＝ den jin = electric man). It's kind of silly because all three names rhyme in Japanese (PC engine, PC genjin, PC denjin). It makes me a little sad when stuff like this is lost in English.

[Reprise]

Final Fantasy VII, purely for causing the 10 year old me - who understood grammar well enough, but did not understand the idea of a bad translation - to fail again and again at the first boss.

What it's supposed to tell the player, is not to attack whilst its tail is up, otherwise it will counterattack with its laser.

[Segata]

Every JRPG ever. Ok, that is a bit of a hyperbole. Last Alert on Turbo 16 not only has bad VA but some bad Engrish. Metal Gear on NES is another one/ "I feel asleep"

[Gunstar Green]

Can't have a bad translation thread without at least mentioning Zero Wing on the Mega Drive.

[Betagam7]

The manual to every GameKing game. The 'Story Briefs' are endlessly entertaining.

[Sload Soap]

Does "Welcome to die" count from X-Men? SNK games have lots of lovely engrish as well.

[Xeogred]

I think the PSX Final Fantasy Anthology version of FF5 is a large reason why I kind of hated it for about 10 years, until I gave the game another shot with the GBA version and now it's one of my top favorites. The new translation was so much better. I hear the fan translation of the SNES rom is even better than the PSX version too. Definitely avoid the Anthology release.

[Erik_Twice]

King of Fighters XIII was "translated" in the style of a Spanish comedian known for his silly, low-class, old man way of speaking. Not the worst translation I've seen, but one of the worst for sure.

[Ack]

You spoony bards.