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Miscellaneous Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-19 06:02:17

Title: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-19 06:02:17
A map analysis of the prerenders of FF7, including translations of the Japanese text scattered all over the game.

http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-1 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-1)
http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-2 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-2)
http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-3 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-3)
http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-4 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-4)
http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-5 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-5)
http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-6 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-6)
http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-7 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis/map-analysis-part-7)

Part 1-7 of 7.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Timu Sumisu on 2011-01-19 15:41:25
Beautiful, I look forward to the rest. @ the purple thing in the shinra lobby, I always figured it was some kind of notice board... Will need to replay CC.

Just noticed the thing on the fighter jet - looks to me like on the vertical fin that it says KO :P
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: ultima espio on 2011-01-19 16:31:44
It's a Shinra noticeboard :P
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-19 17:23:55
Thanks. I updated with your comments and uploaded part two, now linked on the topic message.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-20 07:09:39
Part 3 uploaded and linked. Look forward to the big revelation coming up in Part 4.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: nfitc1 on 2011-01-20 13:01:07
Quote
Shin-Ra is jealously hoarding the last tree in Midgar.

That's a very interesting point. I never considered it before.

Also, don't double-post. :)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Timu Sumisu on 2011-01-20 15:07:41
@ part 2, I'm surprised there was no comment on the fact that Aeris has a bloody WATERFALL in her back yard...
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-20 16:23:56
Small addition for your analyses....
(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/GHOTELa.png)
Quote
I can’t quite read the name of the hotel
in the original drawing of this background, the hotel is called "The Picman Hotel"

and Chocobo just states "Chcobo"
see also:
(http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-01/art/ff7-kusanagi06.gif)

I'm still waiting for the Midgar part......could be usefull for my project.... 8)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Covarr on 2011-01-20 19:05:26
and Chocobo just states "Chcobo"
Only in the art you just linked. In the in-game image, it clearly says "ChocoBo".
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-21 07:11:11
in the original drawing of this background, the hotel is called "The Picman Hotel"

I'm still waiting for the Midgar part......could be usefull for my project.... 8)

Thanks, SpooX! Updated with your commentary.

Part 4 is now up and linked above. This one contains a big revelation, so be sure not to scroll by!

Parts 1-3 are also updated with information on unused animations by BrutalAl, including a rather interesting developer error in the placement of North Corel.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-21 17:27:31
another addition for part 3

it's hardly readable, but in
(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/GHOTIN_3a.png)
there is a plaque behind the cashregister underneath the cabinet on the wall which depicts (from left to right):
a skull with bones followed by "Poison"
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Covarr on 2011-01-21 18:24:04
another addition for part 3

it's hardly readable, but in
*image*
there is a plaque behind the cashregister underneath the cabinet on the wall which depicts (from left to right):
a skull with bones followed by "Poison"
Good catch! That's almost invisible, but once you see it you can't miss it!
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-21 20:09:56
another addition for part 3

it's hardly readable, but in
(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/GHOTIN_3a.png)
there is a plaque behind the cashregister underneath the cabinet on the wall which depicts (from left to right):
a skull with bones followed by "Poison"

*squints*

     ...

*squints harder*

     .....

I have no idea how you noticed that and can barely read it, but I'll add it in anyway. Thanks!
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-21 20:27:05

*squints*

     ...

*squints harder*

     .....

I have no idea how you noticed that and can barely read it, but I'll add it in anyway. Thanks!
PS don't quote images from previous posts, please do edit..... rules you know
lol  :-D
well this is my secret  8-)

Spoiler: show

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3484558085_e122bdf249_o.jpg)


apart from good eyes, I also have the book above....
and in there it is a bit more readable.

note; at the hotel, first stone to the right with station in large,
underneath it states "Tope Way" which I think should be "Rope way".... 8-)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Kudistos Megistos on 2011-01-21 21:10:38
Quote
Shin-Ra is jealously hoarding the last tree in Midgar.

That's a very interesting point. I never considered it before.

Also, don't double-post. :)

Aeris disagrees

note; at the hotel, first stone to the right with station in large,
underneath it states "Tope Way" which I think should be "Rope way".... 8-)

Are you sure it isn't a badly drawn lower case "r" with hueg serifs?
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: nfitc1 on 2011-01-21 21:48:06
Quote
Shin-Ra is jealously hoarding the last tree in Midgar.

That's a very interesting point. I never considered it before.

