Best JRPGS With Subtitles Only

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Summary

  • Game remasters sometimes remove English dubbed tracks.
  • Japanese RPGs often lack English voiceovers, which can impact the fan experience.
  • Some franchises move away from English dubs, such as Koei Tecmo’s recent choices.

As a seasoned gamer who has traversed the digital battlefields of countless realms, I must say that the lack of English voiceovers in some Japanese RPGs and strategy games is akin to serving sushi without soy sauce – it just doesn’t feel right!

In the realm of anime, a discussion that resonates with all enthusiasts surfaces: subtitles versus dubbed versions, commonly known as subs vs dubs. This topic sparks heated debates online, but no clear victor emerges from these discussions. Interestingly, this same dilemma can be found in video games, particularly role-playing games from Japan, which often provide both Japanese and English audio options for fans to decide on their preferred listening experience.

It’s a great addition to include but sometimes games ship with only one audio track defaulting to Japanese. It’s a cost-effective strategy to spend money on audio only once, but sometimes that can negatively impact a game for RPG fans dying to hear an English dub. Here are some examples.

6. Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

The “Baten Kaitos 1 & 2 HD Remaster” is a compilation of two role-playing games (RPGs) that were developed by Monolith Soft, known for creating the “Xenoblade Chronicles”. These RPGs are turn-based, but they have a unique twist: actions in battle are performed using cards. In their initial release, both games featured an English audio track.

Instead, let me rephrase it in a simpler way: The remastered versions lack the original dubbed audio tracks. Fans who preferred the audio from the GameCube version might have felt disappointed, but there’s always a chance for an update or fix later on.

5. Like A Dragon: Ishin

Not So Fast Samurai

Remarkably, it’s astonishing how Like a Dragon: Ishin eventually saw daylight beyond Japan’s shores. The game was initially launched in Japan back in 2014, and its English localization didn’t happen until the remastered version in 2023 – a near-decade-long wait for fans. Given that Yakuza: Like a Dragon offered an English dub as early as 2020, many hoped that the subsequent games in the series would follow suit with dubbed audio too.

I must confess, the samurai RPG didn’t quite live up to my expectations, yet there was a silver lining: fans could officially play it. Frankly, it’s a relief when games like this make their way westward, regardless of condition, as long as they are properly translated and function smoothly without bugs.

4. Muramasa: The Demon Blade

An Authentic Japanese Metroidvania

Originally, “Muramasa: The Demon Blade” was exclusive to the Wii console. However, it was later released on the PS Vita under the name “Muramasa Rebirth.” Both editions offer fantastic gameplay in the Metroidvania RPG genre, and they allow players to select from two main characters: Kisuke and Momohime.

The narratives of both games differ, yet their gameplay and settings remain consistent. Unfortunately, fans didn’t get English voice acting in the original Wii version or the PS Vita adaptation. At present, fans can only hope that Vanillaware will transfer the game to a contemporary platform.

3. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE

Fire Emblem Meets Persona

Initially, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE came out exclusively on the Wii U console, later being adapted for Nintendo Switch. However, neither version featured an English audio option, which might be justifiable for the Wii U release given its relatively low popularity, but seems less so for the Switch.

It’s unfortunate that this game is outstanding, as it combines the elements of the popular turn-based RPG series Persona and Fire Emblem. The plot revolves around a team of aspiring pop idols who harness their music to combat an impending darkness seeking to mind control Japan. Characters from classic Fire Emblem games, such as Chrom from Fire Emblem Awakening, serve as Personas both in and outside of battles.

2. Samurai Warriors 5

Dubs Are Half The Fun

In simpler terms, “Samurai Warriors 5” is the newest addition to a long-running series where players get to embody iconic historical Japanese figures such as Nobunaga Oda and Mitsuhide Akechi, engaging in massive battles against countless enemy troops. Notably, many games within this franchise, including “Dynasty Warriors” and its Musou spinoffs, used to feature English voiceovers.

For about the last ten years, Koei Tecmo has mainly ceased funding voiceovers, except for select instances. Although Japanese audio is fitting for these games, it’s regrettable that this feature isn’t always included because the exaggerated acting was a delightful aspect in previous titles.

1. Super Robot Wars 30

A Crossover For Mech Fans

The “Super Robot Wars” series, which originated in 1991, is quite old but not many of these cross-over mech tactical RPGs have ventured beyond Japan. However, the anniversary release of the series, titled “Super Robot Wars 30“, did make its way onto Steam, bringing joy to fans who had previously only experienced the series through unofficial fan translations.

The only catch is that it used subtitles only which is understandable, unlike other entries on here. The game is very niche and there are a lot of characters and dialogue that would have seemingly taken ages to dub into English. Maybe one day the franchise can get a dubbed release in North America though.

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2024-12-22 11:33