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[Bebpo]

This is gonna be a sad |OT|, but would rather have a thread than none. Doesn't seem like anyone else is playing Disgaea 5, and instead the import OTs at the moment are creepy softcore porn games.

Anyhow, played a little of Dis5 and being a fan of N1 from almost back at the start to present, I'm very much surprisingly impressed so far. For the first time since Disgaea 1 it seems like they've done a full rehaul on the presentation to give it a classy Disgaea meets Persona 3/4/FFXIII-2 interface. When you hit triangle, instead of getting that usual PS1 vertical box of options, you get a nice flashy modern menu. Same with stage selects and character creation and basically everything has gotten a new classy look. Even the main base (which takes place on a flying spaceship exploring the universe of demon worlds and their various gods, giving nods back to Makai Kingdom; aka the best game in the N1 srpg series since Disgaea) has a nice FFXIII-2-ish engrish vocal theme to chill to while walking around and editing stats.

On top of that, it really does feel like with Disgaea 5 they're adding more new features than ever. There's an ability that's really nice and lets you instantly level up and character you make to the level of your highest party member for cash (thus taking out the boring level grind to get new characters up to speed), there are special hi-ougis for characters and a revenge system that I haven't gotten far enough to dig into it. Even the item world seems pretty revamped.

Basically for the first time since Disgaea 1, I don't feel like this is an incremental update. It really feels like a "next-gen" sequel to the series. It's what I wish Disgaea's debut on PS3 with D3 would have been (instead of being basically a PS1/PS2 game on PS3).

About the only thing that sticks to the PS2 roots is the character sprites which are still basically that Disgaea 3 look, but somehow at 1080p it all looks better.

The writing so far is great and waaaaaaaaaay better than D4 which droned on and on and was sorta good but oh so boring because cutscenes lasted 10 minutes each. Cutscenes are more to the point and the clever slapstick is here in full effect. There's also Tales-ish optional chats you can do while exploring around your home base, which is neat.

Anyhow, I'm still real early on, but having no expectations and being pretty burnt out on the series after D4 because it's all been so similar, I'm surprisingly impressed. It's a lot of fun so far, looks great, and for once Disgaea actually feels like something new instead of the same old same old with a few new systems. It's exciting once again and that's exactly what Disgaea needs. Looking forward to sinking more time in!

 

[Vylash]

This is gonna be a sad |OT|, but would rather have a thread than none. Doesn't seem like anyone else is playing Disgaea 5, and instead the import OTs at the moment are creepy softcore porn games.

 

[Memory]

No offence but this is a terrible OT, i'm excited for this game but your post already has me on a downer. I recommend you redo this OT on a more positive and less insulting tone with some pics and more information.

 

[DryvBy]

After grinding out so much of 3 and 4, I dunno if I have it in me to do all the side stuff but I plan on picking this up for the story. I actually loved 4's story a lot. I learned a lot about sardines.

 

[Bebpo]

After grinding out so much of 3 and 4, I dunno if I have it in me to do all the side stuff but I plan on picking this up for the story. I actually loved 4's story a lot. I learned a lot about sardines.

I liked D4's story. It was definitely much better than D3 & D2. But the presentation, and by presentation I mean the cutscene length, was just ridiculously long made it kind of a bore to play.

D5 so far seems to have the same good writing, but it knows how to pace the cutscenes a lot better and doesn't just go on and on before every stage.

No offence but this is a terrible OT, i'm excited for this game but your post already has me on a downer. I recommend you redo this OT on a more positive and less insulting tone with some pics and more information.

Why is it a downer? Everything I've said about D5 has been positive! Except that the character sprites are re-used from D3/D4. But that's not that big of deal. Is it a downer because I think the Senran Kagura thread should be on the FBI watchlist?

 

[Ratrat]

God, I should hurry up and play 4 already.

 

[Maid]

This is gonna be a sad |OT|, but would rather have a thread than none.

Sad OT indeed. Instead of trying to appeal people with better information and image, you choose the provoking route of unrelated game.

Do you really expect many to play heavy text game in Japanese here?

 

[aravuus]

I assume your characters still gain EXP the same way as always? I.e. you only get exp for dealing the last blow and only that character gets the exp

 

[Bebpo]

Yeah, EXP is still the same. But being able to make a character at high level is pretty nice. You also get nice UI updates when you increase skill mastery levels for weapons or magic along with leveling up.

