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First English footage of Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness
You saw Final Fantasy Tactics' brilliant English adaptation. How does Disgaea fare? The enhanced PSP port of Digaea looks good ... although, according to a YouTube commenter, it appears that some of the voice actors may have changed from the original. We won't complain much, though. It took a lot of complaining, whining and hard work for Disgaea to make its way to the States. [Via High-Score]
Disgaea for PSP gets new subtitle
We can't wait to get our hands on the upcoming PSP version of Disgaea. We're so excited, that we constantly scour the Internet landscape for new info. While we're jealous that PS3 is exclusively getting Disgaea 3, we do have some new Disgaea PSP info to help comfort us. The official title for the upcoming port seems to be Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness. For those that don't recall, the original PS2 version was called Disgaea: Hour of Darkness. Last time I checked, an afternoon consists of more than an hour. The subtitle change likely refers to the expanded and new content that is in the PSP edition. The only bad news is that EB Games currently has the release date in October, not August like originally expected.
Disgaea 3 goes to school ... and PS3
Hardcore RPG fans are all weeping somewhere, grateful that Nippon Ichi has announced a new Disgaea game -- and it looks to be exclusive for PS3. The sequel, which is planned for 2008, doesn't appear to make any "next-gen" visual enhancements for the series, but we don't think Disgaea fans will care. As long as this sequel will retain the charm that we've come to expect from the franchise, we believe fans have a lot to look forward to. [Via IGN]
Help decide which handheld gets Disgaea
A couple of readers wrote in to us informing of a poll over at NIS America's site. The poll, which asks if you own a copy of any Disgaea game, also asks if you own a Sony PSP or Nintendo DS. We assume this is a poll to gauge whether or not the title would reach more gamers if it was on the DS or the PSP, but, considering that, the poll in and of itself seems a tad dumb to us. [Thanks, JBGUY2K and Aaron!]
DSgaea on the way?
In an interview with NIS America, RPGamer extracted some information that should have SRPG lovers choosing "Dance Happily" from their action menus, if they have the AP for it. When asked what the chances were for a Disgaea game on the Nintendo DS, NIS's Nao Zook responded "Let me just say this... you can look forward to it!" So either NIS is planning a Disgaea game for the DS or Nao Zook is kind of mean. We hope it's the former. We personally aren't the most ardent of strategy game players, but we recognize that the strategy genre is underrepresented on the DS. And the touch screen is great for that sort of game. [Via GoNintendo]
PSP Fanboy tries Rosenqueen's PSP pouch
You may know NIS America for their beloved RPG series, like Disgaea. But did you know that they also offer gaming peripherals? NIS America's Rosenqueen store offers PSP accessories, such as the PSP pouch (pictured above). Personally, I find pouches to be a lot more comfortable to carry than larger (but sturdier) cases. I found the Soft Pouch offered at the Rosenqueen store to be quite nice. In many ways, it's superior to the pouch bundled with the original PSP Value Pack. Firstly, it comes in two different colors (orange being a personal favorite). Unlike Sony's pouch, the system is unlikely to fall out thanks to the Velcro strap.If there is one thing to criticize about the pouch, it's the feel. The materials for the pouch are much softer than the ones used in Sony's official pouch. While nice to the touch, it seems less likely to survive a serious accident unscathed. It does come at quite an affordable price: only $7, which certainly beats the $20 asking price of Sony's official pouches.Overall, we recommend the Soft Pouch from Rosenqueen. It looks unlike anything out on the market, and it's incredibly affordable. It certainly isn't for everyone--those looking for a hard case can find some on sale at amazon. However, for those looking for a lightweight alternative for PSP protection, this may be it.
