Eiyuu Densetsu: Sora no Kiseki FC (Legend of Heroes 6 part1)

[System_Error]

I don't remember if this has been asked on this version of the board but I really want Legend of Heroes VI.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=4oWksXwqnts
That's the opening video.

[Kakizaki]

^I believe I did somewhere - maybe previous board. But anyway, day 1 for me.

[Chronis]

There's a downloadable PSP demo for this, right? If it's what i'm thinking of, tried it. It was alright. I'd be interested.

[Raidou11]

I saw Legend of Heroes III for 20 bucks the other day, but I ended up buying a 30 dollars ps2 memory card instead. Are the Eiyuu Densetsu games good?

[Sanctine]

Day one, but I don't see it happening. Chances are it'll be fan translated, though.

[NeverChris]

I will also support (with my wallet) any new Legend of Heroes games being translated.

[Neku]

Me too, I'd buy. Such a shame that so little Falcom games make it to North America.

[Sanctine]

I will also support (with my wallet) any new Legend of Heroes games being translated.

Then donate using PayPal.

[Raidou11]

I just tried out the demo. Its rather short. The battles look nice and the controls are pretty smooth.

[Tatsuya]

I'm probably going to get chastised for this (which i understand, but still) because it's bumping an old thread, but i feel like i'll need to risk it for this.

This is one of those rare gems that doesn't look as good as much as it is fun (the graphics are very beautiful though), the battle system is very enjoyable, the story is very moving (as far as i can tell, don't know enough japanese) but beyond that is the music.

Now most people don't state music when talking about a game, but this one deserves it, this game as well as it's successors have arguably the best soundtrack ever made, with every track being a memorable track.

As it's unlikely at best this game will ever be released in the us, i felt compelled to say this about this game as to do it justice, thank you for your time and sorry for the bump.

[ShadowYuri]

Don't worry, I agree with you here ^^ Although I fear that theses games will never make it to North America, I also wanted to say that I wil support their localization.

It'd be a shame to never see them in english, as I've heard they are better than the third previous releases on PSP. The story seems to be well told and the gameplay has got me interested.

Hope *_*

[gsl]

Well, oddly enough the PSP versions of Legend of Heroes IV and V made it to the States, so there's hope for the different chapters of VI, although how well said ports sold would probably have some bearing on the possibility. It would certainly inspire me to purchase a PSP, though!

[Kakizaki]

^Yes they made it over here, but the teams that handled the ports, the licensing, and the whole shebang were all completely different from this LoH title.

[Romancer_Zero]

I played and like the three Legend of Heroes games we got, heck I even played the old Dragon Slayer game on the Turbografx CD. So I would be all for a U.S. release, PC or PSP.

[Constraint]

A definite day one. I enjoyed Legond of Hero: Tears of Vermillion, and I heard good things about Sora no Kiseki.

[Tatsuya]

I played and like the three Legend of Heroes games we got, heck I even played the old Dragon Slayer game on the Turbografx CD. So I would be all for a U.S. release, PC or PSP.

namco had nothing to do with this, so it's alot better than the 3 we got.

[Magnvs]

I played many hours of the PC version (still available on Himeya Shop, if anyone is interested), and it's definitely an awesome game. There was a fantranslation project ongoing, but unfortunately the team seems to have vanished after uploading a juicy trailer.

Rumors have it that XSeed considered bringing the Psp port to the USA, but got scared of the massive amount of text... too bad, since I would have gladly bought it again. I would be euphoric if Atlus USA considered a localization, but unfortunately I think it's very difficult at this point, even more so since this is the first chapter of a trilogy.

[Paranoia Dragon]

We need this series out here!

[Macstorm]

Atlus, take the risk, make this happen.

[squall3031]

Atlus, I too want this title. Please please please make it happen ><... This RPG is very good.

[Gunloc]

I support this suggestion.

[sonickenshin]

I support this suggestion too. Didn't hear a lot of good things about the localization for the others. The last one was...2 or 3 years ago.

Now most people don't state music when talking about a game, but this one deserves it, this game as well as it's successors have arguably the best soundtrack ever made, with every track being a memorable track.
This is the very thing that actually got me interested.

