Non-English Songs in Games

[Zerlina]

I found the perfect song to use for my game. Its text and music reflects the themes, situations and mood of the story, but there's one problem. While it's not odd for me to listen to, I'm not sure if for people who don't understand, using a Mandarin song would detract from the game. Would it pull you out of the story? Would you think it was stupid to have a non-english song in an english language game? Please tell me your opinion.

The reason why I make a new thread instead of asking just in my game thread is because I think this would help other people too.


The poll doesn't work because I got an SQL error when I tried to fill it out.

[Linkizcool]

Well, lets hear it first. If the setting is a Oriental-type environment, the it would not detract at all.

[FFL2and3rocks]

Originally posted by Zerlina
Its text and music reflects the themes, situations and mood of the story

Then it should be alright.

If you just threw in a Mandarin song just because it's a cool song, then it probably shouldn't be in there.

[Zerlina]

http://www.homepagez.com/asaingal92/Coral%20Sea%20(Shan%20Hu%20Hai).mp3


translation:
 

The sea from far began to cover the surface , How could my sadness be calmed down
I remained straight-faced, trying to cover a hint of resignation

You said that you wanted to leave

Love is absent

He remained silent with a tinge of sadness. The raging waves
(We) will understand that it is not the waves but a sea full of tears
Turning around and leave, (I) can't speak out sincerely


Our love, has always been a controversial matter
Our love has always existed, we can't go back

A love forever true, ends up accumulating pain
How many times has waiting lead to pain?
Turn around and leave, I can't speak out sincerely
 
You have something to say but you can't speak
An azure coral sea, a missed momentary paleness

At the beginning, both of our immature confessions
The warm feelings cannot change, smiles cannot be hidden
In the face of love, a smile cannot be forced

Love is buried deep within the coral sea
The sea breeze caressing the face , the salty love , (We) could not suppress the feelings for the future

In my game water (rain, snow, ocean etc) is always symbolic of or relating to time. It's a very important element throughout the story. As well there are other things which relate to this song but I can't say because it'd spoil too much.

[WarxePB]

Liberi Fatali (FF8 intro song) is one of my all-time favorite songs, even though I can't understand any of the lyrics. So yeah, if you find a good song with non-english lyrics, use it.

[ZeroKirbyX]

I honestly would prefer a gmae that has word songs to have words I understand. I like the SA/SA2 music, but when I hear it in japanese... not so much.

[Linkizcool]

I usually love songs that sound epic, the fact that I can't understand the lyrics makes the song sound so much more powerful, but only if the lyrics are from a language that sound kind of like it would fit in with the setting.