10 English Games with Great Japanese Dubs
Demand for Japanese dubs in English games has increased considerably in recent years. It is evident worldwide that gamers are drawn to the fusion of Western storytelling with Japan’s mastery of voice acting.
Whether it’s the familiarity of English gameplay or the emotional depth of the Japanese dub, these games offer a unique experience for those who appreciate both cultures. For an absolutely unforgettable gaming experience that blends top-tier gameplay with the beauty of Japanese voice acting, these ten titles are a must-play:
1. Cyberpunk 2077 – A Futuristic Adventure in Neo-Megacities
Developer: CD Projekt Red | Year of Release: 2020
Cyberpunk 2077 is among the most ambitious RPGs ever built, featuring a large open world with support for Japanese dubs and initially released in 2020. The setting is Night City in a cyberpunk future where megacorporations rule the day and everything around society is seriously decaying. The voice acting is in English with Keanu Reeves, but Japanese dubs really give another dimension to the neon-lit streets and the corporate dystopia of the game. The narrative and visual design was praised by everybody—a pretty good start despite some performance issues at the very beginning.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Where Fantasy Meets Perfection
Developer: CD Projekt Red | Year of Release: 2015
Another masterpiece from CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3 offers Japanese dubs that breathe life into Geralt of Rivia’s adventures. Set in a richly detailed fantasy world, this game has won over 800 awards, including Game of the Year. In The Witcher 3, players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher, who is searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri, while facing the impending threat of the Wild Hunt—a group of spectral riders. The game combines combat, magic, exploration, and an immersive story. Fans often praise the Japanese voice acting for adding depth and nuance to the emotional weight of the story. Read also: Top 12 Languages You Need for Effective Game Localization
3. Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice – A Haunting Tale of Mental Struggle
Developer: Ninja Theory | Year of Release: 2017
This UK-developed game delivers an intense psychological experience with award-winning sound design and breathtaking visuals. In Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, players control Senua, a Pict warrior on a quest to rescue the soul of her dead lover, Dillion, from the Norse god Hela. The game is set in a dark, mythical world where Senua confronts both physical enemies and her inner demons, representing her psychological struggles. Throughout the game, players experience her battle with psychosis, as the narrative delves into themes of trauma, guilt, and loss. The game uses psychological horror techniques to convey the experience of psychosis. The player hears voices in Senua’s head, some helpful, others tormenting her, creating a deeply immersive and often unsettling experience. The game also features puzzles based on the environment and the lore of the world, alongside brutal combat sequences where Senua battles monsters and mythical creatures. The inclusion of Japanese dubs allows players to feel Senua’s journey through a new cultural lens, further enhancing the narrative’s emotional depth. The game’s realistic portrayal of psychosis has also been lauded by mental health experts.
4. Control – Supernatural Intrigue in a Mysterious Building
Developer: Remedy Entertainment | Year of Release: 2019
Created by Finland’s Remedy Entertainment, Control is a game that blends supernatural phenomena with slick combat mechanics. In Control, players take on the role of Jesse Faden, a young woman searching for answers about the mysterious events surrounding the disappearance of her brother, Dylan, and her connection to the Federal Bureau of Control (FBC), a secret government agency investigating paranormal phenomena. The FBC is housed in a skyscraper called the Oldest House, a brutalist structure filled with shifting rooms, strange occurrences, and dangerous entities. The gameplay focuses on exploration and combat, where players use a combination of firearms and telekinetic powers to navigate the bizarre and ever-changing environment of the Oldest House. For Japanese-speaking players, Control includes Japanese dubs, offering a localized experience that enhances immersion in the game's mysterious and eerie atmosphere. The voice acting in the Japanese version allows players to fully engage with Jesse’s journey and the game’s complex plot, ensuring a seamless experience for a global audience.
5. Life is Strange – A Tale of Choices and Consequences
Developer: Dontnod Entertainment | Year of Release: 2015
A standout title in narrative-driven games, Life is Strange has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Developed by France-based Dontnod Entertainment, the option for Japanese dubs adds a layer of emotional resonance to Max Caulfield’s journey through time and relationships. Upon its release, Life is Strange received widespread acclaim for its captivating story, strong character development, and groundbreaking narrative structure. It won numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Game and Best Narrative, and was praised for addressing complex issues like mental health, friendship, and the impact of technology. Read also: 10 Best Paid MMORPGs in 2023
6. Horizon Zero Dawn – A Battle for Survival in a Mechanical World
Developer: Guerrilla Games | Year of Release: 2017
From the Netherlands-based Guerrilla Games, Horizon Zero Dawn is a visually stunning RPG with a compelling story about a young huntress fighting against robotic creatures. Horizon Zero Dawn offers a seamless blend of exploration, combat, and crafting. The open world is vast and filled with hidden secrets, collectibles, and side quests that enrich the main story. Players can explore lush forests, dangerous mountains, and ruined cities, all while interacting with a dynamic ecosystem of machines and wildlife. For Japanese players, Horizon Zero Dawn offers Japanese dubs, providing an immersive experience with high-quality voice acting that brings the characters and the world to life.
