The third and final announcement made by Nippon Ichi Software America was for a sequel to one of the first games that really put the name “Nippon Ichi Software” out there to international audiences – Disgaea: Hour of Darkness on the Playstation 2. The announcement was Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness (Also known as Disgaea Dimension 2 on this site), a chronological sequel to the original installment in the series set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nippon Ichi Software and the 10th anniversary of the Disgaea series.
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness brings back the popular trio from the first game: Laharl, Etna, and Flonne, with a completely new and original storyline. It offers a game system similar to that of previous installments, but offers refinements and additions which will hopefully serve to entice new and old fans like to the series. Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness will also feature various DLC to keep entertaining players for even more sleepless nights.
So About the Game….
The Netherworld – a place where might makes right and today’s friends are tomorrow’s enemies. After a long journey with many ups and downs, Laharl finally finds himself as a full-fledged Overlord. However, the other denizens of the Netherworld do not see him as such, so he sets out on a journey with his loyal(!?) vassals to receive the respect he deserves. Along the way, Laharl will meet a girl who claims to be his sister, demons with bigger than usual chips on their shoulders, and find out that even his own body holds a few surprises for him…
The Usual Promoted Features
- Enhanced Customization: The character creation system has been completely revamped to allow for the highest level of character customization in series history!
- Master/Pupil System: The player chooses the master and the pupil, as well as which skills to learn! Benefits include new skills and higher weapon proficiencies for the pupil, while the master gets a stat boost!
- Item World: Challenge this battleground to power up your weapons, items, and characters! Prepare to deal massive damage!
- Geo Panels: These status-altering blocks provide bonuses or detriments to the terrain! Change the tide of battle by skillfully manipulating these elemental icons!
- Reunite with old friends and meet a new crew: Bringing back the fan favorite trio of Laharl, Etna, and Flonne, with new characters and a brand-new story!
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The Main Characters
Laharl
The son of a famous and powerful Overlord, Laharl spent the events of the first Disgaea trying to make a name for himself after his father dies. At the end of that game, he finally succeeds in becoming an Overlord.
Unfortunately, the only ones who seem to know this are a few demons and some higher-ups in the heavenly realm of Celestia.
Laharl is self-centered and selfish and wants to make everyone in the Netherworld and Celestia know once and for all what a powerful Overlord he really is!
Etna
Laharl’s feisty and disrespectful vassal, Etna was taken in by Laharl’s father at a young age and deeply respected him — Laharl, not so much. She serves Laharl more out of a sense of duty to his father rather than any kind of loyalty to him.
Etna’s tongue is sharp, and so is her spear – it’s always better to avoid being on the receiving end of either!
Flonne
Originally an angel, Flonne was turned into a Fallen Angel after the events of the Disgaea 1.
In spite of her new “evil” title and attire, Flonne is still very much a kindhearted girl who hasn’t given up on trying to teach the demons of the Netherworld about the importance of love.
She has also planted a flower garden in Laharl’s castle, much to his dismay.
Sicily
Sicily is an angel girl who shows up one day in the mail (so she wouldn’t get lost) at Laharl’s castle and calls him “big brother.” She follows the team around insisting this, but none of them believe her.
She is good at cooking and especially enjoys making sweets.
She also appears to have designs on Laharl’s throne…
Game Screenshots
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As with The Guided Fate Paradox, Disgaea D2 is set for release internationally during the Fall 2013 gaming season in both North America and PAL regions. It is also exclusive to the Playstation 3. For many more articles on the game, check out The Otaku’s Study DISGAEA D2 archives
