Okay, so here's the deal. Earlier this year I made a post indicating that my Grandia II undub project was stalled out due to a problem that was causing hangs after inserting text into a certain file. The file in question is the one that contains the script for Mirumu village. I was originally hoping to get some outside help in getting the issue solved, but that didn't happen. I wasn't even able to successfully contact the person I was trying to get help from, and to be completely honest I'm not even sure if they're still alive. So that was kind of a downer... but, as it turns out it didn't matter. I was able to solve the issue, and at this point I see no reason to believe I shouldn't be able to get this thing done without making compromises.
I'll make a post later explaining the technical details of what was going on, but for now I'd like to thank anyone following this project for being willing to put up with my perfectionism. The issue I was facing was not a critical one, and I could have produced a very respectable final product by simply working around it. Just not one I would have been satisfied with.
The fact it took so much time to solve was more a question of my not having enough time to work on this project recently than anything else. That, and I was operating under the assumption I'd be able to get help from someone who'd already solved the problem for quite a while until I finally gave up. But now I'm over the hump, and barring any unforeen issues, a release should be coming soon. I say "should", because given the amount of difficulty this game has given me so far (the text insertion hang is not the only issue I've had to deal with), I may yet run into other issues that could delay a release before I get done. The overall project completion is currently sitting at around 90%, but right now I'm extremely busy and my time to work on it is limited. I think a release before the end of the month is possible, but don't hold me to that. In the mean time, here is a quick video I made to show off undubbed battle voices:
Note that any graphical glitches you may notice are due to the emulator I'm using to test my modifications (nullDC). There are emulators that can play the game without nearly as many glitches, but I use nullDC because it has a few features that make testing easier.
One other thing. I just want to be clear on the fact that I am going to release this undub for the Dreamcast version of Grandia II, and only the Dreamcast version of Grandia II. The Dreamcast version is the original, and best version of the game. The PS2 port is a mess, and the PC port is defficient in at least a few areas (sound/battle glitches). That being said, if anyone wants to take on the project of porting my undub to one of the other version of Grandia II, I am willing to share my knowlege and resources. Just as long as you understand that my experience with either version is limited, and I know for a fact there would be unique challenges in porting my undub that I do not intend to solve for you.
I am so excited for this undub! Good luck with the rest you have left!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support. I hate to say this, but almost no work has gotten done on this project in the past month. I'm just getting hit from a million directions at once right now, and my time is severely limited. I'm not sure exactly when this will change, but it could be another 2-4 weeks before I'll have time for side projects. That being said, the good news is that I feel very comfortable in saying right now that this project will be done before the end of the year, and possibly sooner.
ReplyDeleteAny news ? :(
ReplyDeleteSadly no, things in my personal life have been... complicated lately. It's been really difficult for me to find either time or motivation to work on side projects, especially considering how dire my financial situation has become. I am going to release something before the end of the year, but it won't be 100% complete. It should at least allow you to play through most of the game undubbed though, and I'm going to get the rest done as soon as I have time. I hope everyone can live with that. :/ There's really no excuse for how long I've let this project drag on, and I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been following this for the wait.
ReplyDeleteYou know, you really don't have to apologize.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing this for free, it's not easy, and it takes a lot of time so thanks.
I didn't expect someone to undub this game one day.
I sincerely hope that your situation will become better.
As for me, I can wait for your 100% release, even if it takes like a whole year.
I just wanted to know if you gave up or something.
I didn't even expect such a quick answer, so thank you !
I hope that 2014 will be a great year for you. ^^
I don't mind it's alright. However, I wouldn't mind whatever you have completed so far ;] It'll beat playing the Japanese version while reading the script on a web page lol (Yeah, I tried a few years ago). Besides that, I wish you a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone attempted to port this undub to the PS2 version of the game, albeit now much of a "mess" it is?
ReplyDelete