Jeff's Localization Wishlist for 2015

oprainfall is proud to present our annual lists of Most Anticipated Games. Unlike previous years, we will be spreading out our lists over multiple days this year as we move closer to 2015. Today, we have Editing Manager Jeff Neuenschwander.

It’s that time again. And if you’ve read my lists from the past two years, you would know exactly what is coming up…

Localizations!

Back in 2012, I did a list of 3DS games that had released in Japan (Rune Factory 4, The Denpa Men 2, Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Bravely Default, and Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers), predicting that all 5 would be receiving localizations to North America within the calender year, based on franchise and company histories. While I didn’t get it right in all 5 releasing in North America in the same year, they all came over. In fact, as of December 11th this year, they all came to Europe as well.

Last year, I tried it again with 5 more games. This time, it was a little less successful. I was 2 for 5 (Fantasy Life and The Denpa Men 3) with a third coming next year in its Ultimate form (Monster Hunter 4). Extetra, which was admittedly a stretch, was never heard of again and Dragon Quest games got no love unless it was for mobile devices.

As for predicting games this year, it’s still a prediction of 5 games being localized, but it’s more of a Wish List to Publisher Claus (or would it be Santa Localizer?). One change though: a game no longer has to have released in Japan for it to make the list. It just needs to not have been announced for a localization.

This is gonna be difficult on the prediction side. A number of games that I’d like to add on this list have already been announced. Yo-kai Watch would make it on here if Level-5 hadn’t already said they were looking to bring the franchise over here. Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is already on the way. I have a feeling the New Nintendo 3DS is coming soon (it’s already out in Australia). So this is gonna have some stretches on here. But it wouldn’t be fun to just copy everyone else’s Most Anticipated list.

So, here we go with my Localization Wish List. We begin with the most recent reveal…

Rodea: The Sky Soldier

Dear XSEED Games, Atlus, NIS America, and Other Possible Localizers,

When a game is created by a legendary creator, it intrigues me, whether or not I have any experience with their games. It was The Last Story by Sakaguchi that brought me here. Anything by Miyamoto is something I look forward to buying. A new game by Suda? So long, money. So when I saw the name Yuji Naka, the guy credited with creating the Sonic the Hedgehog series as well as someone who worked on Nights Into Dreams and Phantasy Star, you bet I got excited.

So, what do I know about this game that gets me excited? Not a thing. I have no idea what this game is about. I may have written something on it (I seriously can’t recall at the moment) but I couldn’t tell you anything I wrote that day. But I do remember Yuji Naka’s name. That I remember seeing. That’s the power of a legend.

I know XSEED expressed interest, but they might be pulling out because of some reasons I’ll get to in a later game. Atlus, you have quite a bit on your table already with Etrian Mystery Dungeon and the two remaining Persona games you announced. NIS America… I don’t think I remember playing anything published by you, but I’m sure it will be a gas… I think I’ve been watching too many shows starring James Spader…

I don’t know who will bring this over, but I’m sure Yuji Naka and Kadokawa Shoten will make sure it goes to the right people.

Beyond the Labyrinth

Dear Konami,

**** YOU! **** YOU, YOU ******* **** ********! YOU ******* *****-******* DON’T DESERVE ANY **** **** AFTER THE **** YOU PULLED AT E3! I BET YOU **** ** *** **** **** AND HAVE TO **** ******’* **** EVERY ******* DAY TO **** ANY ****** AROUND!

…I’m sorry, I’m still mad about E3. Let’s try this again.

Dear Konami,

I think we got on the wrong foot here. After all, you guys can’t possible be that stupid since you did lower the price of Ground Zeroes before launch… to $30…

…

Listen up, **** *****,

We have a game here that has support here from the community. ****, we had a poll asking what Konami game they would like to see localized and Beyond the Labyrinth had plenty of support. There is an audience for this game.

And there is a pedigree here. After all, these are the developers of games like Star Ocean and Radiata Stories. You even have the Tales composer, Motoi Sakuraba, on the music for this game. We’ll come for this. And while I’m not a fan of Sword Art Online, I think the idea of a game within a game is pretty interesting.

There is an audience for this game. This can work over here. Just give it a chance… you ********.

Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker

Dear Atlus,

You guys are so great at bringing over games. You guys just bring games over in bunches…

Wait a minute… this was already announced…

Keep going. I’ll figure something else out at the end.

Forbidden Magna

Dear XSEED Games,

I understand that your parent company is hitting some bumps in the road. But please don’t let that keep you from doing what you do best. That being bringing us great overlooked gems from Japan.

From the moment this was announced, I was intrigued. A fresh game from the guys behind Rune Factory? Sign me up.

Unfortunately, Neverland no longer exists. Plus, the game didn’t sell too well when released in Japan. And to compound matters, Marvelous seemed to be taking losses this past year.

But this couldn’t be the worst position you guys have been in. Heck, you guys just shot out game after game for a while there with only half a dozen full-time employees. And if you’re worried about getting the word out, don’t worry. I will push this game like a dealer selling blue meth. I will make this game a success myself if I have to.

Atelier Rorona 3DS

Dear NIS America and Koei Tecmo,

I have never played an Atelier game. I have little interest in getting a console to play the older games. I have no interest in getting a PS3 or Vita to play those remakes (although I would consider a PlayStation TV, but that’s besides the point).

But I would like to play this game. I know that a number of contributors on the site, including a few managers, who are fans of the series that can vouch for it. And there’s something about the gameplay that intrigues me. I’m sure those guys are intrigued to see how it would play on Nintendo’s handheld.

I think most would prefer Koei Tecmo to localize it, but I don’t have much of a preference. Just getting a chance to play it would be fine.

Now to make up for Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker…

Dragon Quest VII

Dear Square Enix,

I want to show you something important that you should be very aware of.

Now that I’ve got your attention, I want to inform you that I will be tightening the vise that is wrapped around Nomura starting January 1st until my demands are met. After that, I will release him from the vise.

As for my demands, I want the immediate announcement of a Dragon Quest VII localization. But that is far from the end of my demands. I also want localizations for Final Fantasy Explorers, Bravely Second, Final Fantasy Agito (on VITA), and Theatrhythm Dragon Quest.

You know what to do.

Love, Jeff.

And those are the games I hope to see localized in 2015. What do you think? Am I crazy to want these? Do I have a chance at any of them? Would you like to tighten the vise that holds Tetsuya Nomura? Let me know in the comments.

As for the 5 games I’m looking forward to that I know are coming, here’s a quick rundown.