What do you think about the voice acting in Civ 6?

[Morningcalm]

Interestingly enough, Augustus's voice actor is not ethnically Italian.

Indeed! And we've a Mexican voicing Gilgamesh. All of which shows that hiring ethnically appropriate actors isn't a requirement for voice acting in Civ, even with attempts to recreate the "accurate" languages in Civ V and VI.

 

[halfhalfharp]

Interestingly enough, Augustus's voice actor is not ethnically Italian.

I think you mean being born Italian? We cant use ethicity to describe this actually.

It is very possible to have an italian accent latin without being italian, as the most common way to learn latin is through Theology, which is normally established by the catholic church and taught by fathers(and nuns).

They already hire a specific team to do that for each region. The voice actress of Seondeok was also part of the voiceover team for Civ V and detailed the hours spent on voicework for both V and VI in an interview which Sarah Darney linked in these forums.

Specific native languages are not more accurate, as already discussed. (How could it be, given who they have cast for each leader? Only a few are deemed accurate, and many note even seeming fluent native speakers hired for the roles make curious grammar choices in their lines.)

And again, they already did specific voice over for each region, so the cost would not be prohibitive, especially compared to most modern RPGs. The entire point of having region-specifc voices is to encourage better voice acting and accuracy.

Several Koreans do know what Korean-accent French sounds like. And if they didn't, I hardly see how it would matter--the French would be listening to the French version, not Koreans to the French version. Unless said Koreans are fluent in French, raising the likelihood they know what Korean-accented French sounds like. XD


You wouldn't necessarily need an accent. See for example Age of Empires III. Not all the AI there have distinguishable accents as such (like Cuauhtemoc). And in Age II, the Saladin campaign narrator didn't have a recognizable accent as such.

For Akkadian, you could easily just glean what you can from the language and come up with something more reasonable than say, Rameses II speaking Arabic.

And yes, oftentimes ethnically appropriate actors are not the best at voice acting. As this thread is about voice acting rather than linguistic accuracy per se, my suggestion is for a more accurate, region specific approach that would make for more readily understood, historically flavorful, and flavorful characters in Civ games. Firaxis may opt in any event to continue getting "accurate" people to speak each foreign language, but I think it's safe to say most such people are bad at voice acting. Simple inflection would go a long way.

Also, I note that Augustus in Civ V had Italian-accented Latin. You can tell from the cadence.

"You don't really need an accent", then it means the game will actually slip back to a purely english speaking (with accidental native phrases) series.
I have mentioned that "language accuracy" and "having the language in the game" are two different levels already.
Both are important but I will place "having the language" above accuracy.
If again, you are asking me why...

Do you know... why in real life diplomatic situations, every leader speaks their own language, even if they actually can speak English/other Lingua Franca?
Even if most of the audience of their speech are English/ other language users?
The answer for this question, will be the same answer for my opinions on this topic.
I like the Civ series particularly for they are attempting to mimic the real life diplomacy, even if the system is like a mess.

Btw they did really do that? May I have a look at the link?

 

[Siptah]

I think you mean being born Italian? We cant use ethicity to describe this actually.

It is very possible to have an italian accent latin without being italian, as the most common way to learn latin is through Theology, which is normally established by the catholic church and taught by fathers(and nuns).



"You don't really need an accent", then it means the game will actually slip back to a purely english speaking (with accidental native phrases) series.
I have mentioned that "language accuracy" and "having the language in the game" are two different levels already.
Both are important but I will place "having the language" above accuracy.
If again, you are asking me why...

Do you know... why in real life diplomatic situations, every leader speaks their own language, even if they actually can speak English/other Lingua Franca?
Even if most of the audience of their speech are English/ other language users?
The answer for this question, will be the same answer for my opinions on this topic.
I like the Civ series particularly for they are attempting to mimic the real life diplomacy, even if the system is like a mess.

Btw they did really do that? May I have a look at the link?

I still think you don't get Morningcalms point (nor mine), since your answers always go in a different direction, but whatever..

I think one reason why people present in their native languages is to be more authentic and convincing - more freely and lively as well. That's also the case with the voice actors, I think. So having native speakers of whatever language you want to have in a game is certainly better than having people that *also* speak this language as 3rd or 4th language. Problems naturally occur when there are no native speakers alive - that goes for accented english as much as for using other languages.

