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Memories with Resident Evil 4: Between the Bahraini Version and the Disastrous Fusha Attempt
In the early 2010s, even with the emergence of new-generation consoles like the PlayStation 3 and 4, the PlayStation 2 maintained massive popularity in my country, Saudi Arabia. It remained the most widely played and accessible device across all age groups. One of the most iconic games that left a lasting impression on an entire generation of Arab gamers was Resident Evil 4, which delivered an unforgettable blend of horror and action.
Although I first played it on the PS2 a decade ago, nostalgia recently led me to revisit it through an emulator. During my search, I was surprised to discover two Arabic-dubbed versions of the game: one in the Bahraini dialect and the other in Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha). Given that the Bahraini version was the one tied to my childhood memories, I naturally chose to start with it.
The Bahraini Version: A Modest but Sincere Attempt
The Bahraini version of RE4 was released around 2007 and uses the NTSC system. Despite the modest production quality and amateur voice acting, the experience remains authentic and heartfelt. The use of a casual Bahraini dialect gave the game a familiar and localized feel that resonated especially with Gulf players.
Despite its technical shortcomings, this version is considered one of the earliest full Arabic dubbing efforts in gaming history, making it worthy of recognition and historical appreciation.
The Fusha Version: A Complete Disaster
On the other end of the spectrum, another version emerged using PAL format, dubbed in Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha). It was a disastrous attempt by all standards:
Poor Dubbing: The voice acting was extremely weak, as if performed by individuals with no background in voice performance or dramatic context.
Limited Coverage: The voice-over was only applied to scenes in the village, leaving the rest of the game untouched and incoherent.
Bizarre Music Changes: For inexplicable reasons, the original soundtrack was replaced with Arabic songs that clashed with the game's tone, such as:
"Nassam Alayna Al-Hawa" by Fairuz during the opening scene.
"Al Shaki" by Hussein Al Jasmi during the scene where Leon and Luis are kidnapped.
"In Hawaitona" also by Al Jasmi during save points.
The Shock: Religious Content Used Inappropriately
What made this version entirely unacceptable was the inclusion of Quranic verses, specifically from Surah Qaf, that played when the player lost. This sparked significant controversy at the time, especially as many people mistakenly believed the version was officially released by Capcom.
The issue later resurfaced with the release of Resident Evil 5, where intricately decorated books resembling the Quran were seen placed on the ground. This fueled accusations that Capcom intended to offend, with some citing the RE4 controversy as evidence of malicious intent.
Conclusion
Despite everything, the Bahraini version of RE4 remains a warm, nostalgic experience—even if far from perfect. In contrast, the Fusha version serves as a stark example of how cultural and religious elements should never be mishandled. Between these two extremes, it’s crucial to document such efforts—both good and bad—as part of the early history of unofficial Arabic localization in video games.
In the early 2010s, even with the emergence of new-generation consoles like the PlayStation 3 and 4, the PlayStation 2 maintained massive popularity in my country, Saudi Arabia. It remained the most widely played and accessible device across all age groups. One of the most iconic games that left a lasting impression on an entire generation of Arab gamers was Resident Evil 4, which delivered an unforgettable blend of horror and action.
Although I first played it on the PS2 a decade ago, nostalgia recently led me to revisit it through an emulator. During my search, I was surprised to discover two Arabic-dubbed versions of the game: one in the Bahraini dialect and the other in Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha). Given that the Bahraini version was the one tied to my childhood memories, I naturally chose to start with it.
The Bahraini Version: A Modest but Sincere Attempt
The Bahraini version of RE4 was released around 2007 and uses the NTSC system. Despite the modest production quality and amateur voice acting, the experience remains authentic and heartfelt. The use of a casual Bahraini dialect gave the game a familiar and localized feel that resonated especially with Gulf players.
Despite its technical shortcomings, this version is considered one of the earliest full Arabic dubbing efforts in gaming history, making it worthy of recognition and historical appreciation.
The Fusha Version: A Complete Disaster
On the other end of the spectrum, another version emerged using PAL format, dubbed in Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha). It was a disastrous attempt by all standards:
Poor Dubbing: The voice acting was extremely weak, as if performed by individuals with no background in voice performance or dramatic context.
Limited Coverage: The voice-over was only applied to scenes in the village, leaving the rest of the game untouched and incoherent.
Bizarre Music Changes: For inexplicable reasons, the original soundtrack was replaced with Arabic songs that clashed with the game's tone, such as:
"Nassam Alayna Al-Hawa" by Fairuz during the opening scene.
"Al Shaki" by Hussein Al Jasmi during the scene where Leon and Luis are kidnapped.
"In Hawaitona" also by Al Jasmi during save points.
The Shock: Religious Content Used Inappropriately
What made this version entirely unacceptable was the inclusion of Quranic verses, specifically from Surah Qaf, that played when the player lost. This sparked significant controversy at the time, especially as many people mistakenly believed the version was officially released by Capcom.
The issue later resurfaced with the release of Resident Evil 5, where intricately decorated books resembling the Quran were seen placed on the ground. This fueled accusations that Capcom intended to offend, with some citing the RE4 controversy as evidence of malicious intent.
Conclusion
Despite everything, the Bahraini version of RE4 remains a warm, nostalgic experience—even if far from perfect. In contrast, the Fusha version serves as a stark example of how cultural and religious elements should never be mishandled. Between these two extremes, it’s crucial to document such efforts—both good and bad—as part of the early history of unofficial Arabic localization in video games.
