New Genesis / Mega Drive game to be released in 2005!!!

[Jagasian]

Now this (http://www.beggarprince.com/) is a very interesting development. An English translation of the Taiwanese RPG known as Beggar Prince (http://www.beggarprince.com/) for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, with bug fixes. It will also be officially released and sold in boxed cartridge form, with approval from the original Taiwanese developer. Apparently the original Chinese game is a classic, so this will be a most have for all Genesis / Mega Drive owners.

Collectors have one more game to obtain :) Here are some screenshots:
http://dfg.the-underdogs.org/bp/bprince1.png
http://dfg.the-underdogs.org/bp/bprince2.png
http://dfg.the-underdogs.org/bp/bprince5.png
http://dfg.the-underdogs.org/bp/bprince3.png

[Humanoid]

Huh, thats pretty awesome. Kinda like a homebrew + 1 in my book.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Damn, that's pretty wicked, how can we obtain this?

[Gamereviewgod]

Not a game I would be interested in, but defintiely a nice sign.

[thegreatescape]

Looks good. Provided its not too expensive, i might pick it up when its released :)

[AFGiant]

Looks good. Provided its not too expensive, i might pick it up when its released :)

Ditto.

[Crush Crawfish]

wow, that's really cool! I'll most definitely pick it up if it's not too pricey. Hopefully this means we'll see more homebrew genesis games in the future!

[THATinkjar]

That's awesome. I'll be picking this up if I can get hold of it.

[-hellvin-]

Count me in for one. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up a copy depending on availability. Great to see another genesis RPG. Kinda sucks though that I now have an additional game to complete the US set =\.

[jajaja]

wow, that's really cool! I'll most definitely pick it up if it's not too pricey. Hopefully this means we'll see more homebrew genesis games in the future!

Is this game homebrew? Threadstarter mentioned it would be an official release.

[Jagasian]

I am not affiliated with the project. I just read about it on another site (http://www.zophar.net/) and was surprised that the crew here at DigitPress hadn't heard about it yet because this site seems to be THE place for this kind of thing. Hence I relayed the word here because I am sure there are many Genesis collectors here. Personally, I am more of a NES/SNES guy, but I finally bought a Genny a couple years ago :) Please check out the original news post that I read here:
http://www.zophar.net/

...as it includes information on who the publisher will be and where to obtain it when it is released. Searching around the net, I found a forum thread (http://www.emulationzone.org/projects/metalix/board/read.php?f=1&i=906&t=906) of one of the US translation developers talking about how they obtained the source code from the developers! Damn I wish I could do that with some of my favorite classic games.

I will be buying it, as I prefer older games, and I want to support this kind of thing, weird as that may sound. If people see that these kind of games (new games for old systems) make money, then more will be made. As far as price goes, I will take a wild guess here and say that I'd figure it will cost about as much as a new Genesis game cost back during the 16-bit generation. It isn't just going to be a burnt CD/DVD, as is the case with modern games, it will consist of a printed circuit board populated with ICs, a plastic Genesis cart-style casing, label, printed manual, printed box, etc. The full shebang. So I'd bet it isn't going to cost $10, but then I'd be surprised if they think it will sell for more than $40. Don't forget about the fact that the production run will be quit small, so economies of scale won't be on their side for getting the price low. Furthermore, a low production run means that this game will be an instant collector's item.

The story is obviously based on an old (maybe even ancient) Chinese tale known by the same name.

[ClubNinja]

Very neat - I'd be all over this if it wasn't an RPG.

[poloplayr]

This is simply amazing! I would buy it just to support the guys and their hard work!

[Sothy]

Im interested.

I realize it aint gonna be no phantasy star ...but still.

[TheRedEye]

This was an RPG by a Taiwanese company called C&E, who you may remember from Super Fighter and many unlicensed Nintendo games published by American Video Entertainment. The project is an official English translation and bugfix of a game that was released in Chinese back when the Mega Drive was still viable.

Apparently they punched up the script to make it more interesting, but...if those screenshots are any indication, I don't think they did very much.

[CRV]

Apparently they punched up the script to make it more interesting, but...if those screenshots are any indication, I don't think they did very much.

What were you expecting...Shakespeare?

[Gemini-Phoenix]

Really? Really available in classic Mega Drive cart form? Will it be for sale in game shops, or just an online thing?

And will it be a legit release, or just another pirate kind of thing?

[anagrama]

It's as legit as any other unlicensed Mega Drive/Genesis game.

[sharp]

I will just wait and see what happens with this announcment. I'm always a bit sceptic about releases for retroconsoles. But if it will be released I think I will pick up a copy.

