Suiko...WHAT???

KQswst104 · Post by **KQswst104** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:40 pm

Does anyone know why Konami decided to call the games Suikoden in the U.S. and Europe instead of a translation??? The Water Margin may not sound as good, but at least you can pronounce it.

Post by **Vextor** » Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:50 pm

Although this may sound stupid, but it may simply be due to the translator not knowing that Suikoden means "Water Margin."

Silvermouse · Post by **Silvermouse** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:25 pm

"Suikoden" doesn't sound any stranger than "Water Margin" to me.

Asquian · Post by **Asquian** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 2:20 pm

I prefer suikoden. Water margin wouldn't have sold worth crap, IMHO. if i saw a game called water margin back when i bought the first suikoden, i'd have ignored it completely.

Pesmerga69 · Post by **Pesmerga69** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 6:42 pm

your right Suikoden is a Much better name. The only reason I got Suikdoen was because of what it said on the back of the case.

Juneve · Post by **Juneve** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:29 am

what does Water Margin mean? I don't get it. Yes, I am american so that might be the reason... but if anyone could tell me what it means.

Asquian · Post by **Asquian** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 6:38 am

Water Margin is the chinese book on which Suikoden is based. I think suikoden means water margin, or something. I dunno bout that part.

Anyway, Water Margin is where the 108 stars of destiny idea came from. If you look around online you can find the 4 part book series. I'm in the process of obtaining a set.

The Bryan · Post by **The Bryan** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 9:53 am

Are the books in english?

Mymiridion · Post by **Mymiridion** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:18 am

water margin......your telling me you would rather have a game called water margin.....oh boy....

Shirofan · Post by **Shirofan** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:43 am

You have a game called the Water Margin; just because it is in a different language does not alter the meaning.

Actually it may have been more successful, in the UK at least, if it had been called the Water Margin as that would have seen people connect it with the dubbed 70's tv show of the same name (or the Chinese Restaurant on the corner.)

By referring to it as Suikoden then even those who are aware of the source material would be unlikely to make the link as the Japanese version of the name is not familiar.
The whole emphasis on calling the game Genso Suikoden in Japan was to inform people exactly what they were buying: a fantasy version of the Water Margin story; by continuing to refer to it as Suikoden overseas it gave the game a "what's that about then?" feel and insinuated that it was a quirky Japanese game.

As for the books of the original story then yes they are available in English translated from the Chinese. There are several versions with different names so you may want to try looking for "Outlaws of the Marsh"and "All Men are Brothers"; as well as "Legends of the Water Margin".

Lechium · Post by **Lechium** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 3:27 am

What does "Genso" mean than, since for Asian markets game is sold as "Genso Suikoden"?

koriand'r · Post by **koriand'r** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 7:09 am

Shirofan wrote:You have a game called the Water Margin; just because it is in a different language does not alter the meaning.

Actually it may have been more successful, in the UK at least, if it had been called the Water Margin as that would have seen people connect it with the dubbed 70's tv show of the same name (or the Chinese Restaurant on the corner.)

I don't think there are many 30yr olds who buy suikoden if any that is and if there were they'll be either fawlty tower fans, fools and horses, porriage, on the buses, stepfather and son fans or monthy python fans. I think that'll be going a bit far to assume that some people could relate the water margin name to a 70's show that would had been overshadowed by those titles.

I can see why the developers go for 'suikoden' It is a more effective product name than just water margin INMO.

Yubar · Post by **Yubar** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 9:10 am

lmao Water margine,thank god they didnt call it that i would have laughed at it,im a sceptic i only buy a game if it looks good or is reviewed high,except the odd occasion where i try my luck

Sesshomaru · Post by **Sesshomaru** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 11:11 am

I would of still bought the game but i would of hid it from my friends when they come come over for a party.

KQswst104 · Post by **KQswst104** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 8:16 pm

water margin......your telling me you would rather have a game called water margin.....oh boy....

There's no need to be a prick about it.

All I'm saying is I doubt the average gamer sees a Suikoden cover and says "GREAT TITLE"!!! The only reason YOU, I and everyone else likes it is probably because it gives us a sentimental feeling from being attached to 3 great games. Would you love it just as much if it had been called Water Margin to begin with? Yes, you would.

Suikosource

Suiko...WHAT???

Suiko...WHAT???

maybe I am just an idiot...