Since sites like askfm and curiouscat constantly turn out to be operated by evil overlords that either infect you with viruses or collect your information to enslave you and your family, I figured that instead of migrating from one place to another, I might as well set this question shtick on my blog where I and wordpress are the only ones who can use it for world domination where it’s safe.
If there’s anything you wish to ask me, leave a comment on this page and I will reply in the usual askfm/curiouscat fashion. You may be asked for your name and e-mail, but you can leave those fields blank.
Visual novel & other stuff impressions 
A question about Damekoi. I’m stupid and don’t get what the heck happened in the end of the Ch. 1 p. 1 during the “train scene”.
Why did Osamu suddenly come back? Why was Mitoko waiting for him after seemingly rejecting his offer for hel- “friendship”? Was it the rice croquet? Was a prank like that a convoluted sign of her accepting his friendship so he came back or something?!? I DON’T GET IT, WHAT’S GOING ON
LikeLike
It’s been years since I read/translated the game, so I don’t remember the details anymore, but I think it was either a convoluted sign, or she slipped a note with it.
LikeLike
Have you gotten around to Metal Gear Solid 5? Any thoughts if so?
LikeLike
It’s kinda on a backburner for me, since everything I’ve heard about the game sounds like I’d hate it, kinda like it was with Final Fantasy XV. I hate open world games unless they’re full fledged western RPGs like Fallout and have no idea how Metal Gear could possibly work in one.
LikeLike
HorribleSubs has soft subs meaning you can just disable them fyi.
LikeLike
I mean, they don’t really bother me, and I enjoy checking how they tackle trickier parts, so I don’t really have a reason to turn them off.
LikeLike
Do you watch all/most anime in Japanese? Do any of your favorites have English subtitles that you consider particularly badly or well-translated?
LikeLike
I watch whatever is easiest to find to download, which is almost always Horriblesubs, and I think their subs are usually pretty average, though I don’t really pay much attention to them. I think commie generally does the best subs, so I usually try to download them if I have the choice. I used to hunt for KAA releases when I was in my teens, but that was mostly due to the fact they had the best video quality in those days.
I’ve seen my fair share of bad subtitles, like the Dragon Ball Z one where every second word was “fuck”.
LikeLike
Aren’t Horriblesubs just rip all subs from legal streaming services the moment they go up there?
LikeLike
Is that what they do? I don’t really know, but then the official subs aren’t very good, lol.
LikeLike
What the fuck did they do to YUNO!? https://myanimelist.net/anime/34620/Kono_Yo_no_Hate_de_Koi_wo_Utau_Shoujo_YU-NO
LikeLike
At least it looks better than the four episode porn ova it got last time.
LikeLike
‘sup. Your reply with top 25 favorite VN list (posted last year) is a great example of must-reads: do recommend newcomers stumbling on this blog page to check it out.
On that note have noticed the lack of titles that also include gameplay: do you consider such VNs to not meet the criteria solely based on that? Is it just personal distaste for that sub-genre or are you just not going for the broad (most likely western) definition of VNs that sites like vndb use (it does exclude ero rpgmaker games at least but actually includes point&click like PW or 999)?
Asking from the POV of a Rance series fan since decade ago, from start to end 4 of that serie’s games would make my own top 25 VNs easily. I do appreciate gameplay elements in VNs more than just passive reading but it ain’t that biased as the majority in my list don’t have any either. AliceSoft just nailed the pacing, chars, comedy, music (praise SHADE), and that’s ’bout it, got hooked to that serie’s universe instantly with those. The hell that is their rng coding is just an abusive relationship in some cases but at least it didn’t ask for a wallet like gacha devs started doing years later.
Bonus question 1: why was there no #11 favorite? It’s not 4 missing so didn’t seem like the obv japanese supersition pick.
Bonus question 2: as you’re also a fan of the title, are you following the on-going YU-NO adaptation? If yes is it any good? These cases are scary man, it sucks to see something you love ruined.
LikeLike
Hi, 11 is Baldr Force.
I don’t really count adventure and puzzle games, like Phoenix Wright or Danganronpa as VNs. They’re in adventure game section. The exception are game-play titles with erotic content, like Eushully or Rance as they have a more VN-like vibe.
Tbh, subconsciously I still think of the term visual novel as eroge as that’s how they’re usually called in Japan. Depending of the vibe of the rpg maker porn game, I might be more inclined to think of it as a visual novel (eroge) than 999. I haven’t played many game-play titles because they’re more time consuming and I never get around to them, even though I enjoyed most I actually did, like Evenicle or Ikusa Megami (I swear I’ll play all Rance games one day).
I’m not following a YU-NO adaption. I enjoyed the story already, so I don’t see the reason why I should be interested in doing it over again, especially when the original writer and visionary has already passed away.
LikeLike
Hi! Do you know what “Awaiting release materials from developer.” is supposed to mean on MG’s Damekoi project status? And Trinoline’s too, actually. Is it one of those times when MG doesn’t want to release more than one major game in a month so they are now going to artificially stall Damekoi and Trinoline untile april/may/june? I always get very upset when they do this, MG is extremely slow as is so after waiting literally three years for something to be ready for release in their slowpoke fashion, it’s so frustrating to wait some more months just because they have some weird pacing going on.