[Daria]

The story is obviously based on an old (maybe even ancient) Chinese tale known by the same name.

Which most of us would know by the name "Prince and the Pauper'.

[Sauza12]

If this actually does get released, I'd be all over it. I'd love to see a homebrew scene for the Genesis like there is for the VCS (as unlikely as it is).

[Gzilla23]

Looks like a cool game I wouldnt mind having if they really did fix bugs and glitches. That would be sweet to see a company obtain rights to games that never made it here and just translate and release them now.

[Jagasian]

If this actually does get released, I'd be all over it. I'd love to see a homebrew scene for the Genesis like there is for the VCS (as unlikely as it is).

I too wish other consoles had such a vibrant homebrew scene as the Atari 2600. Though, AFAIK, the Genesis / MD doesn't use lockout chips and the game cart circuit boards are pretty simple, so there is nothing holding back Genesis homebrews. NES homebrews have it the worst. Lockout chips, no good copier/backup device, no good flash cart device, etc.

The thing that sets this Beggar Prince game apart from the rest is that they legally and officially got the source code for a game released roughly 10 years ago and will be doing a full release. I am sure people here could make long lists of games that they wish they could do this for: get the source code for game X, then update it in some way.

[Melf]

It's as legit as any other unlicensed Mega Drive/Genesis game.


They have the full support of the original developer/publisher, so it's going to be of decent quality, I imagine (hope).

[hydr0x]

It's as legit as any other unlicensed Mega Drive/Genesis game.


They have the full support of the original developer/publisher, so it's going to be of decent quality, I imagine (hope).

doesn't change anything, it's an unlicensed game, unless they can convince Sega to sell them a license and want to pay for that ;)

[Melf]

That's not important now anyway, so it's not worth them even going after. Beside, I doubt Sega still even cares.

[Ed Oscuro]

You can't go after somebody if they don't use any patents (I'd imagine they're all expired by now for at least half a decade even so) and don't use any trademarks. You can write "For use with the Sega Genesis (TM) console," putting a little note that Genesis, Sega etc are trademarks of Sega. The usual. Heck, you can do that do that anyway - PC software, anyone? Or the Funny World/Balloon Boy cart. The only reason this stuff doesn't get stocked in stores is that unlicensed games usually suck, and stores don't want to get in trouble with their suppliers (kind of a vicious circle).

[Ronfar]

That game looks pretty impressive. I'll most likely buy it when it's released.

[hydr0x]

@melf

you seem to be misunderstanding things here...

we are saying the game is unlicensed, which it is, unless they buy a license from Sega. BUT, this is not the same as a pirate (which you seem to believe), a pirate infringes on copyrights, a unlicensed game doesn't, it just uses a custom cartridge format so they don't have to buy the license to use Segas cartridges...

so, unlicensed ain't illegal, pirate is...

[Ed Oscuro]

Hydrox, it is you who misunderstands things ;) All we've been saying is that the game will be "legit," as opposed to illegitimate. Unlicensed games are not illegitimate; as you know they don't break any laws and the only bad thing about them is that they upset the console licensor's apple cart.

Much ado about nothing, as usual...why is it that there is so much of this bullshit recently? I want to know.

[TheRedEye]

Apparently they punched up the script to make it more interesting, but...if those screenshots are any indication, I don't think they did very much.

What were you expecting...Shakespeare?

Nah, maybe I'm just bitter. I'd argue my point but your avatar is turning me on.

[Jagasian]

Apparently they punched up the script to make it more interesting, but...if those screenshots are any indication, I don't think they did very much.

What were you expecting...Shakespeare?

Nah, maybe I'm just bitter. I'd argue my point but your avatar is turning me on.

Well, it looks as good as most official game dialog... but does that say much? I mean, look at the dialog in the official Zelda games for the NES. It is terse the point of being comical... not as bad as Metal Gear though :)

[zmweasel]

Apparently they punched up the script to make it more interesting, but...if those screenshots are any indication, I don't think they did very much.

What were you expecting...Shakespeare?

I could forgive howlers like "Hey, you aren't one of my slave workers" if this was a freebie fan-translation, but it (apparently) ain't, so I can't.

-- Z.

[OLDERGAMESDOTCOM]

That is correct. OlderGames will once again be bringing
a new title out and this time ... boy... what a game. I can
tell you first-hand that this game will be one of the more
notable things to come out in a long time.

Not only is this a genesis cart but it is also a genesis RPG!
I mean... a brand new RPG re-coded and translated from
the ground up! I'm very happy to be a part of this project.

Our target is going to be both CGE 2K5 and VGEXPO
in Dallas but we are still working out the final order
details for the cartridge production numbers and
lining all our ducks in a row.