Also, don't double-post. :)

Aeris disagrees

Aeris only has flowers and bushes. No trees.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-21 22:29:00
I'll expect a full and detailed report on all shrubbery in Midgar by noon. Step on it!
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-21 23:00:58
I'll expect a full and detailed report on all shrubbery in Midgar by noon. Step on it!

well.... Midgar..trees...

(http://thelifestream.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/red-xiii-and-midgar.png)

have fun with the determination of all plant life... ;D
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: luksy on 2011-01-22 00:57:49
Hi!

This is really interesting stuff, if I can I'd like to give my ¥2 on a couple of things

I think the kanji on the pillow is 魂, it would make more sense as well seeing as 瑰 is pretty rare (pun intended... :D).

The last kanji outside Corneo's looks like 尾, giving koruneo.

The "ma" in shuumai is either a simplified 魔, 摩 or possibly just 麻, not that it's important.

In Corneo's office I think I can make out 善罪 on the right, i.e. zenzai

On his bed I think the joke is meant to be 天丼, one word.

The statues in Da Chao all look like Tenbu (http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/tenbu-top.shtml) (Devas), the Nio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nio) are bosatsu.

The coordinates on the Ice Gate sign point to here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=62.05,+12.25&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=54.401733,80.771484&ie=UTF8&ll=62.050828,12.252502&spn=0.03182,0.078878&t=h&z=14), probably meaningless but you never know!

The camo aircraft in Junon looks like a Gelnika

That's all I've got!
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-22 07:18:21
Hi!

This is really interesting stuff, if I can I'd like to give my ¥2 on a couple of things

I think the kanji on the pillow is 魂, it would make more sense as well seeing as 瑰 is pretty rare (pun intended... :D).

The last kanji outside Corneo's looks like 尾, giving koruneo.

The "ma" in shuumai is either a simplified 魔, 摩 or possibly just 麻, not that it's important.

In Corneo's office I think I can make out 善罪 on the right, i.e. zenzai

On his bed I think the joke is meant to be 天丼, one word.

The statues in Da Chao all look like Tenbu (http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/tenbu-top.shtml) (Devas), the Nio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nio) are bosatsu.

The coordinates on the Ice Gate sign point to here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=62.05,+12.25&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=54.401733,80.771484&ie=UTF8&ll=62.050828,12.252502&spn=0.03182,0.078878&t=h&z=14), probably meaningless but you never know!

The camo aircraft in Junon looks like a Gelnika

That's all I've got!

Thank you very much, everyone, I've added your comments!

And thanks for the corrections, luksy. Let me know if you have a page you'd like me to link to.

Part 5 is now up and added to the top post!
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: luksy on 2011-01-22 08:47:54
Thanks for including me!

No page, I'm more of a sporadic contributor to fandom :)

Oh by the way zenzai is probably a pun on 善哉, similar to oshiruko.

For part 5:

大知 on the wall could be 大和

The "China" pot could well be the first kanji of 漢方

I think the 将星 posters could be upside down, flipping it 180 the first kanji looks like 皆

The shop with the ?? sign on top I think is 魔天リA, i.e. a really convoluted way of writing Materia.

只今入荷 is "in stock now"

The odd doll in the left corner looks like a daruma, there's also a couple of pennants and a 提灯 with something on it, can't make out a single word though...

In the gym the banner on the left looks like it ends in 男力, can't make out the rest...

The white and red war banners in the FiRe mat room look like 戦-something-武

The karaoke joint has a mat that appears to say おいでやす, the Kyoto version of いらっしゃいませ

Blue sign: “Ice” (氷), this usually refers to かき氷

Honeybee inn has a sign that says something somthing 会計

The map in the tent is of Japan

The sign in the middle of North Corel has what looks like 小, 屋, maybe 問 or something? Can't tell...
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-22 09:57:55
(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/MKT_Wa.png)
the orange sign on the fence reads "keep out"
to the right of the fire mat on the fence it reads "warning"
behind the fence (backwall green part above some ammo) there are two signs
"<| Keepout |>" and "Denger" (should probably danger there...  ::)

to the left the flag to the right reads "DE -[skull with wings] -R"

(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/MKT_MENSa.png)
the front part of the boxing ring reads "SWC"- Square Wrestling Club

(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/MKTPBa.png)
left of the performance area (the very dark part) has a smell sign wit "WC"

(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/MRKT3a.png)
Sign on the left: マッサージ (massage)
Right: 風俗会社 ('entertainment'/sex business)