LikeLike
I think it usually means they’re waiting for the developer to iron out the last bugs in the engine, but some projects do get put off for a month or two for the proper release window. It wouldn’t make sense to release ten games back to back and then nothing for an entire year.
LikeLike
Hey Conjueror. I just wanted to ask if you know of any programs which will allow me to translate “Sei Estera Gakuin no Shichinin no Majo” I have followed many different tutorials on YouTube, but I’m just not able to get it to work. Reason for this is that I read your review on it and I’m a huge fan of mystery. If the story wasn’t any good and just plain old eroge, sure, I would just skim through it, but having read your review; there is just no way I can skim through it now. I appreciate it. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve heard of stuff like text hookers, but never used them myself, so I don’t think I’m quite the best person to ask that. Maybe you’d have more luck asking in Fuwanovel forums.
LikeLike
In you review for Focault’s Pendulum you said the book is almost impenetrable to anyone who isn’t familiar with the hisotorical subject matter, is Eco’s The Name of The Rose more accessible or is it largely the same?
LikeLike
No, The Name of the Rose is a lot more accessible. In fact, I picked it up without even knowing what it was about, and didn’t feel lost at all. Though maybe checking a few wikipedia pages on the period if you feel lost on the historical section might improve the experience.
LikeLike
What do you think is the unholy trinity of MC character traits? I personally think it’s Donkan, Hetare, and Kind. When I see those I immediately uninstall the VN.
LikeLike
I’ve never thought of it in those terms, but yeah, that sounds like a pretty terrifying combination. I can’t really think of anything to add.
LikeLike
when reading books or vns how many avg lines do you think you read in a day or hour? have you ever looked?
LikeLike
I haven’t counted, but I’m a slow reader since I subvocalize everything, which is the reason I usually listen to audiobooks at 1.75 – 2x speed instead. My reading speed is probably closer to 1x of an audiobook.
LikeLike
i’ve never really learned to appreciate any riajuu stuff like traveling even though i enjoy reading about it or when ppl talk about related stuff in vns or animu. any thoughts on that? idk what to say when ppl think i should go out more cuz it always feels like wasted time to me 😦 any thoughts?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had the same problem until I got this job and potentially received the freedom to play and read as much and whenever I wanted. Ironically, after a few years I realized that it made me actually play and read less as I stopped appreciating it as much when there was nothing else distracting me from it (I lost most of my extra time on twitter, checking forums, and so on instead).
But then after I tried traveling, it actually made me appreciate my old joys a lot more when I finally came back home. I’m not that huge on traveling myself when it’s actually happening, but it makes for pretty good memories to see new things, taste new food, and so on. It also makes you feel good about yourself when you’re able to survive and find your way in alien countries, even if it means getting stranded from time to time.
I kind of figured that life needs variety, even if you are satisfied in the place you are, so I try force myself out of my comfort zone from time to time.
LikeLike
Are you still active in the anime/vn community? It seems like you kind of got burn out from the medium, I loved your YouTube videos about vn’s
LikeLike
I think I’m still gonna make the videos, but yeah, I got a bit burned out both from online communities and shut-in lifestyle last year, so I’ve been doing a lot of traveling (I haven’t been home since September as I can work from anywhere) and other riajuu stuff. I’m starting to feel burned out from that too though, so I might return to my shut-in ways relatively soon, though I’m not sure if that’ll translate into me being more active on social media as I was never a big fan of that (I’ll probably just read more books and play more games).
I’ll continue writing impressions and hopefully doing videos, but I doubt I’ll be interacting with people much as that’s not really my thing.
LikeLike
If there’s a significant emphasis on the “ore” as opposed to “watashi” pronoun in a work, how do you normally go about translating it into english?
LikeLike
Those are not just pronouns, but they also reflect the speaker’s personality and tone of speech in general. The entire character voice will be different. Those that use “ore” will usually use rougher expressions.
We had a similar problem in Tokyo Babel when Setsuna switches from “watashi” to “boku” at one point in the story. We made his entire voice more stiff/official prior to that change to give the same kind of effect the original did.
LikeLike
Why G.O. vns(Himawari, Island) have a divisive reception in the West?
LikeLike
I think most good fiction is by nature divisive as it seeks to challenge you instead of going after the lowest common denominator like corporate media.
G.O. VNs have a very characteristic type of humor that probably won’t appeal to some people. Himawari also explores themes that might be very relevant to some people or of no importance at all to others, so obviously there’s gonna be a split between how people receive it. Perhaps the themes it explores were more relevant to people in the East.
LikeLike
What should I know or read about before going into The Sympathizer? I don’t really know anything about history but it sounds interesting.
LikeLike
I don’t think you need any specific knowledge to enjoy it, but giving a look at Vietnam’s and Communism’s history on wikipedia wouldn’t hurt.
LikeLike
Do you play most games blind or with a walkthrough?
LikeLike
I play them blind unless I get stuck.
LikeLike
Pardon my ignorance, but why do visual novel translations (or any translation project from J -> E) often take a very long period of time? What are some of the biggest drawbacks holding back translators?
LikeLike
I think it’s pretty much just the fact that visual novels ARE long. For example, War and Peace, one of the longest novels ever written, is around 600k words, but that’s actually around the word count for average visual novel (Dies irae is around 900k words).