7. Divinity: Original Sin 2 – The Pinnacle of Tactical RPGs
Developer: Larian Studios | Year of Release: 2017
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a critically acclaimed role-playing game (RPG) developed and published by Larian Studios. Released in 2017, this sequel to the 2014 game Divinity: Original Sin quickly became one of the most highly praised RPGs of its generation. Known for its deep narrative, rich character customization, and intricate tactical combat, Divinity: Original Sin 2 delivers an experience that is as engaging as it is complex. The availability of Japanese dubs allows players to experience the game’s intricate narratives with a cultural twist, further expanding its global reach.
8. Dishonored 2 – A Masterpiece in Stealth and Strategy
Developer: Arkane Studios | Year of Release: 2016
Dishonored 2 is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game with a strong emphasis on stealth and player choice. Developed by the French studio Arkane, Dishonored 2 combines innovative gameplay with a gripping narrative. Developed by French studio Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game was released in 2016 as a sequel to the original Dishonored (2012). It is set in the fictional world of the Empire of the Isles, blending steampunk aesthetics with supernatural elements.
In Dishonored 2, players can choose to play as Corvo Attano, the protagonist from the first game, or Emily Kaldwin, his daughter and the Empress of the Isles. Each character has unique abilities, offering diverse gameplay experiences. The game is lauded for its intricate level design, such as the iconic "Clockwork Mansion" and "A Crack in the Slab" missions, which showcase Arkane’s innovative approach to environmental storytelling and mechanics.
The addition of Japanese dubs further enriches the experience, providing Japanese-speaking players with an engaging and immersive way to explore the morally complex narrative. The game’s themes of betrayal, revenge, and redemption resonate powerfully with its masterful voice acting and atmospheric world. Dishonored 2 received several awards, including recognition for its art direction and design, and remains a standout title for fans of stealth and strategy.
9. Mass Effect Legendary Edition – A Sci-Fi Legacy Revived
Developer: BioWare | Year of Release: 2021
Canadian developer BioWare revitalized its beloved space-opera trilogy with Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which now supports Japanese dubs. The Legendary Edition includes: Mass Effect (2007) Mass Effect 2 (2010) Mass Effect 3 (2012) The series follows the story of Commander Shepard, a customizable protagonist tasked with uniting the galaxy against a mysterious alien threat known as the Reapers. Players make choices throughout the trilogy that influence the narrative, relationships, and the ultimate fate of the galaxy, making it a hallmark of interactive storytelling. One standout feature of Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the inclusion of Japanese dubs, providing Japanese-speaking players with a culturally tailored way to experience this iconic space opera. Read also: How Seiyuu Performances Bring Your Localized Game Characters to Life
10. A Plague Tale: Innocence – A Story of Hope in Dark Times
Developer: Asobo Studio | Year of Release: 2019
This French-developed gem delivers a heart-wrenching narrative set during the Black Death. The story follows Amicia de Rune, a young noble girl, and her younger brother Hugo, as they flee from the Inquisition and survive the horrors of a rat-infested plague. The siblings must navigate through war-torn villages and disease-ridden towns, solving puzzles and using stealth to evade enemies while building their bond. One of the standout features of the game is its use of swarming rats as both a narrative element and a gameplay mechanic. The rats, symbolic of the plague, act as a persistent threat, forcing players to strategically use light and fire to survive. The inclusion of Japanese dubs adds emotional gravity to the story of Amicia and her younger brother, Hugo, as they navigate a world full of danger and despair. A Plague Tale: Innocence received widespread critical acclaim, winning several awards, including a BAFTA for Narrative, and was praised for its heartfelt story and atmospheric design. Its success led to a sequel, A Plague Tale: Requiem, released in 2022.
Conclusio
The blend of Japanese dubs with immersive English games bridges cultural gaps and elevates the gaming experience to new heights. From emotional storytelling to visually stunning worlds, these games represent the pinnacle of global collaboration in the gaming industry. Want more insights into gaming, voice acting, or localization? Follow Digital-Trans Asia for the latest updates and expert tips. Need help localizing your business for global success? Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can bring your vision to life!