I choose you, Nekomologamikidan!

[BrainWalker]

Okay, so, I used some of my Christmas cash to buy Metal Slug X, Pocket Fighter, and The Misadventures of Tron Bonne a while ago. The Metal Slug X home version comes with an art gallery with all kinds of groovy information in it. Unfortunately, SNK is a Japanese company, so Pervy, Reako and I can't read any of that information. This is where Molonekokidangami comes in. I need the two of you, or anyone else nearby who can read this stuff (like, say, Doc's girlfriend whose name I can never remember) to tell me what the Hell is going on in the descriptions in these pics. It's probably interesting! Well, to Metal Slug fanboys like us, anyway.

Pictures like, say, this one:


I'll probably be posting more based on the success of this experiment and weighing the demand for knowledge against the will of Nemokologakimidan to be shamelessly exploited for my amusement.

So far, I've asked Amanda about this one and she had the following to say:
<span style="color:blue;">J4deninj44:</span> Lessee....
<span style="color:blue;">J4deninj44:</span> Boss. (Duke Takasomething) something.. the middle of the world turn *can't read* Japan's gamemaker's "pakufuru" boss. Adult/children something....this maker is doing......something...to the world.

It was more helpful than you might think!

So... anyway...

Go, Monelokokigadanmi, or whoever! Use your sonic seiyuu attack! Or something. For great justice!



<p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=brainwalker>BrainWalker</A]&nbsp; at: 1/23/05 18:23

[PriamNevhausten]

It's a shame that is an image and not text, because I could totally figure it out if it were. http://www.rikai.com is wai =D <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">"It's in the air, in the headlines in the newspapers, in the blurry images on television. It is a secret you have yet to grasp, although the first syllable has been spoken in a dream you cannot quite recall." --Unknown Armies</span></p>

[BrainWalker]

That it is! <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Molokidan]

Amanda did a good job! But "pakufuru" was actually "pawafuru", or "powerful", it was a wa, not a ku. I don't blame her, though, as the writing was pretty messy. Anyway, here's my take on the whole thing:

Boss/Manager/Company President Duke Koudou

The powerful president of a Japanese game company, who personally runs around the world selling his goods. Loved by children and adults alike, his company is just short of being #1 in the world.


Keep 'em coming! This is good practice for me, now that I'm back in the states. And of course, Nekogami is free to add any commentary/corrections that she wants. <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[BrainWalker]

Actually, that's kind of the gist I got from Amanda's input, but somehow it seemed more sinister :P

Star Control 2 has taught me about decrypting text that doesn't make literal sense and reading between the lines.

Also: Duke Koudou? If that's the case, then where did "Taka[something]" come from? Just out of curiosity; to me Japanese writing is like some kind of funky abstract art that I'm just not indie enough to understand. Also, the name "Duke Takasomething" amuses me.

Anyway, now that the mystery of Duke Koudou has been unravelled, it's on to round two! This probably doesn't unravel any mysteries, but I gotta know what the Hell is going on here.



I apologize for legibility issues, but these are screenshots from ePSXe, and there's not a whole lot I can do with them. <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=brainwalker>BrainWalker</A]&nbsp; at: 1/24/05 9:45

[Molokidan]

Japanese is very annoying like that, where two symbols can mean two completely different sounds. What it depends on is the other symbol that it's paired with. Even more confusing is names, which can have totally abstract sounds that have nothing to do with the symbols at all. I picked "Koudou" over Taka something, because while "Taka" is the normal sound for that symbol, when it's paired with the other one, it SHOULD be "Kou". HOWEVER...if it's the guy's name, it might mean something completely different. Those would be two really weird symbols for a name, though, so I went with koudou.

Wow, this was a lot harder than the last.

Traversing the Starry Sky
Morden? (It's someone's name. The original Is Mo-den, which usually denotes an R, but is it something different in the game?) Military Squad (This is rough, I could read two out of the three symbols in this word. I'm usually really bad with political/government/military words, and this is one of them.)

Warrior Soldier Morden was sent to a far-off (earlier I had thought this was some obscure name =P) Planet to live a joint life with the Mars people...it is said that he has learned many things in his time there. His own sex being unknown to him, falling in love is a particularly interesting part of Morden's day-to-day life.