Otherwise, I don’t think J->E translation necessarily takes longer than any other language pair. It’s a highly specialized, time consuming, and demanding work.
LikeLike
Are you still working on translations?
LikeLike
I’m currently working on two secret projects from Fruitbat Factory, one from MangaGamer, and one from Sekai Project. The one from SP in particular is something that I think should make classic lovers quite excited. Then there’s Rewrite+, and I’m also checking final script revisions for Damekoi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have you played ever mainline Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy game (excluding XI and XIV) to completion?
LikeLike
I played all of Final Fantasy games to completion, but in case of Dragon Quest I watched let’s plays of some of the earlier games instead (still to completion though). That was back before I discovered audiobooks and that I could listen to them while grinding through these kind of games.
LikeLike
What’s your opinion about the infamous “Dude” discourse in the SukiSuki localization?
LikeLike
I’m too lazy to follow social media these days, so I only found out about this after this comment, but the games that come from MG go through many people and receive lots of polish before seeing release, and given the translator, I’m pretty sure he knew what he was doing. It’s a… unique localization choice, but I’m not really familiar with SukiSuki enough to comment on how much it fits or not.
From what I’ve seen, moe fans seem to be extra sensitive to this kind of thing.
LikeLike
I’m still fairly inexperienced in learning japanese, but is there an easy way to actually identify what non-standard dialect/accent/whatever is being used when one is being used, or more accurately what to ask google when you come up against one? For example I’ve run into a character that seems to shift ま to ん in verbs(among some less odd stuff) and I 分かりんせん what this is
LikeLike
I think the best way is just to enter the phrase in google and see how it’s being used elsewhere, or add “辞書” to it to see if there are any entries in a dictionary. I’ve never heard of any dialect that changes ま to ん though, I think it’s more likely that you’ve chanced on something like 分かりません -> 分からん which is just a colloquial shortening of some verbs (usually used by men), actually kind of similar to “I don’t know” and “dunno”.
LikeLike
Is there a reason why nasu is so hard to translate?
LikeLike
I don’t think he’s THAT hard to translate, but like all chuuni writers, he tends to use more complicated prose than you average visual novel writer.
LikeLike
A friend of mine recently got some stuff to do as a translator. He’s been told that what should be carried over in TLs is the meaning, but he’s scared about doing, rewrites because he thinks people would be reading him and not the original writer.
What sort of advice would you give him, or is it something that *can’t be helped*?
LikeLike
People will always be reading him and not the original author, so he’s got no choice but to accept it, but hopefully he’ll have an editor behind whom he can hide his confidence issues. The point of translation is to get the point of the original author across and that usually involves straying from the literal interpretation of the text from time to time due to how different languages work in their respective cultural contexts.
Anyway, I had the same problem, but you generally get more confident the more work you do. You’ll notice that the most experienced translators in fiction are usually the ones doing the most “rewrites”.
LikeLike
Review requestion: Lamunation! The translation announcement has been making the rounds today, and hear it’s something quite special. Wondering what your thoughts were on this visual novel.
LikeLike
I never played it, but I might in English, just to see Blick Winkel’s mad pun skills.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are there any rough estimates on when damekoi is going to come out?
LikeLike
It was significantly delayed because of that new version with animated hscenes, but I think it’s finally starting to move along. It probably shouldn’t be that long now.
LikeLike
Hey Conjueror,
First off I wanted to say that I recently stumbled across this blog and I love it. I’ll be following your posts for a long time to come! I’m pretty new to VNs and plan to read my first 18+ (i.e. with ero content) title soon, and I’m interested to hear what you have to say about how the inclusion of erotic content in the medium affects its perceived credibility/worth in the grand scheme of fiction.
I saw in one of your reviews (Muramasa?) that you think eventually VNs will become more widely accepted as the medium barrier breaks down. Do you think that ero content (more visceral than in, say, a novel, in that it has both graphic visuals and audio to go with graphic text) will hold VNs back in that regard?
I’ve only ever read trashy nukige or non-h VNs, and I’m going to bite the bullet and dive into my first 18+ title after having read your subahibi review (very excited) but I’m still a bit apprehensive about how well erotic content (and I mean content which is expressly meant to titillate the audience) can be integrated into the game without standing out. Obviously this is just my preconception from having no experience with well-written 18+ VNs and I fully expect my understanding to change: but this “fear” is something that I think most people who are unfamiliar with the medium share. Some of that comes from being unable to consume this particular kind of media in public, and the more general social stigma around even non-h VNs vs. “conventional” storytelling media which I think is more likely to erode gradually.
LikeLike
It depends. I find that sex can work in narrative just like in real life. I always preferred 18+ romance visual novels as it makes it a lot easier for me to buy the relationship when people actually fuck. Some visual novels do it better, some do it worse. Gunjou no Sora which is JP only does an amazing job with ero scenes as part of the story, but Subahibi is pretty cool too, though most of its scenes are used for shock value. I never personally felt that 18+ content made anything worse for me; at worst, it simply didn’t do anything, at best, it got me more invested.
