Thread: Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island:: General:: Atrocious English, still present in later editions?

by Vandlys

I know I have one of the earlier editions, and I don't know which exactly, but even for a first edition the English used in my copy is atrocious. It bothers me to no end, and I finally took the time to scan one of the game sheets and underline some things I think are wrong. I'm not a native English speaker (although I think my English is at least above par), but what shocks me is the apparant lack of drive or self-reflection to get your product up to standards. I know I make my fair share of mistakes, but if I published a game I'd at least have someone check it. I mean, missing articles, run-on sentences... It's okay in a forum post, but in a product you are selling to people? *sigh* Sorry for the rant.

So, I'm wondering; is it still this bad? I honestly can't play the Livingstone Scenario because the Newspaper used for playing (amazing idea, well designed) is so full of language oddities it makes me laugh and cry at the same time.

I mean, check out the photo below, or this gem from the Livingstone scenario, part 17 (this is verbatim btw).

"We can rescue him!"

I have got feelings that my expedition is coming to the end, and I am not sure if we would success or fail. We have reached the waterfall. On one of the ledges I have spotted a white man. I have ordered my people to bring ropes and I have started to go down with my crew. Once I have reached the corpse I have recognized Livingstone. Fortunately he has been still breathing, but has been unconscious. We have to hurry, there is still a hope!

If such language was only in the flavour text it might still be okay, but sometimes the rules are even unclear, or you need to read them twice because the sentences are so odd.