Is Resident Evil in Japanese or English?
Resident Evil, a popular survival horror video game series, has been a subject of curiosity for many fans around the world. One of the most frequently asked questions about the series is whether it is originally in Japanese or English. In this article, we will delve into the history of the series and provide an answer to this question.
Early Beginnings
The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996 for the PlayStation console. At the time, the game was known as "Biohazard" in Japan, but was later localized and released as "Resident Evil" in North America and Europe. The game’s story and characters were originally designed in Japanese, but the game’s voice acting and script were later translated into English for international releases.
Voice Acting and Script
According to Mikami Shinji, the creator of the Resident Evil series, the English dub was appreciated by Western fans and critics for the improved performances of the voice actors, particularly those of the main characters Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine. The English script was also praised for its improved storytelling and character development.
Japanese and English Versions
Interestingly, the Japanese and English versions of the game have some differences. In the Japanese version, the game’s protagonist, Chris Redfield, is a silent character, whereas in the English version, he has a voice. Additionally, the Japanese version has some cutscenes that were not included in the English version.
Localization and Censorship
Resident Evil has undergone localization and censorship in various regions. In Japan, the game was initially released with a more violent and graphic content, which was later toned down for international releases. This included the removal of some cutscenes and the reduction of violence.
Raccoon City and Midwestern
Raccoon City, the fictional city where the first Resident Evil game takes place, has been a subject of debate among fans. Some fans believe that Raccoon City is located in the Midwestern United States, while others believe it is located in Japan. However, the game’s creator, Mikami Shinji, has never confirmed the exact location of Raccoon City.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Resident Evil is originally in Japanese, but the game’s voice acting and script were later translated into English for international releases. The English dub was well-received by fans and critics, and the game has undergone localization and censorship in various regions. While the exact location of Raccoon City remains a mystery, fans continue to speculate and debate about the game’s story and characters.
Additional Facts
Here are some additional facts about Resident Evil:
- The first Resident Evil game was released in 1996 for the PlayStation console.
- The game was originally known as "Biohazard" in Japan.
- The English dub was praised for its improved performances of the voice actors.
- The Japanese version has some cutscenes that were not included in the English version.
- The game has undergone localization and censorship in various regions.
- The exact location of Raccoon City remains a mystery.
Table: Resident Evil Game Release Dates
| Game Title | Release Date (Japan) | Release Date (North America) | Release Date (Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil | March 22, 1996 | March 30, 1996 | March 28, 1996 |
| Resident Evil 2 | January 21, 1998 | January 29, 1998 | January 27, 1998 |
| Resident Evil 3: Nemesis | September 22, 1999 | September 29, 1999 | September 27, 1999 |
I hope this article has provided a comprehensive answer to the question of whether Resident Evil is in Japanese or English.