Disgaea: Afternoon Of Darkness- Worth getting again?

evil_ash_xero · Post by **evil_ash_xero** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:47 pm

I was thinking about snagging this(i'm in the process of getting a PSP and working on a little library), but I have the PS2 one.

I hear that this has an "Etna Mode". Is this a really well thought out mode, or just kinda short?

Also, I hear they fixed the slowdoan, and framerate problems of the original, and I hear although they didn't do anything really specific to the graphics, it just looks better on the PSP's screen.

So, in the end...is it worth getting, if I already have the PS2 version? I was hoping it looked a little noticably better, since I think D1's biggest problem is it's jaggy graphics and muddy color. Part 2 looked a lot better to my eyes, while looking amazingly similar.

s/m

Necronopticous · Post by **Necronopticous** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:39 pm

It's a beautiful port, but I'd only recommend it if you specifically want to play it on the go. Haven't messed around with any Etna mode, so I can't comment on that.

MX7 · Post by **MX7** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:42 pm

I'm too excited about day of darkness to think about this

Momijitsuki · Post by **Momijitsuki** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:45 pm

On that note, will the DS port be worth getting?

MX7 · Post by **MX7** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:51 pm

Momijitsuki wrote:On that note, will the DS port be worth getting?

The videos on youtube seem to suggest it's the PS2 version with knobs on. In other words, most definitely

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:46 pm

Momijitsuki wrote:On that note, will the DS port be worth getting?

No it isn't.

The PSP port is the perfect version of the original Disgaea, and I'd recommend it to everyone. The most noticeable change is the ability to turn off battle animations.

Japanese voices are now present in-battle for the first time. It's also in 16:9 now, the game can be set on idle during Item World, plus there's the Etna Mode, Demon Hall and bonus characters (Adell, Rosalind, Zetta) to fight.

The only thing the DS version offers against the PSP one is the ability to play as Pleinair. She's my favorite character, but the DS port has massive slowdown (think FFT PSP) and downgraded music and graphics. Because of the DS limitations (the previous stuff is present) there's no way to turn "off" the DS while in Item World. You can close the DS, but that isn't turning it off, and if the battery dies, your progress will be lost.

Plus I don't think it's out just yet. I've played the JP version though. In conclusion, get the PSP version, it's the best.

Vexorg · Post by **Vexorg** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:14 am

Etna Mode is a bit on the short side (I'd guess about 1/4 the length of the normal Laharl storyline) but still worth playing. It's also not going to be much of a challenge if you've levelled up your characters before you play it (I didn't unlock it until the second time through, and by then I had level 1500+ characters with rank 39 gear, and had already beat pretty much everything except Baal and Zetta.)

I never played this one on PS2, but another change in this version I've heard that people like is the ability to change music in the item world (you have to buy the songs for 100,000hl apiece, or 1,000,000,000 for a few, but that becomes pocket change after a while.)

Lordstar · Post by **Lordstar** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 9:33 am

I will be getting the DS version for sure. I can take or leave the PSP version as I dont have (and dont intend on buying) a psp. Still FF tactics does need another purchace

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 9:53 am

If you haven't heard there's another psp revision coming out. Maybe you should wait until that ones out. Either for the new psp, or for cheaper prices on the older ones.

Momijitsuki · Post by **Momijitsuki** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:17 pm

Elixir wrote:
Momijitsuki wrote:On that note, will the DS port be worth getting?
No it isn't.

The PSP port is the perfect version of the original Disgaea, and I'd recommend it to everyone. The most noticeable change is the ability to turn off battle animations.

Japanese voices are now present in-battle for the first time. It's also in 16:9 now, the game can be set on idle during Item World, plus there's the Etna Mode, Demon Hall and bonus characters (Adell, Rosalind, Zetta) to fight.

The only thing the DS version offers against the PSP one is the ability to play as Pleinair. She's my favorite character, but the DS port has massive slowdown (think FFT PSP) and downgraded music and graphics. Because of the DS limitations (the previous stuff is present) there's no way to turn "off" the DS while in Item World. You can close the DS, but that isn't turning it off, and if the battery dies, your progress will be lost.

Plus I don't think it's out just yet. I've played the JP version though. In conclusion, get the PSP version, it's the best.

I don't have a PSP though.

Lordstar · Post by **Lordstar** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:01 pm

I will be getting it as I am rarley sat at home these days. A disgaea on the move is perfect for me. But i dont like the PSP. so the DS is the answer.

do you find yourself playing at home or in transit more?

evil_ash_xero · Post by **evil_ash_xero** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:52 pm

Lordstar wrote:I will be getting it as I am rarley sat at home these days. A disgaea on the move is perfect for me. But i dont like the PSP. so the DS is the answer.

do you find yourself playing at home or in transit more?