The release price is going to be pre-set @ $40US
which, with enough sales should cover the professional
artwork costs for the various SuperFighter ports we
have been working with Death Adder on and fund
his own internal development efforts on "other secret
projects" :D

It's good to see you guys getting excited about this
new release. We are simply overjoyed and just as
enthusiastic about this as you guys are. As usual
you can count on OlderGames to support classic
consoles by bringing out new products for all of
us to enjoy.

Keep checking both our website and the official
site for upcoming announcements and info:

OLDERGAMES:
http://www.OlderGames.com/

BEGGAR PRINCE - OFFICIAL
http://www.BeggarPrince.com/

[Melf]

@melf

you seem to be misunderstanding things here...

we are saying the game is unlicensed, which it is, unless they buy a license from Sega. BUT, this is not the same as a pirate (which you seem to believe), a pirate infringes on copyrights, a unlicensed game doesn't, it just uses a custom cartridge format so they don't have to buy the license to use Segas cartridges...

so, unlicensed ain't illegal, pirate is...

You completely misunderstood me. I know it's not a bootleg. What I'm saying is that it doesn't matter that the Sega seal of approval doesn't appear; the game is still going to be of quality. Buying a license from Sega is a waste of time at this point.

[zmweasel]

Not only is this a genesis cart but it is also a genesis RPG!
I mean... a brand new RPG re-coded and translated from
the ground up!

Please tell me that the dialogue in those sample screens is from a first draft or a raw translation, and has since been rewritten.

-- Z.

[Jagasian]

Our target is going to be both CGE 2K5 and VGEXPO
in Dallas but we are still working out the final order
details for the cartridge production numbers and
lining all our ducks in a row.


Awesome, I live in Texas! I will be there at VGXPO (http://vgxpo.com/). Are you guys going to have plastic cases made for the carts, or will you re-use old cart cases, or just sell a cart circuit board? I hear getting plastic parts made, even relatively simple ones such as a cart case, is rather difficult. You might want to see how the various Atari developers make their cases these days, such as VGWiz:
http://www.vgwiz.com/

You guys also better give yourself ample time to be able to shop around for a good place to get your circuit boards printed. Otherwise you could end up spending more money than needed. Also, are you guys going to number the carts in some way? Collectors love individually, uniquely number carts. Look at the 2600 homebrew scene for an example. Genesis/Mega Drive collectors will thank you.

[Daria]

Not only is this a genesis cart but it is also a genesis RPG!
I mean... a brand new RPG re-coded and translated from
the ground up!

Please tell me that the dialogue in those sample screens is from a first draft or a raw translation, and has since been rewritten.

-- Z.

Or prehaps just a couple of poorly chosen samples...

[CMA Death Adder]

Seems I'm late. Did I miss the party? ;)

I'm delighted at the overall positive responce to this impending game release, and it's very encouraging to see so many personal comments.

Beggar Prince, originally released in Taiwan as "The New Prince and the Pauper" is a great game, and Super Fighter Team has only made it better! Working with the original source code in addition to several debug copies of the game, we have been able to isolate and correct or remove some of the bugs that were left in the game due to C&E's haste to get it released. Work on the game originally began just as a fun side-project, but quickly escalated into having my full attention and being one of our primary focuses. I quickly decided that for this game to be worthy of the fans, it would need to be as well-done as possible, meaning no corners should be cut.

Super Fighter Team has legal rights to Beggar Prince, so the game is indeed approved and official, short of licensing from Sega. As C&E is no longer producing videogames, we will be handling any future releases concerning their games such as Super Fighter.

As for the script - the game was written in Chinese. Our translation team prepared an efficient English translation of this, which was used as a loose (trust me) guideline in creating a new script. While the game's Chinese story and dialogue are well-written, energetic and humorous, I felt they could greatly be improved and the characters given greater depth for the US release. Thus, I personally spent several months rewriting the entire script. After many edits and revisions, the final script is looking mighty fine - and yes, the screenshots presented on the website do not represent the most enjoyable elements of the script. Consider them a teaser, if you will.

I will have more details for all of you soon, but in the mean time I'd like to thank you for your interest and support. Digital Press is one spot in cyberspace that I had no doubt would handle this news with dignity and respect.

Sega Genesis-Megadrive: making a comeback in '05!

[OLDERGAMESDOTCOM]

You guys also better give yourself ample time to be able to shop around for a good place to get your circuit boards printed.

Everything will be manufactured with new parts
less maybe the cases which we "depending on our
order" might have to take from our own collection.