As for if it’s in the way of the medium becoming more popular, then yes, mainly because pornographic content had a huge and baseless stigma attached to it since ancient times just because some are not comfortable with their sexuality. I think people are becoming more open about it in this age, but it’ll probably take a while until it’s wide accepted. >_<
LikeLike
Have you ever taken a speed-reading test to see how fast you read? Reading as a career and as a serious hobby must mean that your reading speed must be really high.
LikeLike
I’m actually a slow reader since I subvocalize everything. That’s why I prefer audiobooks.
LikeLike
Would you ever consider reading Higanbana no Saku Yoru ni and/or the new upcoming Ryukushi07 vn coming soon (perhaps a few years from now)?
LikeLike
I’ll read Ryukishi’s VN if the word on the street is that it’s good, but I’ve still got to think of a way to work manga and light novels into my consumption schedule.
LikeLike
So, Island is out in English now. Any idea how the translation is?
LikeLike
I haven’t seen it, but I know the people who worked on it (and Frontwing’s staff in general) are trustworthy, so it’s probably pretty good.
LikeLike
It is some time that I have in mind to ask you this,how many translation projects do you currently have? And what is the first VN that you translate as an official translator?
LikeLike
My first translation project was Himawari, though Tokyo Babel ended up being released first. I currently have 2 unreleased projects (Damekoi, Rewrite+), 3 unannounced projects, and 3 potential future projects I’m in talks about.
LikeLike
Did you finish all of the games that you rated on your site?
LikeLike
I definitely finished all of the ones I rated 3 or higher. I dropped a couple I rated 2 and about half of 1s, especially if they were long.
LikeLike
Hi, I am a big fan of your translation work, especially for Dies Irae (which IMO is one of the hardest works to translate). Hopefully Rewrite Plus which u are translating will come out soon!
Anyway what are your thoughts on the recent news that Sekai Project has laid off some staff, and what impact do you think this will have on the VN localizing industry, since SP is one of the bigger companies out there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m just a contractor, so I’m not privy to the inner workings of companies, but nothing seems to have changed as far as my current projects or potential future projects are concerned, so I don’t think this restructuring will have that huge of an impact if what you’re interested is visual novel localizations (I might be wrong, but I think the people that were let go mainly worked with evns and advertising? Don’t take my word for it though).
LikeLike
Hey, Conjueror, Is doing technical translation significantly more profitable (money-wise) than other types of translation work?
LikeLike
It pays more per character, but it’s usually a slower and much more boring process than game translation. I think professional game translation and technical translation kind of even out, but then we don’t get paid as much for visual novels as game translators.
LikeLike
Do you use any software for text organization when translating?
LikeLike
I just translate on excel sheets.
LikeLike
Hi! Does the word “all creation/the world/universe” in some context on Dies Irae meant the world of Mercurius which is a multiverse since it has infinite universes?
LikeLike
I don’t remember that well anymore, but more likely than not, those are just figures of speech than references to something specific.
LikeLike
Are there any updates on english version of damekoi? Also, will it have e-mote support from Happiness Motion edition? Or is it based on older japanese version? Thanks.
LikeLike
Figuring out whether we can adapt the translation to the e-mote version is basically what’s delaying it, but I think it’s finally starting to move along. I don’t think it should be long now, and I hope we can use the e-mote version too.
LikeLike
Not directly related to VNs, but what are the specs like on your game PC? How is the PC culture in Japan?
LikeLike
My desktop: i7-4790k, 16gb ram, gtx970 (bought in 2015 after my old pc literally caught fire when playing Witcher 3)
My laptop: Alienware R4, i7-7700HQ, 16gb ram, gtx1070 (bought this year)
Average Japanese tends to prefer consoles, especially handhelds, so I don’t think PC culture is as strong there, as can be seen from the fact they release a lot more console than PC games and their ports tend to suck.
LikeLike
Thoughts on Vjedogonia?
LikeLike
It’s very rough and my least favorite Urobuchi’s game, but it has its highlights. I’d personally recommend pretty much any other Nitro+ game over it though.
LikeLike
Hello. Do you read trial versions to VNs, especially when something interests you, or just wait patiently fo full release?
LikeLike
I usually wait for reviews before trying anything and I have such a big backlog, I usually don’t even notice games until they are released. In case of a few exceptions like Island, I just waited for the full release as it seems pointless to play trial of something I’m sure I’ll want to read in its entirety anyway.
LikeLike
I have decided to pick up a book from Tolstoy as his books synopsis sounds the most interesting. I’m thinking of checking out War and Peace first, but would there be another book that you’d recommend me of his before I read it?
LikeLike
I’ve only read War & Peace, but I’ve heard Anna Karenina is better. That said, I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to pick up something that huge as your first book in a while. It is pretty good, but it’ll take a really long time to get through it. I’d personally try to start off with something shorter, like Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons or even Dostoyevski’s Crime & Punishment if you’re curious about Russian literature.
LikeLike
Speaking of books, did you read anything by Stanislaw Lem? If so, which VN writer you think is closest in style?
LikeLike
That’s quite an obscure pick, but yeah, I’ve read Solaris, and… I think Harumade Kururu is probably closest to that. It’s not exactly the kind of story you see in VNs a lot, lol.
LikeLike
I was thinking of getting into books and I noticed you had a huge selection of books that you have read. Would there be 5 books that you’d recommend for someone who could read the internet but hasn’t picked up a book in 10-12 years.
