Disgaea 3 writer and programmer discuss graphics, success outside Japan
by Alan Tsang 
{ Jun 30th 2008 at 10:00PM }
Why must Japan torture us with their DLC of Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice while we wait simply to play the game? Fortunately, we have a drop of water here to quench your thirst. NIS producer Souhei Niikawa, who also wrote Disgaea 3, and lead programmer Masahiro Yamamoto sat down in an interview with Gamasutra.
Niikawa is adamant about priorities -- working on being successful in the land of the rising sun, and simply hoping the game will sell in America. He feels that as a Japanese person he is incapable of making a game targeted towards US audiences without being laughed at. We beg to differ, Mr. Niikawa! Yamamoto, on the other hand, defended their lack of next-gen graphics in their title by saying: "Even if it's the latest super console, we're trying to make the most fun games out there." Niikawa expressed his desire to use next-gen power "for the gameplay itself, for something new that maybe you've never seen before."
The interview concludes with Gamasutra remarking on how Nippon Ichi is in Gifu Prefecture, which is "the middle of nowhere" in Japan and how that affects their development. Niikawa feels Tokyo has too many temptations and distractions -- in Gifu they are able to concentrate on their work. Perhaps this is the secret to Nippon Ichi's ability to make such unique and amazing games. Read the full interview here.
Niikawa is adamant about priorities -- working on being successful in the land of the rising sun, and simply hoping the game will sell in America. He feels that as a Japanese person he is incapable of making a game targeted towards US audiences without being laughed at. We beg to differ, Mr. Niikawa! Yamamoto, on the other hand, defended their lack of next-gen graphics in their title by saying: "Even if it's the latest super console, we're trying to make the most fun games out there." Niikawa expressed his desire to use next-gen power "for the gameplay itself, for something new that maybe you've never seen before."
The interview concludes with Gamasutra remarking on how Nippon Ichi is in Gifu Prefecture, which is "the middle of nowhere" in Japan and how that affects their development. Niikawa feels Tokyo has too many temptations and distractions -- in Gifu they are able to concentrate on their work. Perhaps this is the secret to Nippon Ichi's ability to make such unique and amazing games. Read the full interview here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kentuckyfried @ Jun 30th 2008 10:09PM
If an uber-nerd like Kojima can make a successful game for the U.S. market, so can anyone else...
And it doesn't necessarily have to be targeted at otaku's either.
urbanbuddha @ Jun 30th 2008 10:12PM
to each thier own, this is the #1 game I'm waiting for the ps3.
-Jad- @ Jun 30th 2008 10:31PM
I'm looking forward for it too. It's not my #1 but its on my high priority list that 4 sure.
Eric E @ Jul 1st 2008 9:17AM
This intrigues me, i played a little of FFT for PS1 but didn't care for it, i want to give SRPGs another go. I have a 60gb ps3, a psp, and gamefly. Should i rent one of the other titles first to see if I'll like this? or should i just try the new one? (i have a ds too since i heard they've got one of those coming too)
urbanbuddha @ Jul 1st 2008 9:46AM
@Eric E: Usually anything Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) related, older title tend to be rarer and more expensive find because of the niche market and people scalping.
Since you have gamefly, I would recommend trying to get your hands on the PSP version of Disgaea since its the PS2 original plus extra content.
Extra tidbit: NIS has this inclination of adding characters from past games into their latest release as bonus fights.
here's a list of all their NA released games:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nippon_Ichi#Game_Releases_in_North_America_.28by_date.29
Have fun. ^^
playcrackthesky @ Jun 30th 2008 10:24PM
These guys are showing sony and us ps3'ers plenty of respect.
I definitely will repay them with the faith by buying this game.
Much love.
whoiscraig @ Jun 30th 2008 11:10PM
There is nothing wrong with creating original games. The puzzle/strategy hybrid worked great in the first two games. I'll probably be first in line to pick up the new one. I'm sure that the next game will be fun. I just don't understand why they can't put a bit more effort into tech. Let's face it, the title looked dated on the PS2.
Noshino @ Jul 1st 2008 3:56AM
Nippon Ichi is a really small studio, for them to be putting out a title for the PS3 this early, while having so many side project, is quite a lot....
Their next title will most likely take advantage of the PS3
whoiscraig @ Jul 1st 2008 4:07AM
I don't even expect Eternal Sonata (which looked amazing). I just want some basic high resolution polys. Fact of the matter is that Jeanne D'arc on PSP probably has a more refined engine than any of the Nippon Ichi titles. I'm a huge fan of their games and the gameplay but want to see more. If a single guy can do Everyday Shooter, I don't think it's much to ask for, at the very least, high res 2d graphics.
Noshino @ Jul 1st 2008 11:56AM
Look, I love Level 5, but Jeanne D'Arc let me down, it wasn't refined at all, the AI was non existent, customization was nowhere to be found... graphics were the only thing that stood out from the rest of the PSP games, oh, and also certain battle mechanics, but other than that, not much that would impress...
Nippon Ichi's Disgaea series has a really complex battle system, not only that, but the story and the characters are solid, I prefer THAT over graphics
As for Everyday Shooter, you do now that that title was already developed before even being on the PS3 right? all he did was just port it over, not only that, but that game is quite simple when compared to the likes of Disgaea....seriously, this example was rather unnecessary....
jtedesco33 @ Jul 1st 2008 8:28AM
Finally the good rpgs are starting to trickle out, it's the only reason I picked up the PS3 as my third console. PS has always had the best rpgs, hands down.
whoiscraig @ Jul 1st 2008 1:03PM
Notice I didn't say anything regarding the "A.I." or gameplay in Jeanne D'arc. I specifically referred to the graphics, which were much better than anything Disgaea has done. Everyday Shooter was brought up as an example of a game with high resolution 2D graphics made by a single guy. I'd like to see at least some effort. If the game could run on a PS2, then why should I pay PS3 prices?