All is in order. We have been planning this one
for years now and we have already done enough
shopping. :)

[OLDERGAMESDOTCOM]

Seems I'm late. Did I miss the party? ;)

My goodness D.A.! You and I were posting at the
same time. lmfao. Hello! :)

[kainemaxwell]

You guys gonna sell outside the conventions also afterward?

[zmweasel]

After many edits and revisions, the final script is looking mighty fine - and yes, the screenshots presented on the website do not represent the most enjoyable elements of the script. Consider them a teaser, if you will.

So you're saying that "Hey, you aren't one of my slave workers" made it into the final draft? Yikes.

-- Z.

[CMA Death Adder]

So you're saying that "Hey, you aren't one of my slave workers" made it into the final draft? Yikes.

The line sounds arrogant, which fits the speaker quite well. I have done my best to give each character dialogue that fits them, and fits with their situations. As with almost anything else in an RPG, you'd have to know the back story of this character in order to clearly see that. That's one of the great things about a well-made role-playing game: many different and interesting characters that you either love, hate, feel for or some combination of the three.

I promise, there is absolutely no "all your base are belong to us" in this game. There are, however, plenty of cats. LOL

[Jibbajaba]

Maybe a strange question, but will it be in a cardboard box, or a plastic clamshell case?

Chris

[bluecollarninja]

will there be any place to pre-order the game possibly?

[Moon Patrol]

I'd buy it if its reasonable and a fun game, just because im a genesis whore.

[zmweasel]

The line sounds arrogant, which fits the speaker quite well. I have done my best to give each character dialogue that fits them, and fits with their situations. As with almost anything else in an RPG, you'd have to know the back story of this character in order to clearly see that. That's one of the great things about a well-made role-playing game: many different and interesting characters that you either love, hate, feel for or some combination of the three.

I don't need to know any backstory about a character named "Demonic Emperor" to know that "Hey, you aren't one of my slave workers" is a clunker.

Changing the line to "You aren't one of my slaves" is a quick and dirty fix. It doesn't add any much-needed personality, but it gets rid of the out-of-place "Hey"--which no Demonic Emperor worth his horns would utter--and it gets rid of the redundant, awkward phrase "slave workers."

I certainly wrote a few clunkers during my stint at Working Designs, and I understand the difficulty of cramming an English translation into a cart-based RPG, but still.

-- Z.

[Jagasian]

You guys also better give yourself ample time to be able to shop around for a good place to get your circuit boards printed.

Everything will be manufactured with new parts
less maybe the cases which we "depending on our
order" might have to take from our own collection.

All is in order. We have been planning this one
for years now and we have already done enough
shopping. :)

Well, hopefully you put some consideration into using a battery holder as opposed to soldering a CR2032 to the PCB. These guys make good holders, and even have one that ejects the battery with the press of a button:
http://www.batteryholders.com/cr2032.shtml Nothing sucks more than having hundreds of games with batteries in them that need to be replaced every 5 years... or at least removed so that they don't leak and destroy the game from the inside out. There is a reason why PC motherboards use a battery holder.

So are you guys going to be selling carts at the aforementioned EXPOs?

[OLDERGAMESDOTCOM]

Maybe a strange question, but will it be in a cardboard box, or a plastic clamshell case?

Clamshell. We are going all the way with this release.


will there be any place to pre-order the game possibly?

We will manufacture enough to meet the demand
so pre-ordering woud be a bit too much. I assure
you and others that when the game is ready for
sale anyone in the world will be able to swing by
www.oldergames.com and buy a copy.


I don't need to know any backstory about a character named "Demonic Emperor" to know that "Hey, you aren't one of my slave workers" is a clunker.


I don't personally see a problem with it. Your coming
across more anal than anything really but you are
certainly entitled to your own opinion. Nevertheless
the game has been translated and bugfixed.

I appreciate all of the interest as does Mr. Adder.
Believe me ladies and gentlemen - this game is
a marked release and on it's way to the cart
factory as we speak. We will release information
and other Beggar Prince related blurbs as the
time goes on up until the release. Until then
we look foward to bringing you a game you
can enjoy and hope we do not dissapoint!

We are officially signing off this thread. Take
care and talk with you all soon! 8-)

[Daria]

I don't personally see a problem with it. Your coming
across more anal than anything really but you are
certainly entitled to your own opinion.

He uh... worked on Lunar for Working Designs. His opinion probably carriers a little more weight then your average anal fan boy regarding translations.

As far as I can tell the game doesn't look any worse then your average official genesis translation. Which sadly isn't saying much at all. But I'll withhold further comment until I see more of the final product. You can hardly judge a wholegame on a few snippets of text.

