Should the aliens understand english?

kingjolly · 03-29-2008, 07:26 PM

Aliens that somehow magically know how to speak enlish pisses me off alot. I hope none of the aleins are able to speak english, unless they happen to be psychic.

Or perhaps Duke has some sort of A.I that translates alien gibberish to him (e.g Cortana from Halo.)

Discuss...

wayskobfssae · 03-29-2008, 07:53 PM

There's way more opportunities for humor that way, at the very least. How would they be able to sit on the john and read the paper, or sit in on a peepshow movie, if they can't understand the language?

Malgon · 03-29-2008, 08:24 PM

Yeah I reckon they should, that way they can understand the awesome one liners Duke is spitting at them.

vcatkiller · 03-29-2008, 08:36 PM

There would have to be the occasional alien that understands English. Maybe bosses. Wouldn't want them all to know English though, Could be a way for the higher ranked aliens to communicate their demands to the "stupid earth people", but still keep control of the lower peons. Wouldn't want them to start fraternizing with the enemy, for example.

Maybe they don't so much understand English as much as they understand body language/vocal tone. That way, when Duke flips 'em off with a sly one-liner, they may have no comprehension of what he just said but are pretty certain he just insulted them.

Malgon · 03-29-2008, 08:42 PM

^Just like real life.

wayskobfssae · 03-29-2008, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcatkiller

Wouldn't want them to start fraternizing with the enemy, for example.

Aww,, but then we can't have the opportunity to bust into a bedroom to breakup some kind of bizarre human/alien orgy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malgon

^Just like real life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcatkiller

There would have to be the occasional alien that understands English. Maybe bosses. Wouldn't want them all to know English though, Could be a way for the higher ranked aliens to communicate their demands to the "stupid earth people", but still keep control of the lower peons.

Yeah, I think vcatkiller pretty much described the typical modern tech support call center.

Echo Black · 03-29-2008, 09:04 PM

Who says aliens need to "learn" a language? They could pick it up psionically or something, or instantly learn it via some neurological transmission mumbo jumbo (think Matrix's "downloading" of kung fu styles).

hark · 03-29-2008, 09:15 PM

Well, if it's the aliens in Duke Nukem 3D certainly knew English (the first boss says something in English after you defeat him and there were those messages in between episodes). Going back further, the aliens in Duke Nukem II knew English as well. Though maybe it'll be different in this game. Perhaps it'll be a mix, like it depends on the rank or species of the alien.

vcatkiller · 03-29-2008, 11:20 PM

Yeah I kind of think at some level they'd have to know an earth language. It would be kind of funny if an advanced infiltration party decided that the dominant earth language was spoken in text messages. You then have boss aliens speaking l33t and wondering why everybody ridicules them, and doing things like laughing and then saying silly words like "lol" or "rofl" out loud.

Alien: ohhmegid wattyff lemefow.
Duke: Did you just say what I thought you just said?
Alien *in alien tongue to closer friend*: Gimme that human translation again, I don't think I'm saying it right...
Second Alien: *in alien tongue*: just what the hell is a lmfao anyhow?

GOK · 03-30-2008, 06:21 AM

I like the games I play to have a basis in reality, and aliens that speak and understand english is reality at it's best. I have never seen a real life attacking alien race that doesn't speak/understand english

Sang · 03-30-2008, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcatkiller

It would be kind of funny if an advanced infiltration party decided that the dominant earth language was spoken in text messages. You then have boss aliens speaking l33t and wondering why everybody ridicules them, and doing things like laughing and then saying silly words like "lol" or "rofl" out loud.

Hehe, that made me lol IRL.

LarsBM · 03-30-2008, 07:21 AM

The bosses should understand it at least.

Caine · 03-30-2008, 07:24 AM

just play duke3d again and you know which aliens could also speak it...

Skiffer · 03-30-2008, 08:09 AM

How about Japanese?

03-30-2008, 10:22 AM

English has been pretty much an universal language for aeons. Everyone speaks it. If Klingons, Wookies and grey/greenish space monkeys could understand each other perfectly and have a party on the LEXX ship then I don't see why Duke's enemies shouldn't understand his taunts.

