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NIS America bringing Disgaea to Android, Vita; Neptunia and Clan of Champions headed to NA
In NIS America's continued efforts to put Disgaea games on more and more platforms, the company today announced that Disgaea: Netherworld Unbound is headed to Android devices later this year. Netherworld Unbound is an Android-optimized version of the original Disgaea game, though NIS says it'll expand on that by selling "characters, items, features, and more." The Disgaea heading to PlayStation Vita will also be launching in the US sometime in spring 2012. Beyond renaming the subtitle "Absence of Detention" (rather than the original's "Absence of Justice"), the Vita port adds "all-new characters, stories, and game systems." Beyond the Disgaea series, NIS is bringing "everyone's favorite JRPG with Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune as a weapon," Neptunia MK-II, to the US. Like in Japan, the game will remain exclusive to Sony's PlayStation 3, and it's expected to launch in spring 2012 as well. The company also announced intentions to bring the tentatively titled "Clan of Champions" from Tenchu dev Acquire Corp. to the US, and to both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. [Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice for PlayStation 3 pictured above.]
Disgaea 3 trophy patch hitting on July 16
Trophy patches are continuing to trickle out (except, no, not for that game, sorry) and the latest title to receive an update is NIS' Disgaea 3. You should be seeing this patch hit in the US on July 16 at 1AM PST. The patch will add over fifty trophies to the game, but there's a downside. Installing this patch will render your previous game saves unusable. You'll have to start from scratch. Considering the game came out last August, chances are you've probably put a few hours in. If you don't want that time wasted, don't install the patch. There's no word on a European release for the patch, but we're looking into it. [Thanks, nikku]
Disgaea 3 patch adds Trophies and Home support
Disgaea 3 has been updated in Japan with two new features: Trophies and PlayStation Home support. The two go hand in hand as well. Unlocking a Trophy in the game will also earn you a reward in Home: a Prinny trophy you can place in your virtual abode. Of course, getting the Trophies won't be very easy. Siliconera reveals some details on what you must do: "One trophy is awarded after dealing over 10 billion damage and another is given after a Counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-counter-attack." Excuse me? We're hoping English language versions of Disgaea 3 will also receive this patch. It's always nice to see developers update their games to take advantage of all the new features added to the PS3 post-release.
Square Enix to publish Disgaea 3 in Europe
Nippon Ichi's cult SRPG hit, Disgaea 3, still hasn't seen release in Europe. That's all about the change, courtesy of Square Enix. PAL territories will receive this PS3 exclusive on February 20th. It currently holds a Metacritic score of 78. Some call it the best in the Disgaea series, but some are disappointed by the lackluster PS2-esque presentation. John Yamamoto, president and chief executive officer of Square Enix Ltd. comments, "With Disgaea 3, Nippon Ichi have created a wonderful world full of bizarre characters and deep, addictive gameplay. I hope everyone enjoys playing this unique and rewarding title." %Gallery-30670%
Deal: Disgaea 3 for $20
Chances are, you ignored the latest Disgaea game (even though it was a PS3 exclusive!). If you don't mind picking up used games from GameFly, you'll be able to get your Disgaea fix on the cheap -- for only $20. Not bad, huh? Disgaea 3 for $20 The Bourne Conspiracy for $13 [Via CAG]
Disgaea 3: online gaming mode and new characters in Asia via DLC
Siliconera noticed a little new add-on for Disgaea 3 that provides an optional online gaming mode. You pick either beginner, intermediate or advanced difficulty level and then you are sent to a special version of the item world. Specific criteria must be met in order for a gate and its respective enemy gate keeper to appear. Ten floors must be completed before you are ranked based on moves you've made and how efficient you were with your characters and resources. This all sounds rather complicated, but the reward is a special character called Angel Solider that specializes in bows and staff. Their native evilty is called Angelic Protection which reduces non-elemental damage to a nearby ally by 50%. The price for this upgrade is $6.19 SGD (about $4.30 USD). In other Disgaea 3 news, Yukimaru and Tink from Disgaea 2 and Prier of La Pucelle Tactics are the newest downloadable characters for the game in Japan. They cost 200 yen (about $1.50) each. Keep in mind, none of this has been announced for the US yet, but we shall keep our fingers crossed and hopefully hear something soon. We'll keep you updated! Source -- Siliconera Source -- Siliconera
Joystiq impressions: Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice
Five months ago we asked NIS America why its forthcoming turn-based strategy game, Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice, would make the next-gen leap to the PS3."It's simply because PS2 lacks the processing power and memory capacity to support Disgaea 3," commented marketing coordinator Jack Niida at the time, a response we didn't buy entirely back then and after pouring over the game in recent days we're even less convinced. Not that the game isn't fun. The fact that this article is being penned at 4am after 9 hours spent playing and losing track of time should be a testament to Disgaea 3's addictive nature, a trait that the series has had in spades since its freshman effort. Gallery: Disgaea 3 (PS3)
Disgaea 3 has three bundles: regular, mediocre, hardcore
You've got to hand it to Nippon Ichi Software of America; they really know how to rope you in. Not only does Disgaea 3 ship with a discounted price at $50 and a fan-chosen soundtrack as a pre-order bonus, but you'll also have a choice of three bundles to choose from if you pre-order from NIS's online store, Rosenqueen. The game will ship in three sets: Alma Mater, Delinquent Pride, and No. 1 Honor Student. The Alma Mater set is the standard game at $50 and contains the game disc, custom soundtrack, and a main theme CD. The Delinquent Pride set is the same but with a strategy guide and priced at $70. The last one is for the hardcore fan; No.1 Honor Student set includes all of the above plus a digital media disc (over 700 storyboard stills, art, and screens) and any one of the following: original soundtrack CD (2 discs, 37 songs), 36-page art book, or a school flag. All that comes at a hefty $90 price tag. You can see all of that in the picture above. Check this link for larger images. [Thanks Gambit 07!]
