Games That Are Better In A Non-English Language

Summary

• Games like Blasphemous 2, A Plague Tale, and Yakuza enrich players with unique cultures.
• For games like Metro and Assassin’s Creed, switching to the native language enhances player immersion.
• Sekiro and Black Myth: Wukong gain depth with original language audio and English subtitles.

The video game industry has become one of the most dominant forms of entertainment worldwide. Gaming often brings diverse groups of people together through co-op multiplayer games or online communities.

While in the early years of gaming, the vast majority of developers and players came from Japan or the United States, the industry has expanded, with game studios across the globe seeking to bring their unique cultural experiences to the landscape. While in the Western world, many games are played solely using the English language, for many, using the intended language of the setting brings a higher level of immersion that changes the game for the better.

1

Blasphemous 2

Inspired By The Art & History Of Spain

This brilliantly dark Metroidvania series brings players into a brutal world of religious zealotry and faith, where players control the Penitent One, a powerful warrior on his pilgrimage. In the second game of the series, The Penitent One embarks on a quest to thwart the rebirth of a curse known as The Miracle. Blasphemous 2 is a must-play for all Metroidvania fans, with its challenging and addictive gameplay and unique design.

Created by Spanish developers, The Games Kitchen, Blasphemous is highly influenced by the culture and art of Spanish history. These influences can be seen throughout, creating a darkly gothic atmosphere that evokes the classic paintings of Francisco de Goya. Using Spanish in the game lends itself to these influences, immersing players even more in the blood-drenched world of Blasphemous 2.

2

Assassin’s Creed Unity

Experience The French Revolution

The eighth major entry in the long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise takes players to France in 1789 during the French Revolution. In the game, players control the assassin, Arno Dorian, as he fights to expose the secret power behind the upheaval.

This memorable entry to the series brings more RPG elements, with upgradable abilities and customizable weapons, armor, and equipment. The game directly ties in with several other Assassin’s Creed games, most notably the series’ sixth installment, Black Flag. While the game was not a ground-breaking release, its fun gameplay, great voice acting, and strong customization options made it a standout in a tiring franchise. For Western English-speaking players, changing the audio to French brings even more life to the game. With strong voice acting from its French cast, listening to the authentic language is the best way to play Unity.

3

Metro: Redux

The Dark Underworld Of Post-Apocalyptic Moscow

Based on the brilliant post-apocalyptic novel by Dmitry Glukhovsky, this dark FPS survival horror game takes players into the subterranean world of Moscow’s metro system. Here, the remaining residents of the city survive after a nuclear war turned the surface into a radioactive nightmare.

Filled with roaming monsters, supernatural anomalies, and dangerous bandits, Metro is an atmospheric action game that is a must-play for all FPS fans. While the English-language version offers solid voice acting throughout, changing the language to its native Russian immerses players even more in the world and culture of the game.

4

A Plague Tale: Innocence

Journey Across France During The Turbulent Middle Ages

A Plague Tale: Innocence is a fantastic narrative action-stealth game that takes players into the late Middle Ages of 14th-century France, during the Hundred Years’ War. In the game, players control Amicia de Rune, a young noble girl, whose world is turned upside down when the Inquisition murders her family in search of Hugo, her five-year-old brother.

After escaping with Hugo, the two siblings embark on a journey across the war-torn land, where swarms of bloodthirsty rats and deadly sickness have decimated the population. While the English voice cast does a brilliant job in the game, players should consider changing A Plague Tale’s language to French. This creates a more authentic experience that brings the ancient region of Aquitaine to life.

5

Yakuza

A Landmark Action RPG Series From Japan

This beloved action RPG series, known as Like a Dragon in its native Japan, brings players into the vibrant and open world of the Japanese underworld. In the game, players can interact with numerous NPCs, battle rival street gangs, and earn money through side missions. With nine mainline entries to the series and numerous spin-off games, Yakuza has become a mainstay of the gaming landscape.

Often featuring Kazuma Kiryu as the main protagonist, the series combines beat ’em up action with cinematic storytelling. For Western audiences, the most immersive way to play Yakuza is with its original Japanese audio with English subtitles. Doing this brings the Japanese characters to life even more, with the story and emotions best expressed through the intended language.

6

Black Myth: Wukong

Journey Into Chinese Mythology

Steeped in the mythology of ancient China, Black Myth: Wukong became an instant hit across the globe for its stunning graphics, action gameplay, and unique character designs. In the game, players take control of a Destined One, a warrior monkey on a quest to recover the six relics of Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King of Chinese myth.

During the game, players take on numerous challenging boss fights, ranging from spectacular dragons to demonic monsters. The combat in the game shines, with fluid attacks and upgradable abilities. For players looking for a deeper level of immersion, the audio can be changed to Mandarin with English subtitles. This option brings the game to a whole new level, as the Chinese cast portrays the characters with a natural authenticity that the Western cast cannot.

7

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

FromSoftware’s Action Classic

While Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice doesn’t entirely fit into FromSoftware’s Soulsborne series, with its single-set protagonist, this stunning action adventure game is one of the studio’s best. Set in a fictionalized ancient Japan, players control Wolf, a skilled shinobi on a quest to save his young lord from the conflict erupting across the region.

With its stunning combat system that promotes parrying and intricate swordplay, Sekiro is one of the most challenging yet satisfying games in FromSoftware’s catalog. While Western players will automatically use the English-dubbed version, switching to Japanese, with English subtitles, elevates Sekiro to another level. With fantastic voice acting throughout, the Japanese version is dramatic and immersive.