Quote
The black writing on the far wall above the counter is just barely unreadable. Anyone else care to try their hand?
there is som kanji, with a bear-glass underneath it, I'll get back with more details. 8)

[Edit starts here]
(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/JAIL2a.png)
now this is interesting....
Quote
some graffiti reading “Pyek
this is not what it originally should be....this must have been editted through censorship...
let me put it this way, you can even see it if you zoom in...
the "P" used to be an "F" and the "y" should be an "u"  :o
Quote
Corel-21
To the right side of the building it states "Corel-29"
at the side and top of the truck there seems to be stated "Corel - R24"

[Edit ends here]
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: BlitzNCS on 2011-01-22 14:00:22
Very interesting stuff guys, thank you :D

Also, how recently did part 5 go up? I'm like 90% sure I've read the exact same thing with the exact same wording a while ago.

EDIT: No, wait, maybe I'm thinking of the prerelease shots page. Ignore me :P
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-22 14:10:13
I take it they changed that because Fuek is too close to f*ck?  And it does indeed look like a C from a  distance.

Has anyone else spotted the Green Herb from Resident Evil in that Corel Prison picture?  ;D
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: BlitzNCS on 2011-01-22 14:12:03
If you zoom in close enough, it's actually a c, the logo behind it just makes it look like there's a line there. I think.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-22 14:13:56
I think you are right :P  I wonder who tried to get away with that! hahaha
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-22 18:29:14
I think you are right :P  I wonder who tried to get away with that! hahaha
yep, you are right, it is a "C" (I forgot it was stated as an "e")

some other notes...
the restaurant at sector 8 seems to be named in the tech demo as "Les Marronniers" which translates into the chestnut trees (クリの木)....(however it makes you wonder where the "D" is comming from....)
(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/MD1_1a.png)
In MD1_2 left from the gatethere is a sign stating "NORTH GATE" at the opposite of the gate there is a sign white on green with probably something like "OMEGA" and "RED" underneath it, it's hard to read.

on the bottom left there is also a sign attached to the warehouse, I can't find out what it says...

oh and the bear advertisement at the end of the bar...
it has "のビごレ" followed by "スッキリ"

 8)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Shademp on 2011-01-22 19:39:14
SpooX, that book with the Ghost Hotel sketch... What book is it? I'd be more than interested in ordering that thing if it is available over the net.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-22 20:53:01
Phew.. all changes/suggestions added in for Part 5. Thanks for those, you guys. Seems like every map has a comment now.

luksy: Could the white and red war banners in the FiRe mat room read 戦国武?

SpooX: I think that sign at Honey Bee Inn says 明朗会計, and I can't really make out マッサージ. Maybe just the ジ at the end, but it looks more like ツ.

Also, スッキリ makes sense, but のビごレ?
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: syntax error on 2011-01-22 22:21:44

http://thelifestream.net/final-fantasy-vii/1170/final-fantasy-vii-4th-disc-perfect-guide-images/

Follow this link to find images of decoration models and beta content included on disc 4 of the International version.
could be of great use for TA.
Why has no TA guy here the Avalanche Booze as avatar?

Use search to find the old 3D backgrounds thread where someone showed the Midgar Edge Station text and how to edit and rotate backgrounds via sketchup.I forgot who was it. :oops:
For scaling without quality loss, the Photoshop plugin Genuine Fractals
is very useful.

The iron helmets seem to be a recurring element, some cut Shinra robot design with giant hands?.

Now we have more allusions to other titles,say Mt. Kolts.
The FF wiki seems to collect these,some might be just mistranslated.

Thanks to Glitterberry we know where Shinra rockets 1-25 had gone.
One was stolen by Aerith for her private war, now in her church and most of the others were scrapped by the Wall Market arms dealer. ;D
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: luksy on 2011-01-22 22:34:41
Quote
luksy: Could the white and red war banners in the FiRe mat room read 戦国武?

It could be, I really don't know, although it don't think it looks like kanji personally. It could just be a filler like a mon or something, giving "war weapons".