Atlus and NIS America partner up for US release of Disgaea 3
Atlus and NIS America have become bosom buddies over the years, especially after the release of the original Disgaea on PS2. NIS America will not be distributing the title in the US. Rather, specialty publisher Atlus will be taking over that role. It appears that NIS America will simply offer the localization for Disgaea 3. Many know that Atlus games have a tendancy to become quite rare on retail shelves. This should be no different when Disgaea 3 launhces exclusively on PS3 on August 26th. "We are honored to continue working closely with NIS America and provide wide distribution in North America for these three great RPGs," said Tim Pivnicny, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Atlus. "Over the years, we have built a strong relationship with Atlus," said Harusato Akenaga, President of NIS America. "We have worked together on a number of great titles in the past and we are thrilled to partner once again to release Disgaea 3, Disgaea DS, and Rhapsody later this year. Please look forward to some of the most hardcore games to be released for PLAYSTATION 3 and Nintendo DS!" [Via Joystiq]
Atlus, NIS America partner over Disgaea 3, Rhapsody remake
They say that birds of a feather flock together, and that's certainly the case when it comes to niche game stalwarts Atlus and NIS America. The companies, which began holding hands with 2003's Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, have continued their close, dare we say intimate relationship, concerning a trio of upcoming titles, including Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice for the PS3. The pair jointly announced that they will work together to release Disgaea 3 in North America on August 26, followed by both Disgaea DS and PlayStation remake, Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, for the Nintendo DS on September 23. In each case Atlus will act as the distributor, no doubt ensuring that the entire ten-copy run of each title makes it safely to store shelves.
Disgaea 3 writer and programmer discuss graphics, success outside Japan
Why must Japan torture us with their DLC of Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice while we wait simply to play the game? Fortunately, we have a drop of water here to quench your thirst. NIS producer Souhei Niikawa, who also wrote Disgaea 3, and lead programmer Masahiro Yamamoto sat down in an interview with Gamasutra. Niikawa is adamant about priorities -- working on being successful in the land of the rising sun, and simply hoping the game will sell in America. He feels that as a Japanese person he is incapable of making a game targeted towards US audiences without being laughed at. We beg to differ, Mr. Niikawa! Yamamoto, on the other hand, defended their lack of next-gen graphics in their title by saying: "Even if it's the latest super console, we're trying to make the most fun games out there." Niikawa expressed his desire to use next-gen power "for the gameplay itself, for something new that maybe you've never seen before." The interview concludes with Gamasutra remarking on how Nippon Ichi is in Gifu Prefecture, which is "the middle of nowhere" in Japan and how that affects their development. Niikawa feels Tokyo has too many temptations and distractions -- in Gifu they are able to concentrate on their work. Perhaps this is the secret to Nippon Ichi's ability to make such unique and amazing games. Read the full interview here.
Disgaea 3 DLC in Japan have characters from Disgaea 2
The first DLC for Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice in Japan was released back in April for free, but now Siliconera is reporting that the next DLC pack will cost 100 yen (about $1 US) and will feature Adell and Rozalin from the previous Disgaea game on the PS2 as extra characters. The pack will also include a PlayStation 3 theme illustrated by Haruda Takehito, the character designer from the Disgaea series. Also announced are a summer/fall pack which will feature a new ranking system and a winter pack which will feature new scenarios. Considering the folks in Hong Kong are paying $1 US just for a theme, $1 seems negligible if you enjoy the game. When is Laharl going to be available?
Dis is a deal: Disgaea 3 $50 at launch
Hardcore SRPG fans love the Disgaea franchise. PS3 owners should be happy to know that the next iteration of the franchise, Absence of Justice, is a PS3 exclusive. Even better than that, the game will launch at $50, instead of the usual $60 we see for most current generation games. We're glad NIS America is giving us a discount on what will undoubtedly become a cult classic. It may not have the best "next gen" graphics, but at least it's not asking us to pay a "next gen" price as well. We can approve. Expect it on August 26th. Fans should check out the official site and vote on their favorite songs from the franchise. The top choices will be included in a pre-order bonus soundtrack, making the deal even sweeter. [Via NeoGAF]
Prinny says: Watch this English Disgaea 3 trailer
Okay, well it's not entirely in English. While the logos and superimposed text in this Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice trailer are all in English, the in-game footage being showcased here are mostly from the Japanese version. The message should still come across the same, however -- the game is looking pretty hot as far as S-RPGs go. Reminding us of demon penguins and damage point totals ranging up into the bajillions, Disgaea 3 seems to have everything we want from the series. Just don't forget to pre-order the game before its release in August. You'll want to pick up the bonus soundtrack. You know, the one you can customize.