To the latin point: it's common to speak latin in a way were you learned it nowadays, even when you are a historian you specialize on latin literature. Main schools of modern pronunciation are Italian, English (although I'm not sure how much that one is really used in philology) and German. It's always interesting when you hear modern choirs from different countries/schools singing together and see if they settle for a common pronunciation or not. There is, however, some research that shows how latin probably sounded in the time of Augustus. Probably not even the people that made this research prefer to speak that one though - especially since there is no consensus on emphasis on syllables.

Using the language appropriate of the time is a whole different story though. I think civ VI did try for some rulers. My Spanish isn't that good, but I'm sure Philip isn't speaking modern Spanish, but some older form. I'm sure for Catherine and Frederick that they speak older versions. Frederick isn't speaking the one he should though (it's more 15th century to my non-expert understanding). I don't think Victoria says anything that isn't common today - but this might actually be accurate. Monty isn't speaking classical Nahuatl afaik (I only read that though and can't judge myself). I have no clue about Hojo or Qin if their language is appropriate for them.

And now if you want to open yet another line of thought, you could give the leaders the appropriate dialect as well. This is done a bit for the ones where we have recordings, like Curtin, but would be possible for more leaders - also some older ones. However, this isn't something I would expect in general, just for cases where it is famously attested (and I'm not sure if we have a leader yet for whom that would be true - Saladin would certainly be an option for a regional variant of Arabic).

They way I see it right now, there's no use to go into more correctness though, since it will probably hurt the voice acting quality even more if they aim for for more accuracy.

 

[halfhalfharp]

Using the language appropriate of the time is a whole different story though. I think civ VI did try for some rulers. My Spanish isn't that good, but I'm sure Philip isn't speaking modern Spanish, but some older form. I'm sure for Catherine and Frederick that they speak older versions. Frederick isn't speaking the one he should though (it's more 15th century to my non-expert understanding). I don't think Victoria says anything that isn't common today - but this might actually be accurate. Monty isn't speaking classical Nahuatl afaik (I only read that though and can't judge myself). I have no clue about Hojo or Qin if their language is appropriate for them.

And now if you want to open yet another line of thought, you could give the leaders the appropriate dialect as well. This is done a bit for the ones where we have recordings, like Curtin, but would be possible for more leaders - also some older ones. However, this isn't something I would expect in general, just for cases where it is famously attested (and I'm not sure if we have a leader yet for whom that would be true - Saladin would certainly be an option for a regional variant of Arabic).

They way I see it right now, there's no use to go into more correctness though, since it will probably hurt the voice acting quality even more if they aim for for more accuracy.

I guess (since you claim that I don't get it) Morningcalms was discussing using english to cover all native language deliveries (language accuracy is not too much of concern compared to this for me), or were we reading different pages?
But anyway, lets get over with it.

As a learner of Italian, I can say Catherine is using a modern one, at least I can understand every word without catching any unfamiliar vocabularies.
But modern Italian was standardized in 15th century, in Dante's days. Thus I don't think Catherine can speak an Archaic form of Italian.

Qin is speaking with in classical Chinese, a recreation of it, actually. Although the word choices has a bit problem, it is a correct mimic (or close) of classical chinese.

If we are looking for the dialectic forms of ancient languages... I am afraid that it may be too harsh for the producers as well.
They have done some research on this actually. I appreciate Gitarja speaking old Javanese instead of modern indonesian.

 

[Siptah]

As a learner of Italian, I can say Catherine is using a modern one, at least I can understand every word without catching any unfamiliar vocabularies.
But modern Italian was standardized in 15th century, in Dante's days. Thus I don't think Catherine can speak an Archaic form of Italian.

You are correct in so far as that Catherine doesn't speak an archaic language (unlike Freddy). I understand Italian and her lines but I'm not versed enough to know if it is an older idiom or not. However, her french isn't up to modern grammar and pronunciation - just like with Philip's Spanish. One can understand it easily if you know the modern language, but it sounds different (and uses some strange wordings). I don't believe it happened per chance, so I think Firaxis tried to get these things right. Gitarja supposedly speaks modern Javanese by the way (at least according to the translator in the related thread).

I don't think language accuracy is my or Morningcalm's (at least that's how I understood her/him) main concern in this debate.

 

[Morningcalm]

It is very possible to have an italian accent latin without being italian, as the most common way to learn latin is through Theology, which is normally established by the catholic church and taught by fathers(and nuns).

