Summary
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 inthe 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.
This brilliantly dark Metroidvania seriesbrings players into a brutal worldof 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 2is a must-play for all Metroidvania fans, with its challenging and addictive gameplay and unique design.
Created by Spanish developers, The Games Kitchen,Blasphemousis 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 ofBlasphemous 2.
The eighth major entry in the long-runningAssassin’s Creedfranchise takes players to France in 1789 during the French Revolution. In the game, playerscontrol 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 otherAssassin’s Creedgames, 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 playUnity.
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 aradioactive nightmare.
Filled with roaming monsters, supernatural anomalies, and dangerous bandits,Metrois 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.
A Plague Tale: Innocenceis a fantastic narrativeaction-stealth gamethat 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 changingA Plague Tale’s language to French. This creates a more authentic experience that brings the ancient region of Aquitaine to life.
This beloved action RPG series, known asLike a Dragonin 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,Yakuzahas 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 playYakuzais 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.
Steeped in the mythologyof ancient China,Black Myth: Wukongbecame 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.
WhileSekiro: Shadows Die Twicedoesn’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,Sekirois one of themost challenging yet satisfying gamesin FromSoftware’s catalog. While Western players will automatically use the English-dubbed version, switching to Japanese, with English subtitles, elevatesSekiroto another level. With fantastic voice acting throughout, the Japanese version is dramatic and immersive.