[peasantman]

Day one, but I don't see it happening. Chances are it'll be fan translated, though.

No, there is WAY too much text, Form what I've heard it is equivalent to a large novel, only a determined effort by a larger force such as Atlus can bring this here.

[Tatsuya]

Day one, but I don't see it happening. Chances are it'll be fan translated, though.

No, there is WAY too much text, Form what I've heard it is equivalent to a large novel, only a determined effort by a larger force such as Atlus can bring this here.

Actually there is a group out there translating the pc version, but it has stalled atm.

[hanseo]

my support added

[Yazarc]

I agree with what was said about the music. I'm pretty critical (even harsh) about most video game music, but in the first LoH game on the PSP to make it here, I still have to say that the field battle theme heard towards the end of the game is just wonderful. One of the best of any RPG I've played. The series really reminds me of the Lunar games...But oddly enough, in a good way.

[squall3031]

Yes, I like the music too! Tears of Vermillion theme is so beautiful. I love the last boss's music on Tears of Vermillion and Cage song of the ocean. Legend of white witch...hmm..not so much, but it has good storyline too :)

So please, hear our plea :D give us this title! :)

[Fuyukaze]

I'd buy it.

[Decept]

So I decided to look for some gameplay videos for this game, and then I found this fight scene between two characters, and I thought it was one of the best fight scenes I have ever seen in a portable rpg, and I wonder if the script matches the intensity.

If I had a PSP I would check it out, after tracking down the titles that have made it here.

[Macstorm]

I decided to finally put my money where my mouth is and play the Namco/Bandai published Legend of Heroes games and I'll have to say that the games likely did poorly here because of the localization. I'd like to think that Atlus could handle them much better than Namco did. I'm playing The Legend of Heroes II: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch right now and the sheer amount of typos is staggering along with the weird line breaks. The dialogue is so bland, too. It seems like a fantastic little turn-based RPG in the same style as Lunar, but is so ruined by the localization that it did poorly.

I think that Legend of Heroes VI deserves a chance here with a solid localization.

[sonickenshin]

I decided to finally put my money where my mouth is and play the Namco/Bandai published Legend of Heroes games and I'll have to say that the games likely did poorly here because of the localization. I'd like to think that Atlus could handle them much better than Namco did. I'm playing The Legend of Heroes II: Prophecy of the Moonlight Witch right now and the sheer amount of typos is staggering along with the weird line breaks. The dialogue is so bland, too. It seems like a fantastic little turn-based RPG in the same style as Lunar, but is so ruined by the localization that it did poorly.

I think that Legend of Heroes VI deserves a chance here with a solid localization.

I agree. ...actually, Namco hasn't been on top of their game, lately, whenever they're translating scripts. Tales of Vesperia had some awkward exchanges in dialogue. Some. But, it's still pretty noticeable.

I really hope Atlus considers in bringing it here, especially since all 3 parts of Legend of Heroes VI are now on the PSP.

[Paranoia Dragon]

And apparently the series has done REALLY well on the PSP in Japan, possibly better then the PC versions, or so I'm told!

[swordsmanofred]

Makes sense, considering Falcom is now moving onto PSP with Ys Seven and all. I support localisation for all Falcom games, especially Ys Seven and Legend of Heroes VI trilogy.

[RoflKnife]

I support localization of the Legend of Heroes 6 series, on either PSP or PC, I'm fine either way, I just want this amazing series localized! The 6th in the series sold great in Japan, and is well known there. If it was localized here, I'm sure it'd sell just as great, if not better!

Do it Atlus, do it! You've localized so many great games, don't miss out on these ones! The incredibly large amount of text to translate is daunting, but it'll be worth it T_T...

[Zacewing]

The Legend Of Heroes localizations were handled by Namco Bandai, iirc, so if Falcom is gonna localize it, they might wanna hand it over to them.

But it's still a possibility that Atlus can localize it, since they localized the Ys 1&2 DS remake.

[Captain Lemon]

The Legend Of Heroes localizations were handled by Namco Bandai, iirc, so if Falcom is gonna localize it, they might wanna hand it over to them.

But it's still a possibility that Atlus can localize it, since they localized the Ys 1&2 DS remake.