Exactly. So why not use voice actors of other ethnicities etc as long as the fluency is the same? The key here should be in the voice acting quality, not the accuracy as such for some archaic language that realistically can't be portrayed by people of certain ethnicities.

"You don't really need an accent", then it means the game will actually slip back to a purely english speaking (with accidental native phrases) series.
I have mentioned that "language accuracy" and "having the language in the game" are two different levels already.
Both are important but I will place "having the language" above accuracy.
If again, you are asking me why...

Do you know... why in real life diplomatic situations, every leader speaks their own language, even if they actually can speak English/other Lingua Franca?
Even if most of the audience of their speech are English/ other language users?
The answer for this question, will be the same answer for my opinions on this topic.
I like the Civ series particularly for they are attempting to mimic the real life diplomacy, even if the system is like a mess.

Btw they did really do that? May I have a look at the link?

Real life diplomacy would be better mimicked with actual working diplomacy gameplay, not a hamfisted set of 7 preset lines and assorted grunts for trade deal interactions.

And the thread seems focused on voice acting quality, not language quality. Voice acting would be improved with professional actors--if you can find one who does Akkadian/Sumerian/ancient Egyptian well, all the power to you, but good luck! (Siptah was right--accuracy is not my main concern, and I'm pointing out that those who do care about it ought to realize the current system of using "correct" languages is hardly more "accurate" anyway, due to grammatical errors galore).

More likely good voice actors will be found in English, French, etc--current modern languages. Hence my suggestion that they could mix in say English language voice over for leaders for English speakers, with key phrases here and there from the language of that leader. Cuauhtemoc refers to the tzompantli in Age of Empires III, but doesn't otherwise seem to have a specifically Nahuatl or Mexican way of speaking. Does that matter? Not really. He conveyed much historical flavor with his lines and intonation (that of a powerful, bold and ferocious ruler who only quietens when reflecting on the fate of his people). A thread here looks at some of the funnier lines from the Age III AI, and even there you can see the historical flavor worked into the lines, even the sillier ones: http://aoe3.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=1,36514,1800,all

Interview with Seondeok voice actress here:

 

[Guandao]

Exactly. So why not use voice actors of other ethnicities etc as long as the fluency is the same? The key here should be in the voice acting quality, not the accuracy as such for some archaic language that realistically can't be portrayed by people of certain ethnicities.


Real life diplomacy would be better mimicked with actual working diplomacy gameplay, not a hamfisted set of 7 preset lines and assorted grunts for trade deal interactions.

And the thread seems focused on voice acting quality, not language quality. Voice acting would be improved with professional actors--if you can find one who does Akkadian/Sumerian/ancient Egyptian well, all the power to you, but good luck! (Siptah was right--accuracy is not my main concern, and I'm pointing out that those who do care about it ought to realize the current system of using "correct" languages is hardly more "accurate" anyway, due to grammatical errors galore).

More likely good voice actors will be found in English, French, etc--current modern languages. Hence my suggestion that they could mix in say English language voice over for leaders for English speakers, with key phrases here and there from the language of that leader. Cuauhtemoc refers to the tzompantli in Age of Empires III, but doesn't otherwise seem to have a specifically Nahuatl or Mexican way of speaking. Does that matter? Not really. He conveyed much historical flavor with his lines and intonation (that of a powerful, bold and ferocious ruler who only quietens when reflecting on the fate of his people). A thread here looks at some of the funnier lines from the Age III AI, and even there you can see the historical flavor worked into the lines, even the sillier ones: http://aoe3.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=1,36514,1800,all

Interview with Seondeok voice actress here:

I actually dislike Cuauhtemoc's voice acting in AoEIII. Too stereotypical and bloodthirsty. Doesn't really fit the historical Cuauhtemoc and probably fits an earlier Tlatoani. I much prefer his voice actor for the AoEII expansion. At least that one sounded more calm and melancholic. I think the voice actor in AoEIII is trying to affect some kind of accent for Cuauhtemoc. Whether it's an accurate Nahuatl one is anyone's guess.

Nahuatl is not a "current modern language"? I believe it's still spoken in Mexico, though gradually dying out to Spanish.
A lot of the current Civ6 voice actors are professional ones or at least actors. Trajan, Monty, Gilgamesh VAs are voice actors.
Making the dialogue mixed with English kind of enforces English linguistic supremacy. I regret sticking to English and not remembering more of my Mandarin or French. Plus there's still the additional cost of hiring voice actors for the other languages. Would hiring just English speaking voice actors make the acting better in English? Definitely, but I'll miss my languages.