The one behind seems to start off 一日一, which could be 一日一善
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-22 22:37:10
:x everytime i try to post, there has been a new post.....grrmble, so now I'll just post. (third attempt)

Use search to find the old 3D backgrounds thread where someone showed the Midgar Edge Station text and how to edit and rotate backgrounds via sketchup.I forgot who was it. :oops:

search this forum, and you'll find out.....
actually it is quite the simular method I use for re-creating backgrounds.... 8-)

SpooX: I think that sign at Honey Bee Inn says 明朗会計, and I can't really make out マッサージ. Maybe just the ジ at the end, but it looks more like ツ.
might be right, I found these references somewhere (I think it was on lifestream) so I'll have to take a closer look, to confirm.
Quote from: GlitterBerri
Also, スッキリ makes sense, but のビごレ?
hmmm... I've tried some translators.... got something back about "your highly refreshing beer" (but you'll have to be quite creative with those translators...  )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


now back to bussines....

(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/MKT_MENSa.png)
left side of ring: エネノげ-V (no clue about what it means)
banner up-left:
然之ろ男よ!!
on the board right from the mirror: 男の道 (way of the man??)
banner: 男乃迪中乃男
banner: 肉質剛健
banner: 好色美男


PS. I've been getting messages of people interested in the book I mentioned before,
It is japanese ( :o) 背景画集 草薙4 (http://parkablogs.com/node/1224)
I've got it through Amazon.co.jp.


 8-)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-22 23:05:18
Quote
left side of ring: エネノげ-V (no clue about what it means)

Looks like a mangled form of word "Energy V(five)"

Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-22 23:09:43

Quote
luksy: Could the white and red war banners in the FiRe mat room read 戦国武?

It could be, I really don't know, although it don't think it looks like kanji personally. It could just be a filler like a mon or something, giving "war weapons".

The one behind seems to start off 一日一, which could be 一日一善

the banner Red with white states: 先手必勝!! (first move wins?)

Quote from: DLPB
Looks like a mangled form of word "Energy V(five)"
you're right it is "エネルギー"V
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-22 23:11:04
先手必勝 【せんてひっしょう】 (exp) victory goes to one who makes the first move; being quick to take

Best one to use >

http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~jwb/cgi-bin/wwwjdic.cgi?1C
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-22 23:42:30
let's see what you can make of this?
also in the weapon room.... white banner, black characters, the one in the front:
戦国武将
(the last kanji was the hardest)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: luksy on 2011-01-23 03:04:19
Quote
it has "のビごレ" followed by "スッキリ"

Ah I get it now, のどごし, it's a set phrase used in a lot of beer adverts, means something akin to "goes down smoothly".
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-23 07:15:36
Whew. I haven't caught up with adding everything yet, but part 6 is up and linked in the top post.

You could click http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis-part-6 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis-part-6) as well.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-23 10:38:09
considering the honey bee in, I've relooked at the source I had on that....

Quote from: Sweet
Quote from: NoenGaruth
wrote:Thank you so much! It's a shame the other two two signs aren't clear enough, tho perhapse you could give me some random smut in japanese I could throw up instead? 
Trying to fit in with what seems to be there already:

Sign on the left: マッサージ (massage)
Right: 風俗会社 ('entertainment'/sex business)

source:Midgar remake by NeonGaruth (http://thelifestream.net/forums/showthread.php?t=58&page=5)

so you can forget that, mea culpa.  ???
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Chev on 2011-01-23 13:13:03
Fascinating stuff! Two things RE part 1:

The truck in the tower lobby (http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/BLIN1a.png) isn't a model, it is the truck used for the midgar escape sequence. Have a look at the relevant cutscene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG4PkJiFmMc), that's indeed where they get it from. Similarly, the bike's two floors up (http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/BLIN3_1a.png), on the left, and once again the cutscene confirms it since Cloud drives it back the two sets of stairs, and then when they drive back up you can see the empty stand on that floor. Conversely, the window on the right is the one they drive through to flee.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-23 13:18:45
yup, that's where your gang steel it from ;)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-23 20:30:49
Quote
“N-8th”? Wonder what that means?

North- 8th sector
(look at SOUTHMK1 there you can see "S-5th" on the left and part of "S-4th" on the right side).
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Timu Sumisu on 2011-01-24 02:47:47
Why has no TA guy here the Avalanche Booze as avatar?

Done and done.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Kudistos Megistos on 2011-01-24 16:25:56
Why has no TA guy here the Avalanche Booze as avatar?

Done and done.

