Maybe it will sound a bit presumptuous, but I dare to call the current situation in the field of Czech game dubbing a small renaissance. Of course, the days of several dozen dubbings per year are long gone, but just such a Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will put most of the production after 2005 into your pocket, at least in terms of scope. And at the moment, it seems that it will not only be in scope, but also in quality. Being a fan of Czech dubbing in games is actually not easy at all, and any release, regardless of form or performance, is such a small holiday. However, the dubbing of the Kingdom Come sequel is something that can crown the 30-year history of game dubbing in our country. And that I listened to those dubbings… I am even more interested in this dubbing. But enough talk, here are my impressions.
First time in Czech
At the Game MČR in Brno, the game was available to players and visitors for the first time, including the Czech dubbing, which premiered during the week and answered some questions from the cast. However, the demo in the stream was not enough for me, so of course I went to Brno to listen to the dubbing directly in the game. That’s the main thing in the end. I have to admit that I set off on the trip with concerns, which was already true for the presentation of the game as such in Kutná Hora. The game itself already managed to convince me in the summer that my fears were unfounded, but what about the dubbing? The complexity of the game, interactions, mechanisms, NPCs, reactions and everything around, including the story itself and the extensive script certainly presented a difficult challenge for the creators of the dubbing. Dubbing games is tricky and so many things can go wrong and end up not fitting together as a whole, and there are countless pitfalls. But if the sample I was able to try and listen to is a harbinger of the resulting dubbing, I shouldn’t be worried about its quality either. It is already clear that the creators did not underestimate anything and that it is a careful work that is well underway and can turn out to be much more than just a “good dubbing”.
In Brno, the developers presented a part from the beginning of the game, when Jindřich and Jan Ptáček hide in the woods of Trosecko in the hut of Bozena, the rooter. I was able to try this already in Kutná Hora, but including the previous introduction and part of the continuation afterwards. In addition, the demo here was limited to a time limit of 20 minutes, but I had the opportunity to try it several times, for example with different dialog options. However, I was disappointed that even speedrun would not allow me to continue, as unfortunately the demo ends there. But in the end, that wasn’t all I could hear, as I was given the opportunity to briefly taste the already mentioned opening passage, which I won’t spoil too much, just like I did in my first impressions of the game. In addition, it was not yet completely finished in Czech, so I cannot judge the cutscenes, but something would be found. So I’ll start with the forest and what everyone has a chance to hear, and unsurprisingly, the main character. So how is the Czech Jindřich in the doubles so far?
I have to say right from the start that despite the origin of the dubbing of the first game, Richard Wágner proved himself as Jindra. He was not always 100 percent, there were certain fluctuations in his performance, but on the other hand, you could hear how he was improving and gaining experience during the long recording. And that’s exactly what he reaps the benefits of audibly here years later. In the first one, he mastered the role and got used to the character, which must have helped him jump into an even more demanding sequel. I think it’s good that Henry speaks in the same voice again, not only for continuity. Wágner is more confident in the role, acting and technically, which can be heard here even in a relatively small space. However, it must be said that this particular passage includes a cutscene with action, the gameplay is then fairly common actions, but also traditional games with various choices. There is no shortage of reactions to previous events, hunger, instructions within the task, herbalism, alchemy… After all, there is not so much. Thanks to this, several different positions can be heard, all of which sounded natural to me in the given situation and context.
On the other hand, Jan Ptáček, who is newly dubbed by Robert Hájek, does not have much space here. That is, he utters a few lines, but then we don’t get anything else from him. It’s a shame, moreover, I think that the appropriateness of the new cast will not be discussed much among the players, but rather the fact that there was a change and, unlike Wágner, Artur Komňacky did not return. Of course, Ptáček speaks more in the introduction, where even I at first couldn’t resist the thought that this was quite unusual, but after the first few lines I had to admit that it was a type-accurate cast. Hájek can combine a certain domineering and irony in his voice, but also the actions of a nobleman, and it fits not only the nature of the character, but also his appearance. Moreover, I have no worries about technique or tense situations with such an experienced dubber. Good choice for me and I look forward to hearing more.
Minor does not mean unimportant
The old spicer Božena was a surprise for me, as I originally imagined her to be a slightly older dab girl, precisely with regard to the character’s treatment. The choice of Zuzana Hykyšová initially surprised me a little because of her age, but in the end it seems to me to be a typical good choice. After all, I spent the most time and discussions with Božena, so I had the opportunity to listen to her well. As a result, the roughness of the voice suits the character’s age, in addition, Hykyšová got enough good-heartedness and vigor into her speech. He sounds good in the cutscene and dialogues with Jindra, although it should be noted that the conversations do not feel “detached”.
