04/29/2011: "Squaresoft Localization in the PS1 Era"

1UP has an interesting new article called "The Rise of Squaresoft Localization" that features an in-depth look at the company's translation practices from the mid-90s onward. FFVII's localization is detailed in the first couple of pages, with discussion of the Aeris/Aerith naming issue, Barret's slangy speech, and the reasons why there were so many typos in the English script.

Many, many other Squaresoft and Square Enix games are covered; read the full article to learn about why Chocobo's Dungeon was never localized, how the Japanese humor in Brave Fencer Musashi was Westernized, and much more.

Posted by Reeve at 01:44 PM EST

on Thursday, May 5th, Bobby Swift said

It looks like FFVII will be honored as one of the 80 games being displayed from 3/16/12 until 9/30/12 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum for their "Art of Video Games" exhibit. There are a few Square Enix games that made the cut.

on Thursday, May 5th, Bobby Swift said

There's a great article on G4's website with the full list.

on Friday, May 6th, Reeve said

Saw the news this morning. Thanks, though!