Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood! Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood! Box Art

System: PSP
Dev: NIS
Pub: NIS
Release: January 11, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: N/A

Though the control leaves something to be desired, eventually you'll get to the point where you'll be able to memorize the levels and hit the buttons in sequence. Strategically, this game is a lot like an advanced shoot-em-up title (think Ikaruga) and memorizing traps and enemy locations the first time and then going through and actually aiming to beat the game is the best way to get through it. It sounds like a lot of work, and trust me it is, but if your goal is to beat the game, it's the best way to go.

And beating the game is definitely worth all the effort, as a new mode will unlock a new Asagi Wars mode. This mode allows you to play through the game again as Asagi, who wields a gun instead of a sword. The gun changes the way you play considerably, as it is a ranged weapon, and it definitely makes the gameplay worth going through again. The bosses also change (in a humorous way--though I'm not giving anything away) so your patience with the difficulty of the original mode will definitely be rewarded with Asagi Wars mode.

Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood! Screenshot

Visuals in Prinny 2 are fairly basic and follow the example set by the first game. Characters are all sprite-based and backgrounds are fairly simple, but in the context of the game, the simple-yet-cute approach to the visuals works well. The sound in the game is also fairly good with some highly entertaining voiceover performances by the regular Disgaea cast. The background music is a little bit on the repetitive side, but I might be a little jaded considering I had to repeat several levels so many times that even the sound of the background music was pressing my buttons.

Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood! is a game that should only be attempted by the bravest and most patient of gamers. The 1,000 Prinny limit already makes for a challenging experience, but the at-times wonky controls bring this title to a whole new level of frustrating. Still, if you can make it past these issues, and don't mind a little pattern memorization, Prinny 2 can be a rewarding experience, especially if you are a Disgaea fan. If not, you probably won't get all of the jokes, but come on, panty stealing is hilarious in any circumstance.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.8

Graphics
Cutesy sprite-based graphics look great stylistically, even if they aren't the best technically.

3.1

Control
Basic platforming controls work well at first, but inconsistent attack controls and static jumping become problematic in higher levels.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Stage music is simple but cute. Voiceovers are top-notch.

3.4

Play Value
Only attempt this game if you are looking for a challenge, otherwise you are unlikely to finish. If you can get past the main story mode, there is a fun re-play mode, but it will likely go unnoticed due to the game's punishing difficulty.

3.5

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Intense side-scrolling action!

Asagi Wars: after finishing the main game, another whole new game awaits! Change from a Prinny to Asagi, and your weapon changes from a knife to a gun.

Time Lapse: depending on the time of day, the stage structure and enemies will change making for a new challenge every time you play!

2x the volume! Double the content of Prinny 1!

Battle through castles, dungeons, forests, deserts, and even underwater!

Secrets galore! Unlock hidden characters, enemies, bosses, and items!