Japanese role-playing gameshave been a staple in the gaming industry for decades.These games are knownfor their intricate storylines, immersive worlds, and unique characters that have captivated gamers all around the world. While the original Japanese voice acting is often preferred by purists, some games have managed toprovide English voice actingthat is so good that it rivals the original Japanese version.
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TheseEnglish dubshave become a crucial element for the Western audience to experience and enjoy the games, and have helped to break down the language barrier that once existed in the gaming world. This article takes a closer look at some of the JRPGs that have excelled in providing top-notch English voice acting, and the impact it had on the overall gaming experience.
10Xenoblade Chronicles (2010)
Xenoblade Chronicleswas initially released with Japanese voice acting only, but a later version of the game included English voice acting. The English voice actingreceived mixed reviews from worldwide players, with some praising the performances while others found them to be lackluster or even annoying.
Some critics and fans felt that the English voice acting detracted from the overall experience of the game, while others appreciated the effort put into localizing the game for a wider audience. Despite the mixed reception of the English voice acting,Xenoblade Chronicleswas still well-received overall and is considered a classic JRPG.
9Dragon Quest 11 (2017)
Dragon Quest XIbecame a global phenomenon among gamers and has received widespread acclaim for its exceptional voice cast. The game’s English dub, featuring a talented cast of voice actors, brought to life the beloved characters of the game.
From the earnest and loyal hero to the devious villain, each character had a unique personality that was fully realized by their respective voice actor. Overall, the English voice acting of the game was a critical factor in the game’s worldwide success. The quality voice acting, coupled withits engaging story and mechanics, made it a memorable experience for fans of the series.
8Valkyria Chronicles 4 (2018)
Valkyria Chronicles 4isa tactical JRPG that was generally well-receivedby players for its English voice acting. The game features a large cast of characters and the English voice actors brought them to life with excellent performances. Fans particularly praised the voice acting for conveying the emotions and motivations of the characters in a compelling way.
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The strong voice acting added depth to the game’s already engaging story and helped to immerse players in the game’s world. Overall, the positive reception of the English voice acting contributed to the game’s success and helped to establish it as a standout title in the JRPG genre.
7Fire Emblem Three Houses (2019)
FE Three Houseswaswell-received by worldwide players, and its English voice acting was praised for the emotions it adds to the game’s characters. Many players found the English voices to be a great fit for the game’s western-style setting and storytelling and appreciated the effort that went into making each character unique and memorable.
The quality of the voice acting was seen as a major factor in the game’s success, helping to create a rich and immersive experience that kept players engaged throughout. Overall, the English voice acting inFire Emblem Three Houseswas a major contributing factor to its popularity and critical acclaim.
6Tales Of Berseria (2016)
Tales of Berseriawas praised for its strong English voice acting by both critics and fans alike. The voice actors successfully portrayed the characters' spirit, bringing them to life in a way that felt authentic and engaging.
Fans particularly enjoyed Cristina Valenzuela’s performance as the protagonist Velvet Crowe, praising her ability to convey the character’s emotions convincingly. The strong English voice acting was seen as a major factor in the game’s success in Western markets and helped tosolidify its position as a fan favorite among JRPG enthusiasts.
5Final Fantasy 7 Remake (2020)
The English voice acting inFFVII Remakewas generally well-received by players, especially since it features a talented voice cast, including well-known actors such as Cody Christian, Briana White, and John Eric Bentley, who provide memorable performances as Cloud, Aerith, and Barret, respectively.
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The voice acting adds a layer of personality to the characters, making them feel more realistic and relatable. The quality of the voice acting was seen as a significant factor in the game’s positive reception, with many praising it as one of the game’s standout features. The English voice acting helped to create a more immersive and engaging experience for players, contributing tothe overall success of the game.
4Nier: Automata (2017)
The English voice acting inNier: Automatareceived generally positive reviews from players and was praised for its emotional delivery and effective characterization. The voice actors managed to bring the complex personalities of the androids to life, making players feel invested in their journeys.
Furthermore, the English voice acting was seen as a significant factor in making the game more accessible to Western audiences, as the original Japanese dialogue was not dubbed.Nier: Automata’sstrong voice-acting performanceshelped to cement the game’s reputation as a masterful example of storytelling in video games.
3Final Fantasy 11 The Zodiac Age (2017)
The English voice acting ofThe Zodiac Agewas very well-receivedby non-Japanese speakers. The game features a strong voice cast including well-known actors, and many players appreciated the effort put into the dubbing, noting that it helped to bring the characters and story to life.
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Many fans consider that the English version of the audio is better than the Japanese one, as it captures the characters' essence much better. Overall, the high quality of the English voice acting contributed to the positive reception ofFinal Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age.
2Catherine: Full Body (2019)
Catherine: Full Bodyfeatures a cast of characters with distinct personalities, and the English voice actors were able to bring those personalities to life with their performances. In particular, the voice actor for Vincent, the game’s protagonist, was applauded for his nuanced performance that capturedthe character’s emotions and inner turmoil.
The English dub also added a layer of accessibility for non-Japanese players who may have had difficulty following the game’s complex storyline in its original language. The high quality of the English voice acting helped to enhance the immersive experience of the game and made it a fan favorite.
1Persona 4 Golden (2012)
Persona 4 Golden’s English voice acting was generally well-received by players, who praised its quality and performance. The game’s English dub added depth to the characters and contributed to the game’s immersive storytelling experience. Fans particularly appreciated the voice acting of the protagonist and the supporting characters, who added personality and humor to the game.
The English voice acting, coupled with the game’s memorable story and characters, contributed to the game’s success. WhilePersona 4 Goldenwas praised for its excellent English voice acting, it is not the only game in the series to feature a high-quality dub.Persona 3andPersona 5are also recognized for their strong English voice cast, adding to the series' overall reputation for delivering compelling English performances.
