Disgaea Infinite gets adventurous

TOKYO--Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) has established a name for itself in both Japan and the West with its strategy role-playing games, particularly the Disgaea series. However, the company has shown inclinations to go beyond its comfort zone, notably with last year's PSP action game, Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?

During a press event at this year's Tokyo Game Show, NIS president Souhei Niikawa confirmed that the developer will continue exploring new creative territory. Niikawa revealed NIS's 2010 lineup for Japan and the US, including the return of a familiar oddball title and a new Disgaea game in the adventure genre.

President Niikawa began the TGS presentation by announcing his disappointment at the current lack of interest in PSP titles, stating, "We hope we can all work together to bring about the revival of the PSP."

This was followed by the announcement of two new PSP titles for Japan and the US--a Japanese dungeon crawling RPG whose title can be roughly translated to "Absolute Renovating Hero Plan" and an adventure game for the PSP and PSN based on the Disgaea characters, titled Disgaea Infinite.

"We hope this new Disgaea game will be as popular as the other titles," Niikawa said. "It's an adventure game, which means cutscenes, entertaining dialogue, and a very story-driven experience featuring popular Disgaea characters."

Both titles have been announced for Japan and will soon be announced for release in the US and Europe sometime in 2010.

Other announcements included two new titles for the US market: Atelier Rorona, a classic RPG and the first in the 11-part series to be developed for the PS3, and a sequel to this year's quirky strategy game on the PSP, Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! What Did I Do to Deserve This?

Atelier Rorona is due out in summer 2010, while Holy Invasion of Privacy, Badman! 2 will be released in February 2010.