Here at The Unofficial FFX-2 Translation, our goal is to provide for the English-speaking gamer a complete guide to the first full-fledged sequel in the FF series -- Final Fantasy X-2.  Our site is divided into two main sections. An ongoing dialogue translation will bring you the story of FFX-2 through complete translations of conversations and cutscenes, while the gameplay translations will provide menu translations, item/spell lists, and other information needed to master FFX-2's innovative game mechanics.

Are you guys affiliated with Square in any way?

No.  While we certainly would not be averse to the idea if someone were to, say, offer us a paying job, we are currently not affiliated with anyone but ourselves.  As the title of the page implies, this is an unofficial, entirely fan-organized project.

Translating a huge game like FFX-2 just for the hell of it?  What are you, crazy or something?

Why yes, thank you very much.  And yet, there is a method to our madness.  With this translation project, we hope to:

• Enjoy the hell out of this game. First and foremost, we are huge Final Fantasy fans.  Translating can be tough work, but the sheer fun of exploring FFX-2 more than makes up for any hard times.
• Improve our own Japanese comprehension ability and J-E translation skills.
• Provide a service to help English-speaking gamers better enjoy their imported copy of FFX-2.
• Win fame and fortune, the unqualified adulation of millions, and take the first step in our master plan for world domination.

Okay, maybe not that last one.

Riiiiiiiight... So who are you guys, anyway?

The Unofficial FFX-2 Translation is entirely the work of Nathan Mallory.

Hmm... Do I know you from somewhere?

Possibly.  If you imported the original FFX back in the summer of 2001, you may find this site and its author familiar.  Despite juggling several responsibilities this time around, including work, school, and a multitude of car problems, it is the author's hope to provide the same speed and high quality that readers enjoyed last time.

Hey!  I know "arigato" doesn't mean "I love you." What gives?

As you may know, there is a distinct difference between "translation" and "localization."  The first involves converting one language to another, making only minor changes to preserve grammatical correctness.  Localization, on the other hand, takes distinct cultural variations into account.  Ultimately, the process of localization may alter the meaning slightly, in order to sound more natural and culturally relevant to the target audience.  Needless to say, well-done localization can be much more difficult than a strict translation.

There are, however, varying degrees of alteration, and the best localizations may not always change the original meaning.  To cite some examples, Konami's Castlevania series frequently produces titles for North America with very little "localization," often resulting in stiff, unnatural sounding characters.  Square's original North American release of Final Fantasy IV showed how difficult localization can be, introducing some "American" slang and censoring other conversations entirely.  On the other end of the spectrum, Working Designs is notorious for doing away with original dialogue entirely, opting instead to give their writers complete freedom as long as the basic message is conveyed.  Even Square's own Vagrant Story made significant alterations to original dialogue, changing the significance of scenes and adding European cultural elements where before there were none.  If done properly, a solid localization can enhance a game immeasurably.

Despite its name, this translation project is something of a "Localization 0.5."  I realize that nearly all of the site's readers will refer to the original Japanese FFX-2, so major changes are kept to a minimum.  If a similar phrase sounds better in English than a direct translation of the original, however, I may decide to make some small changes without sacrificing accuracy.