By the 2000s, video game translations finally found their footing. The early days still had some bleed over from the ’90s, but it soon went away. With new technology, like the internet, it was easier than ever before for companies to work back and forth with one another. Gone were the days of “A Winner is You” and “I am Error” from some classicNESgames.
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The 2000s made sure that memorable lines were more meaningful like quotes from the best movies. That doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been a bad line or two since the dawn of the new century. Bad dialogue can be inevitable whether the translation was perfect or not. Let’s look at some awkward2000s gaming linesalongside some truly inspiring quotes across a plethora of consoles.
Note:For this article, the “2000s” refers to any game released since the turn of the century, not just 2000-2009.
8“Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted”
This line is the creed that theAssassin’s Creedfranchise is built upon. It’s a way to acknowledge that everything is not as it seems. Illusions are everywhere. Be cautious. Those are some basic interpretations that can be applied to life in general.
The series’ creed began simply too but got more complexas the gameswent on. Is everything a simulation? It feels like that is the real truth behind the creed. They are deep into the simulation theory, mixed with ancient aliens as well.
7“Can’t Carry Anymore”
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliancegot a surprise celebration in 2021 with a port across multiple consoles. It was exactly that too, a port, and not a remaster, unfortunately. Its sequel has not received the same yet, which is also disappointing. It’s best not to look a gift horse in the mouth because fans and newbies were easily able to jump into the game and have fun like it was 2001 all over again.
One of the bigger issues inBaldur’s Gate: Dark Alliancethat couldhave been fixedwith a proper remaster was the inventory. Whenever it fills up the character will say, “Can’t carry anymore.” It’ll happen a lot which can be annoying but also charming.
6“Remember, No Russian”
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2was a highly anticipated sequel that did not disappoint. The campaign was just as bombastic and fun to play as its predecessor. The multiplayer was tighter with better progression all around. It was what all sequels should be.
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Modern Warfare 2also broke new grounds with the mission “No Russian.” Players had the option to kill an airport full of innocents while deep undercover in a terrorist cell on the mission. It was shocking then and is still shocking now as one of thegreatest villainous momentsin the series. Funnily enough, Japan got this classic line mistranslated. It instead sounds more like, “Kill them, they’re Russian” which defeats the whole purpose.
5“That Wizard Came From The Moon”
Destinywas a unique shooter that opened up a whole new genre. It can be classified as a games-as-a-service experience or as a looter shooter. Whatever name players call it,Destinywas a game-changer for better or worse.
What wasn’t groundbreaking aboutDestinywas its convoluted story full of names that felt like placeholder titles. The most memeable thing to come out of Bungie’s shooter was this line spoken by the player’s Ghost, who was voiced by Peter Dinklage. Fans were so taken aback by his overall delivery that the developers replaced Dinklage in an update andchanged the seriesforever.
4“I’m Captain Basch Fon Rosenburg Of Dalmasca!”
Final Fantasyisan RPG seriesknown for having mini-games. One of the earlier mini-games inFinal Fantasy 12sees the protagonist, Vaan, running around town trying to drum up support for Basch. It’s like a mini political campaign.
“Don’t listen to Ondore’s lies!” That’s another line players can shout. It’s silly but a fun thing to yell out in crowds in real life. It was popular enough to get Mega64 to parody it, turning it into one of theirbest early videos.
3“The Cake Is A Lie”
A piece of cake is promised to the player throughout the entirety ofPortal. Then, doubt can creep into the minds of players as Glados becomes more and more unhinged as she tries to kill them. Is the cake a lie or is it real?
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This became a hot debate online. It’s an old meme that can still find joy in hardcore fans of the series though. Another great line from the series happens inPortal 2wherein Cave Johnson goes on a rant about lemons toward the end. “I’m the man who’s going to burn your house down…with the lemons!” Now THAT is a threat.
2“What’re Ya Buyin”
Resident Evil 4rebooted the series in thebest way possible. The controls were smoother, and it added a lot of long-overdue mechanics like a shop. Accompanying this shop was the mysterious merchant.
The NPC had a plethora of catchphrases including “What’re ya buyin” along with “What’re ya sellin” and “I’ll buy it at a high price.” It’s hard to pick just one quote. This led toanother brilliant videofrom Mega64 that is still shared to this day.
1“I Used To Be An Adventurer Like You, Then I Took An Arrow In The Knee”
Of the games and accompanying phrases on this list, it’s hard to say which one is the most iconic.The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as arguablythe biggest gameto release during the 2010s, would seemingly like to take the honor of the most memed game.
Players will hear guards, soldiers, and other NPCs talk about their wounded knees for 40+ hours. The funny thing is the voice cast is not huge, meaning these downed adventurers all sound the same too. It’s like the Dovakim is stuck in some weird simulation which is a very meta way to look at it.