Commando Nukem · 03-30-2008, 02:23 PM

I think the STROGG are the best example of how to do this sort of thing. They know the language because they studied us, and they can speak it. But you should definatly see an Alien language on "keypads" or on various alien devices/in alien ships.

Nukkus · 03-30-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayskobfssae

...or sit in on a peepshow movie, if they can't understand the language?

pr0n is a universal language.

Rider · 03-30-2008, 03:01 PM

Well I wouldn't mind aliens speaking/understanding English... I mean... you'll want to know your enemy right? And since the US has one of the larger armies on the planet, it'd make sense if the aliens knew the language... even if just to pick up on enemy communications.

hark · 03-30-2008, 04:22 PM

There could be an inventory item that translates alien language. It would work like night vision in that it has limited energy and can be turned on or off whenever you want. When it's on, any alien voice that is heard will be translated and put into a line of text at the bottom of your screen. This would be useful in that you can hear what the enemy is planning to do. It would also work in multiplayer. When a person on another team is typing to their team mates in team chat, the device will pick it up and show it to you.

Maruno · 03-30-2008, 04:28 PM

Babel fish. Nuff said.

And I mean the real Babel fish, not the online translator. Duke slips one into his ear, and understands everything.

Perhaps that could even be a function for the Dopefish?

vcatkiller · 03-30-2008, 05:50 PM

You'd want to stick a Dopefish in your ear? Probably wouldn't translate so good - you'd probably think everybody is saying "swim swim HUNGRY!"

Malgon · 03-30-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hark

There could be an inventory item that translates alien language. It would work like night vision in that it has limited energy and can be turned on or off whenever you want. When it's on, any alien voice that is heard will be translated and put into a line of text at the bottom of your screen. This would be useful in that you can hear what the enemy is planning to do. It would also work in multiplayer. When a person on another team is typing to their team mates in team chat, the device will pick it up and show it to you.

Cool idea. I think it could maybe be used in another fashion, so as to translate any alien language that is written. Text on alien computer monitors and such could display hints to secret areas or locker codes, but you'd need the translator to be able to understand it. Those who spend the time will be rewarded for using the item throughout the game. Just a thought.

alexgk · 03-30-2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcatkiller

You'd want to stick a Dopefish in your ear? Probably wouldn't translate so good - you'd probably think everybody is saying "swim swim HUNGRY!"

LMAO

As posted before, the ones able to communicate with humans should be the bosses, trying to insult Duke and get humilliated by him.

Reaper · 03-30-2008, 10:52 PM

The Pigcops are mutants, so they know English already, and the Commanders can also speak it. The only enemies that shouldn't speak English are perhaps the Octobrains (they have no need for speaking it since they are telepathic beings) and the mechanical enemies (besides T2). I'm sure the Protector Drones can't speak it either, and neither do the Assault Troopers. I might be wrong, though.

Most if not all of the enemies could understand English, though. They aren't primitive beings like us. Except for the Slimer and the shark (lol).

Micki! · 03-31-2008, 01:20 AM

I see an advanced Alien race as a foreigner... When they are alone or talking with each others, they speak their own language, but if they talk/taunt/whatever directly to a human, they'd use English (or french if it was in France for all i care)
This sorta counts for the typical alien grunts imo...

More creature-like aliens such as the Octabrain don't seem to have the ability to "talk" though... That's like expecting a shark to talk... I mean look at the jaws, how can it use it's lips..? it doesn't have any..!
So imo, Octabrains should understand spoken english from others, and communicate via telepathy either in english directly to the player, or either silently or by growling at it's allies to communicate their way...

I wonder if Pigcops kept enough of their intelligence to understand human speech during their mutation... Or if they simply turned into the typical mindless beast who charges at the player without being the least talkative...

necroslut · 03-31-2008, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Micki!

I wonder if Pigcops kept enough of their intelligence to understand human speech during their mutation... Or if they simply turned into the typical mindless beast who charges at the player without being the least talkative...