Prehaps it's too late in the game to rework the script, but it's unprofessional to tell a potential customer that "they're just being anal" when faced with constructive criticsm.

[googlefest1]

FINA- FREKIN-LY

this is so awsome - i realy realy hope they sell thins game in places other than those game shows --

those locations are way to far for me to travel

i realy hope enough people suport these guy with buying this game so that we can see more activity in this market

i beleive the retro market is bigger than they think- if they advertize it - or if that crapy G4 channel makes comment about it then i surley think it will sell

but if this game is only to be sold at one of those game shows i realy hope i can ask someone here thats going to get me one - when the time comes i can paypal the money with a little extra for the trouble and shipping

this news realy makes me happy

a question i have is if others want to develop a game for the genesis or some other system - how can they do it -- i only know of the atari 2600 dev system being sold -- i have one but havent had the time to try to make a game for it -

is there a genesis one also? or snes, nes, master system etc.?

[Melf]

Prehaps it's too late in the game to rework the script, but it's unprofessional to tell a potential customer that "they're just being anal" when faced with constructive criticsm.

A new Genesis game is finally being released, and one of the first things done here is a criticism of the script? No one has played the game yet, no one knows the full context of what was said, or the personality of the character in question. Making such a judgement is a bit rash, to say the least.

Besides, I'm sure that none of the guys working on this game have been writing scripts for years, and as Zach himself said, he turned out some clunkers when he was starting out.

Perhaps anal was too strong a word. Nit picking, perhaps?

[Daria]

Prehaps it's too late in the game to rework the script, but it's unprofessional to tell a potential customer that "they're just being anal" when faced with constructive criticsm.

A new Genesis game is finally being released, and one of the first things done here is a criticism of the script? No one has played the game yet, no one knows the full context of what was said, or the personality of the character in question.

Perhaps anal was too strong a word. Nit picking, perhaps?

*shrugs*

I don't see why the group in question wouldn't want to release the best possible product they could. Yes it's a new genny title, but that doesn't mean they should churn out any old crap. Besides I already stated in that post that it was too early to tell how good or bad the script was.

Don't get me wrong, I'm probably more excited about this release then any of you. I've been looking foreward to playing this particular genny title in english for a few years now. But I've come to realize that fan translation can be and generally are of better quality then most comercial ones. They have the oppertunity to produce something really amazing here.

[Melf]

But look what the "constructive criticism" in this thread has already suggested.

- that the script looks like a rough draft.
- that the writing is poor

I don't think that any implication should be made of the quality of the game until it's actually played. Even then, that might not have any bearing on the overall quality. Your own Lunar example is proof of this. Few games have sparked as much controversy over the quality of the translation as EB did, yet no one denies the quality of the game.

I personally don't care one way or the other about the dialogue, as long as the quest is long and interesting, and the game is fun. Hopefully it will rock in all areas, and people are simply reading too much into one single line of dialogue.

[digitalpress]

What a brilliant project.

You guys had BETTER release this at Classic Gaming Expo! I will be first in line. Actually, I'll be waiting in the parknig lot. :)

See you there!

[Jibbajaba]

Well I won't be waiting in the parking lot, but if this is available at CGE, I'll be taking home a copy.

Chris

[zmweasel]

Few games have sparked as much controversy over the quality of the translation as EB did, yet no one denies the quality of the game.

No one ever argued that EB suffered from a rough, awkward translation. The "controversy" was that a vocal minority of RPG fans felt the translation was too Americanized. The gameplay itself was merely good; the story and the storytelling were great.


I personally don't care one way or the other about the dialogue, as long as the quest is long and interesting, and the game is fun.

RPGs are the most story-driven videogame genre, and well-written dialogue is vital in imparting that story. Why wouldn't you care about it? If you're playing RPGs for fetch quests and combat systems, you're playing for the wrong reasons.

As I stated in my earlier post, I'm aware of the challenges of jamming an English translation into a Japanese cartridge-based RPG. There's no room for verbosity of the sort in which I indulged for WD. Simply having to deal with a proportional font is an enormous pain.

But still. If the Demonic Emperor is a buffoonish character, and the entire game is comedic in tone, the exceedingly casual word "Hey" is okay. If the tone is straight, and the Emperor is being portrayed as royalty, he'd never use the slang of a commoner.

And I haven't even ranted yet about Arthur's 100%-cliche line.

I'm not expecting great gameplay from an obscure ten-year-old Genesis RPG, but I'm hoping for a great translation to keep me interested, and I'm not seeing it in these samples.


But I've come to realize that fan translation can be and generally are of better quality then most comercial ones.