It's true that Namco Bandai did the localizations of LoH 3-5 (or 1-3 as they called them) but they did such shoddy, lack luster job at it that I would hope that Falcom gives this one over to Atlus.

Oh, and I totally support this game, come on Atlus!

[squall3031]

Quick Atlus! Secure your position to localize this game :)
Come on, quick quick!

[Green Card]

I played the the first two psp LoH games to come here. I really liked the first one but the localization was awful and thats why I didn't buy the third one. Now if Atlus handled the next one I would definitely be interested.

[squall3031]

The third one is not so bad as well. If you haven't played, two playable (and another two unplayable) characters from the first one appear on the third one. I guess that's a little spoiler for you :P

[Ryusuke]

So, how much does it usually take for Atlus to consider a release?

[Macstorm]

If we post in this everyday, cross our fingers tightly, wish on every star, and carry around 4-leaf clovers... we'll likely still be waiting forever for this one.

Maybe we'll get luckier with LoH7.

[Ryusuke]

That much, eh? ...well, shucks.

[RoflKnife]

Steps to get Atlus to localize a game:

STEP 1: Get the forum thread to 30 pages

STEP 2: Get a large fanbase for said game

STEP 3: Hope Atlus sees the topic.

[cxt217]

I would love to see any of the Legend of Heroes: Sora no Kiseki trilogy released in North America (All three if possible.). But the problem is cost versus return - each of the three games, when released on PSP, took up 2 UMD discs, with about 5 MB script for FC and even higher word counts for the other two. The fact that the three games are about the only PSP games that require two UMD discs each, says a lot...

Like I said, I would love to see them have an English release. But practically? 'Unlikely' sounds about right. That does not stop a person from dreaming and hoping, but dreams and hopes are, by themselves, incapable of doing anything.

C.T.

[peasantman]

Steps to get Atlus to localize a game:

STEP 1: Get the forum thread to 30 pages

STEP 2: Get a large fanbase for said game

STEP 3: Hope Atlus sees the topic.

That is completely untrue, Bumpy Trot: Vehicle Battle Tournament (not even a complete page) , Steal Princess, My World, My Way had 2 pages of thread or less, even Knights in the Nightmare only had 12 pages. Of course consumer interest is needed but it doesn't necessarily have to be large, You don't need to "hope" Atlus glances down upon us mere mortals, they will localize games they find interesting, Atlus prides itself upon originality and taking chances upon games.

[Overdrive]

Aight so there's a LoH 7 announced? What?

So I take it IV, V, and VI was only released in Japan then? I have the first three on PSP...someone want to throw me an update on what's going on please?

[kerestel]

I would love for the Sora no Kiseki trilogy to be released here. I was debating on picking up the Japanese version since Falcom has it on their site for 9,786 yen (about $100) but if I can fully understand it, that would be even better.

Aight so there's a LoH 7 announced? What?

So I take it IV, V, and VI was only released in Japan then? I have the first three on PSP...someone want to throw me an update on what's going on please?

Actually, The ones on the PSP are IV, III, and V in that order. I was released back on the Turbo CD. II and the trilogy making up VI haven't been released in the US. The only news about VII that I've heard of so far is that a small artbook with information about it will be included as a pre-order bonus for Ys VII. Ys VII bonus (http://rpgfan.com/news/2009/183.html)

[Paranoia Dragon]

LOH II was released in Japan on the Turbo CD, as well as the Genesis & SNES. I'm hoping someday, someone will hack the Turbo CD one & translate it.

[adoru]

Time for a little lesson:

Dragon Slayer VI: Legend of Heroes I
Originally on PC88, then PC-Engine/TurboGrafx 16, SFC, Megadrive, Saturn and PS1. We got this back in the early 90's as "Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes." This is not the game we got later on the PSP as "Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermilion." Note: LoH1 is part 6 of the "Dragon Slayer" series, which includes games like Xanadu, Sorcerian, Romancia and Legend of Xanadu, but spun off as it's own series.

Legend of Heroes II
Originally on PC88, then PC-Engine/TurboGrafx 16, SFC, Megadrive, Saturn and PS1. We never got this game. This is not the game we got later on the PSP as "Legend of Heroes II: Moonlight Witch."