I just like hearing Nahuatl/Quechua/Zulu/Amharic/Yucatec/Mohawk/etc spoken in an American game. You don't get to experience that often. It's always English, English, English, English......

 

[Zaarin]

Nahuatl is not a "current modern language"? I believe it's still spoken in Mexico, though gradually dying out to Spanish.

Nahuatl is an interesting case, because it has more native speakers than most Native American languages could dream of having--but because very few of them are children, it is still considered imminently moribund and is far worse off than many languages with fewer speakers but still actively being passed on.

(As an aside, I thought Cauhtamoc was by far the worst actor in AoE3.)

 

[Guandao]

Nahuatl is an interesting case, because it has more native speakers than most Native American languages could dream of having--but because very few of them are children, it is still considered imminently moribund and is far worse off than many languages with fewer speakers but still actively being passed on.

(As an aside, I thought Cauhtamoc was by far the worst actor in AoE3.)

Spanish is such a "killer" language, unfortunately. Apparently, there's more than one Nahuatl language. Unless we can consider them all dialects or a dialect continuum?

 

[Zaarin]

Spanish is such a "killer" language, unfortunately. Apparently, there's more than one Nahuatl language. Unless we can consider them all dialects or a dialect continuum?

I'm not an expert--most of what I know about Nahuatl is about Classical Nahuatl--but I think they're generally considered dialects (though there is no formal linguistic definition of "language" versus "dialect," hence the ongoing arguments about such languages/dialects as Scots, Picardy, Walloon, etc., so...).

 

[Morningcalm]

Nahuatl is an interesting case, because it has more native speakers than most Native American languages could dream of having--but because very few of them are children, it is still considered imminently moribund and is far worse off than many languages with fewer speakers but still actively being passed on.

(As an aside, I thought Cauhtamoc was by far the worst actor in AoE3.)

Right, but the Nahuatl featured is the modern type, and in V notably Montezuma had Spanish words in there. Unsuitable for Montezuma I, and noticeable even for non-native speakers, which undermined the whole performance IMO.

I thought Cuauhtemoc was the most entertaining in Age III AI terms--stereotypical to be sure, and perhaps more fitting Montezuma I than the heroic Cuauhtemoc, but he had by far the funniest lines in Age III, amd his crazed "BLOOD! MORE BLOOD! *laughter*" line was both chilling and funny at the same time, similar to Montezuma I's Ximicacan line from Civ V. For me, Hiawatha and Akbar were the worst--almost no inflection. Hiawatha was suitably poetic but unsuitably lacking on oratory ability, and Akbar just sounded like a bored Indian-American.

As it turns out, Cuauhtemoc was voiced by either a Mexican or Latin American named Juan Monsalvez. http://ageofempires.wikia.com/wiki/Cuauhtemoc_(Age_of_Empires_III) I echo my earlier point about voice actors and ethnicities.

Also, the worst voice actors in Age III were still better than the worst in Civ V and VI, IMO. Sejong's sing-songy inflection got old quick. And so many sounded like they were reading lines rather than performing. Both Elizabeth and Victoria voiceovers were downright awful, especially compared with Elizabeth I from Age III, who was pitch perfect.

 

[Guandao]

Right, but the Nahuatl featured is the modern type, and in V notably Montezuma had Spanish words in there. Unsuitable for Montezuma I, and noticeable even for non-native speakers, which undermined the whole performance IMO.

I thought Cuauhtemoc was the most entertaining in Age III AI terms--stereotypical to be sure, and perhaps more fitting Montezuma I than the heroic Cuauhtemoc, but he had by far the funniest lines in Age III, amd his crazed "BLOOD! MORE BLOOD! *laughter*" line was both chilling and funny at the same time, similar to Montezuma I's Ximicacan line from Civ V. For me, Hiawatha and Akbar were the worst--almost no inflection. Hiawatha was suitably poetic but unsuitably lacking on oratory ability, and Akbar just sounded like a bored Indian-American.

As it turns out, Cuauhtemoc was voiced by either a Mexican or Latin American named Juan Monsalvez. http://ageofempires.wikia.com/wiki/Cuauhtemoc_(Age_of_Empires_III)

Also, the worst voice actors in Age III were still better than the worst in Civ V and VI, IMO. Sejong's sing-songy inflection got old quick. And so many sounded like they were reading lines rather than performing. Blergh.

