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Afrika renamed Hakuna Matata in other regions

Tyranitar24 | July 31, 2008 | News | Company 
Afrika will be out in Japan next month and there still isn't any word if the game will reach America, but it will reach Asia. Outside of Japan, the game is named Hakuna Matata (the good ol' memories of the Lion King), which is a little strange because Sony usually uses the same name for both Japan and Asia, which is leading to speculate if the Asia version of the game will have some English menus.
Outside of Japan Afrika has been renamed Hakuna Matata. Yes, that’s the same phrase made famous by Timon and Pumbaa in the Lion King. This is interesting since Sony Computer Entertainment Asia usually uses the same marketing materials as Japan. I wonder if this is a sign that the Asian version will have English menus similar to recent first party releases like Siren: New Translation and Echochrome. Unfortunately, the page doesn’t have language details so we’ll have to wait for concrete confirmation. Also unusual is how the game is listed as "Asian Japanese Version". Games get labeled either Asian version or Japanese version. Not both.

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  • 2 thumbs!
    tallteen86 | July 31, 2008
    Seriously? Hakuna Matata?

    This is just silly....Afrika is a perfectly acceptable name, why change it to something ridiculous like that? One wonders though, is the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' and actual African (whatever language it is supposed to be from) phrase?
    • 1 thumbs!
      Gothic Girl | August 01, 2008
      quote
      is the phrase 'Hakuna Matata' and actual African (whatever language it is supposed to be from) phrase?
      The Lion King was right. Hakuna Matata means "No worries" in Swahili. (or, more accurately, "There are no worries here").
  • 1 thumbs!
    Newcloud | August 01, 2008
    i think i speak on behalf of europe and US
    THAT NAME ROCKS!!!!! its funny because it means "no worries"
  • 1 thumbs!
    Donnelly | August 01, 2008
    Oh god. This just became must-buy for me.
  • 3 thumbs!
    TurMoiL911 | August 01, 2008
    I'm kind of tempted to try this game, but I know that if I don' get to see a lion, a warthog, and a meerkat dance and sing together, I will be severely disappointed.
  • 1 thumbs!
    HisServant77 | August 01, 2008
    Aw I'd prefer the Afrika title . . . .
  • 1 thumbs!
    Cruxis Mana | August 02, 2008
    Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase
    Hakuna Matata! Ain't no passing craze

    It means no worries for the rest of your days

    It's our problem-free philosophy
    Hakuna Matata!
    • 0 thumbs!
      tallteen86 | August 02, 2008
      Yep

      Well, at least Hakuna Matata, whilst a bit weird (considering we all associate it with Lion King), makes sense, considering it's meaning, and Afrika has a more laid back type of gameplay (you walk around taking photographs of nature).....And it takes place in Africa lol

      I wonder if you can get mauled by predators if you get too close to them (in the game, duhhh)? Try to tell them "Hakuna Matata", and hope they're friends with Timon and Pumbaa, or Simba or something...
      • 0 thumbs!
        HisServant77 | August 02, 2008
        Haha, well I do hope there is the danger of spooking the wildlife . . . and having the predators come after you if you get too close when their in an aggressive/territorial mood. Not to befriend them now by singing but it'd add some challenge to the game!

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