Isn't it the pigcops that growl "Got you now, Nukem, and we're gonna fry your ass!" to you at the end of E1L2? I've always assumed it was them, because it's noone else there.

kingjolly · 03-31-2008, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by necroslut

Isn't it the pigcops that growl "Got you now, Nukem, and we're gonna fry your ass!" to you at the end of E1L2? I've always assumed it was them, because it's noone else there.

I always assumed that was the Battlelord.

Kalki · 03-31-2008, 01:05 PM

I thought it was the pigcops myself. Iirc, we hear the battlelord (as a hologram) in the subsequent prison area room with rotating walls; near the map that points to the Shawshank poster hole. There we hear "Too late Nukem, we're in control now!" but it's the same voice as before and there are pigcops nearby so maybe it's one of them again.

The Battlelord definitely has a line as it's dying at the end of Episode 1: "Who the hell are you?"

Commando Nukem · 03-31-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingjolly

I always assumed that was the Battlelord.

Nope, the voc from E1L2 is entitled "!PIG"

Also, the idea behind the "Ha Ha Too Late Nukem! We're in control now" from E1L3 was it was supposed to be a "reveal" for the character.

In any event, from DN3D, to DN:ZH (where the final boss has quite a nice exchange with Duke as the fight goes on.) and DNMP. The "Alien scum" or "Mutant Bastards" are quite capable of communicating.

I think the less spoken english the better. It'd be kinda cool if the Aliens drew taunting messages in the blood of some of their victims. "Duke Nukem must DIE!!!"

Magnamuz · 04-03-2008, 08:02 PM

I think some enemies might be mutated humans (who speak english) and other enemies Dr. Proton’s creations (who also speaks english) so there should be some english speaking enemy in the game I suppose.

Skiffer · 04-05-2008, 06:19 AM

But should the enemies in DNF speak/understand other languages, besides English? :180 degrees:

04-06-2008, 06:39 AM

I'd like them to be intelligent enough that they have their own language when talking to one another, but are smart enough to learn the english language - at least to a certain extent...

I don't want perfect english as it often looks half arsed to me... but if they were at least competent in understanding and speaking half - good english - that I think would be more effective.

lofty · 04-08-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Piano Man

I'd like them to be intelligent enough that they have their own language when talking to one another, but are smart enough to learn the english language - at least to a certain extent...

I don't want perfect english as it often looks half arsed to me... but if they were at least competent in understanding and speaking half - good english - that I think would be more effective.

HAHA "Half arsed" Just knew you had to be a fellow Aussie.

Anyway who cares just shoot the buggers.

JobivanHiob · 04-08-2008, 12:10 PM

interesting topic, we need more of these kind!

Maruno · 04-08-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lofty

HAHA "Half arsed" Just knew you had to be a fellow Aussie.

Anyway who cares just shoot the buggers.

Incidentally, England uses "arse" as well.

I don't know what all the enemies will be, so I'll cover some bases here.

Some of the enemies are mutant humans, and if they're still smart enough to know how to fire guns, they'll be able to at least understand the jist of what you're saying. They, however, won't be able to talk with the enemies, for the same reason that they're mutated from humans (and thus are not related to the aliens).

Some enemies are mutated animals (Earth-originating or otherwise). They won't understand any language, and will be the brawlers of the opposition (like Newbeast).

Some enemies are the troops and minds behind the alien technology and their space force. They'll certainly have their own language, and will probably be able to recognise your mood from your tone of voice, although they likely won't understand what you're going on about.

It all depends what the aliens want to do with Earth. Kill everyone and take the resources, kill everyone for the smeg of it, enslave humans and experiment on them, etc. If they just want to kill us, they're not as likely to have most of their troops get an English degree. Some of the support aliens will know English, though, because they'll be listening to our radio communications and thinking up ways to counteract the EDF's actions. They're the generals.

lofty · 04-08-2008, 07:03 PM

Gosh thanks mate did'nt know that

But don't you think we are all digging a little too deep here ? After all it's just a game,and as i said before just shoot em,or burn,blow em up and so on. Does it really matter,or are you refering to it in the context of playability,total enjoyment,as against a more plauseable(if this were possible), realist ? storyline. Geez now look who's digging too deep.

