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Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days coming to PSP this year
The PSP enhanced port of Disgaea 2 will be getting a US release this year. Dark Hero Days will feature all the content of the original SRPG, but will add new story chapters, a new main character and additional skills, items and side characters. New battle features introduced in Disgaea 3 will also be transplanted into this portable game. While the game's trailer specifically states a Summer release, the press release says the game will release in the Fall. Either way, you'll be able to play the game this year. Keen observers will see a PlayStation Network icon at the end of the trailer -- could this title be digitally distributed? %Gallery-63010%
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%
Disgaea 2 port features tons of enhancements
Considering the effort that was put into the first Disgaea game on PSP, it's no surprise that so much is being added in the upcoming PSP port of Disgaea 2. Nippon Ichi's cult SRPG hit will be getting all sorts of new content. Players can expect a new chapter for Axel, and new party members. There's new weapons skills for the bow and the spear, and a new magic spell. In addition to the added content, the PSP version of Disgaea 2 will also feature enhancements to the gameplay to make it easier to play on the go. Your characters will be able to move faster than before, and menus will be adjusted to make it easier to find characters, items and magic. A new camera system will also be implemented. All in all, it looks like PSP fans are in for a treat. Check out the official Japanese site for screenshots. [Via PSPHyper]
Yep, Disgaea 2 is coming to the PSP
Ah, so the rumors were true. Nippon Ichi has announced that Disgaea 2 will be headed for the PSP on March 26th in Japan. This upcoming portable version of the SRPG will feature a 30% longer story as well as new characters. A screenshot also suggests that the Magichange system found in Disgaea 3 will be added to the port, but this has not been officially announced. No word yet on a stateside release, but we see no reason why there wouldn't be one. [Via Siliconera]
Rumor: Disgaea 2 port coming to PSP
NIS is a big fan of the PSP. Not only did it port the original PS2 Disgaea onto the PSP, it's bringing over a brand new platformer starring Prinny. However, fans of the Disgaea series may have more to look forward to. Hong Kong games magazine GameWave is reporting that a PSP version of Disgaea 2 will be available on March 26th in Japan. Because Nippon Ichi hasn't officially announced the game, we're going to mark this as a rumor. Let's hope this one comes to fruition. [Via PSPHyper]
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]
Deal: Disgaea or Dragoneer's Aria for $18 each
The critically-acclaimed strategy RPG Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness is going for $14.90 + $3.40 = $18.30 over at Play-Asia.com. Most places still have the game for $29.99. Be aware that while this is not the US version of the title, this Asia version has English text and menus and otherwise identical to the US release. Take advantage of this deal here. Another RPG from NIS, Dragoneer's Aria, is also $18.30. The game was released last year in the US and received average to negative reviews, so we might want to skip this one unless you really love RPGs. The Asia version (which is again, identical to the US version) is finally coming out October 2nd of this year, and you can preorder it here. [Via PSPHyper]
Disgaea and Rhapsody: A Voice Acting Adventure
Siliconera spoke with NIS's Jack Niida about the DS versions of Disgaea and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, both of which happen to be out this week. Much of the interview focuses on the voice acting in the two games, which we imagine is somewhat of an important issue for the otaku who comprise the majority of the Nippon Ichi audience. There's more to read, as well, about Rhapsody's battle system and new characters in Disgaea, among other things. Rhapsody will use the original Japanese songs from the PlayStation game, along with new tracks recorded by the original cast. The voice acting outside of songs will be in English. The English musical tracks will not be present due to space concerns. The script is also pulled from the PlayStation release, but the English text has been cleaned up! As for Disgaea, the same seems to be true. Niida told Siliconera that "All the voice acting is there, but unfortunately, we had to compromise on the dual language and English musical songs." %Gallery-17933%
DS releases for the week of September 22nd
Not only are there dozens -- well, almost two dozen -- games slated for release in the U.S. this week, but included in the list are a few particularly interesting titles. Kirby Super Star Ultra, though announced some time ago, comes seemingly out of nowhere after some recent wacky promotions, and My Japanese Coach finally makes it to shelves (we hope). Barbie Fashion Show: An Eye for Style Brain Quest Grades 3 & 4 Brain Quest Grades 5 & 6 Di-Gata Defenders Dinosaur King Disgaea DS DropCast Hi! Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge Kirby Super Star Ultra Lego Batman Margot's Word Brain My Japanese Coach My Little Pony: Pinkie Pie's Party My SAT Coach Nancy Drew: The Hidden Staircase Pipe Mania Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure Shaun the Sheep SimCity Creator Time Hollow
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!]
