The Undub patch for Shin Megami Tensei IV is a prime example of game modding culture. Its development and distribution are a community effort, driven by passion rather than profit.
A decrypted ROM refers to a copied version of a game that has been decrypted, allowing it to be played on devices other than the original hardware it was intended for. In the case of Shin Megami Tensei IV, a decrypted ROM enables players to experience the game on devices like computers or emulators, rather than on the Nintendo 3DS.
: A "Decrypted" ROM has had its native Nintendo 3DS encryption removed, making it compatible with PC emulators like Citra/Azahar File Format : Usually found in
: Replaces the localized English voiceovers with the original Japanese audio files while keeping the English menus and dialogue text. Shin Megami Tensei IV -UNDUB- 3DS -Decrypted- ROM
Before diving into the specifics of the Undub patch, it's essential to understand the game at its heart. Shin Megami Tensei IV is a 2013 role-playing game for the Nintendo 3DS, developed and published by Atlus. Serving as the seventh mainline entry in the series and the first true successor to the critically acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne from 2004, it brought the franchise's signature dark fantasy and post-apocalyptic themes to a portable platform.
Double-click the Shin Megami Tensei IV icon in your Citra game list to boot the game. Enhancing the Experience: Essential Citra Settings
: On the other hand, game modding communities often use decrypted files to create translations for games not officially released in their region, create new content, or fix bugs. These communities operate in a gray area and can contribute significantly to extending the life and enjoyment of games. The Undub patch for Shin Megami Tensei IV
The patching process itself, using LayeredFS on a modded console, occupies a complex legal space. Modifying software you own for personal use is often considered permissible, but distributing copyrighted code (the game's audio files) is not. Most patch creators adhere to a strict ethical guideline: , which contains no copyrighted game data, and explicitly require the user to own a legitimate copy of the game and have access to the original source files (like the Japanese ROM) to apply the patch. The license for the patch on GameBanana, for example, explicitly forbids commercial use.
This ROM is pre-decrypted, meaning it is ready for use with the Citra emulator without requiring manual decryption steps.
: This indicates a fan-modified version of the game. The English voice files have been stripped out and replaced with the original, high-quality Japanese voice acting, while keeping all menus, subtitles, and user interface elements in English. In the case of Shin Megami Tensei IV,
An UNDUB is a fan-made patch that:
While the official Atlus localization of SMT IV featured a solid English voice cast, the original Japanese audio offers several distinct advantages for specific players: