For those worried about Nintendo’s Treehouse getting their hands on Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, you no longer need to hold your breath. While it was already announced before that the game will feature the original Japanese voiceovers during a recent Nintendo Direct, some were still worried about Nintendo’s possible hand in censoring content during that same direct. However, new information gathered by GameInformer from Nintendo of America states:
“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.”
— Nintendo statement to GameInformer
So what does this mean for those worried about the censorship during the Nintendo Direct? Well… it could mean one of two things:
- The censorship during the Nintendo Direct was for the sake of keeping the trailer safe for all audiences.
- Atlus localized the game based on their own understanding of their market in North America, and may have made slight design changes as a result.
In either case, fans of Atlus and Nintendo can rest assured that the content will be as close to the original Japanese version as Atlus themselves are comfortable with.
But what do you think about this, RR-sama?
There is little doubt in my own mind that this decision to let Atlus localize the game themselves is linked to recent backlash from fans about Nintendo’s Treehouse team’s localization efforts. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles X, and Fire Emblem: Fates received heavy criticism due to missing content. This ranged from minor cuts such as a breast slider in the first game, and entire minigames removed in the second.
While it is likely that Atlus requested this as a part of their contract with Nintendo, it is equally likely that Nintendo of America is trying to take some attention away from their in-house localization team.
Regardless of whomever does the localization of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE, I do believe there will be some localization the gets done. However, I do not believe the changes will be as heavy handed as those made by Treehouse. We may have some minor costume alterations, but I’m certain that the gameplay and features will remain intact. Who knows? Maybe Atlus will even throw in a “I’m not 10 years old” feature that returns everything to the Japanese version’s standards?
But that’s just wishful thinking…
So I ask you, loyal readers… Are you more likely to forgive Atlus for any changes that are made on their own accord? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE will be available in North America on June 24th, 2016, and Worldwide on June 25th, 2016.