NIS America: PS2 lacks the power to run Disgaea 3
How important are graphics in the scheme of game design? Do they trump audio? Level design? Gameplay? Peer pressure probably dictates that we downplay the importance of graphics, but the impact of eye candy cannot be understated. Anyone believing differently need only take a cursory glance at comments made by readers in reaction to news that NIS America would bring the third game in its popular console strategy franchise Disgaea to the PlayStation 3 this August. The reactions were made not to the game's release date, but rather to the title's appearance, which despite calling Sony's latest console home, look very much the part of a last gen release. Recently we caught up with the publisher's marketing coordinator Jack Niida, and asked him a number of questions about the game, including just what's the deal with Disgaea 3's lack of visual fidelity. "It's simply because PS2 lacks the processing power and memory capacity to support Disgaea 3," Jack told us. "PS2 could not load the same amount of data on to memory and process it like the PS3; therefore, we decided to develop it for the next-gen platform." He added that "the character sprites for Disgaea 3 take 3~4 times the amount of labor to create compared to Disgaea 2," and the team is "doing our best to improve the sprites." While you mull over that justification, and decided if it's enough of a reason to continue to look forward to Disgaea 3's release this fall, look for our complete interview with NIS America later this week. %Gallery-4958%
Disgaea 3 to power level for PS3 this August
Tactical strategy game fans may not know much about art, but they know what they like, and in less than five years developer and publisher Nippon Ichi has done more to strike a chord with this audience than most game companies do in a lifetime -- thanks in no small part to titles like Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, Phantom Brave, and La Pucelle: Tactics. Without question the Disgaea franchise has become the calling card of both Nippon Ichi and its North American publishing arm NIS America, and for most it was not a question of if, but rather when the series' third entry, which shipped in Japan in January, would make the trip overseas. Now NISA has confirmed that the game will be released in North America in August, bringing the series' unique blend of humor and strategy to the PlayStation 3. Sure it may lack the high-defness we're used to seeing in our PS3 games -- honestly it still looks the part of game we'd expect to play on the PS2 – but what Disgaea 3 lacks in eye candy we can be sure it more than makes up for in ridiculous grinding. %Gallery-4958%
Get ready for some sprites: new Disgaea 3 trailer
The reaction to the upcoming PS3-exclusive Disgaea 3 has been mixed. Some Nippon Ichi fans are glad to have yet another iteration of their famed SRPG series. However, others are critical of the game's lackluster visual presentation. At first glance, the game looks like a PS2 game -- albeit, running in HD. We love the flashier spell effects, but we wouldn't complain seeing higher resolution sprites. The style is impeccable, but the tech behind it simply doesn't follow suit. PS3 fans with access to the Japanese PSN can also download this trailer to their PS3s through the Store.
Disgaea 3 screenshot extravaganza
If you've been wondering what Disgaea 3 will look like on your HDTV, we've got a gazillion new screenshots to frisbee throw at you. Yep. The sprites are still the low-res generally-recycled stuff from the last generation of consoles, but they do look like they've been softened up a hair. The level design is still quite basic, but totally smooth. NIS isn't taking home any trophies for graphics, but it's always been their gameplay that grabbed us. This will probably succeed in that, so the fact that we privileged PS3 owners get first dibs is icing on the cake. We've also received word that a release date for the addictive strategy RPG has been set -- January 31, 2008 is the date for Japan, so if you're an import-savvy fellow, there's probably not much you'd miss besides the humorous dialogue. If you've played the previous games, you'd be able to figure this out. Just a few more throwing options and monster fusions. Oh, and be sure not to choke on any pretzels and die. The Netherworld would miss you.
Brand new Disgaea 3 trailer
SRPG fans have their faces contort in strange ways when they hear Disgaea. Some say this weird anomaly is called ... a smile? This brand new trailer for this PS3 exclusive is a bit blurry, but shows some of the biggest special effects this "next gen" sequel features. It's weird seeing such small sprites being rendered on a system as powerful as the PS3 -- let's hope Nippon Ichi puts it to great use.
Disgaea 3 scans reveal mad scientist main character
The first ever Japanese magazine scans for the upcoming PS3-exclusive Disgaea 3 have surfaced on the internet. In them, we see the series' trademark art style come into play again. The cast has changed from the previous two games. The forlorn individual at the bottom is Mao, and he looks to be a crazed scientist of sorts. The official site for Disgaea 3 will open on September 21st (isn't that around the time of Tokyo Game Show?). Hardcore Disgaea fans will want to mark their calendars, knowing that trailers and screenshots are bound to shower upon them on that day. [Via NeoGAF]