LikeLike
It depends on what kind of genre you’re interested in. I’d recommend Catch-22 in general, but especially if you want to get into more literary books (it’s a satire that’s both extremely funny and deep, and can bridge you to more serious works). Other good choices for literary books would be classical Russian authors (Dostoyevsky, Turgenev, Tolstoy, Bulgakov), and I also really like relatively accessible E.L. Doctorow, John Steinbeck, and Albert Camus.
For Sci-Fi, I’d recommend Blindsight, it mixes hard sci-fi, though-provoking concepts, and horror in a really nice adventure. 1984 is another one of my favorites that’s in-between sci-fi and literary fiction. And if you’re into less hard and more character driven sci-fi, then you simply can’t go wrong with The Stars My Destination. …Actually, this one might be the best choice if you’re completely new.
For Fantasy I’d recommend Heroes Die and The Lies of Locke Lamora. They’re just exciting stories through and through that thankfully don’t read like a d&d campaign (which most fantasy novels these days do). My favorite is Gormenghast, but you probably don’t want to touch it before you learn to appreciate extremely flowery language (the prose is like Dies irae on steroids written by an absolute genius).
If you want horror, I’d recommend Lovecraft’s short stories. You can find a lot of them read on youtube. Otherwise, John Dies at the End and I Am Legend are pretty awesome reads.
If you’re into history, especially Roman history, then “I, Claudius” is a nice read.
I think that pretty much all books rated 4/5 and above on my blog are must reads, but those I’ve mentioned are basically what I’d recommend for someone trying to get into reading. I was personally hooked by Orson Card’s Speaker of the Dead, and Asimov’s Foundation trilogy, but I come from a scientific background and was extremely into hard sci-fi back then, so those might not click with you as much.
LikeLike
Same anon here, I’ve just realized that the new SubaHibi route might defeat the whole point of the rest of the story.
Tbvat ol gur cvpgherf va gur jrofvgr, vg ybbxf yvxr vg zvtug or pbagrag frg nsgre gur Wnoorejbpxl VV raqvatf. Gur ceboyrz vf gung va FhonUvov rirelguvat vf yrsg hc gb vagrecergngvba qryvorengryl, naq fbzr bs gur ulcbgurfrf ol Nlnan naq gur barf ernqref pna pbzr hc jvgu ner ershgrq ol nqqvat nal pbagrag frg nsgre gur rkvfgrag bar. Nyfb, FhonUvov vf nyernql fgehpgherq fb gung rnpu puncgre gryyf lbh fbzrguvat nobhg gur fnzr fgbel, naq gur yratgu bs vaqvivqhny puncgref naq gur ragver fgbel jnf gnxra vagb nppbhag jura jevgvat gurz. Rkgen pbagrag pbhyq rnfvyl qrsrng guvf naq gur snpg gung Raq Fxl VV srryf yvxr gur raqvat gung nyy gur cerivbhf puncgref yrnq hc nf n jubyr, jvgu gur svany raqvatf orvat whfg gur evtug pbapyhfvbaf guvf fgbel arrqf. Gurfr raqvatf ner gur pbapyhfvbaf gb nyy gur riragf hc hagvy gung cbvag, naq pbagrag nsgre nal bs gubfr jbhyq srry yvxr rkgraqvat gurz sbe ab erny ernfba, yvxr lbh unir nyernql ernpurq gur raqvat rkprcg gurer’f zber rira gubhtu gur fgbel jnf pyrneyl zrnag gb raq orsber naq unf nyernql ernpurq vgf pyvznk.
I really hope SCA-DI knows what he’s doing, and for as much as I believe in him, I just can’t shake off my head how difficult it is to include any new content so that it feels like just any other chapter. And considering it’s such a complex work and it’s been 8 years since its release, I’m afraid SCA-DI might have lost sight of his own original views.
LikeLike
I trust SCA-DI, but if the additional scenario will suck, then I’ll just treat it as non-canon (kind of like constant Cross†Channel bloating by guest authors). It’s not like the original release will disappear once this thing is released.
LikeLike
is there any phrase with the same general message as”thought provoking about x” that you could use as an alternative? it gets a bit stale imo seeing the same wording used in the positives section in the majority of your reviews
LikeLike
I have OCD, so I actually even go to my old impressions sometimes and fix the phrasing so everything would match. I like consistency so changing up the expression terrifies me to the very core. I wish I could express everything with numbers, but if I’ve got to use words, I’ll stick to consistent phrasing. If something advertently or inadvertently made me think about something, then that’s the expression I’m going to use.
LikeLike
Are you working on some bigger projects right now aside from Rewrite?
LikeLike
I’m working on one bigger project for MG, but it’s not really Dies irae or Rewrite tier.
LikeLike
How important do you think the classical Japanese quotes in Sakura no Uta are? I’m not that well-versed in Japanese, but I’ve wanted to read it for a long time now, and I fear that not understanding said quotes will lead to missing some foreshadowing or ideas SCA-DI would like to convey. I don’t expect them to be too relevant, nor to be everywhere, but I’m unsure since I have never really looked into the matter.
