We'd be the first to admit that we wouldn't have a clue if we were asked to translate something from English into a foreign language.
Indeed, many years ago - in his first job, as a graphic designer for Ladbrokes - TV's Mr Biffo was responsible for mis-reading a fax, and erroneously broadcasting the word "Blood" across the display screens in the bookmaker's Chinatown branch (it was meant to read "Happy New Year").
What's really tragic is that this story hasn't even been embellished for comic effect. That's literally what happened.
Nevertheless, from the perspective of being real good English-doing guys, we know how funny it can be when Japanese games try to do our language (see: "All your base are belong to us", "I am the master of unlocking" etc.). Here are ten further examples that rather became lost in translation.
Indeed, many years ago - in his first job, as a graphic designer for Ladbrokes - TV's Mr Biffo was responsible for mis-reading a fax, and erroneously broadcasting the word "Blood" across the display screens in the bookmaker's Chinatown branch (it was meant to read "Happy New Year").
What's really tragic is that this story hasn't even been embellished for comic effect. That's literally what happened.
Nevertheless, from the perspective of being real good English-doing guys, we know how funny it can be when Japanese games try to do our language (see: "All your base are belong to us", "I am the master of unlocking" etc.). Here are ten further examples that rather became lost in translation.
10. FATAL FURY SPECIAL
Perhaps this curious proclamation would read more comfortably if it wasn't for the image to the right of Terry Bogard's portrait shot. Given the presented buttocks and flailing ponytail, we can all imagine the sort of "pink" Master Bogard believes he is in.
9. BAD DUDES
We're guessing that the President isn't being serious when he suggests going for a burger with the Bad Dudes. However, any sense at stage-managed PR levity is somewhat undermined by the aggressive sarcasm of the repeatedly-punctuated "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!" that follows. And then, presumably, "Get out of my office."
8. ALIEN SOLDIER
This has got it all going on. Rarely has a game's title screen threatened so much. It's a miracle any Megadrivers survived, with all that VISUALSHOCK! SPEEDSHOCK! SOUNDSHOCK! going on.
7. MAGICIAN LORD
We're presuming this refers to The Troubles in Northern Ireland (we're no experts, but - given all the bombs and killing and that - we've always felt that name was a bit of an understatement, akin to referring to The Vietnam War as "The Tiff"). It's the resigned "Because of his bloody life" which sets this one apart for us.
6. ART OF FIGHTING
That's quite the feminist rallying cry there. Not exactly "I am woman, hear me roar".
5. FATAL FURY SPECIAL (Again)
This... it's... there's so much we want to say. So little that we actually dare. Instead we'll just make fun of his archly camp pose, which seems to imply "Oh really? For real? Challenger! We have a challenger here, people! Mm-hm.".
4. CRIME CITY
We love this slightly too much. Have you seen Fargo? That's the accent we're hearing. Yah.
3. SAMURAI SHOWDOWN
Try this: whether you're entering a job interview, a party, a bus station, an aeroplane, or - indeed - any social situation... always announce your arrival by declaring "This fiend will have your butt!".
2. DOUBLE DRAGON
A simple typo. He's actually called Billy, you see. But how much better would Double Dragon be if he wasn't? Indeed, how much better would the world be if all siblings had names that rhymed? Noel and Boel Gallagher. Princes William and Billiam. Kylie and Bylie Minogue. JF Kennedy and BF Kennedy... We could go on, but... that's probably enough.
1. FINAL FANTASY IV
And to end... a bit of a classic. We'll be doing encores next.
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