Legend of Heroes III: The White Witch (Gagharv Trilogy part 1)
Originally on PC98, then ported to PS1, then remade for Saturn, then remade for Windows, then remade again (not by Falcom) for PSP. This IS what we got as "Legend of Heroes II: Moonlight Witch." Note: this is the most popular in the series next to LoH VI: Sora No Kiseki, in Japan. That is because the dialogue is better in the original. PC version is MUCH better than PSP version.

Legend of Heroes IV: A Tear of Vermilion (Gagharv Trilogy part 2)
Originally on PC98, then ported to PS1, then remade (beautifully) on Windows, then remade again (not by Falcom) on PSP. This IS what we got as "Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermilion." PC version is MUCH better than PSP version.

Legend of Heroes V: Cagesong of the Ocean (Gagharv Trilogy part 3)
Originally on Windows, then remade (not by Falcom) on PSP. This IS what we got as "Legend of Heroes III: Song of the Ocean." Concludes the Gagharv Trilogy that started with Moonlight Witch. Again, PC version is MUCH better than PSP version.

Legend of Heroes VI: Sora No Kiseki (Sora No Kiseki trilogy part 1, aka First Chapter)
Originally on Windows, then ported (this time actually by Falcom) on PSP. Since this was ported by Falcom and not Namco Bandai, it's actually a great port and does the PC game justice.

Legend of Heroes VI: Sora No Kiseki SC (Sora No Kiseki trilogy part 2, aka Second Chapter)
Originally on Windows, then ported (by Falcom) on PSP. Again, a great port and does the PC game justice.

Legend of Heroes VI: Sora No Kiseki The Third (Sora No Kiseki trilogy part 3, aka Third Chapter)
Originally on Windows, then ported (by Falcom) on PSP. Once more, a great port and does the PC game justice.

Legend of Heroes VII (continues LoH6 world, but in a new storyline branch)
Just announced, likely on PC first and PSP later, handled by Falcom alone like LoH6.

Yay! So now you see how JACKED UP the numbering for the US games are. ;)

[Tatsuya]

Time for a little lesson:

Dragon Slayer VI: Legend of Heroes I
Originally on PC88, then PC-Engine/TurboGrafx 16, SFC, Megadrive, Saturn and PS1. We got this back in the early 90's as "Dragon Slayer: Legend of Heroes." This is not the game we got later on the PSP as "Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermilion." Note: LoH1 is part 6 of the "Dragon Slayer" series, which includes games like Xanadu, Sorcerian, Romancia and Legend of Xanadu, but spun off as it's own series.

Legend of Heroes II
Originally on PC88, then PC-Engine/TurboGrafx 16, SFC, Megadrive, Saturn and PS1. We never got this game. This is not the game we got later on the PSP as "Legend of Heroes II: Moonlight Witch."

Legend of Heroes III: The White Witch (Gagharv Trilogy part 1)
Originally on PC98, then ported to PS1, then remade for Saturn, then remade for Windows, then remade again (not by Falcom) for PSP. This IS what we got as "Legend of Heroes II: Moonlight Witch." Note: this is the most popular in the series next to LoH VI: Sora No Kiseki, in Japan. That is because the dialogue is better in the original. PC version is MUCH better than PSP version.

Legend of Heroes IV: A Tear of Vermilion (Gagharv Trilogy part 2)
Originally on PC98, then ported to PS1, then remade (beautifully) on Windows, then remade again (not by Falcom) on PSP. This IS what we got as "Legend of Heroes: A Tear of Vermilion." PC version is MUCH better than PSP version.

Legend of Heroes V: Cagesong of the Ocean (Gagharv Trilogy part 3)
Originally on Windows, then remade (not by Falcom) on PSP. This IS what we got as "Legend of Heroes III: Song of the Ocean." Concludes the Gagharv Trilogy that started with Moonlight Witch. Again, PC version is MUCH better than PSP version.

Legend of Heroes VI: Sora No Kiseki (Sora No Kiseki trilogy part 1, aka First Chapter)
Originally on Windows, then ported (this time actually by Falcom) on PSP. Since this was ported by Falcom and not Namco Bandai, it's actually a great port and does the PC game justice.