The lines naturally follow each other and there is no feeling that the actors were not clear about what they were talking about and with whom. That’s the thing I was most worried about. Of course, I can’t judge interactions with many others across the game based on one character, but it’s a good sign. In addition, I also perceived it similarly in the meeting with Pobudy, which was somewhat more intense. I tried this dialogue several times, with different options and including combat, and it seems that even the normal reactions of NPCs will work well in Czech. The question then remains as to how the original English dubbing is handled, for example regarding the distribution of characters between the actors. The first thing I criticized was the repetition of voices, which is exactly something that Czech, sticking to the original, cannot influence. But I couldn’t judge that yet.
A bit of action and reaction
I was once again convinced of this by the introduction of the game, which takes us directly into the battle, which even in Czech sounds faithful and vivid. Soldiers give orders, some at the same time become hysterical, fight, die and so on. Here, for example, I heard the voice of Ernesto Čekan among the soldiers, who is clearly a suitable type for such characters and reactions. Of course, there were a lot of other voices in the tumult of the battle that I couldn’t identify, but none of them sounded “out of place” or as if they didn’t fit into the situation. Another concern has been alleviated for the time being, but there are still several dozen actors that we haven’t had the chance to hear yet.
The cast as a whole looks colorful already from these samples, while there are also a number of not-so-familiar voices. Not all actors are automatically good dubbers, moreover, game dubbing is such a specific industry that not all game dubbers are good at dubbing. The rich cast here seems to combine experienced game dubbers with newcomers who, however, have not yet stood out, which is very rewarding for the overall impression. This also applies, for example, to the companions who went on the journey with Jindra and Ptáček, as well as to the people they meet on the expedition, but for obvious reasons I do not want to go into details here. Overall, though, I can’t find any outright negatives in my action and gameplay notes.
There is something to look forward to
What to add to that? Inconsistencies, unbalanced performances and fluctuations in quality or outright errors can still appear. And I’m already counting on the fact that we won’t always get a perfect synchro, but so far it doesn’t seem like it’s anything major. In addition, we were warned that not everywhere the dubbing is final or removed. It is also worth mentioning that this is an old sample presented to players from all over the world, so the goal could not have been to choose exactly the part where the dubbing sounds best. In any case, this piece of dubbing alone showed that the result could be truly exceptional. It was also pleasant that I didn’t notice any inconsistencies in the sound as such, everything simply fit together.
If the rest of the dubbing is like this, I believe that it could rank among the best dubbing efforts that have ever come out in our country. At the very least, it will be the greatest dubbing in history, but I think it can receive significantly more recognition.
The Dub-Tastic Renaissance of Czech Game Dubbing: A Cheeky Commentary
Oh, dear readers, grab your game controllers and hold onto your headphones because we are diving headfirst into a renaissance, and not just of the artistic kind! No, we’re talking about the resurrection of Czech game dubbing—where, against all odds, we find ourselves on the brink of a glorious comeback! But let’s face it; we’ve been through some cringe-worthy times, and yet, here we are, buoyed by the impending arrival of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. It promises to take us back to the days when game dubbings flowed like cheap wine at a family reunion—frequent and often questionable.
The Return of Jindřich: The Hero We Deserve?
Picture it: Brno, the Game MČR, where our brave adventurers—yes, I mean you—get to experience Czech dubbing for the first time. The atmosphere is electric, and the anxiety palpable. Remember the last time you ventured into something new? Probably that haircut you regretted for months, right? But, my dear friends, the brave souls behind the Kingdom Come sequel did not come to disappoint. Richard Wágner reprises his role as Jindřich, bringing back a voice we’ve grown almost fond of… like an old sweater you can’t quite throw away.
Now, before you hit that panic button and reminisce about the “good old days” of studiously dodgy dubbings, I must say Wágner has stepped up his game! He sounds confident, and I’ll give credit where credit is due—there’s a recognizable comfort in familiarity. Then again, it could just be that after long hours in the studio, he’s finally figured out which button to press when making a funny noise—and trust me, we all love a good funny noise!
New Faces: Out with the Old, In with… the Old? Wait, What?
Fast forward a bit, and we find ourselves face-to-face with Jan Ptáček, now given a voice fresh from Robert Hájek. A few lines in, and I was left pondering: “Is that who I think it is?” The sudden switch-up in cast is as delightful as a spicy surprise in your grandma’s stew—it’s exciting, unpredictable, and you might want to have a glass of milk nearby just in case.
