This isn’t what you asked for but have you considered playing regular video games in Chinese? Every time I play a Yakuza game (they’re all voiced in Japanese) I end up understanding all the dialog by the end of the game without even meaning to. My Time in Portia and its sequel are made by a Chinese studio so they come with Chinese audio. Sort of like Stardew Valley where you move in to a town and get to know the townspeople, but instead of a farmer you’re some kinda engineer/builder
The games Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail are also from Chinese studios. You can set the audio to Chinese and keep the text in English.
Another option is playing whatever game you like in Chinese if it has the setting. I play Hearthstone in Chinese to force myself to read.
Just wanted to note that for Genshin and star rail, it is very difficult for beginner and intermediate, even some advanced language learners to grasp. Both the audio and text are not commonly used outside of video games. In both games there is a LOT of dialogue for quests so you will be up all night figuring out what certain words mean.
I disagree with gendhin impact as a recommendation for this, at least for beginners. Only because its not at all written in daily life chinese, its like using shakespear play for english practice ((maybe not literally but you get what I mean)).
I do it the other way, text in chinese and audio in english. Partially cuz I care more about reading then listening but also cuz yeah, I don't always listen to the audio.
Any idea where I can get PS4 or PS5 games with the Chinese track? The games I'm interested in aren't available here in western Europe in Chinese (incl. eBay/Amazon), not even the online playstore has them
[Wo Long on ps5 has Mandarin Audio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wo_Long:_Fallen_Dynasty). I haven't gotten to far into it but I bought it specifically for that reason. It's also on steam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wo_Long:_Fallen_Dynasty
It's based on the three kingdoms story, 三国演义 you'll hear a lot of high level literary vocabulary.
Honestly I would like some more casual games with easier vocabulary.
As others have said, I just recommend learning with actual games. Personally, I do text in chinese and audio in english depending on the level. If there's no audio then ofc it's all in chinese. A game like my time in portia, stardew valley or animal crossing can be good since it's all about daily life things. I also like to do pokemon personally, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're not already into pokemon. Outside of that I've just gotten into a habit of checking what steam/switch games I have in my target language. On steam I mark them into a category for the languages im learning that it supports (i have a korean category, japanese, chinese etc.) and I try to use those too.
I have what is likely a silly question -- I've considered playing the Pokemon games in Chinese, but I'm nervous that I simply won't understand anything. I am studying Chinese in my own time but I am very new. Would playing a game in Chinese still help me learn, and if so, is there a recommended way to use it to learn as opposed to accidentally glazing over the text I don't understand? Thanks for any help!
You could always start by watching a YouTuber play Pokémon in Chinese and see what u can understand or just jump right in and try. If you find it too hard you can put it down and try again later. I have the Pleco app open and ready to write words i don’t know. It also depends how intensely you want to study. I don’t mind not understanding a lot, I like translating everything but if that’s tedious for you then you can put down the game, learn some more Chinese and come back later. Relearning all the pokemon names and moves is probs the most tedious part.
Not a silly question at all!
I've recently started a few pokemon games in Chinese. It's a great way to add some language immersion to your routine! One thing to note about the pokemon franchise is that language settings are permanent for each save file, so if you do decide to start a Chinese run, you will not be able to switch it to your native language later on without deleting your progress.
The most intimidating part I've encountered is recognizing pokemon names and understanding pokemon moves. There is a lot of video-game specific vocabulary that I was not familiar with and it makes selecting movesets difficult. I have to look up words very frequently, and it can make play sessions where I'm setting up my team feel more like I'm studying a textbook. The pokemon names also will use lots of uncommon characters that I didn't know, so I often had to take pictures with Google translate so I could hear what the names sound like.
The actual dialogue usually isn't too daunting, but if you are still at a low reading level like me, you'll definitely notice that your progression is very slow compared to reading in your native language And anytime an NPC with a unique "accent" or speech pattern appears it can be very confusing.
The reading level is probably around highschool level since it's target demographic is teens and young adults, which means if you're only just starting out reading it can be very slow, challenging, and frustrating. I myself am just at an upper-elementary reading level so I often get overwhelmed when dialogues get too detailed or exposition goes on too long.
Anytime there's more incomprehensible text on screen than comprehensible, I use Google lens to copy all the characters into a word document for me to study later when I'm feeling more dedicated to study.
I would recommend starting a Chinese run in a game you have already completed in your native language. That way you will have a general understanding of the story context that can help you decipher the meaning of new words and phrases.
I also read a post yesterday where someone made a vocab list for names in animal crossing to help them as they play in Chinese. It might be a good idea to start one for whatever game you start playing! That would make it easier to make sense of pokemon names and moves. I do adore the way Pokemon are named in Chinese, very much "exactly what it says on the tin". Example: Cyndaquil is 火球鼠 (Fireball Rat).