If you're referring to fan translations of cart-based games, I would agree with you. Of course, fan-translators don't have to worry about Nintendo removing "offensive" content, or making a ship date, and they're not writing for a preteen audience (as most translators of the cartridge era assumed they were).

Current-gen disc-based RPGs have translations far better than anything a fan-crew could produce. Square Enix, Atlus, et al have professional writers and editors with college degrees on their cubicle walls, and well-thumbed copies of The Elements of Style on their desks.

-- Z.

[OLDERGAMESDOTCOM]

What a brilliant project.

You guys had BETTER release this at Classic Gaming Expo! I will be first in line. Actually, I'll be waiting in the parknig lot. :)

See you there!

I know you will Joe... I know you will. 8-)

By the way did John Hardie recieve our paypal
payment for the booth this year? My partner
said it was sent and the e-check cleared.

Of course as you already know... there is more
than just this coming out from us @ CGE. 8-)

Lol... you made me reply. Damn you! :evil:

[Melf]

RPGs are the most story-driven videogame genre, and well-written dialogue is vital in imparting that story. Why wouldn't you care about it? If you're playing RPGs for fetch quests and combat systems, you're playing for the wrong reasons.

This is a fan-made game, not a huge Square project. It's also over a decade old. No matter how inventive they get with the story, the limitations of the era are going to show through. I'm not going to be overly concerned if it isn't something as well written as we'd see today, is all.


But still. If the Demonic Emperor is a buffoonish character, and the entire game is comedic in tone, the exceedingly casual word "Hey" is okay. If the tone is straight, and the Emperor is being portrayed as royalty, he'd never use the slang of a commoner.

We still don't know which one he is, so how do you know it's out of context?


I'm not expecting great gameplay from an obscure ten-year-old Genesis RPG, but I'm hoping for a great translation to keep me interested, and I'm not seeing it in these samples.

So you're more concerned with the story than the gameplay? If the gameplay doesn't interest you, then I doubt a fan translation is going to keep you playing for long.


Current-gen disc-based RPGs have translations far better than anything a fan-crew could produce. Square Enix, Atlus, et al have professional writers and editors with college degrees on their cubicle walls, and well-thumbed copies of The Elements of Style on their desks.

Doesn't this more or less make the whole argument moot?

Yeah, the script may be a bit hokey, it may not. This is a translation based on a game over a decade old, originally in Chinese. I think we should just cut them some slack and enjoy a new Genesis RPG. :)

[zmweasel]

This is a fan-made game, not a huge Square project. It's also over a decade old. No matter how inventive they get with the story, the limitations of the era are going to show through. I'm not going to be overly concerned if it isn't something as well written as we'd see today, is all.

It's a fan-localized game, not a fan-"made" game, but that's no excuse for an awkward translation. If anything, given the relatively small amount of text in a cart-based RPG, the dialogue should be extremely polished.

And as I said in two earlier posts, I'm aware of the limitations of stuffing English dialogue into a cart-based RPG.


We still don't know which one he is, so how do you know it's out of context?

I was hoping that "Death Adder" would inform us of the localization's tone, but he's abandoned this thread.


So you're more concerned with the story than the gameplay? If the gameplay doesn't interest you, then I doubt a fan translation is going to keep you playing for long.

Of course I'm more concerned with the story than the gameplay. This is an RPG, the central focus of which is the story and the storytelling. Again, if you're playing RPGs for fetch quests and combat systems, you're in the wrong genre.

And if you're going to charge $40 for an RPG, it needs to have a professional translation, not an amateur one.


Doesn't this more or less make the whole argument moot?

I was replying to Daria's comment about fan translations being better than professional translations. You've misunderstood or misinterpreted my reply.

-- Z.

[Daria]

If you're referring to fan translations of cart-based games, I would agree with you. Of course, fan-translators don't have to worry about Nintendo removing "offensive" content, or making a ship date, and they're not writing for a preteen audience (as most translators of the cartridge era assumed they were).

Current-gen disc-based RPGs have translations far better than anything a fan-crew could produce. Square Enix, Atlus, et al have professional writers and editors with college degrees on their cubicle walls, and well-thumbed copies of The Elements of Style on their desks.
-- Z.

Yes I ment cart games. And I'm aware of the various restrictions imposed on professional cart translation- none of which should affect this particular group some 10 years later (except cart size).

And I would also agree that disk based games are light years better in regards to literary style in their translations. But there's not a whole hell of a lot of cd translations to compare. Actually what- there's like one? Bloody Bride. But when we do start seeing more produced (and I'm sorry to exclude pc translations, I just never get a chance to play them, and I'd rather not jump in ranting about something I've never played) I think they'll hold up fairly well to - well at least to the likes of Square. Amatuers (as in hobbyists not quality) simply have more freedom and more time to spend.