 

[aravuus]

Yeah, that might give me the little push I need and make me buy the game some day. I've always hated the way Disgaea games handle exp to the extent that it pretty much ruins the rest of the game for me which is a shame, cause they're otherwise awesome SRPGs.

 

[Ken]

I had no idea this was out.

 

[Cisab]

Does it still have those colored blocks? Yeah I hate those things..

 

[Trumpets]

Oops, you've gone and upset the loli porn brigade OP! Prepare to be hunted down and glared at by pasty men wearing sailor costumes!

I'll wait until this comes out over here rather than attempt to play something like this in Japanese, but your impressions are reassuring. Presentation has been lagging behind in recent installments.

 

[Sage00]

Is it a downer because I think the Senran Kagura thread should be on the FBI watchlist?

You derailed your own thread in the opening post...
Regardless of what you or I think or SK, what did you think was going to happen?

 

[Teknoman]

God, I should hurry up and play 4 already.

I...still havent beaten 1,2,3,4,or D2.

Dont even get me started on one offs like Makai Kingdom and Soul Nomad. I think the only NIS game i've beaten to date is Phantom Brave.

 

[Muzicfreq]

The heck kinda OT is this and what's with that opening statement?

This is gonna be a sad |OT|, but would rather have a thread than none. Doesn't seem like anyone else is playing Disgaea 5, and instead the import OTs at the moment are creepy softcore porn games.

 

[Delusibeta]

You derailed your own thread in the opening post...
Regardless of what you or I think or SK, what did you think was going to happen?

Yeah, first time in a long while where the OP sabotages their own thread in the opening post.

 

[Bebpo]

Oops, you've gone and upset the loli porn brigade OP! Prepare to be hunted down and glared at by pasty men wearing sailor costumes!

I'll wait until this comes out over here rather than attempt to play something like this in Japanese, but your impressions are reassuring. Presentation has been lagging behind in recent installments.

Yeah, I wouldn't recommend importing the game since localization is coming, but just wanted to give a heads up that the game is surprisingly fresh. It really feels like after playing it safe for so many Disgaea entries they're finally rocking the boat and putting real effort and polish in to make a "next-gen" entry in the series. Which is cool and like I said, I'm pleasantly surprised.

So initial impressions are that when it comes out in English it might be worth a look if you like the series and were tired of the same-ness that plagued it all.

Yeah, first time in a long while where the OP sabotages their own thread in the opening post.

/shrug. I didn't make the thread for loli-gaf and I don't care if they hate it. In fact, if they hate it and post why they hate it, the thread will actually stay relevant and the people who play the game or are actually interested in the game for its gameplay will be able to find the topic and get some decent information; so it's a win for all!

 

[lonely]

Might have been better to call it an import impressions thread rather than an OT but I'm glad to hear the game turned out great considering all the trouble NIS has had recently.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

This is a sad OT in more ways than one. The goofy fun of Disgaea deserves better than this...

 

[Muzicfreq]

This is a sad OT in more ways than one. The goofy fun of Disgaea deserves better than this...

THAT'S RIGHT!

 

[Kouriozan]

Sure, Disgaea is a system seller for me, but I'll patiently wait the EU release.
DD2 changes were for the best and I hope they kept most of them in D5.

 

[Bebpo]

THAT'S RIGHT!

Best lead character in an N1 srpg!


Btw, I dunno how I feel about them making the D4/D5 lead character Laharl look-a-likes. Just feels kind of shady. I liked that the D2 lead was different with a human red-haired kung-fu lead.(but of course D2 was the weakest in the franchise and fans disliked it, so they'll never do that again).

 

[OmegaDL50]

I assume your characters still gain EXP the same way as always? I.e. you only get exp for dealing the last blow and only that character gets the exp

While this is true, however as of Disgaea 3, getting exp has only gotten easier when you consider things like the Honor Club, or Disgaea's 4 Training Hall Evil Symbol, which members in these groups receive 10% of the exp obtained of the leader.

It may not seem like much but when the leader is feeding the exp of level 500+ units to lower leveled members that aren't doing anything. The results quickly become apparent in a very short amount of time.

Then there are things like Magichange and Demon Fusion which allow multiple units to share 100% of the exp gained.

Using a extremely high leveled monster with a weaker monster or character can even the odds a bit.

This without me even getting into Statisticians.

 

[Bebpo]

While this is true, however as of Disgaea 3, getting exp has only gotten easier when you consider things like the Honor Club, or Disgaea's 4 Training Hall Evil Symbol, which members in these groups receive 10% of the exp obtained of the leader.