Get a glimpse of Disgaea DS
Both veteran Disgaea fans and new fans who want to experience the series for the first time are getting ready for the release of Disgaea DS. The strategizing won't begin until September 23rd, but until then, it's a good idea for us to know exactly what we're getting into by observing some gameplay action. We think that the presentation is pretty nice on the DS, and although the graphics may have toned down in the translation, the visuals aren't wanting for anything. As for the gameplay, Disgaea virgins will notice from the videos that while the grid-based style is familiar, the actual execution differs from many other strategy games. Come September, we're ready to sacrifice hundreds of hours of our lives playing this title. Are you with us? More battle footage lies after the break!
Rumorong: Nintendo DS redesign not leaked by Disgaea DS ad
The internet speculation switchboard lit up this weekend when a print ad for a trio of new Nintendo DS titles -- Disgaea DS, Rhapsody, and A Witch's Tale -- from NIS America in the August issue of Nintendo Power was found to show Nintendo's touchable handheld with noticeably wider screens. Some might even call these widescreens. But was this a simple Photoshop snafu, or an unintentional peek at Nintendo's E3 plot? With Nintendo brushing aside the supposed leak as "purely rumour and speculation," we followed up with NIS America, the proverbial horse's mouth. "We placed screenshots on a DS backing to emphasize the platform, and edited them for effect," explained NISA marketing swami, Nao Zook. "These games are specifically for the current Nintendo DS, and as far as we know, there is no 'widescreen DS' in the works." She offered apologies for any confusion or elevated hopes the ad might have caused, adding, "we also agree that a widescreen DS would be really cool." We agree, almost as cool as being asked to purchase Nintendo's portable yet again ...
Nintendo Power teases DS owners with a faux redesign [update]
Some are awful, some are amazing. Yes, the DS has precisely one gazillion "concept" models floating around the place, from fans who want their own particular quirks included with the inevitable possible redesign of the handheld. Nintendo Power has featured this image with an advertisement for Disgaea DS and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, and although it looks pretty cool, it's extraordinarily doubtful that one of the most talked-about rumors in the history of the DS has just awkwardly been confirmed via this image. Bogus, but neat! It's pretty much the same thing as the DS Lite now, only with bigger screens. Which is more or less exactly what the DS needs -- the rest is spot on. The fact that the bottom screen is misaligned with the top screen lends evidence to some guy taking one too many coffee breaks during his Photoshop training. Looks rad, not official -- redesign will probably come soon anyway. Watch this space for all E3 Nintendo revelations! Update: Just as we thought, Nintendo denied that this widescreen DS is a representation of a new unit, stating this is "purely rumor and speculation." %Gallery-20355% [Via Aeropause]
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]
Rhapsody release date announced, Disgaea date confirmed
The release date for one of Nippon Ichi's SRPG remakes has been announced, and another one officially backed up, by a somewhat unexpected source. Atlus announced yesterday that they would handle the distribution for three of NIS America's upcoming games, including Disgaea DS and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure. Before the American branch of NIS was founded, Atlus published the company's games, including, appropriately enough, the original releases of both Rhapsody and Disgaea. The games will be their own worst competition, being released simultaneously on September 23. The American boxarts for both games have also been revealed. While the Rhapsody art (found after the break) is a simplified version of the original, Disgaea uses a different piece of artwork and a baffling "CAUTION: PLAYERS XING" road sign. %Gallery-17933%
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.
