A 2005 Japan-Only ‘Cowboy Bebop’ PS2 Game Is Now Playable In English Thanks To Fan Translation

Twenty years after its Japan-only release on the PlayStation 2, the 2005 video game Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade now has an English-language fan translation thanks to translator and editor Sonicman69.

The project provides a 100% English patch, covering all in-game text, menus, graphics, credits, and additional material. The patch is confirmed to work on both the PCSX2 emulator and original PlayStation 2 hardware, allowing the game to be experienced on modern setups as well as its intended console.

Tsuioku no Serenade is an action/beat ’em up title with an original story set in the Cowboy Bebop universe. The plot follows Spike, Faye, and Jet as they pursue a space pirate’s treasure connected to a mysterious song called Diamonds, while contending with a secretive organization. Ed and Ein also appear, with Ed offering objectives and guidance throughout the game.

This translation is probably best saved for series superfans, as most reviews at the time rated the game as mediocre-to-poor, with Kotaku writing, “it’s a pretty terrible game — though its cutscenes make for a decent episode.”

Gameplay features include hand-to-hand combat, shooting sections, small puzzles, item collection, and several vehicle-based sequences. A blackjack mini-game is also included, allowing players to earn currency to unlock extras such as music tracks and character profiles. The Japanese release featured full voice acting from the anime’s cast.

Until now, the game had remained inaccessible to non-Japanese speakers. This fan translation marks the first time the title is fully playable in English, significantly expanding its reach for Cowboy Bebop fans and video game preservationists.