Reaper · 04-09-2008, 01:57 AM

I don't care if it's "just a game." It's nice to have a "storyverse" that is consistent.

Maruno's post is great, it gives me a good idea of what to hope for in DNF.

lofty · 04-09-2008, 03:11 AM

Uummmm... you did'nt have your own idea's ? Still you are quite right about a consistent "storyline". Lets face it it's not as if this game has been rushed ,so the whole box and dice as they say should be a classic.

brandonlee33 · 04-09-2008, 03:34 AM

They should do, after 10 years of listening

Skullmonkey · 04-09-2008, 05:41 AM

How is it that all the aliens in Star Wars understand english? But as for DNF, I would say yes for the sake of the player. I don't want to hear gibberish.

03-30-2008, 10:22 AM	#15
hellchicken Guest	Re: Should the aliens understand english? English has been pretty much an universal language for aeons. Everyone speaks it. If Klingons, Wookies and grey/greenish space monkeys could understand each other perfectly and have a party on the LEXX ship then I don't see why Duke's enemies shouldn't understand his taunts.

04-06-2008, 06:39 AM	#32
Piano Man Guest	Re: Should the aliens understand english? I'd like them to be intelligent enough that they have their own language when talking to one another, but are smart enough to learn the english language - at least to a certain extent... I don't want perfect english as it often looks half arsed to me... but if they were at least competent in understanding and speaking half - good english - that I think would be more effective.

03-29-2008, 07:26 PM	#1
kingjolly	Should the aliens understand english? Aliens that somehow magically know how to speak enlish pisses me off alot. I hope none of the aleins are able to speak english, unless they happen to be psychic. Or perhaps Duke has some sort of A.I that translates alien gibberish to him (e.g Cortana from Halo.) Discuss...

03-29-2008, 07:53 PM	#2
wayskobfssae	Re: Should the aliens understand english? There's way more opportunities for humor that way, at the very least. How would they be able to sit on the john and read the paper, or sit in on a peepshow movie, if they can't understand the language? __________________ "A Nightingale in a Golden Cage... that's me locked inside Reality's Maze" -- Nightwish

03-29-2008, 08:24 PM	#3
Malgon	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Yeah I reckon they should, that way they can understand the awesome one liners Duke is spitting at them. __________________ -Most wanted games: Doom 4, Tomb Raider, Beyond Good and Evil 2

03-29-2008, 08:36 PM	#4
vcatkiller	Re: Should the aliens understand english? There would have to be the occasional alien that understands English. Maybe bosses. Wouldn't want them all to know English though, Could be a way for the higher ranked aliens to communicate their demands to the "stupid earth people", but still keep control of the lower peons. Wouldn't want them to start fraternizing with the enemy, for example. Maybe they don't so much understand English as much as they understand body language/vocal tone. That way, when Duke flips 'em off with a sly one-liner, they may have no comprehension of what he just said but are pretty certain he just insulted them.

03-29-2008, 08:42 PM	#5
Malgon	Re: Should the aliens understand english? ^Just like real life. __________________ -Most wanted games: Doom 4, Tomb Raider, Beyond Good and Evil 2

03-29-2008, 09:04 PM	#7
Echo Black	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Who says aliens need to "learn" a language? They could pick it up psionically or something, or instantly learn it via some neurological transmission mumbo jumbo (think Matrix's "downloading" of kung fu styles). __________________ “Having a reasonable grounding in statistics and probability and no belief in luck, fate, karma, or God(s), the only casino game that interests me is blackjack. Playing blackjack properly is a test of personal discipline." - John Carmack

03-29-2008, 09:15 PM	#8
hark	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Well, if it's the aliens in Duke Nukem 3D certainly knew English (the first boss says something in English after you defeat him and there were those messages in between episodes). Going back further, the aliens in Duke Nukem II knew English as well. Though maybe it'll be different in this game. Perhaps it'll be a mix, like it depends on the rank or species of the alien.

