Mato Tree

A Japanese ROM Isn’t Always a ROM

Mato — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:28:55 +0000

Some years ago, when I was reading the Mother 1 or 2 novel I think, I read in the afterword that the author had gotten an advance copy of the game so she could start writing the novel early on. I was confused though, because she said she had gotten a “ROM”. Given that the novels were written in the early 90s, I was like, “No, she must be talking about an early cartridge copy, not a ROM like we would call it now.” So I was always careful to try and not translate “ROM” as “ROM” unless it actually warranted it.

I just randomly stumbled upon a Japanese auction today that confirmed my hunch:

Being a computer geek I understand the technicalities of why translating that as “ROM” wouldn’t necessarily be a wrong translation, it’s just that nowadays it would give English-speaking Internet people the wrong impression.

So I guess the point of this tale is to always beware of false friends. Because they’ll sneak up and spoil the party if you’re not careful.

My Old Square Rejection Letter

Mato — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:41:32 +0000

The past month or two I’ve been decluttering my place and slimming down a lot of my merchandise collections by selling it on eBay (you can check out some of my stuff here!) While cleaning out one of my closets a few weeks ago I stumbled upon this – a rejection letter from Square.

I had just graduated from university (or was about to) so I applied to lots of different game companies hoping to work for them as a translator. Square (the Japanese headquarters) had some positions open for translators so I jumped on that the instant I saw it. Of course, the age-old problem befell me – I didn’t have any professional experience, so no one wanted to hire me. But how are you supposed to get experience if no one will hire you?!

That’s why I had done a ton of fan translating in the years before – to try to get as close to professional experience as I could. In fact, I had even fan translated a bunch of Square RPGs, stuff like Bahamut Lagoon, Final Fantasy for the Wonderswan, and a bunch more I’ve probably forgotten. Anyway, it wasn’t meant to be, but luckily I went on to have an awesome career translating for FUNimation and doing occasional games on the side for localization companies. And funnily enough, I did at one point end up working on a Square game through one of those localization agencies

Anyway, here are some more pics of the rejection letter. I have no real attachment to it, I’m wondering if it would be worth anything on eBay…

I just remembered that I had also applied to a position for the USA branch of Square too – I don’t remember how I got my reply but it was one of those “unfortunately we don’t feel your addition to our staff would be mutually beneficial at this time” jargon things. I’m certain it didn’t come on such nice stationery, at least.

Still, I wonder if I’d have a chance if I applied to companies now…

Final Fantasy III (US) with FFII (US) Map Graphics

Mato — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:07:40 +0000

Over on the RHDN forums Zeemis posted a patch that changes all the map graphics in FF3us to look like FF2us. I love the FF2 map style so seeing the FF3 world map like this in that style is like, “Whoa, it feels like a totally different game now!”

Here’s the thread with pics and patch.

Mario Contest Results!

Mato — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:59:18 +0000

A while back I posted a contest/drawing for a beat-up Japanese Super Mario Bros. manual I used for my SMB localization page. Basically, people who posted their stories about their first time playing Super Mario Bros. and one winner would be chosen (see here). Well, here’s the winning result, courtesy of Ms. Poe:

I’ll contact Zack soon, unless he contacts me first. I’m still finishing up my Zelda 1 comparison, and there’ll be a contest attached to that one too, so stay tuned!

History of Squaresoft’s Localization

Mato — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:44:47 +0000

It’s a bit old, but here’s a really neat article about the evolution of Square’s localization stuff. They do some really awesome work now, but did a lot of crazy stuff in the early days. It’s neat seeing how that change came about.

The Rise of Squaresoft Localization

I look forward to analyzing a couple of their localizations for my Legends of Localization project down the road. I’ll probably end up doing NES FF1 or Super NES FF2 first, I’m not sure which.

About Wa and Ga

Mato — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 19:31:13 +0000

I dug up an old article I wrote like ten years ago about studying “wa” and “ga” in Japanese classes. It’s tough to really explain, it’s just something you gotta experience, but here’s what I wrote up:

Why Wa and Ga Ruin Lives

Call for Zelda 1 Stuff

Mato — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:07:15 +0000

For the past few weeks I’ve been working on a Zelda 1 thing for my Legends of Localization project. I still got a ways to go, but if anyone out there has suggestions/questions about stuff I should maybe cover, let me know here!

Looks like this section’s going to be a bit bigger than my Super Mario Bros. 1 too, I think it’ll be an interesting read

EDIT: While I’m at it, if anyone can send me photos of their gold Zelda NES cartridge on a white surface, taken at different angles, that’d help me out a lot. I only have the gray cart :/

Interview in German Gaming Magazine

Mato — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:17:02 +0000

A while back I did a quick interview for a writer for a German gaming magazine. The issue was published a few months ago and he sent me a scan of the article, except I’m not actually sure what it says about me I’d be curious to know, so if any German-speaking folks are out there, lemme know! The scan is here.

Localization at Capcom

Mato — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 03:10:21 +0000

A few weeks ago Capcom Unity posted an article about how localization is handled at Capcom. You can read it here. It’s really interesting stuff, if you don’t know what goes into game localization at all, you might be surprised that it’s more than just simple translation!

Incidentally, Mark/Kyosuke, a translator buddy of mine, works as a localizer for Capcom and it seems they do some pretty goofy stuff there sometimes. Here he is in some sort of video that still makes no sense to me. The Japanese subtitles are more coherent at least

It sounds like this was a video meant to target budding graphic effects people… but okay. Also, the “Minch” thing IS an EarthBound reference

Super Mario Bros. Comparison Up

Mato — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:45:36 +0000

I’ve finally finished a comparison of the Japanese and American Super Mario Bros.! Check it out – if you’re into NES games I think you’ll like it. I’m even holding a tiny little contest – one lucky person will get the Japanese manual for free.

Also, for more info on my “Legends of Localization” project and to suggest other games I should take a look at, see here!