Edit: Translated the stuff I was missing earlier. <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=molokidan>Molokidan</A]&nbsp; at: 4/2/05 20:59

[Archmage144]

Now that's just fucked up. <p><hr /><div style="text-align:center"></div>

</p>

[Zemyla]

First time I've seen a t-monster love a guy. <p>-----
Do not taunt Happy Fun Zemyla.

<span style="font-size:xx-small;">I think boobs are the lesser of two evils. - Inverse (Pervy)
Dammit, Dan, I'm not dating a damn NPC! - OOC Will (Will Baseton)
Of course! Anything worth doing is worth doing completely wrong! - Travis English
Ultimately, wizards and clerics don't say, "Gee, I want to become a lich because weapons hurt less and I don't have to worry about being backstabbed; that whole 'eternal life' thing is just a fringe benefit."-Darklion
But this one time I killed a walrus with my bare hands, and I suddenly understood spherical coordinates. - KnightsofSquare</span>

Adventurers! | RPG World World | The Phantom Lord's OT Board mkII | Indie Madnesse | Brotherhood of Elitist Bastards</p>

[Archmage144]

There's no love in that. <p><hr /><div style="text-align:center"></div>

</p>

[FlamingDeth]

You know, somehow I think that's supposed to be "Mars people", not "mass people". <p>
<hr width="70%"><center>
This month's "Transformer of the Month" is Grimlock in a Santa hat! He's quite jolly.</center></p>

[BrainWalker]

Wow. Official Mars People x Morden soldier shoujou-ai. That is disturbing.

So, yea, it sounds like Japanese writing is like some kind of funky abstract art that even the Japanese sometimes have trouble understanding. Not that Molo is Japanese, but... umm... well, moving on.

You got "Morden" right. That's the name of the big head-honcho bossdude that commands the expendable nazis you shoot the shit out of throughout the first four games. Hence why they're generally referred to individually as "Morden soldier." Also, FD is correct about the "Mars People" thing.

Most of it makes sense... Morden sent one of his troops up to Mars (presumably) to hang with the Mars People. However, that bit about the gender confusion is really... well, confusing. I mean, none of the random dudes you shoot down are either women or bishounen, so... I dunno. Although it's possible and, indeed, probable that Morden could have some female soldiers on staff away from the frontlines or something. Still, it would make more sense if it was the martian dude that was confused about the concept of gender and falling in love. I think that's actually brought up somewhere else... I couldn't tell you where, though.

I learned some things, but I am still left kind of confused on this one. Still some impressive work, though.

Anyway, those were the two I was the most acutely curious about, so now we will simply continue with the dossier series. Or however you spell that.

<p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=brainwalker>BrainWalker</A]&nbsp; at: 1/24/05 22:56

[BrainWalker]

A-ha! So THAT'S who that is. Among the random bearded POW dudes with the gigantic boxer shorts full of ammo that you save all over the place, every now and then Hyakutarou shows up. He looks just like the rest of 'em, except instead of tossing you freebies and hightailing it out of danger, he sticks around and flings enemy-seeking energy ball things at enemies. He's totally awesome. I can't remember if he had a rank, though...

Damn Molo, you're just full of useful services. Maybe I should queue up some of these for next time you're feeling ambitious instead of just doing one a day.

Oh yea, and don't worry about not being up on Metal Slug. That's my job :P

Edit: He does indeed have a rank. Apparently he's a Second Lieutenant! Also: I don't know if this is significant, but there's no "U" at the end of his name in the US games. I'm pretty sure it isn't. Significant, that is.

EditII: Okay, next item up for bid!

<p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=brainwalker>BrainWalker</A]&nbsp; at: 1/25/05 15:48

[Molokidan]

Oh, ok, Mars People. It was written in Katakana (the symbols for foreign words) and the first thing that came to mind was Mass, not mars. . . .maybe I need to read up on MS's story for this >_>;

Anyway, here it is:

”One Word"&#12288;Hyakutarou (Or "Hundred Tarou")
In that man's hand a mysterious light is always glowing. But how could such a raging power that rules the battlefield come from such an unenergetic old man? <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[PriamNevhausten]

I agree with the insignificance of Hyakutaro(u) u-presence-or-lack-thereof. When the japanese elongate a vowel, they usually do so with a line 'dragging' the sound out into the next character. Kuu, with a long 'u' sound, would be written ku-. Anyone played Xenogears? This is why Fei says "Ha-------mmer!"