03-29-2008, 11:20 PM	#9
vcatkiller	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Yeah I kind of think at some level they'd have to know an earth language. It would be kind of funny if an advanced infiltration party decided that the dominant earth language was spoken in text messages. You then have boss aliens speaking l33t and wondering why everybody ridicules them, and doing things like laughing and then saying silly words like "lol" or "rofl" out loud. Alien: ohhmegid wattyff lemefow. Duke: Did you just say what I thought you just said? Alien in alien tongue to closer friend: Gimme that human translation again, I don't think I'm saying it right... Second Alien: in alien tongue: just what the hell is a lmfao anyhow?

03-30-2008, 06:21 AM	#10
GOK	Re: Should the aliens understand english? I like the games I play to have a basis in reality, and aliens that speak and understand english is reality at it's best. I have never seen a real life attacking alien race that doesn't speak/understand english __________________ Wang Bang Heaven: more bang for ya buck. GOK Last edited by GOK; 03-30-2008 at 06:33 AM. Reason: Can't cook, can't count, can't spell

03-30-2008, 07:21 AM	#12
LarsBM	Re: Should the aliens understand english? The bosses should understand it at least. __________________ Odin could bitchslap ALL the modern gods, but in His infinite wisdom He chooses not to. "The best activities for your health are pumping and humping." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

03-30-2008, 07:24 AM	#13
Caine	Re: Should the aliens understand english? just play duke3d again and you know which aliens could also speak it...

03-30-2008, 08:09 AM	#14
Skiffer	Re: Should the aliens understand english? How about Japanese?

03-30-2008, 02:23 PM	#16
Commando Nukem	Re: Should the aliens understand english? I think the STROGG are the best example of how to do this sort of thing. They know the language because they studied us, and they can speak it. But you should definatly see an Alien language on "keypads" or on various alien devices/in alien ships. __________________ Open Maw Productions

03-30-2008, 03:01 PM	#18
Rider	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Well I wouldn't mind aliens speaking/understanding English... I mean... you'll want to know your enemy right? And since the US has one of the larger armies on the planet, it'd make sense if the aliens knew the language... even if just to pick up on enemy communications. __________________ Duke4.net - Duke's OTHER home. HeadbangersFM - The station that keeps your head banging! ------------- She's pretty, not "damn-she's-making-my-noodle-dance-samba"-pretty, but still very pretty... - Micki!

03-30-2008, 04:22 PM	#19
hark	Re: Should the aliens understand english? There could be an inventory item that translates alien language. It would work like night vision in that it has limited energy and can be turned on or off whenever you want. When it's on, any alien voice that is heard will be translated and put into a line of text at the bottom of your screen. This would be useful in that you can hear what the enemy is planning to do. It would also work in multiplayer. When a person on another team is typing to their team mates in team chat, the device will pick it up and show it to you.

03-30-2008, 04:28 PM	#20
Maruno	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Babel fish. Nuff said. And I mean the real Babel fish, not the online translator. Duke slips one into his ear, and understands everything. Perhaps that could even be a function for the Dopefish? __________________ [Pick a number. Any number.]

03-30-2008, 05:50 PM	#21
vcatkiller	Re: Should the aliens understand english? You'd want to stick a Dopefish in your ear? Probably wouldn't translate so good - you'd probably think everybody is saying "swim swim HUNGRY!"

03-30-2008, 10:52 PM	#24
Reaper	Re: Should the aliens understand english? The Pigcops are mutants, so they know English already, and the Commanders can also speak it. The only enemies that shouldn't speak English are perhaps the Octobrains (they have no need for speaking it since they are telepathic beings) and the mechanical enemies (besides T2). I'm sure the Protector Drones can't speak it either, and neither do the Assault Troopers. I might be wrong, though. Most if not all of the enemies could understand English, though. They aren't primitive beings like us. Except for the Slimer and the shark (lol).

