Soul Calibur
US artwork VS Japanese artwork for Soul Calibur. Is the US really that bad on censorship?
When I was in the US, every other word I heard on TV was "sex". But then again I think it was from Friends or Sex in the City.
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-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
america was founded by puritans so go figure. dunno what the fuss is over a video game characters cleavage when kids can just go on regular TV these days and see a lot worse.
but then again, what IS so wrong about seeing a womans bare breasts? if it comes from nature it's all good isn't it? too much brainwashing from society.
大学生徒
http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/
That's the point, the people that make stuff like this "necessary" (because it's not, nor will it ever be, no matter how hard those self-titled "neo-puritans" hope for it) are so horribly out of touch with reality, that they think that for some reason people play these games for the tits and "they must be stopped!". I've never met one person, not even a desperate 12 year-old, that gets off on watching Ivy bounce about the Soul Cali stages. I take that back, there was this girl I was friends with when I was about 18 that would actually get pretty turned on playing as her....
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
thats an...um...really interesting friend you got there.
Student
yes what a very interesting friend. tell me more
mouse clicker
nothing but lol.
"I've never met one person, not even a desperate 12 year-old, that gets off on watching Ivy bounce about the Soul Cali stages." I only do that after I beat the game
and unlock everything, THEN, I do that, but only when I'm bored. hehe
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
They're really bizarre about stuff like that here. But if that's the actual cover of the game's case, it could be a situation where they're considering children go into the stores where the games are sold, so they're "censoring" the image. That would make sense. It's silly, but it makes sense.
Also, there really are a bunch of prudes here, and it could just be that simple.
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
Sorry, I misread. You didn't say it was on the box or anything. And in that case...it really doesn't make much sense.
大学生徒
http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/
Well see, I don't know where you're from, but you have to understand the double-standards and hypocrisy of the overlords of amurica (also known as the fcc), to really "get" why you can't see boobage here, but it's okay to show people practically boning and say "shit" on certain shows but not others. See, if you or your creation are disliked because you point out flaws in things like, the presidency, the moronic "values" that this country was built on, or do anything that someone that hasn't had sex in 5+ years might find offensive and also has a position of power might find offensive, you're under the blade of censorship. However, if said moron's wife or grandmother likes a show, then that show is spared from the axe (yes, I switched metaphors). Case in point: in a 10 minute span, I was watching Family Guy and towards the end of the episode, someone says "bitch" and that was edited, and a cartoon asscrack was blurred out. A single line. I flip to another channel and catch the tail end of Everybody Loathes Raymond (I think that's what it's called *sic*) because a show that I wanted to watch was coming on, and in the 2-3 minutes of that show that I caught they let "bitch" slip through 3 times. Censorship here in the states makes no sense, and especially for videogames, because parents can't um, parent and be responsible for what their kids consume (compounded by the fact that every third kid here is on Ritalin or some other mind-numbing drug) then they foist the responsibility off on the companies that make the stuff. And everyone knows that videogame designers all have child psychology degrees and are obligated by their contracts in the industry to run a makeshift daycare center. Why do you think they come out with so many "pony-based" games for the DS? They have a quota of babysitting games to meet every year. ;) (lil facetious with that last part)
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
Censorship is really weird here; there doesn't seem to be any logic behind it at all, really. If you've ever watched the show Whose Line is it Anyway, you can really see censorship at work. It's an improv show where they take topic suggestions from the audience to use in their games, then act it out. Fairly often their stage manager comes out and says "Oh, you can't do that, or say that, etc." For the strangest things. They were trying to do a joke about Hitler, were told it wasn't allowed, and instead did a joke involving Native Americans, which apparently was A-OK. That's just one example, and it happens in nearly every episode.
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
i remember that episode. apparently its okay to make fun of a culture but not a madman.
Spiral Warrior
http://www.perfectdesignsense.com/martinwandering
That about sums it up.
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Talk about the infamous censored Yu-Gi-Oh! cards as well as some characters in certain videogames that are practically dressed up differently or simply removed... Worst was I guess in the past... Remember Final Fight and Poison? Etc., etc.
