A Challenging Adventure Turned Frustrating

Hollow Knight: Silksong promises thrilling combat and grueling boss battles. However, for players in China, the experience has become less about mastering the game and more about deciphering its perplexing translations.

Dramatic Shift in Ratings

On Steam, Silksong boasts a overall "Mostly Positive" rating, but don’t be fooled! When you look specifically at reviews in Simplified Chinese, the rating plummets to a shocking "Mostly Negative." This stark contrast highlights a significant disconnect between different language versions.

Translation Troubles Hit Hard

While critiques about difficulty and lack of rewards fill the reviews, the recurrent theme is undoubtedly the confusing translations. Chinese players expressed their frustration, drawing comparisons to a bizarre blend of ancient and modern language styles. Many feel the translation fails to convey the game's intended vibe.

Expert Opinions on the Translation Disaster

Tiger Tang, a translator known for his work on the indie RPG OMORI, weighed in, stating the translation comes off more like a Wuxia novel—a genre filled with martial arts and ancient tales—rather than matching the tone of Silksong. This critique captures the sentiment of countless players who just want an immersive experience without the added translation woes.

The Wider Implications for Localized Games

This situation raises broader questions about the importance of quality localization in the gaming industry. As more developers strive for global reach, ensuring that translations resonate with local audiences becomes crucial. Will the team behind Silksong address these concerns and restore its reputation among Chinese gamers? Only time will tell.