03-31-2008, 01:20 AM	#25
Micki!	Re: Should the aliens understand english? I see an advanced Alien race as a foreigner... When they are alone or talking with each others, they speak their own language, but if they talk/taunt/whatever directly to a human, they'd use English (or french if it was in France for all i care) This sorta counts for the typical alien grunts imo... More creature-like aliens such as the Octabrain don't seem to have the ability to "talk" though... That's like expecting a shark to talk... I mean look at the jaws, how can it use it's lips..? it doesn't have any..! So imo, Octabrains should understand spoken english from others, and communicate via telepathy either in english directly to the player, or either silently or by growling at it's allies to communicate their way... I wonder if Pigcops kept enough of their intelligence to understand human speech during their mutation... Or if they simply turned into the typical mindless beast who charges at the player without being the least talkative... __________________ A true genius does not need boundaries such as 'common sense' Last edited by Micki!; 03-31-2008 at 01:23 AM.

03-31-2008, 01:05 PM	#28
Kalki	Re: Should the aliens understand english? I thought it was the pigcops myself. Iirc, we hear the battlelord (as a hologram) in the subsequent prison area room with rotating walls; near the map that points to the Shawshank poster hole. There we hear "Too late Nukem, we're in control now!" but it's the same voice as before and there are pigcops nearby so maybe it's one of them again. The Battlelord definitely has a line as it's dying at the end of Episode 1: "Who the hell are you?" __________________ "Gentlemen, generations to follow will see us as the first pioneers of the internet. They will look upon our days as those of brave spirits and free ideals - where men were men, women were men and children were the FBI." Free Speech

04-03-2008, 08:02 PM	#30
Magnamuz	Re: Should the aliens understand english? I think some enemies might be mutated humans (who speak english) and other enemies Dr. Proton’s creations (who also speaks english) so there should be some english speaking enemy in the game I suppose. __________________ . BEST GOAL EVER!!!

04-05-2008, 06:19 AM	#31
Skiffer	Re: Should the aliens understand english? But should the enemies in DNF speak/understand other languages, besides English? :180 degrees:

04-08-2008, 12:10 PM	#34
JobivanHiob	Re: Should the aliens understand english? interesting topic, we need more of these kind! __________________ Stay up to date with http://dukewatch.blogspot.com for the UNEXPECTED and PREPARE YOURSELF for SHOCK and AWESOME on Penny Arcade EXPO from September 3-5! Onebullit: "If DNF comes out in 2010 i will buy 2 copies and send you one." pjVgt regading DNF at PAX:"I would seriously shit my pants and pre-order three copies - one will be sent to Jobi"

04-08-2008, 07:03 PM	#36
lofty	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Gosh thanks mate did'nt know that But don't you think we are all digging a little too deep here ? After all it's just a game,and as i said before just shoot em,or burn,blow em up and so on. Does it really matter,or are you refering to it in the context of playability,total enjoyment,as against a more plauseable(if this were possible), realist ? storyline. Geez now look who's digging too deep. __________________ Australia the best address on earth

04-09-2008, 01:57 AM	#37
Reaper	Re: Should the aliens understand english? I don't care if it's "just a game." It's nice to have a "storyverse" that is consistent. Maruno's post is great, it gives me a good idea of what to hope for in DNF.

04-09-2008, 03:11 AM	#38
lofty	Re: Should the aliens understand english? Uummmm... you did'nt have your own idea's ? Still you are quite right about a consistent "storyline". Lets face it it's not as if this game has been rushed ,so the whole box and dice as they say should be a classic. __________________ Australia the best address on earth

04-09-2008, 03:34 AM	#39
brandonlee33	Re: Should the aliens understand english? They should do, after 10 years of listening __________________ Most Wanted Games: Duke Nukem Forever, Postal 3, Deus Ex 3, Perfect Dark 2, GTA4, Splinter Cell: Conviction, Portal 2, DooM 4, Quake 5, Max Payne 3.

04-09-2008, 05:41 AM	#40
Skullmonkey	Re: Should the aliens understand english? How is it that all the aliens in Star Wars understand english? But as for DNF, I would say yes for the sake of the player. I don't want to hear gibberish.