Legend of Heroes VI: Sora No Kiseki SC (Sora No Kiseki trilogy part 2, aka Second Chapter)
Originally on Windows, then ported (by Falcom) on PSP. Again, a great port and does the PC game justice.

Legend of Heroes VI: Sora No Kiseki The Third (Sora No Kiseki trilogy part 3, aka Third Chapter)
Originally on Windows, then ported (by Falcom) on PSP. Once more, a great port and does the PC game justice.

Legend of Heroes VII (continues LoH6 world, but in a new storyline branch)
Just announced, likely on PC first and PSP later, handled by Falcom alone like LoH6.

Yay! So now you see how JACKED UP the numbering for the US games are. ;)

what i find the most ironic about this entire series in the us and especially the psp games is that, no matter how bad a localization they have, the stories are still very compelling, i own the psp versions of the galgarv trilogy and have played the pc versions, i have to agree, you are 100% right about the pc version being MUCH better, the only thing better in the psp version is the character pictures, i donno, i like them.

[adoru]

For sure, there are nice things about the PSP versions. The intro movies are great, but they got cut from the US releases, OF COURSE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt-gEG5qvXQ

[ShadowYuri]

Thanks for the heads up ! I actually already knew about the PSP games localized in the US, I can't imagine what it would be like if the three VI were localized... Though I suppose this won't be happening any time soon.

A little off-subject, but as I didn't play any of the LoH yet, do you advise me to play Moonlight Witch first, THEN A Tear of Vermillion, or that doesn't matter ?

[Macstorm]

I played Moonlight Witch first, then started Tear of Vermillion. Just play both of those before starting Song of the Ocean and you should be fine.

My only problem with this is that Tear of Vermillion seems to have an even worse localization than Moonlight Witch, since it was brought over first.

Sad thing really, as they botched localizations might have ruined this series's chances of ever returning.

[kerestel]

You can play them in either order, although chronologically A Tear of Vermillion takes place before Moonlight Witch and there are some references to characters from Tear in Moonlight Witch.

One thing to note though is don't try to be a perfectionist. Due to Bandai's localization, it is impossible to get 100% in your history list.

[adoru]

Chronological:
- Vermilion
- Song of the Ocean
- Moonlight Witch

How we got them:
- Vermilion
- Moonlight Witch
- Song of the Ocean

How they were originally meant to be played:
- Moonlight Witch
- Vermilion
- Song of the Ocean (aka Gagharv Trilogy Final in the Japanese intro)

Moonlight Witch is the furthest in the future in the timeline, but is the first in play order. One member mentioned that characters from Vermilion are referenced in Moonlight - it's actually the other way around: what you are seeing in Vermilion is the embellishment of many past events talked about in books and by certain characters in Moonlight. It's kind of a half-prequel, half-independent story.

And Song of the Ocean has references to both other titles. It is intended as the series finale and the grand exit of the trilogy even though it is smack dab in the middle time-line wise. ;D (that is all I can say without spoiler alertzzz111)

So now you can start to see why they are a trilogy, even though they are three different stories. Yay!

And really, if anyone gets a chance, do play the Windows versions. They are gorgeous and of course much better story wise (and not missing any scenes.)

Back to the topic at hand though, ED6 (LoH6, whatever you want to call it) would be an excellent choice for localization, but I think the chances are slim...even though they are very high quality and quite epic in scope, I believe the script dump of the first chapter alone is 5MB. Of TEXT. :O Let alone the two-UMD sequel and the third game. But I think if someone invested the time and gave it a proper chance, it would shine above just about every other PSP RPG.

One thought - even though the LoH name is a bit tarnished here, Legend of Heroes VI could very easily be localized as 'Sora no Kiseki' or even 'Tracks in the Sky', etc. It is its own trilogy with no connections to the rest of the series (just like III-V) and doesn't need the Legend of Heroes brand. Just go with Sora no Kiseki I, II and III.

[sonickenshin]

Chronological:
- Vermilion
- Song of the Ocean
- Moonlight Witch

How we got them:
- Vermilion
- Moonlight Witch
- Song of the Ocean

How they were originally meant to be played:
- Moonlight Witch
- Vermilion
- Song of the Ocean (aka Gagharv Trilogy Final in the Japanese intro)

Moonlight Witch is the furthest in the future in the timeline, but is the first in play order. One member mentioned that characters from Vermilion are referenced in Moonlight - it's actually the other way around: what you are seeing in Vermilion is the embellishment of many past events talked about in books and by certain characters in Moonlight. It's kind of a half-prequel, half-independent story.

