8 Terrible Video Game Translations

Congraturation! You have found your way to The Escapist’s Gallery of the Day! A winner is you! If you haven’t caught on yet, today’s gallery will be focusing on examples of failed text translations in video games. Once upon a time, translators were hard to come by, or maybe they were just expensive, leading to some truly memorable quotes for those of us in the West who were receiving video games from other countries (mostly Japan). Without further ado, here are some of the best terrible video game translations! Did we leave out your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Pro Wrestling

“A Winner is You!” A mistranslation after beating a game, no matter the intention, somehow manages to feel like mockery. “A winner is you” being a perfect example, as it has successfully managed to integrate itself into internet meme culture as, yes, sarcasm.

Final Fantasy VII

“This guy are sick.” Oh, Aerith. At least you’re cute. Final Fantasy VII had a few translation issues, but this one was by far my favorite. I can easily hear Aerith saying that, and can easily imagine myself saying “aw, honey” back to her.

Zero Wing

“All your base are belong to us.” I’m pretty sure this one needs no introduction. That line was the internet meme that rose to meme supremacy before memes existed, and it’s managed to maintain its relevance – and hilarity – all these years later.

The Legend of Zelda

“Eastmost penninsula is the secret”

This “translation” isn’t even close to what was originally written. According to Legends of Localization, that dude originally said “You can’t use arrows if you run out of money.” That’s a really useful gameplay tip, Nintendo!

Ghosts ‘n Goblins

My best guess here is that it’s saying you’re awesome and super strong and should play again. That, or they figured so few people would even make it to the end of this damn game, it didn’t really matter. The screen just before this one is equally wonderful, reading “Congraturation! This story is Happy End! Thank You.”

Ghostbusters

If you thought “Congraturation” was bad, Ghostbusters doubled down, throwing a “Conglaturation” at it’s players. Apparently, succeeding means you “prooved” the justice of culture, whatever that’s supposed to mean.

Ikari Warriors

This one, much like “A winner is you,” feels almost like I’m being mocked. Imagine it this way: “You have accomplished the mission. [sarcasm]You are the very prevailer that protect right and justice.[/sarcasm]

Metal Gear

“I feel asleep.” Even though this one was clearly a mistake, it also somehow feels right. I, too, feel asleep sometimes. I think this one may have been accidentally intentional.