It may not seem like much but when the leader is feeding the exp of level 500+ units to lower leveled members that aren't doing anything. The results quickly become apparent in a very short amount of time.

Then there are things like Magichange and Demon Fusion which allow multiple units to share 100% of the exp gained.

Using a extremely high leveled monster with a weaker monster or character can even the odds a bit.

This without me even getting into Statisticians.

Yeah, I'm still trying to do the math in my head to figure out whether it's better to level a support unit this way or make them at max level from the start. The downside to instantly creating them at the same level as your main is that their skill proficiency are going to be far lower than their stats, vs. leveling up more traditionally.

I think for units that rely on skill proficiency like mages, it's probably better to level them up with some field experience, whereas for units that draw over pure stat power like fighters, the new way of just shooting them up to level 4,000 or whatever from birth makes a lot more sense.

 

[OmegaDL50]

Yeah, I'm still trying to do the math in my head to figure out whether it's better to level a support unit this way or make them at max level from the start. The downside to instantly creating them at the same level as your main is that their skill proficiency are going to be far lower than their stats, vs. leveling up more traditionally.

I think for units that rely on skill proficiency like mages, it's probably better to level them up with some field experience, whereas for units that draw over pure stat power like fighters, the new way of just shooting them up to level 4,000 or whatever from birth makes a lot more sense.

Well the Cheat Shop exists in Disgaea 5 like it does for Disgaea D2 and Disgaea 4 Vita.

There is always that option to remove HL and Mana growth and throw it into EXP and that evens the odds too, even without needing to resort to Statisticians.

 

[Bebpo]

Well if the Cheat Shop exists like it does for Disgaea D2 and Disgaea 4 Vita.

There is always that option to remove HL and Mana growth and throw it into EXP and that evens the odds too, even without needing to resort to Statisticians.

Interesting.

The last N1 game I actually played was D4 (ps3) and the Zettai Hero 2 game. Got burnt out on the formula and skipped D2, so it's been a little bit for me and that stuff wasn't there in the last game I played.

 

[Pachimari]

I didn't even know it was released already.

Is this coming out in English as well?

 

[OmegaDL50]

I didn't even know it was released already.

Is this coming out in English as well?

Yes. October of this year for the US, I don't know the EU release date.

 

[bagandscalpel]

The last N1 game I actually played was D4 (ps3)

Which I find unusual, as a small nitpick, that you keep comparing D5 visuals to D3 visuals.

 

[Metroidvania]

Main complaint I'm hearing/seeing is the post-game 'bonus characters' being even moreso behind the DLC paywall than previous games, this time with a (IIRC) pretty expensive 'season pass' as an alternate to buying each character pack individually (though you can still do the latter)

Other than that, impressions seem pretty positive.

Stuff like new Generic classes, Generics get unique abilities (some of them really good), item world clearing has new incentives for getting high bonus ranks...

That, combined with keeping some of the randomization 'minimizing' aspects from DD2 and I can't wait for this fall to sink some time into it.

 

[Pachimari]

Yes. October of this year for the US, I don't know the EU release date.

Alright. I hope it gets a European release date.

 

[Bebpo]

Which I find unusual, as a small nitpick, that you keep comparing D5 visuals to D3 visuals.

Well, to be fair I didn't notice a huge leap in visuals between D3/D4. I noticed an improvement over the PS2 games, but D3/D4 didn't really feel like "PS3" improvement imo. With D5 it's the first time I'm actually impressed by the visual changes; and I've been playing since La Pucelle (yeah I know some people have been there since Rhapsody).

 

[bagandscalpel]

Well, to be fair I didn't notice a huge leap in visuals between D3/D4. I noticed an improvement over the PS2 games, but D3/D4 didn't really feel like "PS3" improvement imo.

I'd say there was more improvement between D3 and D4 than D4/DD2 and D5.

Unrelated, I do applaud your taste for Makai Kingdom.

 

[OmegaDL50]

Well, to be fair I didn't notice a huge leap in visuals between D3/D4. I noticed an improvement over the PS2 games, but D3/D4 didn't really feel like "PS3" improvement imo. With D5 it's the first time I'm actually impressed by the visual changes; and I've been playing since La Pucelle (yeah I know some people have been there since Rhapsody).

- this is the warrior sprite in Disgaea 3

- this is the warrior sprite in Disgaea 4.

