Laharl-sama! AH HA HA HA!

I know I had some more interesting things to discuss, but I've decided to go for a quick update on something else.

I haven't been at the computer much, with my World of Warcraft gamecard having run out and all my of RPG forums dead and likely waiting ressurection, I have little reason to wait around at the computer. Normally I'd spend a couple of hours a day just waiting for people to sign on so I could talk to them, but right now that doesn't seem like a great way to use my time.

So I went through some of my Nippon Ichi games, mostly because they are completely awesome. I thought about playing some of the other titles, ones I had left alone for too long and not completed. Yet, down at the bottom of the pile, another game called out. It was Disgaea, the first big N1 game that came out and led a line of releases that I adore.

Nippon Ichi games are all turn-based strategy games. Earlier ones like Disgaea and its precursor La Pucelle (Which came out after Disgaea - The game was so popular the unconnected original was in demand) are done on a simple grid while later ones like Phantom Brave (The second best after Disgaea - that I've played) are done on a far small grid, to the point where movement is technically free within walking range. What makes the real difference is the systems each one introduces. La Pucelle has a summoning square where character appear and path in the dungeons that can be directed and destroyed for equipment-building points as well as damage and area-range attacks. Disgaea again has the start square, but adds coloured sections of the stage that are effected and altered by special items on the stage. Phantom Brave forces the player to summon their combat characters in items on the stage such as swords, rocks and plants - each one provides certain bonuses and penalties.

The thing that they all share though is the flexible creation system - though I believe it starts more in Disgaea than anywhere. You can make a character of a certain type - say a Female Warrior - spend a certain number of mana (gotten from kills) to pick their power levels - 10 mana for 'Incompetant' is a good start, but provides only 1 point to add to them - alter their stats - like Defense or Attack - then name them - I picked 'Konata'. You've got a fresh, level 1 character ready to be equipped with a wide range of items - some which they are better at than others. Now, the real fun is where the system goes from there. Maximum level is 9999! And you can return a character back to level 1, during which they'll save their levels and turn it into more starting points. After a short while, you'll be growing exponentially with the characters you concentrate on - though you have to start them from level 1 time and time again. Even the items are levelable, you can enter dungeons inside each item or weapon to subdue creatures inside it to move to other items, raise its basic stat, or fight power 'item gods' that hold incredibly powerful items you have to steal from them.

I have a 93 hour game for Disgaea which I haven't touched in ages. The main character, Laharl, is currently level 2950 and has been reduced to level 1 quite a few times. The game really has no end. Even if you get all the way to max level, get one of the final weapons and defeat the final boss, you can still do it with any character you want.

Anyway, I logged a few hours into the game today. Playing through the story is just wonderful. It's funny, clever, and the Japanese voice actors (Yay for JPN soundtrack mode) are really skilled.

Anyway, it's getting late and I've been trying to get on a better sleep schedule, so that's all for tonight. I was able to sleep - badly - at 'appropriate' times like night and I don't feel any better for it. I'll keep you updated, as always.