Oh thank God! Now I'm not going to confuse you with titeguy3 any more ;D
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-25 07:50:42
Added all your changes for parts 5 and 6! Here's the 7th and final part. I was unsure of some of the Japanese in this section, help appreciated. Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone!

http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis-part-7 (http://www.glitterberri.com/final-fantasy-vii/map-analysis-part-7)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-25 07:59:40
hahaha  I never noticed VII in the bookcase before!  How cool!

edit:

1 thing, as Wutai is based somewhat on China, the writing on the wall may sometimes reflect Chinese meanings (which are often slightly different).

Just a thought.

Top left:
“Love Nest” (愛の巣箱)

Top right:
“Lovers’ Nest” (恋人の巣箱)

Bottom left:
“Club Nest” (団体の巣箱)

Bottom right:
“Queen Bee’s Nest” (女王蜂の巣箱)


Those are all Hives as opposed to nest (when associated with Bees) and they read, Love, Lovers, Group, Queen.

When we translated this section we left Love Hive as Love Nest, because it goes so much better and distinguishes it from Lovers Hive.

A sign next to the armor shop for the “Shanghai Stop” (上海亭).

It is Shanghai Inn (possibly even restaurant but that doesn't fit), and I think it is actually Chinese reading as opposed to Japanese.  The building does house an Inn, and not a shop.

“Honey Room” (蜂蜜の館)

It could be building or House, but I doubt it is room?  Hmm?

Member's Card
蜂蜜の館の会員カード。
Member's card for the Honeybee Manor.

Also uses it.

Some interesting graffiti. “NO MERCY”, “BO…”, and “AVERL…” are visible. The last could be a misspelling of AVALANCHE on the graphic artists’ part

This is graffiti and graffiti can be written by anyone, even those who cannot spell.  It could be deliberate to reflect some kid or thug who wrote it.


intermediate Beginner’s Hall

Better translated as "Expert's Hall", the japanese means upper class or advanced.  Since we have a Beginner's Hall, it is only right to use Expert's in this context.

(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/KURO_4a.png)

Notice that clock uses other method of IV.

http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/info/roman.htm

62°05N 12°25W

Does not point where Luksy said :P  It is a location in the sea right near Iceland.  Anything to the right of London is East, 0 passes through Greenwich.

Punishment


お仕置き; 御仕置き 【おしおき】 (n,vs) punishment; spanking

Possibly spanking, knowing Corneo ;)  Then again it is the Punishment room...

-=------------------

Da chao is Da Zhao, found here > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Zhao_Temple

Cactaur

No such thing in FF7, Cactuar and Cactuer only in FF7, though better written Cactuer and Caktuer imho, as it matches the kana better.  I also believe the Island is called Cactus Island in the localised original?

The words on the pipes smack a little of Engrish.

Disagree as they are the name of the Squares and names are names :)

Dan







Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: luksy on 2011-01-25 10:22:54
Ok part 7:

??? (???) in Wutai is right to left: 魔手理亜 = Materia  (although for some reason there's a vertical stroke next to 亜)

In the cat house I can see 地 on the screen

In the next image on the left of 天 there's the symbol for onsen

In the bed cover room there is also 心 on the wall

Next image I can see ?? 天下 on the wall, another 天 to the left of that, ?心 on the desk, top bed cover is probably 風林火山

In the room with 剣 the smaller circles could be Sanskrit seeds.

In the 弁天 bed cover room the mat at the entrance reads 鶴

All for now!

MRKT1a has 水道局 on the black tank opposite 男男男
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Matt on 2011-01-25 14:26:28
Nice, I remember seeing these somewhere. Couldn't find them anywhere.
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Covarr on 2011-01-25 15:22:01
Just below "Get Rich Quick", you have the url for a Zelda manga wrapped in image tags. Perhaps you mean to put something else there?
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: SpooX on 2011-01-25 19:25:46
(http://www.glitterberri.com/content/ff_series/ffvii/prerenders/UTA_WAa.png)
at the left, on top of the roof gold in green with red border: 器銃 (waepon storage?)
at the left, at the fence: 立入禁止 [no entry; Keep Off!; No Trespassing]
at the left on the wall right of the bazooka: 買得 [bargain]
Ceiling top left (behind the sign with the dagger: 銃剣 [bayonet]
center back wall, red on black: 美刀 (beautifull swords) this seems to be different between the original sketch and the final background?
there are two more signs against the background (between the swords) which I have not decivered...yet.
 8)
backwall above the bottom left sword: 名 :)月 <--the smiley here is a little moon, more like ")" (Harvest Moon)
backwall above the top right sword: 息吹 (breathe)

ohw and on the floor: 火 (fire)
that's all that's readable
 8)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: GlitterBerri on 2011-01-26 07:39:35
1 thing, as Wutai is based somewhat on China, the writing on the wall may sometimes reflect Chinese meanings (which are often slightly different).