The exception to this rule is the 'o' sound. When an 'o' is elongated, instead of the line-dragging a 'u' character is placed after it. This is a point of personal preference when it comes to romanizing; "domo arigato" can be written that way, as "domo arigatou," or in some cases "domo arigatoo." The meaning comes across similarly either way, because written language is not itself language, but merely a method of conveying spoken sounds visually. But I digress. <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">"It's in the air, in the headlines in the newspapers, in the blurry images on television. It is a secret you have yet to grasp, although the first syllable has been spoken in a dream you cannot quite recall." --Unknown Armies</span></p>

[Molokidan]

Yeah, Priam, you are right. I just write everything word-for-word, and then it's up to the recieving end on how they want to interpret it. If there is an "o" and "u" sound in the Japanese, I'll do it that way...but of course spoken is completely different. It's so hard to distinguish that it's easier just to do it straight and narrow.

Oh, and I'll translate that next one tommorow afternoon when I get home from school, so sit tight! This is fun! <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[Nick Shogun]

Goddamn Martians killed my father... <p>---


</p>

[PriamNevhausten]

Wow. This thread makes me realize just how badly I need to brush up on my kana. I can't even read that picture's second line, even with two minutes to try and remember each syllable.

Either that or his name (or whatever that is, I suppose) makes little linguistic cohesive sense. <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">"It's in the air, in the headlines in the newspapers, in the blurry images on television. It is a secret you have yet to grasp, although the first syllable has been spoken in a dream you cannot quite recall." --Unknown Armies</span></p>

[Zem lurker]

Or perhaps the game itself makes little linguistic cohesive sense. Remember who published it.

[BrainWalker]

Oh, snap! <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Molokidan]

This one was the easiest so far for some reason&#12289;so I got it done early.

Capt. Ajirabia
Adbul Abbars
The Ajirabia Military Infantry Squad, no matter how badly they're being beaten, always continue to head forward. Their undomitable fighting ability is their treasure. <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[BrainWalker]

Heheheh... yep, that sounds like the crazy Arabian infantry dudes alright. Well, then, if things are getting too easy, perhaps it's time to switch gears a little!



I'm pretty sure that has something to do with Duke Koudou, but I can't prove it. <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>Edited by: [url=http://p068.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=brainwalker>BrainWalker</A]&nbsp; at: 1/27/05 19:23

[PriamNevhausten]

Attaché case

Okay, so I can read the first line. <p><span style="font-size:xx-small;">"It's in the air, in the headlines in the newspapers, in the blurry images on television. It is a secret you have yet to grasp, although the first syllable has been spoken in a dream you cannot quite recall." --Unknown Armies</span></p>

[EKDS5k]

Attache Case, and the second line is Duke Whatsisname, and then something something something. I know all of like 15 kanji, and these are written messily anyway.

Also, to make a minor correction, the

[Molokidan]

Sorry..I have been super busy with school lately, I have like homework in every class and stuff. Anyway, that's no excuse, here is the translation:

Attache Case

Duke Koudou's treasured briefcase. Contained inside is his company's first game casette, a new releases catalogue, memory card, and other things of value. <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[FlamingDeth]

Actually, that's a pretty good excuse. <p>
<hr width="70%"><center>
This month's "Transformer of the Month" is Grimlock in a Santa hat! He's quite jolly.</center></p>

[BrainWalker]

It really is, you know. Don't let that Japnese work ethic take hold! You're in a new Rome, now, and here the Romans are lazy bastards. You don't have to apologize for being late to reply to a thread on a message board :P

Especially if you were doing something, you know, important.

ANYWAY!

So thats what he's been pimping, eh? First production model of a new gaming system. This amuses me!

Next in line:



I have no idea what's going on in this one. <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Molokidan]

Name: "Neminato Cock" (Is Neminato a name of a place? Its literal translation is "Sleeping/Sleepy Port")

Neminato #26 is from the third generation of unfertilized Neminato eggs. Usually, all unfertilized third generation Neminato eggs die immediately, however there is the occasional rare occurance of third-generation Neminatos born without fatal genetic mutation.

In such occurances, the result is called the "Neminato Cock", which is removed from the egg with a special cloth. Neminato Cocks obtain very high prices on the market, and are prized even as high as the "Fighting Chicken."

