Direct versus Localized Translation?

I can't decide if this should go to the "Gaming Lounge" or "Anime & Cartoons" as this topic covers both, so I decided to post this here since this could be a good debatable topic.Anyway, are you for direct translations of the Dialogues, names of stuff & text in any game or Anime or any show for that matter?Or are you for Localized translation, where "fitting" changes to stuff is done, to let viewers "get in touch" with the things on a game or show?As for myself, I prefer localized translation, because I can "get" things like humourous events in an Anime, if the translators & voice actors use things that are familiar to me. Take for example how Yu Yu Hakusho was initially presented here in the Philippines, they used common names in place of the characters' Japanese names. Yuusuke was Eugene, Kuwabara was Alfred, Hiei was Vincent & Kurama was Denise/Dennis. Yeah the Japanese names sound kewl, but I liked the names they used instead.Also, in some instances, jokes or referrals to things particular to Japan is hard to grasp, like what the hell is White Day, or how come the Japanese seem to think that Santa Claus is the main (& only star) of Christmas, or what's an otaku (Anime geek) or what are Yaoi & Yuri (homosexuals)? You only know what they are if you read up on anime culture. But if localized these things are easily understood.For a videogame example, I liked it better when Final Fantasy used Remedy in place of Esuna as Remedy clearly states what the spell is for, a remedy for almost all ailments.Plus I don't like uber otakus who think they're Japanese, even if they aren't.

Simple answer is it depends and should be decided case by case.

In the case of Anime like Dragon Ball Z, "Kamehame Ha!" is better off than, translating it to "Turtle School's strongest attack" because the former sounds cooler. But as for things like bentou (pack lunches) wouldn't pack lunches or lunch box work as well?

our filipino translations are hilarious but often not accurate
i prefer subtitled japanesetry watching slam dunk on animax and slam dunk on gma
dubbing in animax was horrible sakuragis tone didnt fit him but sakuragis cool it half bad ass voice here in the ph was better

Another example is Love Hina, Keitaro's Pinoy voice actor fit the geeky clumsy persona of Keitaro, but the Japanese girls' voices were better.Have you seen Desert Punk yet? The localized humour they use is very funny.

i think i havent watched desert punk yet(what channel)
or majin boo DOOOOD!!!!
MAJIN BOOOO
i like his pinoy voice thats all

My god I LOVE Desert Punk!
Have all the DVD's and the humor is ridiculous.
The "punk-isms" on the last DVD are great.

Desert Punk airs every weekend on GMA7, it replaced that lame tree hugging hippie crap Mushiking :PIt airs at 7:00AM Philippine time

time dood

Neither. I prefer subtitles. Have you heard the translation on those VIZ videos? Also to make things clear Animax is dubbed in singapore, and sorry, but singaporeans can't do english for shit.