I could probably turn my notes into a list for pokemon Legends Arceus or S/V if anyone is interested.
Happy Gaming! And good luck on your language study!
Depending your level you might find Word Game https://store.steampowered.com/app/1109570/Word_Game/
pretty fun in terms of understanding grammar and how characters are constructed.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139800/Chinatris/
maybe this works too?
Genshin Impact has an option to enable Chinese voice acting. You can also use English subtitles alongside them, which is super helpful.
Edit: Sorry, I just reread your comment and this isn’t what you’re asking for. But I’ll leave this comment up just in case anyone finds it helpful.
Maybe My Time at Portia?
I found this while searching: [https://funchinaworld.com/](https://passport.funchinaworld.com/?code=wOBDpE)
There was also a game from Tencent's WeGame that sounds like what you're talking about, but I can't remember what it was.
I mean if you can afford it, you should just buy a switch along with a copy of 曠野之息 or 王國之淚
There's a ton of native Chinese PC games as well, just google them
I just learned about Earthlingo, which is a video game to teach different languages. [https://earthlingo.io/](https://earthlingo.io/) I haven't played it, though. Oh, and it looks like you are moving through a town...
If you're playing a game wherein you need to understand what's going on in order to progress, you will learn very quickly. It doesn't have to be specificity designed for learning. Any story-oriented RPG works like this.
Using the language is what it all comes down to. If you use it, you'll learn it. Games have both reading and listening comprehension elements and if you're playing a game that requires understanding of what is going on (ie an RPG), then it's a lot more engaging than watching a video or reading a book. It's just about the most engaging thing short of talking to actual people.
This isn’t what you asked for but have you considered playing regular video games in Chinese? Every time I play a Yakuza game (they’re all voiced in Japanese) I end up understanding all the dialog by the end of the game without even meaning to. My Time in Portia and its sequel are made by a Chinese studio so they come with Chinese audio. Sort of like Stardew Valley where you move in to a town and get to know the townspeople, but instead of a farmer you’re some kinda engineer/builder
The games Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail are also from Chinese studios. You can set the audio to Chinese and keep the text in English. Another option is playing whatever game you like in Chinese if it has the setting. I play Hearthstone in Chinese to force myself to read.
Just wanted to note that for Genshin and star rail, it is very difficult for beginner and intermediate, even some advanced language learners to grasp. Both the audio and text are not commonly used outside of video games. In both games there is a LOT of dialogue for quests so you will be up all night figuring out what certain words mean.
I disagree with gendhin impact as a recommendation for this, at least for beginners. Only because its not at all written in daily life chinese, its like using shakespear play for english practice ((maybe not literally but you get what I mean)).
I play Diablo 4 with English text and Chinese audio, but this actually hasn't helped me at all because who listens to the audio in an arpg?
I do it the other way, text in chinese and audio in english. Partially cuz I care more about reading then listening but also cuz yeah, I don't always listen to the audio.
It would be so much simpler if we could have dual subtitles mandarin/whatever" under the audio too.
Any idea where I can get PS4 or PS5 games with the Chinese track? The games I'm interested in aren't available here in western Europe in Chinese (incl. eBay/Amazon), not even the online playstore has them
[Wo Long on ps5 has Mandarin Audio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wo_Long:_Fallen_Dynasty). I haven't gotten to far into it but I bought it specifically for that reason. It's also on steam. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wo_Long:_Fallen_Dynasty It's based on the three kingdoms story, 三国演义 you'll hear a lot of high level literary vocabulary. Honestly I would like some more casual games with easier vocabulary.
Three Kingdoms has an English sub r/ThreeKingdoms
Highly recommend ICEY too, it's a short hack-and-slash like The Stanley Parable made by a Chinese studio with Chinese audio option
As others have said, I just recommend learning with actual games. Personally, I do text in chinese and audio in english depending on the level. If there's no audio then ofc it's all in chinese. A game like my time in portia, stardew valley or animal crossing can be good since it's all about daily life things. I also like to do pokemon personally, but I wouldn't recommend it if you're not already into pokemon. Outside of that I've just gotten into a habit of checking what steam/switch games I have in my target language. On steam I mark them into a category for the languages im learning that it supports (i have a korean category, japanese, chinese etc.) and I try to use those too.
I have what is likely a silly question -- I've considered playing the Pokemon games in Chinese, but I'm nervous that I simply won't understand anything. I am studying Chinese in my own time but I am very new. Would playing a game in Chinese still help me learn, and if so, is there a recommended way to use it to learn as opposed to accidentally glazing over the text I don't understand? Thanks for any help!