Hájek manages to sprinkle a little nobility and irony all over his lines, which is nice, but let’s not ignore the elephant in the room—the absence of Artur Komňacky. A change like that could lead to the gaming community frothing at the mouth, debating the very fabric of voice acting itself, perhaps while sipping lattes at the local coffee shop.
Characters that Don’t Sound Like Robots—Allegedly
Now, onto the old crone Božena who’s refreshing like an ice-cold glass of water after a night out! Here we witness Zuzana Hykyšová stepping into the fray—and though she may not fit the visual of an older character, she echoes with a roughness that draws you in. It’s a bit like finding a diamond in the rough… of a neighborhood you wouldn’t want to visit after dark. You can really hear the vigor and good-hearted nature she imbues into her lines. She’s the type of character one would probably want in their corner during a tough melee, even if she turned up five minutes late.
What About the Action? Not Just Hand Signals and Muffled Grunts!
As we edge closer to some actual action—yes, that’s right—the battle sequences in the demo don’t disappoint! Soldiers shouting orders sound legitimate, seamlessly merging into the gritty chaos of battle like ketchup on a hot dog. Here, Ernesto Čekan makes his mark among the clamor, successfully reminding us that not everyone at the military reenactment is just there for the fancy costumes and the free food.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about hearing voice actors hit the nail on the head in terms of delivery and timing—like when you manage to perfectly time a punchline right after the host in a comedy show. It’s thrilling! And yes, while the sound may not reach Hollywood standards—yet—it’s a good start. It’s refreshing to know that developers are trying to blend voice actors of all experience levels, novice and veteran alike. Suddenly, the world of game dubbing doesn’t feel like a closet where only the cool kids hang out!
Look Out World, Here Comes Recognition!
So, what’s left to ponder, my curious compatriots? As we inch toward the release of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, there’s one thing we can all agree on: we’re tinged with a cautious excitement. Sure, as we scale this mountain of voice overdubs, there might yet be some bumps along the way—like a rogue picnic table that blindsides you at just the wrong moment. But word on the street says that if the dubbing is as good as it sounds—and trust me, many of us are crossing our fingers—it could well be the dawn of the most notorious dubbing campaign in Czech history.
So let’s not just hope for a decent dubbing experience—let’s dream bigger. If you hadn’t already marked your calendars (and your to-do lists), make sure you don’t miss this magnificent return to the world of Czech game dubbing. Buckle up, my friends! It’s about to be a wild ride!
This witty commentary captures the spirit of excitement and anticipation surrounding Czech game dubbing while adding a sharp, humorous edge fitting the comedic style of the mentioned personalities.
There is no doubt that the Czech game dubbing landscape is witnessing an exciting revival—the likes of which many enthusiasts have long desired. While the era of producing dozens of dubs yearly has faded into history, the highly anticipated Kingdom Come: Deliverance II promises to outshine much of the output from 2005 onward, particularly in terms of scale and craftsmanship. This resurgence is particularly significant for fans, where each game release feels like a dedicated celebration of Czech dubbing artistry. The Kingdom Come sequel’s dubbing stands poised to elevate the 30-year journey of game dubbing in the Czech Republic to new heights. As an avid listener, my excitement about the quality of these dubs is palpable. Here are my detailed impressions.
First time in Czech
During the Game MČR convention in Brno, players were treated to a sneak peek of the game, complete with its freshly debuted Czech dubbing. This preview provided a unique opportunity for the cast to interact with the audience, answering questions and creating a buzz around the game. Yet, the limited demo streamed online left me craving more, and I embarked on a journey to Brno, keen to immerse myself in the experience of hearing the dubbing within the game itself. My previous experiences in Kutná Hora had both fueled my anticipation and instilled in me some apprehensions. While the game itself had won me over last summer, I remained anxious about the dubbing quality. Given the game’s complexity, incorporating rich interactions, intricate NPC dynamics, and a nuanced storyline, I understood the challenges the dubbing creators faced. However, if the samples I encountered are indicative of the overall quality, my concerns appear to be unfounded. It’s evident that the team behind the dubbing is committed to excellence, marking this work as potentially more than just a standout dubbing production.
In Brno, developers showcased an early segment of the game where Jindřich and Jan Ptáček take refuge in a woodland lodge owned by Božena, a robust character. Recalling my earlier experience in Kutná Hora, I had the pleasure of revisiting some moments, albeit within a strict 20-minute time frame. The opportunity to try different dialog options added layers to the experience, although I found myself wishing for the chance to continue past the demo’s abrupt end. Nevertheless, I was graciously allowed an enticing glimpse of the opening sceneries and moments. With the dubbing still being fine-tuned, I withheld judgment on specific cutscenes while focusing on the gameplay and Jindřich’s character.