大学生徒
http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/
The Yu-Gi-Oh thing was a bunch of religious nuts/zealots in middle eastern countries saying that the Japanese put zionist symbols on the cards to steal the kids away from their faith. All I can say is, consider the damned source. What was the deal with Poison in Final Fight? Wasn't it like a cross-dresser in the Japanese version or something? I thought it might've been a hooker or something, but that seems like it's too simple. I just remember laughing whenever I read about it years later in a magazine or on the net or something.
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Not only that about the YGO TCG, but they had to suppress cleavages from certain female characters and all. ^^
Well, Capcom feared that bad girls getting punched and all would be bad, so they decided to turn her into a trap... which in the end made things much worse/complicated. ^^:
Network Admin
Censorship depends on what market you are going for. It's a video game and video games here come under heavy fire from parents. It doesn't matter that a game was an eroge. The developers made a game and parents expect not to have to pay attention to their child's activities.
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
I think a lot of that is because people still see video games as "toys," essentially. Just like anime is usually viewed as a cartoon (which they are, but, "cartoon" in America means something different...meaning people don't usually refer to shows like Family Guy and South Park as "cartoons"). Until they realize that they're not all for kids anymore, they're going to get uppity over every little thing.
Network Admin
Now I feel weird because I call South Park and Family Guy cartoons. I know most people do see video games as toys and it is starting to change now. There are alot of second generation gamers starting to have kids so its changing. Though everyone running for election wants to "stick it" to the video game industry.
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
in time, the old generations will die out so lets be patient. remember how they tried to vilify rock and roll back in the 40 or 50's? saying how it turned kids to Satan and all that crap?
every generation needs a bogeyman to point the finger at to make up for their lack of responsible parenting. it's the video game industry's turn this time I guess.
Spiral Warrior
http://www.perfectdesignsense.com/martinwandering
Fine point re: rock & roll.
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
Heh, sorry. It's not weird. I just mean, well.... In America, Scooby Doo is a cartoon. Cartoon, in general, is used to describe a show for children. So they look at these anime shows, and they see cartoons. Obviously if they were seeing something like Black Lagoon and not...I don't know...Pokemon or Naruto (though from what my friends who are fans of Naruto tell me, it's not necessarily a children's show, but it's been dumbed down here; I dislike it pretty intensely, so I wouldn't know personally), well, that would make it clear. And obviously you or I have a different sort of definition for the word.
Network Admin
Yep, I guess we do have different definitions of the word cartoon. What do you classify Family Guy or American Dad(though I'm not sure I like this show) as? Or what about those shows on Adult Swim(cartoon network)?
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
They're just sort of sitcoms to me. I mean, they're "adult cartoons," but that sounds so silly to say. I talk about them like they're regular TV shows. Like right now, I'm watching Home Movies on Adult Swim, but I don't really think "Oh, I'm watching a cartoon." Anime is still anime to me, though.
Oh, and I personally don't really care much for American Dad either.
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
http://www.chucksanimeshrine.com
can't agree with you more. Non-otakus here in the US think Anime is simple cartoons hense why they watered down and simply destroyed such great shows through needless censorship like DBZ, Sailor Moon, Naruto, One Piece. Thankfully One Piece just came out with an uncut version with new voice actors . It's so sad that the US does that to all of anime + don't get me started on the terrible "How to Draw Manga" books that come from here in the US (not the real "How to draw Manga" books)
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
http://puppy52art.com/
haha if you think US is bad, wait till you see some of the censored comics I had before :P so damn bad (like someone used a marker to paint the "swim wear" on o_o
Network Admin
I was always under the impression that Canada was less prone to censorship than the U.S. I blame the Puritan settlers for this crap.
Graphic Designer
When it comes to anything sexual, yes the US really is that bad with censorship. And yet, violence and gore in games and on TV is totally acceptable. Basically it's the opposite of Japan. From what I've seen, Japan is way more open with sexual content, but they tend to censor blood and violence more then the US. At least in videogames anyway. Just take a look at Resident Evil 4 and No More Heroes as a perfect example. Japanese versions of those games are censored for violence. And the US versions have all the exploding heads and blood intact.