Spectral Vs Generations: when strategy characters brawl
NIS America has released several Idea Factory games so far, including Generations of Chaos and Spectral Souls. But one game they haven't released on PSP is the fighting game Spectral versus Generation, which features characters from both series duking it out. I certainly can't say I ever predicted seeing strategy RPG characters throw down in a 2D fighter, but here it is. Ironically, Midas Interactive is bringing this unique crossover title to European stores. Wait, what's so ironic? Previous titles in the Generations of Chaos and Spectral Souls series have never come to Europe. This makes it quite likely that the average European gamer won't even be aware of any of the characters involved. Don't worry Idea Factory fans! Since your PSP can play games from any region, you just need to find an importer, and you're good to go. [Via Siliconera]
NIS America open to releasing titles on non-Sony systems
Jeffrey Fleming from Game Set Watch had a chance to interview RPG fan favorite publisher NIS America (Disgaea). In the interview, he asks if NIS plans on just keeping Sony platforms as their target for game releases. Here's their response:"For a long time, NIS America has been releasing titles for the PS2 and PSP, so some people might think we are solely dedicated to Sony, but that is not true. Our goal is to provide quality games and services to all game fans, and looking ahead, there are several platforms that can help us reach out to a broader audience and gamers can expect surprises from us. Of course, we will also continue to work closely with Sony, providing great games for PS2/PS3/PSP users as well."So while they have no intentions to be a Sony exclusive publisher, they do plan to still support them. Here's hoping our favorite portable continues to get the NIS love.
Disgaea coming to the US in August
In their preview for the upcoming PSP version of Disgaea, IGN has let slip the release date. Tactics fans (like me) can look forward to the game hitting stores in August. While it was believed that the title was just a port of the PS2 Disgaea 1, it is in fact very different. Disgaea PSP has additional story elements, acting as a sort of prequel with more Etna bits. There will also be new gameplay elements, so even die-hard Disgaea fans will be kept on their toes. The lord of the underworld and tactics games can't come out soon enough.
Aedis Eclipse: Generations of Chaos screens
The first Generations of Chaos game for PSP seemed good when I bought it, but the lacking tutorial made it difficult for me to really progress. Hopefully Aedis Eclipse: Generations of Chaos will do a better job of informing the gamer how to play the game. The key idea of this game seems to be that you play a main character and story in three different worlds and get those different perspectives on the war and universe. I love tactics games, so I want nothing more than for it to be worthwhile. In the meantime there are some screens to view. More screens after the jump ...
PSP Fan Art Fridays: Disgaea
Do you want to share your PSP-related fan art? Send us an e-mail. A new piece of fan art will be shared every Friday. This weeks Fan Art Friday submission is so sexy that I'm going to play strip poker with it.. This submission comes from Yuji 28 Go and depicts characters from one of my all-time favorite games: Disgaea. Since we know Disgaea is coming to the PSP in the US at some point, this fan art seemd incredibly appropriate. The above image depicts Etna and one of her Prinnies. The image is even more impressive when you consider it was made on an Oekaki board. If you like the above image why don't you check out Yuji's Deviant Art account and let him know what you think or just leave feedback in the comments section. Don't forget that next week I'd like to showcase one or more fan made versions of PSP-tan, so send in your art before next week. %Gallery-3450%
"Look forward to" Disgaea, says NIS employee
I had nearly given up all hope of Disgaea coming out to America. Although the game had performed well in Japan, NIS has been strangely silent about the possibility of a localized version ever reaching English-speaking shores. Well, blackIceJoe from the Gamespot forums received a cryptic e-mail from NIS, which hints at a pending release: "As for Disgaea PSP, We unfortunately cannot release much information about Disgaea yet ... but we can tell you to look forward to it. We hope this will give you some sort of idea. As for the Europe version, we do not have any information about it at this point, but we believe it will be coming out in Europe. Please check back with us within a few months to see if we have further information on the Europe version." The idea that this e-mail gives us is that Disgaea is coming. The only question is: when?
Video Sandwich: December 16, 2006
Two very random clips for you today. First up, we have a clip from the upcoming English version of the Disgaea anime, via Siliconera. As you may have seen, we really want the PSP version of the game to get an English release, and if that means getting people interested in the franchise as a whole, we'll do it. Too bad I'm not a big fan of the anime series. What do you think of this clip? Finally, acidmods.com does it again with yet another nifty PSP modification. This one: a clear PSP. It sort of reminds me of the clear Game Boy from back in the day. With a lot more horsepower.