I find it VERY DIFFICULT to believe anyone that can't see the difference between the two and say that there isn't a substantial improvement.

 

[storafötter]

I am officially burned out on the series after playing 3. However I look forward to read about import impressions if this game is a lot better than the predecessors. I always want an excuse to continue to play the series.

 

[OmegaDL50]

Main complaint I'm hearing/seeing is the post-game 'bonus characters' being even moreso behind the DLC paywall than previous games, this time with a (IIRC) pretty expensive 'season pass' as an alternate to buying each character pack individually (though you can still do the latter)

At least there IS a Season Pass which I don't mind. Disgaea 4 and D2 didn't have one and buying everything was exorbitantly expensive.

As opposed to Disgaea 3's All-in-One DLC pack that was $50 and you got everything and saved a TON of money.

Yes if Disgaea 5 has an All-in-One pack like Disgaea 3 had, I have no complaints, because there is no way in hell I'm buying everything at the individual prices.

 

[Bebpo]

I'd say there was more improvement between D3 and D4 than D4/DD2 and D5.

Unrelated, I do applaud your taste for Makai Kingdom.

Yeah, Makai Kingdom/Phantom Kingdom was the best N1 game. Had the best lead (Zeta), the most interesting gameplay mechanic additions (vehicles, entire buildings you could throw) and had a really interesting story that had humor but also went to dark places. It took the radius circle based movement from Phantom Brave even further and I really wish they could've kept pushing in that direction. At least with vehicles and buildings on the battlefield.

At least D5 is back in the space starry universe again and the initial NIPPON ICHI shout is by the voice actor of Zeta, so I feel like D5 is kind of a nod towards Makai Kingdom's setting & characters, which is cool.

- this is the warrior sprite in Disgaea 3

- this is the warrior sprite in Disgaea 4.

I find it VERY DIFFICULT to believe anyone that can't see the difference between the two and say that there isn't a substantial improvement.

Fair enough. If you don't pay close attention it's tough to tell when the sprites improved. It's tough when there's a new Disgaea game like every year or two. But at some point they did start looking a lot better. Your'e right.

At least there IS a Season Pass which I don't mind. Disgaea 4 and D2 didn't have one and buying everything was exorbitantly expensive.

As opposed to Disgaea 3's All-in-One DLC pack that was $50 and you got everything and saved a TON of money.

Yes if Disgaea 5 has an All-in-One pack like Disgaea 3 had, I have no complaints, because there is no way in hell I'm buying everything at the individual prices.

My problem with the DLC and Season Pass is that even though I'm a fan of the company and have been playing the srpgs for a decade+, I usually just play through the main story and walk away; maybe youtube the post-game scenarios. I'm not really into the super grind game and I got screwed in D4 because I beat the game at lvl.100-ish and the DLC started at lvl.210 and I wasn't going to spend 5-10 hours grinding just to be able to start the DLC. So because of that I'm not interested in the D5 season pass or DLC at this point (plus I still need to get around to playing Disgaea D2 at some point).

 

[bagandscalpel]

While still on the subject of sprites, some of the new generics look almost too detailed when compared to the old standbys.

]

 

[Metroidvania]

At least there IS a Season Pass which I don't mind. Disgaea 4 and D2 didn't have one and buying everything was exorbitantly expensive.

As opposed to Disgaea 3's All-in-One DLC pack that was $50 and you got everything and saved a TON of money.

Yes if Disgaea 5 has an All-in-One pack like Disgaea 3 had, I have no complaints, because there is no way in hell I'm buying everything at the individual prices.

Yeah, the (IMO) stinginess of having 3-character packs for 3/5 bucks got to me after a while, I just wait for the vita re-releases for the majority of DLC now, lol.

 

[Bebpo]

Speaking of Vita re-release. Having it on PS4 with remote play is a godsend since you get a perfectly playable portable version as well if you have a Vita. Turn-based = no issues with lag.

 

[Falk]

/shrug. I didn't make the thread for loli-gaf and I don't care if they hate it. In fact, if they hate it and post why they hate it, the thread will actually stay relevant and the people who play the game or are actually interested in the game for its gameplay will be able to find the topic and get some decent information; so it's a win for all!