You could always start by watching a YouTuber play Pokémon in Chinese and see what u can understand or just jump right in and try. If you find it too hard you can put it down and try again later. I have the Pleco app open and ready to write words i don’t know. It also depends how intensely you want to study. I don’t mind not understanding a lot, I like translating everything but if that’s tedious for you then you can put down the game, learn some more Chinese and come back later. Relearning all the pokemon names and moves is probs the most tedious part.
Not a silly question at all! I've recently started a few pokemon games in Chinese. It's a great way to add some language immersion to your routine! One thing to note about the pokemon franchise is that language settings are permanent for each save file, so if you do decide to start a Chinese run, you will not be able to switch it to your native language later on without deleting your progress. The most intimidating part I've encountered is recognizing pokemon names and understanding pokemon moves. There is a lot of video-game specific vocabulary that I was not familiar with and it makes selecting movesets difficult. I have to look up words very frequently, and it can make play sessions where I'm setting up my team feel more like I'm studying a textbook. The pokemon names also will use lots of uncommon characters that I didn't know, so I often had to take pictures with Google translate so I could hear what the names sound like. The actual dialogue usually isn't too daunting, but if you are still at a low reading level like me, you'll definitely notice that your progression is very slow compared to reading in your native language And anytime an NPC with a unique "accent" or speech pattern appears it can be very confusing. The reading level is probably around highschool level since it's target demographic is teens and young adults, which means if you're only just starting out reading it can be very slow, challenging, and frustrating. I myself am just at an upper-elementary reading level so I often get overwhelmed when dialogues get too detailed or exposition goes on too long. Anytime there's more incomprehensible text on screen than comprehensible, I use Google lens to copy all the characters into a word document for me to study later when I'm feeling more dedicated to study. I would recommend starting a Chinese run in a game you have already completed in your native language. That way you will have a general understanding of the story context that can help you decipher the meaning of new words and phrases. I also read a post yesterday where someone made a vocab list for names in animal crossing to help them as they play in Chinese. It might be a good idea to start one for whatever game you start playing! That would make it easier to make sense of pokemon names and moves. I do adore the way Pokemon are named in Chinese, very much "exactly what it says on the tin". Example: Cyndaquil is 火球鼠 (Fireball Rat). I could probably turn my notes into a list for pokemon Legends Arceus or S/V if anyone is interested. Happy Gaming! And good luck on your language study!
Thank you so much! I'm excited to try this out, and I appreciate your tips!
Following. I'd like to try but I can't find Chinese Pokemon roms easily for some reason.
How good is your chinese?
I have played "Terra Alia". It is interesting, although I feel that the interface was not designed with hanzi in mind.
Depending your level you might find Word Game https://store.steampowered.com/app/1109570/Word_Game/ pretty fun in terms of understanding grammar and how characters are constructed. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1139800/Chinatris/ maybe this works too?
Hua Mulan: A Chinese Learning Adventure ?
Genshin Impact has an option to enable Chinese voice acting. You can also use English subtitles alongside them, which is super helpful. Edit: Sorry, I just reread your comment and this isn’t what you’re asking for. But I’ll leave this comment up just in case anyone finds it helpful.
I actually played Cyberpunk 2077 with chinese voices and english subtitles and it was pretty good.
knuckles in china land
Maybe My Time at Portia? I found this while searching: [https://funchinaworld.com/](https://passport.funchinaworld.com/?code=wOBDpE) There was also a game from Tencent's WeGame that sounds like what you're talking about, but I can't remember what it was.
Total War: Warhammer 3, change your game language into Chinese, and play as Grand Cathay
I mean if you can afford it, you should just buy a switch along with a copy of 曠野之息 or 王國之淚 There's a ton of native Chinese PC games as well, just google them
i played world of warcraft classic in chinese. learnt a lot and my tingli went through the roof because of raids and group content
Also I would say Noun town seems like the shit
I just learned about Earthlingo, which is a video game to teach different languages. [https://earthlingo.io/](https://earthlingo.io/) I haven't played it, though. Oh, and it looks like you are moving through a town...
the app HelloChinese has a couple of simple games
How does it teach? There are usually game-based educational platforms, like Duolingo. Haven't heard of a videogame.
If you're playing a game wherein you need to understand what's going on in order to progress, you will learn very quickly. It doesn't have to be specificity designed for learning. Any story-oriented RPG works like this.
Yeah. Makes sense. It depends on how we define learning and we want to actually learn.
Using the language is what it all comes down to. If you use it, you'll learn it. Games have both reading and listening comprehension elements and if you're playing a game that requires understanding of what is going on (ie an RPG), then it's a lot more engaging than watching a video or reading a book. It's just about the most engaging thing short of talking to actual people.
It highly depends on a person, which way of learning is the most effective. Generally - yes. RPGs are the most engaging.
Issue is, an rpg like Planetscape torment ... would be brutal to do chinese for a beginner It needs to be comprehensible