Localized Terms in Hyperdimension Neptunia

Welcome to the second article about Neptunia localization. In our first article we discussed about how character names have been localized and the rationale behind the changes (or lack thereof). This time we’re going to talk about different terms that have been used through the series.

Some information was obtained from this interview:
http://www.siliconera.com/2016/04/18/hyperdimension-neptunia-editor-nick-doerr-talks-localization/

The list

Neptunia ← ネプテューヌ (neptune)

In Japan the Neptunia series is just called Neptune. When NISA localized it, they were worried about potential trademark issues (this was around the time companies were being sued over the word Edge), and so the word was changed slightly into a non-existent word.
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Name Changes in Neptunia Localizations

Of all the issues discussed in localizations, characters’ names are often the most contentious issue. Hyperdimension Neptunia has had just about every possible different style of name change across its history: different name but same meaning, direct romanization, and even completely made up replacements.

An aspect of localization that’s often hard to grasp is that sometimes wording has to change for the meaning to stay the same, but sometimes things are changed for other reasons (or worse, no reason).

What was changed, and why?

The List

Arfoire ← マジェコンヌ (majekon’nu, romanized “Magiquone”)

Probably the most well known of the name changes. Her Japanese name is taken from a DS flashcart sold in Japan called Majikon. Her English name is taken from the R4 flashcart (which is essentially its Western counterpart), and also happens to fit more in line with the French-style naming.

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Talking Points: Going the Extra Mile to be Stupid

As a “Talking Points” (geddit I’m a spikeball cough) entry this will be a short little rant. Don’t take it too seriously but it is probably about something I find silly or frustrating.

Today on the way to work I witnessed an impressive sight. A car stopped at a right turn only, with a green light, simply…waiting. No traffic, no emergency vehicles, no reason to not turn. Yet, they didn’t turn. They waited out the whole green light, then the whole yellow light. Finally, when the light turned red, they turned right.

It was no ordinary display of idiocy. People mistakenly take a turn to find the lane is full, that’s understandable. But today’s idiot clearly knew what they were doing was wrong. And it wasn’t even convenient for them. They wasted their own time and effort sheerly in the pursuit of idiocy.

It’s a whole new level of being stupid. To do something on accident is one thing. To do something out of ignorance is understandable. But when one goes out of their way to produce something stupid, that is what I cannot abide by.

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