[zmweasel]

And I would also agree that disk based games are light years better in regards to literary style in their translations. But there's not a whole hell of a lot of cd translations to compare. Actually what- there's like one? Bloody Bride. But when we do start seeing more produced (and I'm sorry to exclude pc translations, I just never get a chance to play them, and I'd rather not jump in ranting about something I've never played) I think they'll hold up fairly well to - well at least to the likes of Square. Amatuers (as in hobbyists not quality) simply have more freedom and more time to spend.

The only disc-based fan translation I've seen was for La Pucelle: Tactics, and it paled by comparison to Mastiff's official release. It was a hell of a technical feat, though.

-- Z.

[Daria]

The only disc-based fan translation I've seen was for La Pucelle: Tactics, and it paled by comparison to Mastiff's official release. It was a hell of a technical feat, though.
-- Z.

That guy was suppose to work on Little Princess (sequal to Rhapsody) afterwards. I guess he gave up. :(

[suppafly]

I´d suggest to those who dont like the screenshots so far, not to buy the game then. We dont need more bitching.

IMHO it looks cool, and its a great idea that we should see more often (reviving old games that never had english versions)

Keep up the good work!!!

[TheRedEye]

Man, I had no idea I started such a shitstorm. This thread has meaning again, and you owe it all to me.

Look, the point is, the dialogue in these screenshots is awful. "My life has meaning again, and I owe it all to you" sounds like dialogue from a Final Fantasy slash fanfic. I can not interpret "Meow, meow!" in my head as any kind of sequence of sounds a cat would make. I've never heard my cat meow, pause briefly, and then emphasize a follow-up meow, like he's reaffirming his point or something. Which would be kind of cute, I wish my cat would do that. And I won't even get started on the "slave workers" thing. I can't speak for Zach, but at least in my case, I'm not being anal or nitpicky. I'm just disappointed that the little bit of extra effort apparently wasn't put into writing a script worth a damn. This is a commercial project, they're expecting money for this, they shouldn't overlook something as crucial and simple as paying a writer to go over the script.

[Ed Oscuro]

I'm disappointed by the response The Red Eye's/Zach's criticisms got; using the word "anal" is unfriendly and uncaring. If a professional writer told me that a script I'd put forward was awful, I'd get all the information I could on bettering it. Just a thought.

For my part, it's not awful when I consider what I've seen in cartridge RPGs, but with today's community and resources there's not a reason why this game can't ahve some semi-professional writing. The graphics are OK, the play mechanic is probably average, so you've got to make the best of what you can change in the script. Just my thought. If you're going for a cheesy 90s-era script feel, well, looks like you're all set...It'll likely gain a cult following given the late release, but if the script was given a polish then you'd have made it even more popular. I'm sure there are plenty of writers out there who'd take a look at it for free!

[CMA Death Adder]

I did not "abandon" this thread.

The script criticism is making me laugh, especially where we have people taking pot shots at the feline dialogue. I'll make a final set of statements regarding this issue, which will hopefully set things into a clearer perspective:

Beggar Prince chronicles the life of a snotty, spoiled prince as he goes from having a completely selfish, self-centered view to having a warm and understanding heart. There is humor to be had here, as well as love, heartbreak, anger and fear.

The screenshots on the website don't reflect the meat and potatoes of the script by any means. The screenshots were selected more on the basis of showing gameplay variety than they were of showing high-quality dialogue. Except of course for the cat screenshot, which was thrown in because I like cats. If I'd known that my choices would be criticized up and down because I made a Demonic Emperor say, "Hey", I might have chosen differently or just blacked out the text. :)

In all seriousness I appreciate the comment made about the script, but in my opinion it is being dragged about this forum to the point of exhaustion, and I don't think (based on what others have already said) that I am alone in that observation.

I do not hold three degrees for writing, but I have been an active writer my entire life. I do not believe that anyone else involved with the project would have given the story enough heart, consideration, attention - even humor - that I have spent countless hours pouring into it.

It is also not kind to consider the project in any way unworthy based on the simple fact you dislike a line or two of dialogue. Our team has worked extremely hard on the production of this game, which was by no means easy even with the source code and debug binaries we were provided with. I could have decided to ship the game with bugs in it, like C&E did - many of you wouldn't even have noticed them. Instead, I researched the right programmers and hired them to patch even the smallest of problems, and spent quite a while testing their work to ensure it both functioned correctly and didn't open the door to any new issues.

That said, I'm still very happy (touched, as a matter of fact) to see the positive responce here. This crowd, no doubt, truly knows what it took to get this game from acceptable to exceptional. Thank-you for your support and dedication.

