[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrP2vuRdx_8[/youtube]
The most recent Disgaea 4 trailer was made available on the game’s official website recently. It begins on a rather serious note, showing all of the main characters and describing them in a simple poetic phrase.
- Valbatoze: A promise hidden in a heart
- Fenrich: An irreplaceable friend
- Fuuka: Unforgettable memories
- Emezel: A trial that must be overcome
- Desko: A dream which can not be given up
- Burkano: Bonds which cannot be cut
- Axel: A fate which cannot be fought
The narrator continues, “This is the story of heroes who shook up the whole universe…JOKING!” Just as I was reaching for my box of tissues, too. The remainder of the video is a collection of 10 “Ma-nifest declarations” concerning Disgaea 4. For the most part, many of the topics covered are already common knowledge. This includes lifting-throwing, Monster transformation (into both weapons and the larger monsters), and multiplayer.
You may notice one scene where a mega-Prinny jumps into a group of units and moves them all back a panel. It doesn’t seem to do any damage but what’s with that? It seems like it could be an interesting new strategic element:
According to the video, one aspect of Disgaea 4‘s multiplayer mode includes a map editor, allowing you to place your own units and geo effects as well as design the map. After creation you can name your map and have others try it out online.
There is even a ranking system so you can see how you stack up to the competition:
Prior to the announcement of the map editor, I was pretty indifferent about the multiplayer mode. Fighting someone’s team driven by computer AI just sounds a bit dull. Being able to try out unique maps created by users however pumps some life into the game, making it last well beyond the first 100 hours I am likely to spend with it. I hope to learn more about this system soon, but in the meantime I have this image of Nightmare sheep to keep me warm:
