NIS America, the local branch of Nippon Ichi Software, has revealed that Disgaea is headed to North American PS3s this August. This will be the series debut on a next-generation console. Disgaea is a turn-based, ‘hardcore’ strategy RPG which became popular on the PS2 and PSP.

New cast, story and game play

Developed by Nippon Ichi Software, Disgaea 3 is the third installment in the series and was released last month in Japan. The game features character units with limited moves and attack ranges based on levels and which weapons are equipped. Disgaea 3 features a new cast including a new main character, story and game system. It will feature 2D characters and 3D backgrounds as the previous games did.

The game will also be set in the Netherworld and players can also expect penguin helpers known as Prinnies. Players will again need to level up their equipment and characters in Item Worlds, a special randomly generated battle stage within each item that you can defeat to strengthen your items. The Geo Panel system also returns which allows for unit’s stats to be boosted or reduced when coloured panels emerge on the battle grid.

Players will be able to use a new game play mechanic called the Geo Block system which allows players to change battlefield terrain to a 3D battle instead of the traditional 2D as well as reach and attack enemies that would normally be out of reach.