No offense, man, but the beef isn't that you're basically discrediting threads like the GE2RB or Zestiria import threads. I mean it's completely fine if you aren't aware or don't care about them. It's that your opening post literally could have been a reply in an OT. There's nothing beyond that.*

But enough of casual backseat moderation- thanks for the impressions. I'm actually on the fence about importing this. On one hand, I -did- get a PS4 recently. On the other, kinda swamped in stuff till later in the year and I still have DD2 platinum to finish off.

Spoiler

and Guided Fate Paradox and its sequel but those platinums are pure madness

*edit: And yes, before you get in my face about it, I realize that it's been 5 days since launch with no one stepping up to volunteer for a proper "OT" OT so this thread is completely warranted given the game's far more niche status.

 

[Acquiescence]

Wow, I can't believe it's out in Japan already. This has been a really good month for PS4 game releases in Japan. It's a shame things will revert back to dry spell status again, but still.

 

[OmegaDL50]

While still on the subject of sprites, some of the new generics look almost too detailed when compared to the old standbys.

Well that's probably has to do with the new way the color shop works in Disgaea 5.

Instead of being able to pick from selectable presets like previous games, Disgaea 5 would be the first time characters can be recolored by individual layers.


EDIT - To hell with it. Here is a big list of confirmed info that I know about Disgaea 5.

The character world is a Sphere-Grid like game board where you can get random stat boosts depending on where you land and can even buy aptitude points to get to 300% quicker.

There is an innocent farm where the innocents level up as you go fight on maps and can even spawn new innocents if there are 2 in there, much like Pokemon's Day Care.

New magichange mechanics which allows 2 monsters to combine into a single weapon for even greater stats. Also characters can now equip sub weapons, meaning you can put both a sword and an axe on a character so you can use both skill sets. If you use an axe skill it will use the axe's stats but if the sword is your primary weapon that will determine your overall attack stats when doing normal attacks.

Star is now an element and characters (enemies too) have weapon resistance. Staff resistance seems to be linked to staff skills and not only staff melee hit. There is also Armor mastery which reduces the incoming damage. It raises by taking hits.

New forgery where you can use materials to make new weapons or strengthen them.

Monsters can now throw units

There's the revenge meter that if you kill a unit in revenge mode you get a stat crystal that will boost one stat. The stat benefit isn't trivial. at level 40 you get about 20-25 stat bonus. (80-100 to hp and mp). Giving 300-400 mp to a low mp unit changes a lot of things

There's a cooking shop where you can get buffs for the next fight

You do not need to reincarnate your units to upgrade them, they upgrade by themselves when they reach appropriate level.

Evilities are a bit special this time, you get your class / character specific evility and can buy generic and character / class specific evilities from the skill shop. Each evility has a set cost. You start with 5 evility slot, each evility will consume its cost of slots. You get one free slot at lv 50 and can get more through charaworld.

That is all....for now.

 

[TheSeks]

I assume your characters still gain EXP the same way as always? I.e. you only get exp for dealing the last blow and only that character gets the exp

Huh? Wouldn't stacking/towers get around this? Since whoever deals the last blow is in a tower they all split the EXP?

 

[IAmRandom31]

this looks so damn good. But no way im importing this kind of game.

Will be there day 1 when it hits the states though later this year. Damn shame the best SRPG series gets no sales. Stupid gamers.

 

[OmegaDL50]

Yeah the "Now it's not just a PS2 game!" subtitle for the thread hasn't ever been right since even Disgaea 3 even.

Even factoring Disgaea 4 and it's overhauled sprites.

Appearances to the game aside. The numerical values involved, when factoring integers would be outright impossible on PS2 even with the 3rd game.

If you are going to create an OT, I figure it would be prudent to have a considerable level of knowledge of the game of the series. you are making an OT about.

No offense to you OP, but I just need to set the record straight.

 

[cj_iwakura]

It would take all of five minutes to post a boxart and a synopsis, sheesh.

And I hate the trend of crap imports as much as you, but that is downright close-minded to say that's all there is. Yakuza 0 and Stranger of Sword City for instance.

 

[aravuus]

Huh? Wouldn't stacking/towers get around this? Since whoever deals the last blow is in a tower they all split the EXP?

Well sure, when you're purposefully trying to grind as many chars as possible. I want shared exp throughout the game, or at least exp per hit like you get in many other SRPGs.

I was trying to see if D1 or 2 had an action replay code for that, but unfortunately that's a no.

 

[Falk]

Shared XP vs the precedent for lv9999 grinding would both break the 'intended' postgame route and yet be a sorely needed QoL addition (like innocent warehouse and now the auto-upgrading classes)

Huh.