Richard Wágner remains a stellar choice for the role of Jindřich, showing marked growth since his performance in the first game. His evolution shines through even amidst action-packed cutscenes. As the gameplay unfolds, it becomes clear that hunger, quests, and interactions are deftly crafted, showcasing remarkable voice recording technique. Players will appreciate Wágner’s nuanced portrayal throughout the game’s various scenarios, and his established rapport with the character feels like a significant boon for continuity and immersion.
While Jan Ptáček’s timely delivery, voiced by Robert Hájek, does carry less weight in the demo, it leaves players intrigued. Though initial lines may sound slightly unusual, they soon align with the character’s essence. Hájek’s adept portrayal embraces the duality of nobility and irony aptly reflecting Ptáček’s character. This transition is welcomed as players look forward to more of his performance throughout the game.
Minor does not mean unimportant
The introduction of Božena as a character was a pleasant surprise, contradicting my preconceived notions of her persona based on age. Zuzana Hykyšová was initially an unexpected choice but eventually proved to be an inspired selection for the role. Her interactions add an authentic depth to the character, blending well with Jindřich and ensuring dialogues flow naturally without feeling disconnected. This careful crafting in voice performances evokes a sense of realism that resonates vividly with players. I sensed a similar positive engagement when experiencing scenes with Pobudy, enhancing the anticipation of character interactions throughout the vast game world.
Intense situations were vividly encapsulated in the game’s introductory battle scenes. Commands rang out, chaos unfolded, and the sense of realism was electric—notably, I recognized Ernesto Čekan’s voice among the soldiers, perfectly embodying the essence of those frantic moments. These instances serve as a powerful indicator of the quality and diversity within the voice talent roster, hinting at a colorful array that combines seasoned veterans with fresh faces, all contributing to an elevated experience. As the journey continues, players can expect rich performances from companions and characters encountered along the way.
There is something to look forward to
In concluding thoughts, it’s essential to acknowledge that minor inconsistencies and performance variances can arise, but I remain optimistic that these will not detract significantly from the overall experience. While we are aware that this is an early sample of the dubbing, the potential for a remarkable outcome has been clearly established. If the remainder of the dubbing can maintain this caliber, it stands a good chance of being hailed as one of the finest efforts in Czech game dubbing history, garnering recognition and praise well beyond local borders.
What makes Hykyšová’s portrayal of Božena significant in the context of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II?
Ed choice for voice acting Božena, but she confidently encapsulates the spirit of the character. Despite not fitting the typical appearance of an elderly woman, Hykyšová brings depth and vibrancy to Božena, reminding players that age does not define one’s essence. Her performance truly enhances the overall experience, and it’s refreshing to see such a non-traditional casting choice paying off.
As I delved deeper into the gameplay, it became evident that the fusion of voice acting and narrative is paramount in drawing players into the world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Every accent, intonation, and pause adds layers to the character interactions, effectively conveying the game’s intricate emotional landscapes. The seamless integration of the dialog with the gameplay mechanics allows players to lose themselves in the story without feeling jolted by awkward voice transitions or mismatched tones.
The Path Ahead: Bright Lights and High Hopes
The excitement surrounding this new installment not only stems from the robust and engaging dubbing performances but also from the developers’ commitment to delivering a well-rounded experience. If the demo is anything to go by, the producers behind Kingdom Come: Deliverance II are keenly aware of the expectations of their player base. They understand that every snippet of dialog matters, compelling the audience to become emotionally invested in the narrative journey of Jindřich and his companions.
As the game continues to evolve, I find myself reflecting on the broader implications of this revival in Czech game dubbing. It’s not just about enhancing gameplay; it’s about celebrating an art form that has largely been overshadowed in recent years. This renewed attention to quality dubbing promises to inspire future projects and encourages other developers to view voice acting as an integral part of the gaming experience, rather than a mere afterthought.
With the release date approaching, all signs point to Kingdom Come: Deliverance II becoming a benchmark for not only Czech dubbing but also for how narrative and voice acting interweave to create authentic and immersive gaming experiences. As players, we’re not just passive observers; we have the power to shape the industry’s future by voicing our support for quality and craftsmanship in game dubbing.
So, grab your bows and swords (or your game controllers and headsets), prepare to dive back into the morally complex world of Kingdom Come, and let’s rally behind the talented voice actors who are breathing new life into beloved characters. The countdown has begun, and soon we’ll see if this thrilling journey will live up to the dizzying expectations we’ve built, weaving a tale as rich and layered as its characters. Let the adventure begin!
