That's... actually a kind of big translation difference. [2.5 spoilers]

[Alice_89th]

The link to text of both versions is in my original post. And I did consider that forum, but... in a way, this isn't a localization issue. Not precisely.

I don't have a problem with them deciding to stylize/flavor the translation. Like I said, I did read Fernehalwes's post.

Ah, sorry I missed the links.
It sounds exactly like a localization issue to me, though. It is about the difference between the text in both versions, that sounds a lot more to localization than lore to me. Issue doesn't exactly have to mean problem, mind you. But now that the thread is posted here it doesn't really matter.

But the way I see it, it is still unambiguous that Middy want to help you in the English version, just with a lot less words. In the English version he outright states that he will not harm you, while the Japanese only states that he promised Hydaelyn not to kill you... if anything the English one is a bit more precise here (not killing someone doesn't mean you don't harm them). Neither version outright states that he will help you, while both versions state that he will "watch over you".

The second point you state is valid, the English version does not state that Ishgard is still doing something right now. (Though perhaps you could argue the war is an ongoing thing. It started way back when and Ishgard is still fighting, and over time they may have forgotten the origins of the war). This really is a difference. Still, with the little info we have I find it hard to say what it would do to my character's reaction to this. I personally started doubting Ishgard ever since I met Iceheart and heard her speak Hydaelyns words. To me this meeting with Middy, whichever language you pick, only confirms that doubt.

There is no need to withdraw your opinion. You felt there was a large difference between the two languages, and there is nothing wrong with feeling that way. Everyone has different preferences for translation.

[Cynthis]

But the way I see it, it is still unambiguous that Middy want to help you in the English version, just with a lot less words. In the English version he outright states that he will not harm you, while the Japanese only states that he promised Hydaelyn not to kill you... if anything the English one is a bit more precise here (not killing someone doesn't mean you don't harm them). Neither version outright states that he will help you, while both versions state that he will "watch over you".

I am puzzled how several people in this thread thinks the big dragon wants to help us. I certainly hope there is an explanation coming but removing the blessing of light, which apparently had been keeping the Ascians away, and letting them come after us and killing my favorite scion... that kind of "help" I could have done without. In my mind, not killing us is not equal to helping us...

[Thistledown]

the one thing that pisses me off the most is that in English version Middy doesn't mention that Ishgard is plotting something very dangerous, *AGAIN*. It's not the great migration first explained during DRG storyline that triggered the enmity; it was something that Ishgardians once did and will do again, that the dravanians want to stop.

This completely robs us of any opportunity to gain an insight into Ishgardian situation viewed from dravanian side of the things.

'oh but the dragons are so old and so ambiguous'? You devs denied people access to critical information just because you wanted to play around, waiting for a 'big reveal' that won't make any kind of sense and will feel completely out of place.

Fix this devs or you will have more trouble on your hands in the future than you expect.

[Grayve]

the one thing that pisses me off the most is that in English version Middy doesn't mention that Ishgard is plotting something very dangerous, *AGAIN*
.

I've reread the translation several times, and I don't see any mention of Ishgard plotting something again. Which line is that?

[Chewy2nd]

I prefer English Midgardsormr, do you really think he's the sort to play all his cards at once? He's not likely to tell you everything just because Hydaelyn chose you, he'd want you to prove your worth first.

[Thistledown]

I've reread the translation several times, and I don't see any mention of Ishgard plotting something again. Which line is that?

これは報復よ。イシュガルドの民は、己が罪から目を背けた。その罪こそが、尽きることない戦の火種。
そればかりか、あの者どもは今、再び罪を犯そうとしておる。故に、我が一族は咆哮をとどろかせたのであろう。

This is retribution! The people of Ishgard are blind to their sins. Their sins demand battle without end.
And yet more, they want to sin again. This is why my kin roars.

[Intaki]

I personally think way too much significance is being given to that particular line by people with a bone to pick with the translators. It could very easily just be referring to how Ishgard continues to perpetuate its war against the Dravanians and their sympathizers.

You're also completely ignoring that your own translation even confirms that the dragons fight Ishgard for sins committed in the past just as much as the ones to be committed in the future.

[Alenore]

But the way I see it, it is still unambiguous that Middy want to help you in the English version, just with a lot less words. In the English version he outright states that he will not harm you, while the Japanese only states that he promised Hydaelyn not to kill you... if anything the English one is a bit more precise here (not killing someone doesn't mean you don't harm them). Neither version outright states that he will help you, while both versions state that he will "watch over you".

Midgardsormr was about to kill us, but he couldn't because we were not 'gifted' but 'chosen'. Most likely similarly to what happens in World of Darkness at the end, with Cloud of Darkness unable to kill a certain someone, especially considering that there was a Covenant between CoD and Xande, and there's another between Midgardsormr and Hydaelyn, from his dialogue.

Right after telling he's about to kill you, and seeing his spell fail :

Hmph. Trichery is thy shield. This frail, ignoble creature is not gifted, but chosen...
Hearken to me, Hydaelyn! I remember...and I consent.
Fear not, mortal... O shall not harm thee...

*laser of doom + cutscene with the 6 crystals fading happens*

Heh heh heh. Mayhap thou thinkest me an oathbreaker?
Thou art mistaken. If thou comest to harm, it shall be by another's hand, not mine.
I did but strip thee of thy mistress's feeble blessing.
Thou didst profit much by Her grace, but no more.

To me, it clearly means "I can't actually kill you, but I can strip you from your protection so someone will eventually do the job for me".

[Orophin]

I guess people are so used to the direction of how some FF stories go that they can already see how things are going to play out with Midgardsormr. I just tend to take the story at face value, and as of right now I haven't seen anything Middy do be to my benefit. I mean yeah, an Ascian died at the end of it all, but did it have to come at the expense that it did?

[jomoru]

the one thing that pisses me off the most is that in English version Middy doesn't mention that Ishgard is plotting something very dangerous, *AGAIN*. It's not the great migration first explained during DRG storyline that triggered the enmity; it was something that Ishgardians once did and will do again, that the dravanians want to stop.

This completely robs us of any opportunity to gain an insight into Ishgardian situation viewed from dravanian side of the things.

'oh but the dragons are so old and so ambiguous'? You devs denied people access to critical information just because you wanted to play around, waiting for a 'big reveal' that won't make any kind of sense and will feel completely out of place.

Fix this devs or you will have more trouble on your hands in the future than you expect.

I don't see any reference to Ishgard plotting just a vague statement of them "sinning"