LikeLike
SCA-DI does a good job at conveying his complicated concepts in simple words. I think there’s barely anyone who could decipher Chuuya’s poetry and those quotes are few and far inbetween anyway, so it’s definitely not a dealbreaker if you don’t get them. Knowing the context might enhance the experience, but it’s definitely not a prerequisite to enjoy the story.
Though make sure your JP is good enough to understand the actual game text first.
LikeLike
Did the search bar disappear from your blog with this visual update? Can you put it back?
LikeLike
Oh darn, I didn’t realize that. I put it above my avatar.
LikeLike
Do you prefer to consume one piece of media (e.g. game, anime, VN, Book, etc.) at a time or multiple pieces of media at a time?
LikeLike
I only consume one type of media at a time. I only pick up a new game or book after I finish the previous one or decide to drop it.
LikeLike
Why do you always complain about Nintendo games having no plot and characters when their philosophy is fun gameplay first before everything else?
LikeLike
Because their game-play is almost never good enough to distract me from other flaws and I would’ve enjoyed their games more if their narrative wasn’t constantly insulting my intelligence, especially when they usually just rehash the same three things over and over again.
My taste is usually pretty mainstream, but Nintendo is the only developer whose popularity completely stupefies me; maybe it’s because I owned Sega Genesis and only got into gaming seriously with Playstation when I was a kid. They probably have some sort hypnosis algorithm coded into their games that takes over your mind for life if you play them at a too impressionable age.
Now that I think about it, I feel the exact same way about Disney and Pixar.
LikeLike
How much do you know about scholarships in Japan? I’m thinking about studying there for multiple reasons, but I’m not sure what websites are the best to look at for scholarships. Any extra information and advice that you can give about them is extremely welcome.
LikeLike
I got Monbukagakusho scholarship. It’s allowed all over the world from what I know. You can try joining one of facebook groups for it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What have been the easiest and most difficult VN’s you’ve had to read (language wise)? Thank you ^^
LikeLike
Himawari and KKK.
LikeLike
I am currently reading Dies Irae “18+ patch” and noticed there are choices in Gare’s guide that are not present in this version. Is the guide for AA still usable for the 18+ “patch” version, or is there a different guide required for it?
LikeLike
As far as I know, the 18+ version is based on Acta est Fabula, which probably means that the routes are properly locked and the game is not even giving you choices you shouldn’t make. You can still use Gare’s guide, but I don’t think it’s even that necessary for you if that’s the case.
LikeLike
Since I’m majoring in math soon and aim to be able to read Japanese with (relative) ease in the near future, I wonder if translating mathematical, or stem texts in general, from Japanese might be an option in the far future. What do you think?
LikeLike
Why would you major in math if you want to be a translator? I think it’s an option, but even in the field of manual translation, it’s usually engineering/medicine related stuff that people want you to translate, at least in my experience. That said, I imagine you can get by comfortably IF you manage to find clients for such a niche field.
I think it works as a Plan B if your main aim is to become a mathematician, but there are better fields to study if all you want to do is translate. In retrospect, I rather would’ve studied creative writing / literature than biology, to be honest (but engineering / medicine is probably the most useful for manuals if you don’t mind to be bored to death).
LikeLike
Do you think VisualArt’s will ever release/license out games from their non-Key brands? Also, do you think they’re missing an opportunity by not doing so?
LikeLike
Hopefully yes, and yes.
Vote for Hatsuyuki Sakura and Sayonara Oshiete on their survey.
LikeLike
sorry, what i actually mean is, how did you find the equivalent terms in english, as in translating it, not just understanding it
LikeLike
There’s a fairly good dictionary for technical terms that was recommended to me back when I was studying in the university: https://eow.alc.co.jp/search?q=%e9%8e%ae%e5%ba%a7%e5%9c%a8
Most of the time you can trust J-E dictionary translations for technical terms as they are usually used in very limited context and have little variation. Otherwise, I’d try googling the technical documents where’d I expect to see these terms used in English and hope to recognize them. Normally, you don’t really get to translate technical stuff that you’re not already familiar though unless it’s like some random trivia in a game.
LikeLike
if you encounter a technical terms that you don’t know what it is called in english, how did you research it ?
LikeLike
Google them and then check JP-JP dictionaries and how they’re used in context.
LikeLike
Can you remember the first visual novel you played? Or if you can’t, what was the first VN that made you think this was a medium worth reading?
(Though you can answer both questions if you want)
LikeLike
The first visual novel I’ve read was JAST’s X-Change 2, that got me into nukige.
Later I discovered Tsukihime, and that got me into serious visual novels.
I’ve been feeling burned out by VNs some time later after reading Fate Stay Night and almost quit VNs, but then I’ve read Himawari, Saya no Uta, and Sharin no Kuni, and they got me back into the medium.
LikeLike
is it worth going to the original himawari at all? i think i heard there’s a BGM patch for the new one? the H scene plot was integrated? but are the original ones worthwhile?
LikeLike
I don’t think so. I actually prefer the old sprites, but I’m probably just nostalgic, so if you can apply the BGM patch, you should probably stick with the updated version as it has pretty much the same scenes just with less explicit CGs.
LikeLike
Do you think there’s any chance Mangagamer would pick up any Rail-soft titles?