Most ridiculous Disgaea interview ever
RPGLAND had a chance to talk to NIS America about Disgaea for PSP, and why it's still not confirmed for a US release. While there were a few hard-hitting questions in the interview, the majority of this affair was very light-hearted, revealing the kind of humor the Disgaea series is known for. For example: RPGLAND: Will Disgaea Portable help one get chicks (or dudes, depending on who we're talking about)? NIS America: If Disgaea Portable doesn't score you some action, you're either not trying or hopeless. When talking about why the game still hasn't seen a US release, the people at NIS are quite candid: they don't know if they'll sell enough copies to warrant a localization. But, sorry NIS--hasn't this game been fully translated for its PS2 counterpart? It shouldn't be too difficult to bring this game over to the US! If you really want this game to come over, NIS is asking you spam the popular gaming boards: "Forum posts on major sites really helps. Also, another thing you can do is to spread the word that Disgaea is coming for the PSP." I think I've done my part in spreading the word. [Via 1UP]
Disgaea 2 characters in upcoming port
The upcoming Disgaea port on PSP is shaping up to be more than just a port. Will it have all the improvements fans are dreaming of? Most likely not, but Siliconera has discovered Disgaea 2 characters in the game's new bonus levels. There's no American release planned so far, but I'm sure you can change that.
Disgaea helps you get friends, chop lettuce
While we're still waiting for Disgaea to get announced for US release, let's watch two super happy Japanese commercials for the game! They have a distinctly low-budget feel to them, which I guess is part of its charm. The above video shows you that peer pressure always works. ALL the cool kids are playing their PSPs (although Japanese sales data would suggest otherwise...). Below, we see that you don't need to be a Cooking Mama to chop lettuce: Disgaea for the PSP will suffice! Moms might seem like a weird demographic for this game, but I hear that they're pretty important to the gaming market as a whole these days. Crazy.
Disgaea: dreaming of a few enhancements
Siliconera has come up with a list of new things they'd love to see in the upcoming Disgaea port for the PSP. (Which you must help bring over to the US!) Here's a sample of what they want from this beloved SRPG: Add some new scenarios. It should be easy, considering how the game is structured episodically. The ability to import character data. Some people will have leveled up Laharl, and will want to use his insane power on the go. Sure, it'll involve some sort of voodoo magic, but NIS fans are willing to sacrific their souls, right? Include a scenario creator. By far the best suggestion of the bunch. Like Mega Man: Powered Up, give users the ability to create their own levels and scenarios and share them via the web. As you know, SCEA has a strict no-port policy for PSP games coming to the US. I hope NIS takes a good look at these suggestions, and makes them real so that we can enjoy chibi RPG goodness on our PSP too. Read the rest of Siliconera's article to see more ideas.
Disgaea screenshots to drool over
You know a game is special when it reaches the $100+ mark in the lucrative eBay reselling market. (The "best price" on amazon.com for a used copy is $114.95!) Disgaea is a game that's absolutely adored by its fans, and coming this fall, NIS will give PSP owners a chance to find out why (well, that's if enough people beg for the game to come out here). IGN has secured some brand new images from the RPG game in action, and you will look at them all.
NIS: Help us fanboys; you're our only hope
If you're a fan of Nippon Ichi's Disgaea franchise and want to see it make its way to North America on the PSP, then you'll have to get off your lazy bum and do something about it. NIS released a statement asking for fan support and demand to help bring the game, which is scheduled to be released Nov. 30 in Japan, here. "Because Disgaea is an incredible fan favorite, NIS America is eager to bring Disgaea Portable to the US fans," the company said. "But in order to make it happen, we will need to prove there is enough support and demand for Disgaea Portable! So we would appreciate it if you could support us by raising your voice and making some noise for Disgaea Portable in the US!" If the title makes it here, NIS said it plans to add something special in the game like extra dungeons, more scenarios and "characters that nobody would expect to see in Disgaea." Send your e-mails here. (Via DCEmu forums)
Disgaea coming to PSP! [Update 1]
According to Ruriweb, Disgaea, the cult RPG hit, is heading to PSP. It'll be mostly a port of the original, but considering how awesome the first game was, it should be a time of celebration. To sweeten the deal, the game will feature an extra dungeon and more scenarios. Prinny Power! [Via QJ] [Update 1: A more reliable source (IGN) has confirmed Disgaea as a reality. It'll come November 30th to Japan, and come in a regular and limited edition flavor. The official site opens on 8/30, so expect more info then. You may notice that the address reads "PSP1" which suggests that Disgaea 2 will eventually end up on the handheld too.]