And Song of the Ocean has references to both other titles. It is intended as the series finale and the grand exit of the trilogy even though it is smack dab in the middle time-line wise. ;D (that is all I can say without spoiler alertzzz111)

So now you can start to see why they are a trilogy, even though they are three different stories. Yay!

And really, if anyone gets a chance, do play the Windows versions. They are gorgeous and of course much better story wise (and not missing any scenes.)

Back to the topic at hand though, ED6 (LoH6, whatever you want to call it) would be an excellent choice for localization, but I think the chances are slim...even though they are very high quality and quite epic in scope, I believe the script dump of the first chapter alone is 5MB. Of TEXT. :O Let alone the two-UMD sequel and the third game. But I think if someone invested the time and gave it a proper chance, it would shine above just about every other PSP RPG.

One thought - even though the LoH name is a bit tarnished here, Legend of Heroes VI could very easily be localized as 'Sora no Kiseki' or even 'Tracks in the Sky', etc. It is its own trilogy with no connections to the rest of the series (just like III-V) and doesn't need the Legend of Heroes brand. Just go with Sora no Kiseki I, II and III.

Hey, that's not a bad idea. I hope Atlus takes that in consideration...if they ever think of getting it.

[kamikazekaito]

I played many hours of the PC version (still available on Himeya Shop, if anyone is interested), and it's definitely an awesome game. There was a fantranslation project ongoing, but unfortunately the team seems to have vanished after uploading a juicy trailer.

Rumors have it that XSeed considered bringing the Psp port to the USA, but got scared of the massive amount of text... too bad, since I would have gladly bought it again. I would be euphoric if Atlus USA considered a localization, but unfortunately I think it's very difficult at this point, even more so since this is the first chapter of a trilogy.

awww and i just emailed Xseed about bringing this over....:frown: oh well... i would love Atlus forever if they brought this title over...

[Zacewing]

For sure, there are nice things about the PSP versions. The intro movies are great, but they got cut from the US releases, OF COURSE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt-gEG5qvXQ

I'm not surprised, considering how Namco Bandai usually removes all things Japanese from the games they localize (except for the Soulcalibur and Tekken games).

[Towel]

Falcolm is the best producer of JRPGs in the business. I would love to be able to play the Sora No Kiseki games in English.

There's a group working on a translation patch for the first game (PC). Who knows if they'll ever finish it.

I can't believe Atlus will bring over garbage like Class of Heroes, but pass up on a quality title like this.

[OverGAR]

I can't believe Atlus will bring over garbage like Class of Heroes, but pass up on a quality title like this.

:agree: I can't say nothing more.

[sonickenshin]

I can't believe Atlus will bring over garbage like Class of Heroes, but pass up on a quality title like this.

I know! It's just not fair. D=

[Hitoshura]

I am sure this will turn into nothing more than a pissing contest but, what exactly makes Class of Heroes garbage? :/

[kamikazekaito]

hey im making a petition to translate this... which target should i send it too? (EXAMPLE: Atlus, Namco Bandai, Ect.)

[coldkgon]

hey im making a petition to translate this... which target should i send it too? (EXAMPLE: Atlus, Namco Bandai, Ect.)

Atlus. Much better localization on much better games, making a much more faithful experience to the japanese original.

Before i start my rant, i suggest people to give the game a try with say, a translation guide. To my knowledge there is no completed translation story guide, yet, however the available ones may serve as a "preview" of this game, in English. Knowing this, you can recommend reading said guide to friends who may be interested in this game, in conjunction with available youtube videos to show both gameplay, graphics and a taste of story.

(Translation: read my guide that i am shamelessly promoting right now. It's only the Prologue for FC and chapters 0-3 for "the 3rd". It's incentive to force me to keep going when i have time.)

Fantranslation group is still there, they ARE still working on it, i dont know how far they're at, but i know they'll definitely do a good job.