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Yep, this is the greatest social
paradox (for both countries) I could never understand.
Spiral Warrior
http://www.perfectdesignsense.com/martinwandering
If only a group of intrepid Japanese and American settlers could found a new, enlightened country where neither sex nor violence were censored, but instead dealt with reasonably and with perspective, leading to a healthy and happy lifestyle for all.
I propose we found this wonderful state somewhere in Antarctica, where most people won't want to bother us. The penguins are pretty chill, don't worry.
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
how about we start it in a great big megalopolis underwater, far away from the political machinations of governments where we would be free to perform genetic experiments on each other. i would call that city, Rap...oh wait...bad idea.
Scientist, unemployed.
http://fmphoenixhawk.livejournal.com
That place exists. Japan. Well, after a few years of small edits. Certainly easier to fix than the US. We need a lot of work here.
Oh, and I don't think all of us Americans are bigots. I, for one, hate all people equally.
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://xspblog.com
In Brazil we have that too.. Brazil is also mainly a catholic country.
But it's funny. While we have all the fuss on violent games, nudity in cartoons, and stuff like that (animes are quite often censored), we still have soap operas which are watched by the majority of the population, and it has tons of stuff kids shouldn't be watching.
Just few days ago, I was watching this episode on a currently running soap opera that showed the pride of a woman for makign strip-teases on a bar and posing nude for some adult magazine.
Ridiculous. And judges are oh so worried about the violence in games... so much that they can't pay attention to our own reality.
Computer Science Student
http://gnuoykun.bebo.com
Agreed.
Jus tlook at all that Counter Strike and Everquest (I personally don't know anyone who plays everquest o_o") fiasco, the judjes are just plain stupid when something is related to games and/or anime/mangá too...
And sometimes they get something as Sakura CArd Captors, and don't have any censorship in it. Weirdos...
NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/
who cares... In the end, America is a country full of bigots (including me! Weeeee~)
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
i disagree. it isn't full of bigots, its just being run by them. And I'm not even American. ;P
Network Admin
No, the US is definitely is full of bigots.
Designer & Animator
http://ariaanime.wordpress.com
Getting the ASIA JP version!
Web Designer
Wanted larger images of these, anyone know who drew the characters for SCIV?
Student
Hopefully they won't censor the game when it comes to Europe. Just sneak it under the radar
Service desk support
http://lookingglass.kokidokom.net
or just import the japanese PS3 version. It'll work regardless.
As for the US, they're a really odd bunch. Show extreme violence and they won't bat an eyelid, but just a slight hint of nipple and they're on you like a tonne of bricks!!
Talking openly about sex may not get you into trouble but it'll still raise a few eyebrows so yeah, in america sex = very bad. violence = m'eh
Administrative Assistant
http://bob-san.animeblogger.net
Ahhh, America
Land of the free...so long as you do what we (government) tell you.
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
IF you censor em' then what's the point LOL
Retail
I don't like it when they do it in manga. If To-Love-Ru did come to the US I fear they do the censer version. The only reason I don't own Tenge Tenjo manga in US because it is censer. Oh well, killing other people art is what we do at times.
Library Technician
Right now there's a huge movement in US politics to see who can bash video games the most. Video games are blamed for just about everything, increased crime, increased teen pregnancy, increase in belligerent behavior, etc... Obama has even made quite a few subtle jabs at video games in his many talks about family values.
Ironically, all of this rhetoric is nothing more than a reiteration of the same BS that were tossed at comic books just 15-25 years ago (yes comic books were blamed for teen pregnancy), and now look at how comics are completely ignored when talking about the fall of western society.
Afro-ed Student
http://Mizunaga.blogspot.com/
*Imagines Malaysian artwork*..
LOL. I see her in a tudung!
-1
http://necrophadian.blogspot.com/
is that what you call a "hijab"?
Wanderer of the Mist
http://hangmen13.16ops.com/
Yes it is.
U.S. Navy
http://twitter.com/palm9x
I hope this just a website only thing and tah we will be getting the japanese version of the game with selectable audio and all....
