EarthBound is a great game, and it's a shame that it hasn't already been fan translated into other languages. I do know that many people have tried to translate it, but EB's text system is really complicated, so most people have given up. The only exception I can think of is the German translation, which is coming along well and looks really awesome. And the amount of grueling technical work involved with the German translation is very impressive.

While working on my side project to remake EarthBound Zero, I realized I could use the same tools to make it about 800000% easier for translators to translate EarthBound. So I modified my project's code a little bit to make a custom text dumper and a custom, smart text insertor.

I see this as a side-side-side project, and one that's near completion, but the kinks still need to be worked out. As a sort of test, my tools are being used for a French translation, and things seem to be progressing well. After the eventual fine-tuning and debugging, I'll be releasing my tools to the world for all to have. Anyone will be able to create a translation of EB. In fact, it could be used for more than translations; it could also be used for heavy-duty text hacks and things of that nature.

Basically, all the text in the game will be in a single big text file. The main script, menu text, enemy and item names, etc. No crazy multiple files or having to use separate utilities for different things. The translator will simply need to edit the font to include new font characters, update the script file so that the insertor will recognize these new letters, and then translate the text. Many of the scary control codes will be simplified, and for the main script (which makes up a 1 MB text file), space issues will not be a problem most of the time. Meaning translations can be as long as necessary. Also, conveniently enough, EB's programming has automatic text formatting, so you won't need to worry much about making text fit in the window just right.

Basically, all this cool stuff boils down to this: People can translate EarthBound into other languages VERY easily, and with minimal technical knowledge required.. I see this project as another little way I can help spread more EB goodness around the world :)

Now, here are early pics of some of the French translation. I don't expect too many more translation pics for a while, but here are more.

Interested translators can check out the French translation thread here or contact me at my message board here.

Note that there still are a few things that need to be improved on, particularly font-wise. But I bet it'd still be possible for people to at least begin translating EB and font stuff can be figured out later.