Uh huh.
Once again I need to show a periodical sign of life, and figured that the best way to do that is to tie it in to the main reason for the long lull: I've been playing Chou Jigen Game Neptune to death for quite a while now, since I wanted to get it out of the way before Mk2 gets released on the 18th.
After finishing it to 100% perfection, a crazy thought coursed through my head: What if I also play through the NA version (known as Hyperdimension Neptunia) to get two sets of full trophies for the same game? I bought it mainly for the artbook and haven't touched it until recently.
As of writing this entry, I've already completed the trophy set for the latter, and since my system is configured to read all BD games as Japanese media, the trophy setup will also follow suit. See for yourself:
The N-symbol sans the "Neptune" lettering is for the NA version.
While I'm letting the PS3 cool down, I also want to point out some significant differences between them. There's quite a bit, since the two games came out a year apart after all...
First off, the manuals.
Neptune's is in full color, while Neptunia's is in black and white. The latter's content is also consolidated to make space for a French translation part (for the benefit of non-English speaking Canadians, obviously), but the lack of color makes me curious. It's obviously a cost-cutting measure, but does it also mean that they treat Westerners like colorblind dogs? More importantly, this is the only NA version PS3 game I ever bought, so I'd like to know if all their manuals are like this?
Next, in-game names. The title "Neptunia" confounds me to no end, since it's never used anywhere else in the game. As it is, the original title was supposed to be a reference to Sega's sacked upgrade to the 32X console. Makes me wonder if NIS America was just trying to make the title less plain, or are they also pulling the same stunt that Capcom USA made years ago for their (soon-to-be-former) carrier mascot to avoid a copyright lawsuit from a now-obsolete product?
Need to sue someone for a name they had rights to overseas? Call Kid.
While we're on the subject of changes, the name of the main villain is also quite noteworthy. "Magiquone" was changed into "Arfoire" to make it sound closer to R4, which is more or less considered as a contemporary version of a video game piracy device known as "Magicom". Doesn't seem like they trust gamers enough with classic gaming history trivia despite the fact that most of the game's random events are riddled with it. Worse, there's a 4-koma part in the artbook that pokes fun at the Magiquone name, which further adds to the confusion. Don't even get me started on the Eunymitus/Momus swap. The former obviously sounds more overlord-ish. What's Momus supposed to be referencing anyway?
Creative, but confusing...
Rhetorical as these questions may sound, feel free to comment or use the shoutbox to enlighten me about them if you know something. For the latter, put in a name alongside it please, anonymous entries will be wiped no matter how profoundly it's delivered.
As much as I commend NIS America for allowing multi-language audio functions in their PS3 titles (shoots hostile glare at Atlus USA for not doing that to Catherine), these needless changes trouble me about as much as the character-impaired cover for the last localized Atelier game.
Don't worry, this isn't just my usual NA version-bashing tirade. The JP version has it's flaws as well, however minimal.
Case in point is the content: If you play the game vanilla, you'll be stricken with slow load times (especially upon your first boot up), unskippable combat sequences and worse, you will never be able to complete the bestiary! An account for the Japanese PSN is required to download the version upgrade (which takes quite a bit of time depending on your connection speed). After that, you'll also be able to avail of the gallery and 5pb's Fi-raji (Hi-Five Radio in the NA version) where you can listen to comments made by NPCs when you complete optional dungeons. Even better, the load times will significantly decrease and every battle frame can be skipped. That being said, NA gamers are lucky: the improved version is already packed in the BD plus the two sets of language audio. The load times, oddball westernized script and freaky names won't change though...
Another funky part in the JP version is the audio bug for the Purple Heart Copy boss in an optional dungeon. Due to some mix-up, Magiquone's voice can be heard instead of Purple Heart's. The other Goddess copies have the right voices though, and that error is not present in the NA version.
Wonder how many differences (both content and LLC-induced) the Mk2 titles will have later on? I'll probably be getting the NA version once it becomes available just for kicks, and possibly to make a Mk2 version comparison post as well.
EDIT: ktkr! (it's here!)
I kinda skimmed this (I was crunched for time, so no offense) and I noticed your question about manuals in North America. Most are printed in black and white, but it depends on what game you're buying. If you're buying a big name title like Red Dead Redemption or Heavy Rain, the manual will definitely be in colour, but if you're buying something that isn't popular, such as some game I can't think of at the moment, it probably won't be in colour. But that isn't to say this rule is always correct, however. Some games, such as Steambot Chronicles or Disaster Report, have the manual published in colour. Anyway, I'm sorry for the rant, but I felt like your question had to be answered!
ReplyDeleteDude, thanks. I was asking seriously anyway, and your answer is very much appreciated.
ReplyDelete