Wanderer of the Mist
http://hangmen13.16ops.com/
Moralfags, moralfags, oh it be thou yet again moralfags. Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, everywhere. Its all the same, and I'm getting tired of them ranting about small things (what about war and poverty? Anyone?). I can imagine what would happen if the picture above is made widely available to the public in my country. Some nutjob from a religious organization that I never heard of would surely RAGE HARD over such trivial matters.
anime junky :3
http://www.youtube.com/ThisGuyJohn
america is one big ass contradiction. everyone says one thing and does another and that includes the government, fcc groups, and citizens.
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
http://www.chucksanimeshrine.com
as a new yorker....you are too correct. For many of us otaku who have, I dunno common sense, the stuff that goes on in the US just makes our heads hurt, whether you live in the US or not.
anime junky :3
http://www.youtube.com/ThisGuyJohn
yea i live a good 10-20 minutes away from washington DC (where i was born)
but i hear you, you just gotta shake your head out of utter disgust or displeasure and move on.
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
http://www.chucksanimeshrine.com
when the US does artwork...its just plain old bad.
Retail
I don't know what you mean by that, but to take it the way I think you meant it. I love our art and even though I love anime (Manga, Anime, figures and so on) I still read comic books.
Network Admin
What kind of artwork are you talking about? When I go the Chicago Art Museum I see some amazing art by Americans.
Graphic Designer
Have you been to the Milwaukee Art Museum? Just the building itself is a work of art.
anime junky :3
http://www.youtube.com/ThisGuyJohn
i think he may be referring to the comics/cartoons compared to japanese manga/anime..
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
Well her head just looks WAY too small. WAY too small. And I don't care for the US or Japanese artwork frankly... she's not my kinda thing...
And yes, Sex and the City is very sex orientated. But Friends was not. Friends was lovely, family viewing.
university student
http://comica23.deviantart.com
Well at least this character in the US version will have less problems when in action lolol.. XP
I don't know much about the details, but censorship kinda destroyed the original charm of the original products.. They could just be as good as not importing those stuffs they censor at all. (sorry bad English >.<; )
Software Quality Engineer
http://brotherwormgear.blogspot.com/
Damn. I really like Soul Kalibur-- I was looking forward to the new one, but this is just stupid! I agree with all of the comments posted here. My take on the situation is that all of the puritanical sexual-repression over here is partially responsible for the American obsession with violence. What we find, ultimately, is anger and frustration, leading to disgusting acts--- like when some JERK in the Marine Corps rapes a teenager in Okinawa. I give up. The overly-patriotic right-wingers over here like to say, "if you don't like America, then get out." My response-- GLADLY. I'm trying.
Anway-- anyone heard about any hacks/mods for PS3 yet, that will remove the region-zoning? There were mod chips for all the previous Sony consoles...
Programmer/IT/Student
http://wickedotaku.blogspot.com/
Yes, the US is pretty bad with it's censorship. This is just one of the many reasons I want to move away from here.
Marketing Flee
http://twflee.blogspot.com/
what a pity. i'll make sure if i were to get the game, i'll get the japanese version rather than the american version.
Designer
http://www.edenfantasys.com/
"When I was in the US, every other word I heard on TV was "sex"." And how else do you think the sex education could be performed?
P.S. I like the picture of that sexy Amazon... very nice...
Game Designer
http://Satellite-Stage.net
that's what I really don't understand. The states love to censor anything that's foreign. This isn't limited to Japanese games/manga/anime, it's reach also affects games from Europe. Fahrenheit for example had the sex scene edited out. It's so minor and ridiculous. I watch american TV from time to time and its got more sex and violence, guts and gore, wet and wild, than many anime/manga I read.
I guess it's because anime/manga/games are received in America as things that are for kids, and thus, must be censored. Instead, what they should be doing, is categorizing these types of foreign media, as they would domestic ones. It's confusing because I live in Canada we usually get shafted for everything. Luckily, I also live in Hong Kong, and its probably the best Otaku-Wonderland outside of Japan. =]
Anyways, I'm a long time reader, first time poster. Yoroshiku ne?