Apparently the mind behind the obviously deep and important Criminal Girls has added their 2 cents when it comes to Disgaea 4.  According to a new screenshot revealed by Dengeki, it is confirmed that the player has the option of “disciplining” their vassals.  The above screen lists the following things you can do to poor Imiru the archer:

• Smack with a roll of bank notes
• Force to sign documents
• Bind hands (the description at the bottom reads “bind hands and tickle armpits”)
• Bind legs
• Talk dirty
• Force to compliment [you]
• Force to massage [you]
• Force to listen to [your] worries

Most of these actions are comical albeit a bit strange.  I should note that this screenshot comes with little to no explanation other than that this is purely “educational” discipline.  The obvious question that came to my mind is: is this restricted to female units?  The options are gender neutral, so perhaps not.  I believe female fans of Disgaea would feel alienated if they were given the option to discipline their female units.

Either way this system leaves a bad taste in my mouth.  It doesn’t feel new and innovative and I can’t imagine a practical application.  The option to “disciple” your character just feels like it is tacked on and is a cheap way to sensationalize the game for the wrong reasons.  Expect a Kotaku article on how awesome this is later today.