Hey, TheLonelyGhost, how did the VN read in the Dev's native language? I bet it read just fine, didn't it?
Many of us here are English only speakers including ashamedly myself. We are fortunate that English has become over the years the primary language, requiring those for whom it is not the first language to do their best to convey what they wish to say in as close to English as they can manage.
I have total admiration for anyone who can speak or write in a language other than their own, even if that means using Google translate or some other aid. Whenever confronted with a VN in broken English or grammatically incorrect, I use my brain to figure it out and move on. Many Devs are lucky enough to find English-speaking checkers among their audience who are able and willing to help correct such issues, but many as we know are not so lucky.
None of us should criticize the Devs for language-based errors in spelling, construction or grammar. It's our choice whether we contribute towards a project, but regardless of whether we decide to do so or not, we effectively undertake to accept the Dev's offering "as is" imperfections included. Anything else is, in my opinion, would be selfish or, at worst, arrogant.
We should all be tolerant and above all grateful, as so many of course already are, that we are able to enjoy what the Dev has spent much time and amazing effort creating for us and should match in both spirit and attitude, the generosity with which the gift of each creator's genius is offered.
Before I start my rant, let me make one thing clear, I also found TheLonelyGhost's complaint unnecessary and petty, even more so, because it wasn't actually a criticism that was valid, as it was purely down to personal preferences, not actual grammar or anything.
None of what follows is directed at this game, I haven't even played it so far, but reading this post, I can't just let it stand.
As someone who is not a native English speaker, I have to say that it is the most silly and ludicrous statement I have read for some time.
A good translation is as much a part of a game as a good UI, a good port, good game mechanics etc..
As such, it is a valid point of criticism. Criticism is also valid and should be appreciated, whether you actually pay for the product or not, because (and I know for some this is a completely foreign concept) whether you pay or not doesn't have ANYTHING to do with the quality of a product or any criticism related to that quality or lack thereof.
The idea that I should have to suffer through horrendous English (or really any other language, don't care which), just because the dev "offers" me his game to play is so absurd.
I honestly can't express how much your post rubs me the wrong way, because that would definitely be breaking forum rules, but your conclusion seems to be, as long as someone creates something, even if it is utter piss, I should like it and enjoy it, without criticizing anything? No ridiculous plot points, no horrible renders, no weak characterization, nothing?
Or maybe you really are just hung up on people criticizing bad translations, to this I have to say, if I as a dev choose to offer my game in English, even though it isn't my first language, then it's on me, if I fail to present an English translation that is acceptable.
Nobody forced me to do it in English, I could have just published it in my own language and be fine, but I wanted to reach a broader audience, perhaps to generate more money and sales and by doing that, I also open myself up to criticism.
That's how it works.