LikeLike
The logistics for that would probably be relatively easy, but the problem is that they’d require an immense effort to translate, and probably wouldn’t sell anyway. If you can find enough people interested in these games, I can convince MG to pick them up. 😛
LikeLike
What did you think about the side episodes in Himawari, since they had a rather different tone than the main story?
LikeLike
To be honest, I’m nowhere near as big a fan of the side episodes as I am on the main game. They came a long time after I read the original and, as you said, have completely different tone, so I always thought of them as more or less completely different stories. They’re okay, but I’m not too crazy about them.
LikeLike
How often do you meet up with Gare and make out?
LikeLike
I haven’t met Gare yet, but that doesn’t stop us from making out.
LikeLike
What are your thoughts on the eroge Dasaku?
LikeLike
I remember marking it down as a nukige to check out when it came out, but I’ve yet to get around to it.
LikeLike
Holy fuck SubaHibi is receiving a full-voiced released. https://twitter.com/keromakurastaff/status/987292881030340609
MAJOR SUBAHIBI SPOILERS: Ohg V’z abg fher vs V yvxr guvf. Gbzbfnar jnfa’g ibvprq juvyr Gnxhwv jnf. Guvf znqr lbh ernyvmr qhevat gur erirny bs “Gbzbfnar” orvat “Gnxhwv” gung uvf ynpx bs ibvpr npgvat jnf ba checbfr. Gbzbfnar qbrfa’g guvax gung ur vf “Gnxhwv”, ohg uvf ibvpr fubhyq or uvf. Ba gur tbbq fvqr… V fhccbfr gung “Gbzbfnar” jvyy unir gur erny Gnxhwv’f ibvpr, juvpu jvyy pbzcrafngr n ovg V thrff? V’z fgvyy urfvgnag ba jurgure “Gbzbfnar” orvat ibvprq vf tbbq be onq. Ohg V’z fgvyy tynq gung gurl jvyy or znxvat n shyy-ibvprq eryrnfr.
LikeLike
I’m concerned about the exact same thing, but it’ll be interesting to hear other male characters speak.
LikeLike
How many chapters (beside the prologue) are in SeaBed? I’m just starting Chapter 5 now and are curious when I’ll be able to finish it.
LikeLike
There are 11, but the later chapters are much shorter than the earlier ones if I’m remembering it right.
LikeLike
I’m now on Otherstory 3 of Dies Irae, and I’ve seemed to have stumbled upon Kai’s beriah chant. Since the Sakurai clan seem to use ancient Japanese literature to invoke their beriahs. What is Kai quoting?
LikeLike
I’m pretty sure it’s something from Kojiki, but I don’t remember which part exactly. I didn’t work on that part of the game, so I’m not as familiar with it as the others.
LikeLike
How well do you think Subahibi did on sales? Do you think its likely Sakura no Uta will get a localisation by Frontwing?
LikeLike
I think it did okay for western standards, but I remember SCA-DI expressing disappointment that it wasn’t as much as he’d expected, so the future of Sakura no Uta is pretty unclear.
LikeLike
Are there any works that you think would not be in your ability to translate?
LikeLike
Well, as far as VNs are concerned, I hope I could handle more or less anything as long as I work with Gare and a talented QA team. There are few things that can possibly top Dies. Though I’m not sure about Mareni, as I haven’t read any of his main works yet.
I definitely couldn’t translate Japanese poetry, and most of their classical literature though. At least in a shape that would do the works justice.
LikeLike
How obscure are your three secret vn projects on a scale from Seabed to Steins Gate?
LikeLike
Two are pretty much on the same level as Seabed, while you may have seen the title of the third one mentioned in forums a couple of times.
LikeLike
After seeing how Dies Irae, DameKoi, and Baldr Sky have been licensed by companies in the West, how much of an effect do you believe your tournament in 2016 had on how licenses have played out in the West?
LikeLike
Dies and I think Baldr were already being planned back then, but it certainly helped my case with Damekoi.
LikeLike
what happened to the english versions of dies irae in english? i wanted to wait for the best version with H and all but i heard they didn’t combine everything or something?
LikeLike
I don’t know the details myself, but I think the version sold on MG site is 18+ that’s built properly and doesn’t require any patches.
LikeLike
You should read AoKana.
LikeLike
I have it pretty high up in my to-read list, so hopefully I’ll get around to it eventually.
LikeLike
What are 5 VNs you would like to translate if you were given a realistic opportunity to do so? (Aka stuff like Muramasa wouldn’t be realistic because JAST has the license)
LikeLike
It’s a bit hard to judge what’s realistic or not. I feel there’s little chance for Aiyoku no Eustia at this point, since no one who’s tried managed to get through to August. Eushully is not interested in the English market either, so there’s little hope for Ikusa Megami 0 as well. White Album 2 would be cool, but I’m not sure what’s its situation being under Aquaplus copyright. Pretty much the same applies to Oretsuba. I’d be interested in retranslating C†C for the fourth time, but I’m not really seeing that happening, lol. Then no one wants to license Harukani Aogi Uruwashi no because it’s too old. 😦
I guess KKK and Sakura no Uta would be the most realistic, but I’ve no idea what’s happening with either. At this point I’m just happy to translate stuff that’s fun and pays my bills. Oh yeah, maybe I’ll eventually convince MG to do Evolimit. That’d be cool.
