Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE released in Europe and North America on June 24, and there seems to be some backlash over the localization of the Shin Megami Tensei and Fire Emblem mashup. Some modders have taken it upon themselves to change the localized version to return it as close to the original as possible.
According to ShackNews, via Siliconera, the modders have found a way to change the following:
NOTE: Modding a Wii U can lead to corrupted files so proceed with caution.
Reverted costumes back to Bikinis, also changing the menu icons back and their original names and descriptions.
Completely redid Chapter 2 and a few other small files to return references to Gravure Modelling, this also uses the original voice files.
Fixed any map changes relating to pictures in dungeons that were changed.
Swapped the English files out for Japanese versions for retranslated files.
Healing points no longer come in envelopes.
Changed Profiles to reflect the character’s real ages and change back references to Gravure Modeling.
Reverted any censored prerendered Cutscene files.
The Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE mods stem from many fans believing that Nintendo’s localization is censoring some of the more adult themes in the game. But most of the localization and changes were made to the ages of the characters and the attire.
Nintendo of America provided iDigitalTimes with the following statement regarding the game's localization.
"Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE was localized by Atlus in a way that is consistent with the localization work they do on games they publish. It was a priority to ensure the game feels familiar and appeals to longtime Atlus fans. Any changes made to the in-game content were due to varying requirements and regulations in the many different territories Nintendo distributes its products."
Mitsuru Hirata, one of the directors of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE , took to Twitter -- via Nintendo Everything -- ahead of the Western release to offer his thoughts on the localization, especially the change in attire for the characters.
“Come to think of it, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE release date is this week on 24th isn’t it! For various reasons we had to change some outfits, contents of events and vocals, but I think the outfits of the overseas version are quite cute! If you live overseas and own a Wii U by all means buy the game!”
Nintendo games that are brought to the West after a Japanese release are often changed or localized to meet standards in the West. Nintendo of America came under fire before the release of Fire Emblem Fates when a controversial drugging conversation was changed for the Western version.
Here’s the statement they gave iDigitalTimes regarding its localization policy at the time of Fire Emblem Fates’ release.
“Making changes is not unusual when we localize games, and we have indeed made changes in these games [Fire Emblem Fates Conquest/Birthright]. When we localize a game we do so in order to make it appropriate for that particular territory. All our choices were made from that point of view.”
So what do you think of the localization and changes made in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE? Sound off in the comments section below.
