This is for those of you guys who love Disgaea, as well as other games from Nippon Ichi's stable. Although they don't talk about the North American PSP version of the beloved game, GameSetWatch's interview with Jack Niida and Mitsu Hiraoka of Nippon Chi Software America (NISA) talks a bit about the mother company's future game plans... and a lot about Prinny collecting.

Niida was quick to point out that, while a majority of their releases were on the PS2 and PSP, they are nonetheless committed to supporting other platforms as well: "gamers (on all platforms) can expect surprises from us." Of course, they will still work as closely with Sony, "providing great games for PS2/PS3/PSP users as well."

Wonder why GameSetWatch didn't ask about the possibilities of a PS3 game set in the Disgaea universe?

Moving on... Part of the interview was dedicated to NISA's contribution to geek love, their online store RosenQueen.com. The name's taken from an item shop in Nippon Ichi's Marl's Kingdom series, and since it doesn't "literally" carry the NIS/NISA name, it can carry both Nippon Ichi-related products and products that aren't related to NIS/NISA at all, providing a service to both the customer and other companies (double cha-ching to NISA, too).

Remember the Disgaea wish list? They carry Prinny plushies! (Dunno if the plushies carry their in-game power, though: you might want to run them past an X-ray or something, just to be sure. Kidding!)

Speaking of collectibles, in this case special editions of their games, Niida also explained the logic behind putting out a collector's edition of a game. "Judging cost effectiveness on a bonus item for video games is always a difficult task. What it comes down to is cost-benefit, customer interest, affordability, and future impact."

It also depends on the retailer's cooperation - if they're willing do devote resources to promoting these spec.-editions in stores - but Niida did say that they would "like to provide similar special editions packages." Hmm... we're wondering if there will be a special-edition North American Disgaea Portable with free Etna and/or Flonne in the pack... Who wants to start the letter-writing campaign?!

 

NIS America just made our day when they spilled the beans on Disgaea Portable's US version. Now, we'll just have to wait if Nippon Ichi would indeed fulfill our Disgaea wish list. While we wait, let's focus our attention on the other things that NIS America has in store for us.

It was way back in June when NIS' Jack Niida talked about making games for the Wii, potential downloadable titles, and sticking to 2D games. After that, we heard nothing about NIS making games for the Wii or the Nintendo DS...until now. Apparently, during the presentation of NIS' new online store, RosenQueen, a company exec hinted that NIS is moving into Wii and DS development. He said that "I've heard rumors - just rumors! - that NIS is preparing DS and Wii contracts". And if you check out RosenQueen, you would see that the company now sells Wii and DS accessories.

Hmmm. We don't know what games they are planning to make for the Wii and the DS or if they are really serious in developing for the mentioned platforms. We guess we have to hear some official word from NIS America. For now, keep checking us out for updates.

Nippon Ichi Software, Inc., a Japanese developer and publisher of game software titles such as Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, Phantom Brave, La Pucelle: Tactics, and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, talked about considering new titles for the Wii, the potential of RPGs on Wii, sticking to 2D games and more. Jack Niida, Nippon Ichi Marketing Coordinator, was game enough to share his thoughts about the said topics.

Aside from committing on making games for the Wii, they are also looking forward to developing and publishing games for the DS, 360, and other handheld consoles. When asked if as of the moment, they are now developing games for the Wii, Mr. Niida said that "we are not developing a title for the Nintendo Wii, since we have another title that has been under works for a while. We simply do not have the man power yet to carry out multiple projects at the same time. Therefore, if we were to release a Wii title, it will be in the future."

Since Nippon is known for sticking to the traditionally, anime-inspired, 2D games, they were asked if they are willing to step on to the new territory of 3D gaming. The reply? "From my impressions from what I (he) hear (from the Nippon developers), they don't seem to mind it (3D) too much; they still feel that 2D is well and alive. It's just that they might change the expressions a little different according to the next-generations consoles, but the 2D will definitely be there." In other words, they are sticking to what they have gone used to- 2D games.

On the RPG portion of the discussion, Mr. Niida was asked if he thinks the Wii's controller is not suitable for RPG games, to answer that, he said "I personally think it will benefit the genre...There's a lot more opportunities in what you can do, and especially the motion sensor, I think it's a unique feature that we might be able to incorporate into a strategy RPG--the way you move your characters or the way you control them. Certainly I think its expanding what we can do, and not limiting it...And Wii's unique controller layout will help us bring new light to the RPG genre. In regards to new functions of the controller for RPGs, let's just say it is still a secret."

Mr. Niida also talked about the possibility of offering downloadable content, "this is perhaps one of the most exciting marketing strategies for small companies like us. We will definitely be exploring this option with enthusiasm. Please look forward to what we will have to offer in the near future. I promise we will not disappoint you."

As of now, their development efforts are focused on another Nintendo creation, the DS. But basing from Niida's statements, it won't be long till they shift their attention to the Wii. Although they are sticking to 2D gaming, we won't be surprised if they will come up with 3D games in the future, because there's nothing wrong with sticking to the classics, but one should also keep up with the times.