[Ed Oscuro]

Right after I posted my comments I thought that there really wasn't anything wrong with the script bits as seen - less-serious bits for a less serious game. It would've been nice if your folks had simply said that at first. Anyhow, we're all watching and waiting :)

[zmweasel]

The screenshots on the website don't reflect the meat and potatoes of the script by any means. The screenshots were selected more on the basis of showing gameplay variety than they were of showing high-quality dialogue.

Could you post additional screenshots with "high-quality dialogue"? If the current excerpts aren't representative of the overall quality of the script, I'd love to see a few that are.

-- Z.

[SoulBlazer]

I'll defend Zach and Red Eye here by saying I was'nt terribly impressed by the script either, from what few screenshots are available. But then again, we don't know all of the details about the game, nor do we know exactly who you want to sell the game for.

If this game with this translation had come out 10 years ago, everyone would have said it was quite good. (That's one of the main reasons Working Designs was heped as many honors as they were -- for a long time they were the BEST at translating games for the States). And the game would have sold quite well. If you only want to sell the game to a small group of people interested in 90's style RPG's and/or people with 'old school' intrest of RPG's, then I think the translation is fine.

But today the translations are MUCH better. Companies like Square Enix, Namco, and Atlus have done very good translations that sound proffesional and high quality. People's tastes are more demanding these days on what they expect to see -- something I think I share with Zach and Red Eye. So if this RPG is aimed at US, the 'modern day' RPG'ers with high expecations, then I can say it's going to fall short.

But to be fair, I also agree that maybe we're going a bit deep on this. We only have a little information and a few screenshots at this point. I don't think the nitpicking was ment to insult anyone, just trying to find out some of the same questions as the ones I've asked in this thread. In any case, the work done on this game is impressive and I'm sure it will sell well.

[Melf]

It is also not kind to consider the project in any way unworthy based on the simple fact you dislike a line or two of dialogue. Our team has worked extremely hard on the production of this game, which was by no means easy even with the source code and debug binaries we were provided with. I could have decided to ship the game with bugs in it, like C&E did - many of you wouldn't even have noticed them. Instead, I researched the right programmers and hired them to patch even the smallest of problems, and spent quite a while testing their work to ensure it both functioned correctly and didn't open the door to any new issues.

Exactly. I don't think anyone is qualified to judge the entire game based on a few screen shots and are overshadowing the significance of this project with such nit picking. If you would rather not buy the first new Genesis game in over a decade because of some potentially corny dialogue, then I don't know what to tell you.

I'm sure the story will be well done enough to more than warrant a purchase, and I will be on this from day one.

Can't wait!

[digitalpress]

What a brilliant project.

You guys had BETTER release this at Classic Gaming Expo! I will be first in line. Actually, I'll be waiting in the parknig lot. :)

See you there!

I know you will Joe... I know you will. 8-)

Then surely you understand the punishment you will take if you show up without this game ready to go :)


By the way did John Hardie recieve our paypal
payment for the booth this year? My partner
said it was sent and the e-check cleared.

Of course as you already know... there is more
than just this coming out from us @ CGE. 8-)

Lol... you made me reply. Damn you! :evil:

You guys are all set! You'll hear from me again a few times before the show - we should announce this title via CGE site/press release when you're 100% sure it will be released there!

See ya in August bud.

[Ed Oscuro]

If you would rather not buy the first new Genesis game in over a decade because of some potentially corny dialogue, then I don't know what to tell you.
Well, some of us are Gene-nutty, so we'll do it...but I also don't see why you wouldn't want to give the game the very best treatment possible.

Anyhow, SoulBlazer said what I wanted to, only better. If it's going for retro-appeal (and obviously it is to some degree), then the script probably isn't such an issue...but don't kid yourself into thinking that a pro translation would lose that flavor. Doesn't have to.

Well, what the hell, just get the damn thing out so we can all buy...and play :D

[drwily008]

I don't know how I missed this thread until now. This looks to be an amazing acomplishment in all respects. I will have it at the top of my list for things to buy at CGE!!

Please have a great plastic case with a beautiful insert. This alone will make the game appeal to fellow Genesis collectors.

To address any negativity without starting a flame-fest, I really think these "critics" should take a look at the overall package. This project takes alot of balls and all collectors/gamers owe it to them selves to buy it and support these sort of endeavors. If this is a sucess many more may come, if not NO more will be released by this company or any others.

I am VERY excited and please hold to your word and release it at CGE. I think it would sell out at CGE if you release it with "CGE Limited Edition" inserts.

Thanks for listening! -Ken