NOW, for the RANT:



The fanbase for Sora no Kiseki actually exists in the western world, but is very small and tight-knit, i.e. can understand japanese or another language in which this series has a localization. The more pressing issue with the localization companies is HOW MUCH will the localization of this game, entice the typical western gamer who is quitely a lot more concerned with the graphics, gameplay and "WOW" factor.

This game is pretty much the anti-thesis of the typical western gamer ideology. While graphics are clean, crisp, detailed and wonderful, they lack the 3D heavy photographic level which the common gamer is attracted to. There is also a large push in recent years for non-linear game progression and multiplayer capabilities. While these qualities surely do make games more fun, the ideology of this game is to tell a moving story, NOT to multiplay against other human players, and once again loses points to the trend in western society. Finally, music has always been something "on the side" for western game producers, who rarely, EVER, hires any talented musicians or composers for their games, as we always hear japanese games do. Falcom (producer of Sora), on the other hand, maintains their very own band Falcom JDK. Anyway, differences in the taste of the majority and this game's best selling points creates possibilities and "risks" of the game not selling, which is why theres not much coming from these bigname companies.

THEN, u get precedents. Let's take a look at Namco Bandai for example. EVEN though theirtranslations are ####, they lack life in their dubbing, they take OUT the choice to hear origiinal japanese voices, they lack a "soul" in their localizations, their games still sell? Why? Tales has precedents in the western gaming world. With a good precedent, sequels spinoffs and stuff all fall like dominoes. Therefore, working to overcome the "risk" to get the FC out, would mean that we, the faithful consumers, will get what we want.

Instead however, we had...the Garghav trilogy....by Namco Bandai. Where to begin? I have not personally played thru them in their original version, but as general consensus is that the story is as good, if not better than sora. When an english version came out, i jumped at the oppotunity. The result? A faithful JRPG lover almost loathed it, especially knowing abt the game and actually working to figure out what they were actually trying to say in jap. It was so god awful, made worse by the correct expectations i had for such a big title.

Never made THAT mistake ever again. The moral of the story? Always play in original languages if possible, or trust only companies like Atlus, that make faithful translations and localizations.

And Fansubs too....if no one notices our work, we just disappear, unnoticed, unloved T..............................T

[Zacewing]

Lol, not all Namco Bandai localizations have bad translations.

[coldkgon]

Lol, not all Namco Bandai localizations have bad translations.

I absolutely agree. However, to churn out soooo much disappointments sort of predisposes ppl to have a bad view of them, and makes us easily forget what jewels they did bring us, which arent that numerous, or outstanding enough to override the negative emotions. It's cognitive bias. Precedent, fanbase feelings and work ethics are all against Bandai-namco on this one.

dont turn this into a flaming contest. Bandai-namco is an excellent company, and makes many gems of games. Only their localization branch for english leaves a little to b desired. And im not willing to let this gem run the risk of getting incinerated into soot by a company like them.

[RainbowDespair]

I should really get around to playing through this game. I bought the Chinese version of the PC game while I was in Taiwan and I enjoyed what I played, but got distracted by other things before coming anywhere near close to finishing it. Seemed like a fun game from what I played of it and it'd be good practice for my Chinese.

[Zacewing]

I agree the translations for the Legend Of Heroes games were pretty mediocre, but the translations in the Xenosaga games and the newer Tales games are actually really good.

[akumaoumitch]

I remember playing a demo for this a while back, I support the idea of bringing this over, it was pretty fun in the demo afterall so I can only guess the game itself will be pretty good.

[DestronPrime]

This is a game that is 100% stopping me from playing due to the language barrier. If it were localized, you KNOW I'd buy it.

Now, I'm sure with the right marketing it could sell supreme. I mean, games partly rely on their existing fanbase for the most part, and some just a mix. Take the game Demon's Souls for example. Atlus is localizing it, but I think it will sell for a few reasons.

1. Atlus it seems just gets sales for the name alone. They deserve this, and I have no problem with it.

2. It has a sorta Western thing going already, and looks very shiny and nice.

3. [b]It has an existing fanbase, with the Asian release being completely English.

The worries for Sora No Kiseki are definitely marketing based, and have no much to do with an existing fanbase.

[Einherjar]

Only their localization branch for english leaves a little to be desired.

