Whilst Disgaea 4 has not been released over in English-speaking countries yet, gamers in Japan have had the opportunity to play – and fall in love with this game over the last few months. As it was with Disgaea 3 however, gamers are given the option to pay a few dollars to unlock specific party members to their ranks – generally from older Nippon Ichi Software games such as Makai Kingdom, Phantom Brave and previous Disgaea games. The list is still growing regularily, however for those who have not heard about the DLC characters much – here is your first look at what is currently available in Japan – and what may become your star party member in the future. Oh, and just for the record, most character descriptions are from the official websites for the game – it would be too tedious for me to try and write up spoiler-free summaries for every character.
Do note that my opinions of the characters are from my experience in other games – and may differ depending on changes to them in Disgaea 4 and your own playing style.
Rozalin – Disgaea 2
Overlord Zenon’s only daughter, spoiled and sheltered. Loves and respects her father who pampers her very much. She lived in her mansion her whole life so she knows nothing of the outside world. Because of this, her common sense and way of thought are different from both humans and devils. At the start of Disgaea 2 she has no experience in battle and is Level 1. Her means of attack are guns, which when I played Disgaea 2 – didn’t prove to be that useful and she remained one of my lower level characters to the point that I never actually used her in battle...
Adell – Disgaea 2
In order to turn his demon family back to being human, the young man risks his life by standing up against Zenon. He is also the only human who was not affected by Overlord Zenon’s curse. He has a strong will, and when he makes a promise he will even risk his life to keep it. He doesn’t like lies and girls, and is a straightforward, hot-blooded guy. Generally you will be using Adell as a fist attacker – and if you prefer that style of combat in your characters – he will prove to be second to none. He was my primary character of use all through Disgaea 2.
Asagi HD – Makai Kingdom et al.
Asagi has been in essentially every Disgaea game since Makai Kingdom and spends her time invading them in order to become a main character – something which she was promised since Makai Kingdom but never actually happened. During the course of games she has been toyed with by the developers to the point where she gets her own side quest in Prinny 2….. as a Prinny. Through this, her personality has changed from a sweeter girl to (according to Soul Nomad.. Killing Zetta) to becoming a self-centered brat who will top at nothing to hold the coveted title. Honestly, whilst I love her character concept and storylines – I dislike her as a character and for the same reason as Rozalin, leave her in my party doing nothing.
Sabercat Evil Ranger Pink – Several Disgaea Games Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
This is not a specific character but instead allows you to unlock the ability to create a whole army of Sabercats. Personally, these are the most adorable monster class party members you can unlock and it is a real shame you have to pay to use them. In battle however, their only use is to magichange with a party member to form a unique glove item which is equally cute (At least if this is the correct monster I am thinking of).
EDIT: I was slightly wrong, the character is Evil Ranger Pink from Dark Hero Days, however I believe it also unlocks the Sabercat Class…
Mao – Disgaea 3
The #1 Honor Student in the Netherworld. He dreams to someday defeat his own father, the overlord. He uses his 1.8 million EQ to carry out his evil experiments and possesses an evilness that drives him to do anything to reach the ultimate evil-way. His hobbies include such “honor” student tasks such as pulling pranks and evil research, he is addicted to games and anime whilst disliking heroes, humans and friendship. Mao is a very strong character to use and throughout Disgaea 3 I used him as a secondary main to my self-named warrior.
Priere – La Pucelle Tactics
Unlike the others so far, Priere is only present as a DLC character in Disgaea 3 and has had no interaction outside her non-Disgaea SRPG title. In her game she is an apprentence demon hunter who is stubborn and selfish however has a strong sense of justice. There were several endings to the game but it seems that they have made the Overlord Endings (Possibly the hardest ending to get) the canon ending – so you get to enjoy her overlord/succubus form. As I stated above, as she hasnt appeared as a normal character in a Disgaea title, I have no idea on what skills she holds – but I assume she uses a Monster-class weapon.
Prism Red – Every Disgaea Game
The Prism Rangers have been a running gag since the first game – in an attempt to boost their numbers from a pathetic three in Disgaea: Hour of Darkness to finally completing the whole Rainbow in Disgaea 2 (With some rather… unheroic additions) and then finally just the one member (Red) in Disgaea 3 as a recruitable post-game character. Despite them being enjoyable to watch – I have never liked them as playable characters….. Prism Red despite being humanoid only uses monster weapons, and more or less sucks as a character. But, if you want a super hero on your team – this may be your best shot.
Main Hero B – Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
Main Hero B like Evil Ranger Pink is another character from the Axel Chapters which I havent actually played so I cannot really comment – however purchasing her does unlock the Celestial class for you to access which may or may not be beneficial to your party.
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Plenair – Every Disgaea Game
If the Prinnies were not in Disgaea, then the series mascot character would most probably be her. She has held a number of roles over the course of the series such as being a silent news-presenter and running the council. Whilst she is a DLC character – simply purchasing her is not enough – instead the DLC content unlocks the Survival Mode which in turn, you present enough points and then you unlock her. Simple? Possibly…. Worth It? Definitely!
Gig – Soul Nomad & The World Eaters
Leader of the World Eaters that nearly destroyed the world 200 years ago. He has power beyond the wildest dreams of any mortal. He is feared by all as the Master of Death and God of Destruction. He was nearly killed by Layna who sealed his soul in an onyx blade. Eventually, he fused with the hero thanks to the oddly vital Layna. He’s cocky and smug and all he wants is a physical form of his own. I own this game but haven’t played too far into it, but since the start of the game and now Gig has managed to escape his body and take a form on of his own. Soul Nomad didnt have a similar system to Disgaea, so I have no idea what his skills would be like – but judging from my assumptions he should be an awesome character to have in your arsenal.
Asuka Cranekick / Kyoko Needleworker – Disgaea 3
These characters both seem to come in one pack and also include the Kunoichi character class if you wish to have a whole team of them. Both of these characters come from Disgaea 3 and were the sidekicks of Delinquent Raspberyl. In terms of Gameplay, both of these girls are essentially recolours of the Samurai and Kunoichi class characters with slightly improved abilities – which were improved upon even more in the Raspberyl Chapters. I had them in my party and used them in replacement of their respective classes but the usefulness depends on your playing style.
That is it for the currently released DLC characters. You can see images of the characters, as well as any upcoming ones at this link HERE. Following the other links on the website will lead you to new scenarios, maps etc that are also available through DLC content. Are you interested in what is next in Japan for DLC characters? Well, according to Dengeki Playstation – the next two DLC characters will be NISA-chan from Hyperdimension Neptunia and Pram from Makai Kingdom alongside other Makai Kingdom building and pirate ship parts.