Who do you consider the worst voice actors in Civ6?

 

[Morningcalm]

Who do you consider the worst voice actors in Civ6?

For me, it's easier to say all are bad or mediocre with some exceptions. That being said, I despise Jadwiga's voice actress the most for her lack of effort. That kind of lacking inflection is incredibly obvious.

 

[Guandao]

For me, it's easier to say all are bad or mediocre with some exceptions. That being said, I despise Jadwiga's voice actress the most for her lack of effort. That kind of lacking inflection is incredibly obvious.

Who are the exceptions?

 

[Morningcalm]

I like Cyrus--what a rich voice, with such hidden malice. Not a fitting personality historically but the flavor designated for him really comes through. (And certainly the glaring historical inaccuracy of Civ VI's portrayal of Cyrus isn't the voice actor's fault)

 

[God of Kings]

For me, it's easier to say all are bad or mediocre with some exceptions. That being said, I despise Jadwiga's voice actress the most for her lack of effort. That kind of lacking inflection is incredibly obvious.

Jadwiga does not sound like the young female saint-king that she was.

 

[Zaarin]

Right, but the Nahuatl featured is the modern type, and in V notably Montezuma had Spanish words in there. Unsuitable for Montezuma I, and noticeable even for non-native speakers, which undermined the whole performance IMO.

I thought Cuauhtemoc was the most entertaining in Age III AI terms--stereotypical to be sure, and perhaps more fitting Montezuma I than the heroic Cuauhtemoc, but he had by far the funniest lines in Age III, amd his crazed "BLOOD! MORE BLOOD! *laughter*" line was both chilling and funny at the same time, similar to Montezuma I's Ximicacan line from Civ V. For me, Hiawatha and Akbar were the worst--almost no inflection. Hiawatha was suitably poetic but unsuitably lacking on oratory ability, and Akbar just sounded like a bored Indian-American.

As it turns out, Cuauhtemoc was voiced by either a Mexican or Latin American named Juan Monsalvez. http://ageofempires.wikia.com/wiki/Cuauhtemoc_(Age_of_Empires_III) I echo my earlier point about voice actors and ethnicities.

Also, the worst voice actors in Age III were still better than the worst in Civ V and VI, IMO. Sejong's sing-songy inflection got old quick. And so many sounded like they were reading lines rather than performing. Both Elizabeth and Victoria voiceovers were downright awful, especially compared with Elizabeth I from Age III, who was pitch perfect.

Hiawatha sounds stereotyped, but he doesn't sound too bad IMO. I wasn't horribly impressed by anyone in AoE3; I thought the voice acting was serviceable--really only Cuahtamoc and Kangxi are noticeably bad, IMO--but not great, with the exceptions of flirty Isabella (so out of character, but still hilarious) and sassy Elizabeth I.

Agreed on Elizabeth I and Victoria, though. Victoria makes me cringe, and while Lizzy's VA wasn't bad it was incredibly distracting that she was speaking modern English. Just stuff her full of Shakespeare lines and call it a day.

I like Cyrus--what a rich voice, with such hidden malice. Not a fitting personality historically but the flavor designated for him really comes through. (And certainly the glaring historical inaccuracy of Civ VI's portrayal of Cyrus isn't the voice actor's fault)

Funnily enough, I hate Cyrus's voice. It doesn't suit the model at all, his delivery feels stilted (not nearly as bad as, say, Frederick, but still), and the blend of Old and Middle Persian just doesn't work for me. They'd have been better off just having him speak Avestan.

 

[Morningcalm]

Hiawatha sounds stereotyped, but he doesn't sound too bad IMO. I wasn't horribly impressed by anyone in AoE3; I thought the voice acting was serviceable--really only Cuahtamoc and Kangxi are noticeably bad, IMO--but not great, with the exceptions of flirty Isabella (so out of character, but still hilarious) and sassy Elizabeth I.

Agreed on Elizabeth I and Victoria, though. Victoria makes me cringe, and while Lizzy's VA wasn't bad it was incredibly distracting that she was speaking modern English. Just stuff her full of Shakespeare lines and call it a day.

Funnily enough, I hate Cyrus's voice. It doesn't suit the model at all, his delivery feels stilted (not nearly as bad as, say, Frederick, but still), and the blend of Old and Middle Persian just doesn't work for me. They'd have been better off just having him speak Avestan.

