391 - Essential Fan Translations

Back in the 90s and early 2000s, the localization of JRPGs was never a given. We RPG fans would often wait with bated breath, a copy of GamePlayers or Electronic Gaming Monthly in hand, hoping Squaresoft and other Japanese publishers would announce they were bringing their incredible games to the West. And more often than not, we would be disappointed.

While many of these untranslated games have slowly made their way to our shores over the years in the form of remakes and collections, there are still tons of classic JRPGs that are out of reach. That is, they would be if not for fan translations! Starting with Final Fantasy V in 1998, fan translations allowed us to experience the games Japanese developers decided weren't worth the resources to localize. And this week, our panel will discuss some of our favorite fan translations and why they deserve to be available to Western audiences!

Featuring: Jono Logan, Audra Bowling, Ben Love, Pete Leavitt, and Steph Sybydlo; Edited by Jono Logan.

Opening and ending music by Miles Morkri.

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This Episode's Related Links:
Legends of Localization - Tales of Phantasia
Genso Suikoden: Tsumugareshi Hyakunen no Toki Review
Dai Gyakuten Saiban: Naruhodō Ryūnosuke no Bōken Review
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