LikeLike
Can i ask about the dies irae uncen patch,is it out yet
LikeLike
It’s out, but I hear it’s a bit complicated to apply. I’d recommend buying the MG version if you haven’t bought steam’s already. Otherwise, I’m sure a bit of googling will tell you exactly what to do.
LikeLike
Since Dies irae was translated, what’s the chances of other light VNs, like KKK, to be translated as well? Btw, you have some plans about it?
LikeLike
It was brought up a couple of times right after Dies got released, but looking at how the reward fulfillment situation is going on, I’m not sure if light still wants to participate in another kickstarter. And to be honest, I’m not sure I’d have the energy for it at this point unless I’m properly recompensed and that WOULD require a very successful kickstarter. -_-
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool website redesign, and I didn’t think of the possibility to use a WordPress site for anonymous questions.
By the way, in the case that Frontwing licenses Sakura no Uta, how much research do you think is needed? I’ve heard that Sakura no Uta isn’t quite as intense in philosophy as Subarashiki Hibi, much less in topics that you would need to do research about.
LikeLike
SCA-DI does a good job at explaining his subjects without that much need for external research, to be honest. At least, I don’t think being an expert on the subject matter would affect the actual translation that much. I think the only parts that would need some extra work would be the classical Japanese poetry quotes that had never been officially rendered into English (and are pretty much unintelligible to me without extensive studying).
LikeLike
Do you know who’s doing the translation/editing for Island? I hope the TL is good.
LikeLike
I don’t remember the exact names, but Frontwing has assembled a fairly talented team of translators since back when and I feel the people put on Island can probably be trusted, so my outlook is fairly optimistic.
LikeLike
whats the kaminukige
LikeLike
I’ve never heard the term before, but I guess some of the May-Be Soft, ωstar, and Black Cyc’s games could qualify for that.
LikeLike
oppai or oshiri? The world needs to know
LikeLike
Oshiri all the way. I have a huge thing for zettai ryouiki, while boobs never really did much for me.
LikeLike
After translating for so long and accumulating so many kamige plots in your head, have you thought of writing your own fiction?
LikeLike
Yes, there are actually a couple of stories I keep entertaining in my head, but I never get too far into writing them down since there are just so many things I want to do and I never have time for everything. I also always feel that I’m still not good enough to convey them in a way that actually satisfies me. I even have some materials for a personal visual novel project.
Actually, my long-term plan as I got into VN translating was to break into writing. I even originally started translating Himawari and parts of Dies irae, because I wanted to study the writing styles in these kind of visual novels. Anyway, I really hope that one day when I feel more confident I’ll find the time to put my stories into proper shape, as I do have some pretty interesting ideas (I think). 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, so… Muramasa, Himawari, Subahibi and Dies Irae are special works… Which kind of people would you reommend these VN to? If you have enough time, I’d like to an specific answer for every novel, pls.
LikeLike
Himawari is something that should hit you particularly hard if you don’t know what to do with your life, or have just become disillusioned with dreams you used to have. I think it’s most impactful if you’re in your last years of an university or high school. Bonus points if you’re interested in space. It also has the best girl in VNs and insane feels.
You read Subahibi if you want to have your worldviews and the very perception of reality shattered. If you’re into intelligent fiction and theoretical philosophy you’re gonna worship this till the end of days.
Muramasa… well, the thing pretty much has no flaws whatsoever so you’d have to have some special aversion to historical settings and realism to even dislike it, but if you’ve got a problem with the superficial (and hypocritical) concept of heroism and justice sold by anime media, then it’s specially made for you.
Dies irae is a dream of anyone with delusions of grandeur. The more chuuni blood runs in you, the more you will worship this. You simply can’t top Dies on chuuni.
LikeLike
Conjueror man, you seem to be living the VN dream but.. Don’t you ever want something more from life? You know, a higher reason?
LikeLike
After twenty years of introspection and philosophical studies I came to a conclusion that reading VNs is the most worthwhile activity in this universe anyway.
LikeLike
Are Gare and Moogy your co-workers, friends or potential harem candidates?
LikeLike
I thought it was common knowledge that we were all the same person.
LikeLike
No phD? Why didn’t you continue on this road?
LikeLike
I found translating chinese porn games to be a more fulfilling experience.
LikeLike
How about a top 10 list of your favorite VN’s? Both translated and untranslated, doesn’t matter.
LikeLike
1. Subarashiki Hibi
2. Himawari
3. Muramasa
4. Tsukihime
5. Umineko
6. Fate/Stay Night
7. Aiyoku no Eustia
8. Harukani Aogi Uruwashi no
9. Ore-tachi ni Tsubasa ha nai
10. Dies irae
11. Baldr Force
12. Island
13. ef – a fairy tale of the two
14. YU-NO
15. Muv-Luv Alternative
16. Ever17
17. G-Senjou no Maou
18. Sakura no Uta
19. Utawarerumono
20. Steins;Gate
21. Swan Song
22. Sharin no Kuni
23. Sekai de Ichiban Dame na Koi
24. Saya no Uta
25. Ayakashibito
LikeLike
What do you think about grown men in their 20s or even 30s playing porn games with high school girls? :^
LikeLike
They are the pillars supporting the intellectual framework of our society and should be aspired by everyone, both old and young.
LikeLike