You, mean, much to be desired. Not even ONE 2D tales game got localized after ToE in the series. Seriously, missing out on ToDr is just unforgivable (ToH is epic too). That thing is the equivalent of Oboro Muramasa in my list.


Anyways, I played all 3 SnK chapters in Chinese, and FC and Especially SC, are just damn good. Of course, you know that every Falcom game has epic soundtrack(of course, and YsF being mind blowing). Can't speak much for the 3rd chapter though >_>. In SC, Agate is sooo broken. Same goes with Joshua.

[Syraxith]

The fact that this game (along with its sequels) hasn't been localized in english yet is truly heartbreaking.

I imported the first chapter but couldn't really far (the language barrier and all,) would love to be able to play this in a language I understand.

[CoarseDragon]

Yeah. I have 1, 2 and 3 (as they were labeled in the US). I would love to have the others in the series.

[Syraxith]

A very recent rumor (http://seldane.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=falcom&action=display&thread=4646) going around is that according to a high ranking Falcom employee, "a few American companies had been in discussions with them about possibly bringing a number of their titles stateside."

This rumor was indeed stated by as coldkgon states it: a very small and tight-knit, i.e. can understand japanese or another language in which this series has a localization. who to my knowledge, swap emails with Falcom from time to time. While I question the executive's use of the word "company" in plural form, there is no doubt in my mind that more Falcom titles are coming in the near future.

The company and titles in question are of course ambiguous at this point. But with Atlus having recently conducted business with Falcom (and from the interviews it seems to have gone well,) perhaps there is a future where the two companies conducting business again.

Again, what games are in question here? One can only guess, Ys Seven will most likely be a contender, but the Sora no Kiseki trilogy doesn't sound out of the question either. Which is partly why I'm here now. :cool:

But concerning a release of another Legend of Heroes game (if indeed it does,) I think some emphasize should be admitted into showing potential buyers that these games are nothing like the ones Bandai released. Now I'm no marketing expert, but since the last three games were a few small steps above shovelware status (imo), and to avoid further confusion with the series numbering of the games, perhaps avoid giving the future titles numbers?

Example being (Legend of Heroes: Sora no Kiseki FC being Legend of Heroes IV: Sora no Kiseki FC outside Japan.) Though I'm sure an Atlus employee reading this paragraph would think to themselves "uhhh, no ####?"

Also, if an Atlus employee can answer this question (unless it goes against company policy): How many man-hours/resources would it take to translate a ten minute demo (http://playstation.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/legend-of-heroes-downloadable-demo/#comments)? Question out of curiosity really.

[Paranoia Dragon]

I'd say it was mostly Tear of Vermillion that dragged the LoH name down outside Japan. I recently beat White Witch, & while the translation isn't the best by any means, I enjoyed it alot, & it really helped with there not being alot of errors in the dialogue.

[Otono Kakuei]

Ahhh.. Sora no Kiseki.....

Btw I heard that there are already people working in this project, a group by the name ed6trans....

I definitely support this games "localization"...

[Tsuko]

The PSP Legend of Heroes games are actually 3,4 and 5

[Ladybird]

I can't help but be intrigued by this game's reputation, and it does look and sound like my kinda stuff. Bring it on, Atlus!

[wyrdwad]

I'd say it was mostly Tear of Vermillion that dragged the LoH name down outside Japan. I recently beat White Witch, & while the translation isn't the best by any means, I enjoyed it alot, & it really helped with there not being alot of errors in the dialogue.

I actually think in terms of the localization quality, White Witch turned out WORSE than Tear of Vermilion. There may have been fewer glaring errors, but the dialogue was handled much worse, with almost a complete loss of all the subtlety, nuance, and poetic speech that characterized the original Japanese version.

Plus, White Witch was the most changed from the original - the Japanese PSP version had an entirely different battle system than the American PSP version, much more in keeping with the original PC games. Bandai U.S. are responsible for scrapping that battle system, and replacing it with a rehash of ToV's - and you could kinda tell that it didn't really belong!

All in all, I'd say all three Gagharv games misrepresented the series pretty badly, and almost completely killed its reputation in the western world. Bandai U.S. should be ashamed. Atlus would've done much, much better.

-Tom