ROM Hacks: Super Mario RPG: Relocalized now available!

[RHDNBot]

Update By: CoolCatBomberMan

In 2021, CoolCatBomberMan attempted to create a patch for Super Mario RPG that rewrote certain aspects of the game's script to be more in line with the Japanese script. That patch was called "SMRPG-Reworked Text." While it did receive glowing reviews, one review was particularly spiteful, claiming that CoolCatBomberMan had "a complete misunderstanding of this intent all the way through." This review, though hurtful, wasn't entirely wrong. "Reworked Text" at times did, in fact, excise parts of Woolsey's script based entirely on personal tastes, and rather than carefully consider the context and meaning of various pop culture references in the Japanese script, the patch simply threw in whatever joke or meme seemed appropriate at first glance. Eventually, CoolCatBomberMan requested for the patch to be removed, and never spoke about Super Mario RPG again...

...Until January 2022, when he built up the motivation to try again. Despite not knowing Japanese, CoolCatBomberMan was determined to go over every line in the game's script with a fine-toothed comb, using a copy of the Japanese script that was posted online, several online dictionaries, Clyde "Tomato" Mandelin's livestream, website and Snes9X Wanderbar plugin, and when all else failed, consultation and feedback from nejimakipiyo. The resulting process was agonizingly slow, but allowed CoolCatBomberMan to know with absolute certainty what was said in Japanese at any given moment. However, the truth of the matter is that not every aspect of Woolsey's script is inaccurate to the Japanese script. Frankly, there are places in the script where Woolsey did, in fact, provide the best translation possible. So, what should be done about such instances?

CoolCatBomberMan decided the best course of action for his relocalization was to take on the role of an editor, opting to only change a line in Woolsey's script if it notably deviates from the Japanese script without good reason, makes grammatical errors, or is simply formatted awkwardly. The result is a patch that is more in line with the Japanese script, while still conveying the feeling of Mario's world being a fantastical land of adventure and whimsy, filled with colorful characters from all walks of life. And, of course, several JP pop culture references have been replaced with more appropriate American equivalents. You won't find any Austin Powers quotes, but it should be noted that some quotes were simply translated as-is, because there simply wasn't any other viable way to translate them back in 1996. If you want to experience Super Mario RPG, but can't move past your distaste for Woolsey's creative liberties, then this patch will provide all the good from his script, with none of the bad. For real, this time!

Enjoy!

RHDN Project Page

Relevant Link

[EvilJagaGenius]

Glad to see you stuck through with this!  I probably won't get to SMRPG anytime soon but it sounds like this wouldn't be a bad place to start my first playthrough.

[Heaven Piercing Man]

Does it have SNES purple buttons or SFC colored buttons?

[CoolCatBomberMan]

Does it have SNES purple buttons or SFC colored buttons?

SNES purple buttons. No sprites were edited in any capacity.

[Googie]

I'm gonna try this tonight after dinner. 

[CoolCatBomberMan]

I'm gonna try this tonight after dinner. 

Hold off on that. Working on an update.

[MD_Prometh]

Is it compatible with this patch?

https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/3762/

[pariah164]

I just started playing this; at Mario's house, Toad just called Peach 'Toadstool'. Is that a part that stayed in or...?

[CoolCatBomberMan]

Is it compatible with this patch?

https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/3762/

It should be. I don't see why it wouldn't.

[MD_Prometh]

Are you sure it's suppose to be Xeno instead of Geno?

https://www.mariowiki.com/Geno#Geno The Japanese name is Geno. The character's appearance in Smash Ultimate uses Geno outside Japan too. I just like consistency lol

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoblade_Chronicles#cite_note-1 For Xeno, it'd use these characters like in Xenoblade.

[nejimakipiyo]

Glad to see the update has gone through! I've downloaded it and I'm looking forward to playing.

[CoolCatBomberMan]

Are you sure it's suppose to be Xeno instead of Geno?

https://www.mariowiki.com/Geno#Geno The Japanese name is Geno. The character's appearance in Smash Ultimate uses Geno outside Japan too. I just like consistency lol

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenoblade_Chronicles#cite_note-1 For Xeno, it'd use these characters like in Xenoblade.

I figured that Xeno was more thematically appropriate, considering the name means "stranger, foreign or alien," which fits the character more in my opinion. However, you bring up a fair point with Smash Ultimate. A new update is currently being processed, which splits the patch into 2: a Xeno version and a Geno version.

[jim35]

Coolcatbomber can this hack work with your hack of Super Mario rpg? https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/611/

[CoolCatBomberMan]

Coolcatbomber can this hack work with your hack of Super Mario rpg? https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/611/

At the risk of sounding like George Takei: OH MY!!! Considering how that hack changes dialog, I'm going to assume there will be issues, because I fiddled around and experimented with control codes for my hack with the intent of making certain cutscene dialogs read more naturally. (brief pauses, button presses continuing the line rather than starting a new line, etc.)

[akualung]

Despite not knowing Japanese, CoolCatBomberMan was determined to go over every line in the game's script with a fine-toothed comb, using a copy of the Japanese script that was posted online, several online dictionaries, Clyde "Tomato" Mandelin's livestream, website and Snes9X Wanderbar plugin, and when all else failed, consultation and feedback from nejimakipiyo

Just wanted to give you a shout-out. I can't begin to fathom the amount of work put into this. Respect.

[Techbane]

A new update is currently being processed, which splits the patch into 2: a Xeno version and a Geno version.

This has been a fascinating alternate trip through this game so far, but heads up: the Geno version 1.2 changes all dialogue references to Geno while retaining "Xeno" both when his name comes up in combat, and in any menu interfaces (party/equipment menu, shops, etc).

[julayla]

I figured that Xeno was more thematically appropriate, considering the name means "stranger, foreign or alien," which fits the character more in my opinion. However, you bring up a fair point with Smash Ultimate. A new update is currently being processed, which splits the patch into 2: a Xeno version and a Geno version.

Yeah. I mean the name Xeno is nice for the original, but I feel that people are just too use to the name "Geno" at this point.

[CoolCatBomberMan]

This has been a fascinating alternate trip through this game so far, but heads up: the Geno version 1.2 changes all dialogue references to Geno while retaining "Xeno" both when his name comes up in combat, and in any menu interfaces (party/equipment menu, shops, etc).

D'oh!
Update's being processed. Can't believe I managed to remember the spell names, but not the pause/battle menus...

[nortenodelsur]

i havent play this game since i was in junior... Nice!