I play almost all my portable games at home. However, whenever I go travelling, I like to play them in the hotel. I can't really focus in an airport, or in a car.

s/m

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:32 am

themachinist wrote:If you haven't heard there's another psp revision coming out. Maybe you should wait until that ones out. Either for the new psp, or for cheaper prices on the older ones.

Another PSP version? They released an updated version of the Japanese Disgaea for PSP in America, then released the US version in Japan with all the updates. If you're talking about that, it's Disgaea PSP. It isn't getting a new release.

Momijitsuki wrote:I don't have a PSP though.

So buy one? The DS version is shit, sewage, slime, and a disgrace to the series. Have fun with your 2-3 second lag after every attack.

Post by **BulletMagnet** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 1:09 am

Elixir wrote:Another PSP version? They released an updated version of the Japanese Disgaea for PSP in America, then released the US version in Japan with all the updates. If you're talking about that, it's Disgaea PSP. It isn't getting a new release.

I think he means a new version of the PSP system itself.

Momijitsuki · Post by **Momijitsuki** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 2:07 am

Elixir wrote:
themachinist wrote:If you haven't heard there's another psp revision coming out. Maybe you should wait until that ones out. Either for the new psp, or for cheaper prices on the older ones.
Another PSP version? They released an updated version of the Japanese Disgaea for PSP in America, then released the US version in Japan with all the updates. If you're talking about that, it's Disgaea PSP. It isn't getting a new release.

Momijitsuki wrote:I don't have a PSP though.
So buy one? The DS version is shit, sewage, slime, and a disgrace to the series. Have fun with your 2-3 second lag after every attack.

I suppose I can enjoy the PS2 version for now. I just spent a combined $205 on a Japanese PS2 and a copy of Mushihimesama. I'm done buying stuff for the time being.

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:43 am

BulletMagnet wrote:
Elixir wrote:Another PSP version? They released an updated version of the Japanese Disgaea for PSP in America, then released the US version in Japan with all the updates. If you're talking about that, it's Disgaea PSP. It isn't getting a new release.
I think he means a new version of the PSP system itself.

Oh, a third version of the PSP? Why are they doing that?

CStarFlare · Post by **CStarFlare** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 2:52 am

If that's true then NIS is Milking Disgaea 1 harder than Capcom milks it franchises.

Wish they'd milk Phantom Brave for a while. :/

Also, if FFT-level slowdown is the worst thing about Disgaea DS, then it's probably not worth the extra $100 to get a PSP+Disgaea. FFT's slowdown was seriously not a deal breaker.

That said, the PSP port looks and sounds shitloads better and if you have other reasons to get a PSP, a better Disgaea is a hardly a bad excuse to get one now.

themachinist · Post by **themachinist** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 3:02 am

Yes, a new revision of the psp, PSP-3000.
Supposed to have a better screen and a built in mic (im guessing for skype stuff).
Comparison scan from famitsu magazine:

[/img]

UnscathedFlyingObject · Sun Aug 31, 2008 4:23 am

Fuck Sony. I thought they had the decency to not release a new version of their system every couple months like Nintendo. That said, the system will have a much better screeen. Anti reflection and much better contrast ratio and much better response time (less ghosting.)

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 4:28 am

CStarFlare wrote:Also, if FFT-level slowdown is the worst thing about Disgaea DS, then it's probably not worth the extra $100 to get a PSP+Disgaea. FFT's slowdown was seriously not a deal breaker.

No, the graphics are.

themachinist wrote:Yes, a new revision of the psp, PSP-3000.
Supposed to have a better screen and a built in mic (im guessing for skype stuff).
Comparison scan from famitsu magazine:
[/img]

I don't get it. All I see is a better screen and.. that's it. It's the exact same design. The exact same design which kills your hands while trying to play Monster Hunter, the exact same analog stick (which is pretty poor in itself). I'm not really seeing anything "new" here. They should have done something about the screen long ago.

MX7 · Post by **MX7** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:52 am

Elixir wrote:
No, the graphics are.

Because graphics > gameplay.

Seriously, no one's going to care about that, particularly Nippon Ichi fans. Now I'm looking forward to it even more

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:12 am

MX7 wrote:Because graphics > gameplay.

No, because there's another version of the exact same game which happens to be in a superior widescreen resolution with no pixellation issues or slowdown which hinders gameplay experience.

MX7 wrote:Seriously, no one's going to care about that, particularly Nippon Ichi fans.

Yeah, that's why I'm buying a $450 dollar PS3 for Disgaea 3! Oh wait.

MX7 wrote:Now I'm looking forward to it even more

Spectacular, poms just keep getting better.

E. Randy Dupre · Post by **E. Randy Dupre** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:19 am

Elixir wrote:there's no way to turn "off" the DS while in Item World. You can close the DS, but that isn't turning it off, and if the battery dies, your progress will be lost.