Just a thought.

Isn't Yuffie a ninja?

Top left:
“Love Nest” (愛の巣箱)

Top right:
“Lovers’ Nest” (恋人の巣箱)

Bottom left:
“Club Nest” (団体の巣箱)

Bottom right:
“Queen Bee’s Nest” (女王蜂の巣箱)


Those are all Hives as opposed to nest (when associated with Bees) and they read, Love, Lovers, Group, Queen.

When we translated this section we left Love Hive as Love Nest, because it goes so much better and distinguishes it from Lovers Hive.

Both "bee hive" and "bees' nest" are acceptable in English and I prefer nest because it sounds much more welcoming than a hive, which would make more sense in naming rooms for your business. With the presence of "Love Nest", it makes all the more sense to translate them this way and maintain consistency.

A sign next to the armor shop for the “Shanghai Stop” (上海亭).

It is Shanghai Inn (possibly even restaurant but that doesn't fit), and I think it is actually Chinese reading as opposed to Japanese.  The building does house an Inn, and not a shop.

The translation of 亭, according to the dictionary we both use, is  "pavilion,  restaurant,  mansion,  arbor,  cottage,  vaudeville,  music hall,  stage name". This is another instance of trying to come up with a catchy name for the location. The radicals in also suggest a stop, as with "停", meaning "halt,  stopping".

“Honey Room” (蜂蜜の館)

It could be building or House, but I doubt it is room?  Hmm?

"館" is "building,  mansion,  large building,  palace" and "Honey Room" is a more appealing name for the location than the other options, imo.

Some interesting graffiti. “NO MERCY”, “BO…”, and “AVERL…” are visible. The last could be a misspelling of AVALANCHE on the graphic artists’ part

This is graffiti and graffiti can be written by anyone, even those who cannot spell.  It could be deliberate to reflect some kid or thug who wrote it.

Considering the developers spell "truck" "track", "climb" "crimb", and "Stegodon" "Stelagodon", I don't think my speculation is too far off the mark.

intermediate Beginner’s Hall

Better translated as "Expert's Hall", the japanese means upper class or advanced.  Since we have a Beginner's Hall, it is only right to use Expert's in this context.

I'm not translating anything here. I don't know the name of that location, so that's what I used to refer to it. What is it called in the English game?

Cactaur

No such thing in FF7, Cactuar and Cactuer only in FF7, though better written Cactuer and Caktuer imho, as it matches the kana better.  I also believe the Island is called Cactus Island in the localised original?

My mistake, Cactuar. Guess I pronounce it "Cactar" in my head.

I added the bit about the clock and Da Zhao and fixed the coordinates, guess luksy had his link wrong. Also added everyone else's changes, including some from a thread on The Lifestream, so you may not have seen them before. Thanks, guys!
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-26 11:28:31
Whilst I am sure you can get away with localising it to "nest", it nearly always refers to Hives when talking about bees. http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B7%A3%E7%AE%B1

It also makes sense given that this is the Honeybee Manor.

As for Yuffie, yup, but Wutai is clearly Chinese (Buddhist philosophy)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Wutai_Shan_temple_grounds.jpg

Mount Wutai  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wutai

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Zhao_Temple

, and so are Yuffie's limit breaks (Chinese Idioms originally) 

Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: JordieBo on 2011-01-27 12:11:07
Probably not very important, but you said you recognised the Sister Ray font so...

In response to the sister ray map, I'm pretty sure the font is Helvetica (in Bold).
It's one of the most commonly used fonts, and is known as a designer's best friend. So I wouldn't be surprised if it's used in FFVII  :)

(http://i.min.us/ieo5H2.jpg)

Shoddy attempt to compare the two, but you get the idea ^^

(http://i.min.us/ibTrKw.jpg)
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: DLPB_ on 2011-01-27 16:56:09
yup that's it!
Title: Re: FF7 Map Analysis & Prerenders
Post by: Cloudef on 2011-01-27 19:15:38
A lurker, posting here saying thanks for these interesting articles and discussions. Certainly enjoyed them.
Also makes me sad that pre-rendered backgrounds is not so favored technology nowadays, all these backgrounds just are so beautiful.