Games That Are Better In A Non-English Language

Summary

  • Games like Blasphemous 2, A Plague Tale, and Yakuza enrich players with unique cultures.
  • For games like Metro and Assassin’s Creed, switching to the native language enhances player immersion.
  • Sekiro and Black Myth: Wukong gain depth with original language audio and English subtitles.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how the world of video games has grown to be a leading form of global entertainment. It’s amazing how this digital realm manages to unite diverse groups of individuals, whether it’s through cooperative multiplayer games that foster teamwork or vibrant online communities where friendships are forged.

In my gaming journey, it was once predominantly Japan and the USA leading the development and play scene. But as time progressed, the gaming world has grown, with studios from all corners of the globe adding their unique cultural flavors to the mix. While English is often the lingua franca in Western games, embracing the original language of a game’s setting can significantly boost immersion, transforming the whole experience for the better.

1. Blasphemous 2

Inspired By The Art & History Of Spain

In this exceptional Metroidvania series, players are immersed in a harsh realm steeped in fanaticism and faith. You assume the role of The Penitent One, a formidable warrior on a spiritual journey. In the sequel to the series, titled Blasphemous 2, The Penitent One sets out on a mission to prevent the resurrection of a dreaded curse called The Miracle. This game is a must-play for every Metroidvania enthusiast, offering tough but engaging gameplay and distinctive aesthetics.

Hailing from Spanish creators, The Games Kitchen, the game titled Blasphemous carries a strong influence from Spain’s rich history and art. This impact is noticeable all throughout, establishing a broodingly gothic ambiance reminiscent of Francisco de Goya’s famous paintings. By incorporating Spanish within the game, players are further enveloped in the grisly setting of Blasphemous 2.

2. Assassin’s Creed Unity

Experience The French Revolution

The eighth installment of the ongoing Assassin’s Creed series transports players to France during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution in 1789. In this game, you assume control of assassin Arno Dorian, as he embarks on a mission to uncover the hidden forces orchestrating the chaos.

This installment of the series is noteworthy as it introduces more role-playing game aspects, such as upgradable skills and personalized weapons, armor, and gear. Notably connected to multiple other Assassin’s Creed games, particularly the sixth installment, Black Flag, this game offers an immersive experience. Despite not being a revolutionary launch, its engaging gameplay, top-notch voice acting, and robust customization features set it apart in a tired franchise. For English-speaking players from the West, switching to French audio adds an extra layer of realism to the game. The high-quality voice acting from its French cast makes listening to the original language the most authentic way to play Unity.

3. Metro: Redux

The Dark Underworld Of Post-Apocalyptic Moscow

In the vein of Dmitry Glukhovsky’s remarkable post-apocalyptic novel, this gritty first-person shooter delves into the underworld of Moscow’s metro network. This is where the city’s survivors have taken refuge following a nuclear war that transformed the surface into a horrific radioactive wasteland above ground.

In this game called Metro, you’ll encounter wandering monsters, strange occurrences, and risky bandits, making it an exhilarating action game perfect for fans of first-person shooters. The English-speaking version has excellent voice acting, but switching to the original Russian language further envelops players in the game’s unique atmosphere and culture.

4. A Plague Tale: Innocence

Journey Across France During The Turbulent Middle Ages

A Plague Tale: Innocence” is an engaging action-stealth game set in the tumultuous late Middle Ages of 14th-century France during the Hundred Years’ War. The player assumes control of Amicia de Rune, a noble girl, whose life is drastically altered when the Inquisition brutally slaughters her family, seeking her five-year-old brother, Hugo.

Following Hugo’s escape, the two siblings commence their voyage through a battle-scarred countryside teeming with hordes of vicious rats and lethal diseases that have severely depleted the populace. Although the English voice acting in the game is exceptional, players might want to switch A Plague Tale‘s language to French for a more immersive, authentic feel, as it breathes life into the ancient region of Aquitaine.

5. Yakuza

A Landmark Action RPG Series From Japan

The cherished action RPG series, famously titled “Like a Dragon” in its homeland Japan, invites gamers into the bustling and expansive setting of the Japanese underworld. Within the game, players engage with countless non-player characters, clash against rival street gangs, and accrue wealth through additional tasks. Boasting nine primary installments and numerous side games, “Yakuza” has firmly established itself as a fixture within the gaming industry.

The Yakuza series, centering around Kazuma Kiryu as the central character, blends intense action from beat ’em up genre with captivating narrative storytelling. For a truly engaging experience when playing Yakuza for Western audiences, it’s recommended to use its original Japanese audio accompanied by English subtitles. This approach enhances the authenticity of the Japanese characters, allowing the plot and emotions to resonate more deeply through their intended language.

6. Black Myth: Wukong

Journey Into Chinese Mythology

Immersed in the lore of ancient China, the game Black Myth: Wukong gained widespread popularity due to its visually stunning graphics, engaging action mechanics, and distinctive character styles. In this game, players assume the role of a Preordained Hero, a monkey warrior embarking on a mission to retrieve the six sacred artifacts associated with Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King from Chinese folklore.

While playing this game, you’ll encounter numerous tough battles against various formidable foes, including magnificent dragons and evil demons. The game’s combat stands out for its smooth moves and customizable skills. For those seeking a more immersive experience, you can switch the audio to Mandarin with English subtitles. This feature elevates the game significantly as the Chinese actors bring the characters to life with a genuine authenticity that the Western cast might not achieve.

7. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

FromSoftware’s Action Classic

Although Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice may not perfectly align with FromSoftware’s Soulsborne series due to its singular protagonist, this remarkable action-adventure game stands out as one of the studio’s finest creations. Immersed in a fictionalized ancient Japan, players assume control over Wolf, an accomplished shinobi on a mission to rescue his young lord amidst the turmoil engulfing the region.

Sekiro stands out among FromSoftware’s games due to its impressive combat system emphasizing parrying and complex swordplay, making it both demanding and rewarding to play. Although Western players typically opt for the English-dubbed version, switching to Japanese with English subtitles can take your gaming experience to a higher level. Boasting excellent voice acting, the Japanese version offers a more dramatic and engaging atmosphere.

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2025-07-07 07:34