I thought Hiawatha in Age III had too little inflection and no emphasis--way too quiet for the famous orator he was IMO.

What did you think about the other Sge III AIs like Tokugawa? Maurice of Nassau? Suleiman? Gall? I found them and others quite impressive. Agreed on Elizabeth, but didn't quite like Isabella, haha. (Though she was suitably vicious)

I think Civ V Elizabeth was among the worst voice actors of all Civ V--she sounded tinny and timid, entirely lacking in regal character, like a prim schoolteacher.

I'm a bit surprised as to your reaction re: Cyrus--my Iranian friends and I really favor the voice acting. My Iranian friends didn't understand all that was being said, and noted a possible Afghan accent, but they liked the voice as well. I thought the voice suited the model as it implied power without being too overt, and there wasn't too much bombast either. I think others on these forums have also expressed admiration for the voice and model both.

What did you think of Jadwiga though? Lol.

 

[halfhalfharp]

Who are the exceptions?

For me it will be Gitarja, Vicky, Amanitore and Cyrus.

Listen to Gitarja's being DOW line, her laughter is sooo awesome.

For Cyrus, I like a deep voice but yet with power. He doesnt yell or rises his tone much all the time, but you can still feel the strength in his words. Thats what i will call a good voice acting.

Amanitore has a beautiful choice of voice. Strength, warmth and emotions are naturally delivered.

For Vicky, she speaks in a slow pace and queenly tone. Although I cant say that she is too accurate in british accent nor extraordinary, I surprisingly find that I speak in a very similar way (but dropping british accent). Her VA resonance with my voice so I cant dislike it .

Gilgamesh, Harold, Peter are decent too. But I don't really favor the yelling type.

Who do you consider the worst voice actors in Civ6?

Mvemba (sorry for I don't rmb how to spell his full name), Pedro II, Poundmaker, Tamar and Jawiga.

For Pedro, Jawiga and Mvemba, maybe its just becoz they have an unimpressive voice.

Poundmaker just leaves me the impression "What? you have spoken something?" I can barely copy any vowels nor consonants he said.

Tamar is speaking really slow, with a pace of an elderly. I meant, slowing the speech at some unnecessary point.
Take Vicky as an example: War? We are not, a-mused. (This pause and slow represents her emphasis on it.)

Compared to Tamar: me var tamar, mepe q’ovlisa sakartveloisa, st-ku sit’q’vai she-ni da ganagrdze svlai- e-se shenni. Its like: Fin-ish your words and go-on-yo-ur way.
It can be better if we can give her a 1.5x speech speed. at those spots.

 

[Kimiimaro]

I consider Isabella to have the worst actor from Civ V. Her voice actress just doesn't express nearly any emotions at all. She has great music and beautiful background, but she sounds really boring. I also dislike Pachacuti's VA. His voice just doesn't fit the Earth Shaker at all. About the ones I consider to be the best... Definitely Ashurbanipal, the strong warmongering librarian. Gajah Mada, the Elephant General, had also a good VA. Pedro II's VA did great job in depicting respectable old and tired man. Theodora was also nice. Somewhat flirty and warm in peace, but cold enemy in war. Enrico Dandolo's VA was quite good in depicting old scheming man with great plans. And although Maria I was a horrible choice to lead Portugal, her VA was good, especially in her hate lines. Oh, and while Attila's Chuvash was horrible and Montezuma was using Spanish loanwords in his Nahuatl, their VAs were great in depicting two bloodthirsty warmongers. Also, Shappir!

But about Civ VI... For me, Jadwiga and Montezuma are the weakest. Robert the Bruce and Tamar aren't good either. About the best... Cyrus the Great. Although his depiction of backstabby villain isn't right, his VA did a great job in depicting him as great and scheming leader. Somehow, the way he speaks just shows that he is leader of glorious Persian Empire and you can feel his power. Also, he has one of the best character models. Harald Hardrada is also quite good. His voice actor is doing quite good job in depicting strong Viking king. Although he gets a minus point for mentioning Pagan gods while being Chrictian. I also quite enjoy listening to Peter the Great. I especially like his war lines. Strong words, but still said with respect. Other leaders whose VAs I like are Amanitore, Chandragupta Maurya, Frederick Barbarossa, Tomyris and Gandhi.

Edit: Forgot to mention Catherine de' Medici, Gilgamesh and Alexander the Great among the VAs I like.