PSP World

Prinny PSP Preview

Platformers have been somewhat of an under-represented genre on the PSP. Which is a shame, really, since the 16:9 screen and control layout are perfect for this kind of game. Japanese Developers Nippon Ichi agree, and they have adapted the popular RPG Disgaea series to a platforming style, with otherworldly mascot Prinny as the main character. Thanks to its amazing 2.5 D environments and beautiful hand-drawn sprites, Prinny: Is it OK if I am the Main Character? has captured the attention of Western PSP owners. Luckily for us platform fanatics, the game is scheduled to be given a Western release, sometime after its Japanese launch later in November.

While the main character may look like an antipodean flightless bird, don’t go calling him a penguin. In Disgaea, Prinnys are actually vessels for lost souls, who must fight to regain their honor or spend eternity in the netherworld. Unfortunately for them, Prinnys are about as useless as penguins when it comes to doing battle wit the many enemies in the game. The developers have consistently called Prinny one of the weakest video game characters in recent memory, alluding to the difficulty level of the game. Don't be fooled by the cute graphics, this is a true gauntlet in the 16-bit arcade tradition.

Prinny can fight back by hacking at enemies with the square button, or performing a butt stomp by pressing the down arrow while in the air. These attacks can defeat most of the enemies in the game, but players must be careful not to get hit, especially since on the "difficult" setting, one hit is enough to kill. Occasionally, though, players will get a chance to even the odds by taking over a mechanized super-weapon, much like those featured in the Metal Slug games. So far, confirmed vehicles include a hovering craft equipped with lasers and a giant mechanized tank. Enemies come in various shapes and sizes, including flying, walking, and even burrowing foes.

The game is very challenging and bears a distinct resemblance to the Ultimate Ghosts n Goblins style of gameplay. Gamers who enjoy a challenge and have fond memories of 16-bit arcade platformers will definitely want to check this game out. We will have a full review as the title gets closer to its (currently unknown) North American release.