Not true. Closing the DS while it's turned on puts it into sleep mode, which conserves battery without losing unsaved game data, which is exact;y the same as the PSP's sleep mode.

It's fairly easy to mistake the PSP's sleep mode as being the same thing as turning the machine off, because of the way that Sony used the same button for both things, but they're different. If you're turning your PSP back on and going straight into a game at the position at which you turned it off, without having to go through the UMD loading, then you've not been switching it off properly.

MX7 · Post by **MX7** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:44 am

Elixir wrote:
MX7 wrote:Because graphics > gameplay.
No, because there's another version of the exact same game which happens to be in a superior widescreen resolution with no pixellation issues or slowdown which hinders gameplay experience.

MX7 wrote:Seriously, no one's going to care about that, particularly Nippon Ichi fans.
Yeah, that's why I'm buying a $450 dollar PS3 for Disgaea 3! Oh wait.

MX7 wrote:Now I'm looking forward to it even more
Spectacular, poms just keep getting better.

OH NOES I HAVE BEEN RACIALLY ABUSED D:

Enjoy your widescreen

Elixir · Post by **Elixir** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:43 pm

E. Randy Dupre wrote:Not true. Closing the DS while it's turned on puts it into sleep mode, which conserves battery without losing unsaved game data, which is exact;y the same as the PSP's sleep mode.

It's fairly easy to mistake the PSP's sleep mode as being the same thing as turning the machine off, because of the way that Sony used the same button for both things, but they're different. If you're turning your PSP back on and going straight into a game at the position at which you turned it off, without having to go through the UMD loading, then you've not been switching it off properly.

Yeah, there's something about the DS' orange light that just annoys me. It just feels like it's paused. I guess it could last overnight, but I just like the convenience of being able to play the game without having to load it.

MX7 wrote:OH NOES I HAVE BEEN RACIALLY ABUSED D:

Enjoy your widescreen

Really? I don't recall abusing any race. Enjoy your inferior port.

sjewkestheloon · Post by **sjewkestheloon** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 5:29 pm

Poms? Twat.

Taylor · Post by **Taylor** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:02 pm

I liked Afternoon of Darkness so much I brought it twice, I didn’t think it was going to get an EU release so I grabbed the JP one. There’s a ton new stuff like setting the music for the item world, voice language (EU release of D1 was English only), hidden bosses, and skipping animations for your inevitable CoO3 Winded Slayer fiasco.

The shops also sell items with thousands of alchemist, statistician, broker, master and arms master specialists on them ready to move, so the whole grind stage of the end-game is much faster. And if you go inside these items, something weird happens... The only aspect of grinding they haven’t made easier is finding your legendary Cosmic Blade, I’ve been looking for ages now...

Etna Mode is longer than the first game if you try and play it off the bat, because enemy levels jump up very fast and you’ll need to grind like a motherbitch, so don’t bother with it until 2nd cycle. There are only a few stages to it, but the storyline is pretty funny if you like Disgaea’s humour and supposed something neato happens if you beat Baal with her.

MX7 · Post by **MX7** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:49 pm

Taylor wrote: (EU release of D1 was English only.

Really? That sucks. Still, on the US version, the majority of the battle sounds were still in whiny American accents whichever setting you shoved it on. Is this the same for the PSP port?

E. Randy Dupre · Post by **E. Randy Dupre** » Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:19 pm

No, if you switch to the Japanese VA you get the Japanese sound effects too.

To be honest, I don't think it's worth buying the game again if you already own a previous version of it, added extras or not. I bought the PSP version after ploughing somewhere over 160 hours into the PS2 one and I've hardly touched it. It's a nice port - bar the facts that it introduces a new glitch and only allows you to obtain items of the uber-powerful end game kit once - but I found it impossible to get sucked into a second time around.

Taylor · Post by **Taylor** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 1:08 am

MX7 wrote:
Taylor wrote: (EU release of D1 was English only.
Really? That sucks. Still, on the US version, the majority of the battle sounds were still in whiny American accents whichever setting you shoved it on. Is this the same for the PSP port?

Shazzam!

Nah, Japanese battle voices too.

Honestly, though some of the throwaway characters put on silly voices and Flonne was annoying*, I thought the English voice acting was... quite good. I preferred the English mid-boss character, and thought Etna’s voice actress did a great job even with the end of episode segments. Too bad they couldn’t get her for Disgaea 2 – which was a much sloppier job across the board, but came with a Japanese option.

Oh yeah, which leads me to something relevant. The PSP version got another voice actress for Etna, who covered all the older lines as well. Though I imagine everyone here will put it on Japanese anyway.

* Because of what she had to say, more than anything else.