Why bring the game to the DS at this point?
Jack Niida: We get this question quite a bit. The reason why we're going to release Disgaea for DS is simply because our fans demanded it. Many of our fans had a DS but not PSP and seriously wanted this title, especially for the multi-player factor. When we get so many emails and calls voting for the DS system we just couldn't ignore it. If the fans want Disgaea on DS, then they shall get it.
What do you say to folks that have grown tired of the first game?
Jack: The main feature of Disgaea DS is the multi-player mode. Fans that are tired of the original can still get a kick out of this game by destroying their buddy's Laharl and Etna.
What new stuff does the DS version offer players that have played it on the PSP and PS2?
Jack: The intuitive stylus controls and dual screen is a huge plus, but there are newly added features and characters from our past titles, so there is still a lot of oomph left in this game.
Any chance we'll see Disgaea on the Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii?
Jack: That's a very good question and we get that quite a bit. It's hard to say because of the difference in the game architecture, but I guess that argument won't hold with the release of Disgaea DS. Who knows, you might see something interesting coming out later in the year.
What, if any DS specific features will Disgaea DS support?
Jack: Like I mentioned earlier, the biggest DS exclusive feature is the stylus and the dual screen [support]. We've got a unique battle feature for the DS, so please look forward to it. More info should be released very soon.
How do you control the characters? Will you be able to use the touch-screen and stylus to navigate at all or will it use the face buttons?
Jack: You can actually use either the stylus or the traditional style buttons; it all depends on the gamers' play style. Simply touch the location where you want to go and touch the enemy you want to attack. It's really easy and simple to use.
Is the DS version the same as the original Disgaea game? Will it feature any content from the PSP version?
Jack: Not only will the DS version have all the contents from the PSP version, it will have more, so there's quite a bit of game play. It's going to be one heck of a handheld game.
Is the game scaled down in any way for the DS?
Jack: Unfortunately some of the resolution has been scaled down to support the DS. Voiceovers and music are all the same, but graphically we couldn't do a complete port of the PS2/PSP version.
Will the DS version support full voice acting and cutscenes from the original?
Jack: Yes, all the voiceovers and cut scenes of the original will be there.
Are there any plans to release Number 2 on any new platforms?
Jack: We don't have any plans just yet, but I myself would love to see Disgaea 2 on a handheld. If it comes with an extensive multiplayer mode, it would be even better. Handhelds have great potential for SRPGs, so look forward to see more NIS titles.
