Thread: Do you think the Westernization of Pokemon Black and White is a good thing?

No offense, but there wasn't any real westernization, it's just based off of America. It feels a lot like America from a Japanese tourist's perspective... And saying adding minority trainers weakens the experience is borderline offensive. Really it's no more different than Sinnoh was with it's European influences, or Johto with it's more traditional Japanese flair.

As for the characters being offensive, Aloe wasn't that offensive, I believe her underlings called her "Mama" or something and she had an apron, but that was basically it. Really, in the end she was no more offensive than Yakon. (There were no other significant stereotypes with anyone else, most acted like their Japanese characters would)

Originally Posted by bell02+

No offense, but there wasn't any real westernization, it's just based off of America. It feels a lot like America from a Japanese tourist's perspective... And saying adding minority trainers weakens the experience is borderline offensive. Really it's no more different than Sinnoh was with it's European influences, or Johto with it's more traditional Japanese flair.

Yeah

Plus I found the first post kinda racist, the way it was worded.

But anyway, what's wrong with it being based off America (New York, specifically)? How does that affect your gaming experience?

WHY should it affect it?

Playing all the Pokemon games from each generation, I never had the sense that each region had a"Japanese" or "Western" look. They all looked the same to me, a part from the obvious graphical changes over the course of each generation.

Originally Posted by Life Alert

The only problem I'd see the localization team having is Aloe, and it's been indicated she's going to be edited in all versions of Black and White, even future Japanese versions.

They're not going to edit trainer classes for being black.

Oh? Is it due to the "Mama" thing...or?

I dont think they will do that much to Aloe, no they arent going to turn her skin purple, thats ridiculous. i really dont get why this is a big deal, New York is a great, multicultural place, it was a good choice to base the region off of, be happy they chose America, they could have chosen Africa or India, maybe they will choose those for future regions

I love the diversity. It seems like it will make for a richer, deeper world than previous games. I as an American can relate to the new region better (not that I had a problem with previous regions). And I don't see why anyone's whining about racism. Just because a character has one or two characteristics which fulfill a racist stereotype, doesn't mean they were intended that way. Yes, Aloe is referred to as "mama" and wears an apron. She's also an educated woman who runs a library. Unlike stereotypes, she's a fully fleshed-out character. And she's far from the only one.

And to the people suggesting that Game Freak will change the races for worldwide release: isn't that even more racist?

Originally Posted by PowerfulStarmie

It's like Game Freak is being all fan-servicey to Western countries instead of having its own original flair.

Did they not produce 17 games spanning four generations and fourteen years set in regions inspired by Japan? Personally, I'm surprised it took them this long to branch out. Ultimately it doesn't matter to me all that much, as long as the game itself is good.

I think only weaboos (non-Japanese who have become obsessed with Japanese culture via videogames, anime, and manga and see the country as an idealized place full of entertainment) would notice or really care about the change. And I really don't see that negative of a depiction coming from the non-white, non-Asian trainers. The only stereotypical things about Aloe are her apron and trainer title. That's about it

Enjoy the Hispanics and African Americans while you can, because it will all be censored when the game arrives in the west. Just saying it now judging from past events.

Except for the African Americans added to Battle Revolution and Barlow in Pokemon Ranger 2 and Pancho in the anime.

Jynx is not a normal depiction of an African American, sorry. And I'm concerned that you would think that it is.

Personally, when I played, I always felt like the characters were American. I know all the little kids do as well. I cannot count the number of kids I've had to explain Pokemon being Japanese too. So, frankly, the westernization just isn't noticeable.

Apparently the only change they made to Aloe was to turn the apron into a jacket that she carries.

So yeah, not a big deal.

Personally, when I played, I always felt like the characters were American. I know all the little kids do as well. I cannot count the number of kids I've had to explain Pokemon being Japanese too. So, frankly, the westernization just isn't noticeable.

There are a few major characters where it's noticable - Koga and Erika, but for the most part, no.

Originally Posted by Ryuutakeshi

Personally, when I played, I always felt like the characters were American. I know all the little kids do as well. I cannot count the number of kids I've had to explain Pokemon being Japanese too. So, frankly, the westernization just isn't noticeable.

How so?
To be honest, they look no different to usual trainers - Caucasian, but speaking Japanese. Apart from the more Western trainer classes (American Football players, French Pastry Chefs, Team Plasma looking like British Knights). There's American football in Japan...
The only difference, was the lack of obviously Japanese characters (Koga and Erika in Generation I/III). But aside from them...what previous Gym Leaders are clearly Japanese? Although we've had America and France portrayed as foreign (Lt. Surge and Fantina).

Originally Posted by Zeta

Apparently the only change they made to Aloe was to turn the apron into a jacket that she carries.

So yeah, not a big deal.

It's still an apron

Meh, I still don't think it's a big deal.

Agreed, still don't think it's a big deal. I actually like it; Black and White did a lot to make the Pokemon franchise seem like a world and not just this static fantasy land; more diversity between the regions makes it a lot more believable, in my honest opinion.

Originally Posted by Ryu Shoji

How so?
To be honest, they look no different to usual trainers - Caucasian, but speaking Japanese. Apart from the more Western trainer classes (American Football players, French Pastry Chefs, Team Plasma looking like British Knights). There's American football in Japan...
The only difference, was the lack of obviously Japanese characters (Koga and Erika in Generation I/III). But aside from them...what previous Gym Leaders are clearly Japanese? Although we've had America and France portrayed as foreign (Lt. Surge and Fantina).

I sorta get the feeling you didn't understand what I said. I said that when I play, I don't notice the westernization. Heck, I barely even notice the Japanese characters are japanese. They're NPC's in a video game.