(X_X this one was the hardest yet...how the hell am I supposed to know what genetic mutation means! =P Keep 'em comin'!) <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[BrainWalker]

YAY! THE <s>CHEAT</s> <span style="color:teal;">TOPIC</span> IS NOT DEAD! <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[ikozaedro]

i got psx metal slug x too, i always wondered a bout that too!

so, the end boss of metal slug 4 is just some game maker company president? thats weird!

by the way, are you going to post the one with the actual T-rape like stuff? <p><div style="text-align:center"> <span style="color:fuchsia;font-family:comic sans ms;font-size:large;">LAMBO SWIMS LIKE A BRICK!!</span>

my deviant art thingy!
quote:
"-Corrr! a giant ice key!
-I know where i could like to stick that one"
Banjo and Kazooie </div>
</p>Edited by: ikozaedro&nbsp; at: 3/31/05 13:15

[pd Rydia]

Oshit, I thought this thing was not only dead, but shrined! <p><hr /><div style="text-align:center">"Pants are bad!!! We should wear pants only on our head you conformist bastard!!! Pants are the devils work!! Run freee!! And pantless!!!" -- Vulture</div>
</p>

[BrainWalker]

It was! But I totally used my moxious powers of modery to bring it back!

Yea, I can do stuff like that. <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[pd Rydia]

Oshit! <p><hr /><div style="text-align:center">"Pants are bad!!! We should wear pants only on our head you conformist bastard!!! Pants are the devils work!! Run freee!! And pantless!!!" -- Vulture</div>
</p>

[BrainWalker]

Hey, would you like to lose weight fast without diet or exercise? Then you need:



The only weight-loss suppliment strong enough to kill cockroaches! <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Molokidan]

*Weight Reduction Medicine!*

The weight loss medicine comes from the "demon capital" in the eastern sea, Neminato.

When a normal human quaffs this medicine, they will die due to its great power. Believed to be a poison for many years, it was suddenly proved to be a very powerful weight loss medicine with modern technology.

(This one was tough, simply because the writing was so messy on it. Really, they need to learn better handwriting!) <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[RebelKitsune]

That. is fucking scary.

Also, I am forever indebted to you all for this. I've cried over my inability to read japanese for the whole 5 years i've owned that game, and at long last the mysteries of life have been put to rest. Are there any more left? <p><div style="text-align:center">
<span style="color:navy;font-family:century gothic;font-size:large;">LOSER!!!1!!1!WTFLOL!1</span>
<span style="font-family:century gothic;font-size:x-small;">"Griff. It is a duck. Do not punch it.
No kicking, either.
It might have powers." ~ Kylitos</span>
</div></p>

[ikozaedro]

yes, lets see
-morden being raped (there is something covering, of course)
-the mars people and the scientist with the blue prints
-super soilder
-the explorer guy

not that i am demanding em....>.> <p><div style="text-align:center"> <span style="color:fuchsia;font-family:comic sans ms;font-size:large;">LAMBO SWIMS LIKE A BRICK!!</span>

my deviant art thingy!
quote:
"-Corrr! a giant ice key!
-I know where i could like to stick that one"
Banjo and Kazooie </div>
</p>

[BrainWalker]

Well, Hell, anyone else that has access to these gallerymajigs is welcome to throw out any requests. There's a huge mass of information in there, so I don't see this thread running dry anytime soon. It may be forever before anything you're particularly interested in shows up, so don't hesitate to speak up. <p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Molokidan]

Come on! Keep 'em coming! I'm on a roll here. <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>

[BrainWalker]

Well, the main reason these aren't rolling as fast as they could be is that, with each one, I end up trying something different in Paint Shop to try and make them more legible. It's tough.

Also, MORE STUFF!

<p><div style="text-align:center"></div></p>

[Molokidan]

-MARS PEOPLE-

Where they came from and what they are is completely unknown. **SOMETHING** In order for those repairs, they assumed the Morden unit was sent...but still, why would Morden want to destroy such a beautiful planet?

I'm missing one short sentence....it's the third line down, in the middle, do you see that *really* messed-up lookin' kanji? Yeah....that's impossible to read x_x I'm sorry!! <p>---------------

"Well slap a dead fish on me and call me Molokidan!"</p>