Once a pair of hidden gems on the PSP, both are now available on the Nintendo Switch. Prinny 1 & 2 Exploded & Reloaded brings over the unsuspecting, comedic relief NPC of the hit Disgaea series, the Prinny, into its very own game. Originally released on the PSP in 2008, the Switch port now includes both of these games.
Let me introduce you to the Prinny. Now you may ask what a Prinny is? A Prinny is a human who led a worthless life, basically thieves, murderers, those who committed a mortal sin, i.e., suicide. These individuals dwell in the Netherworld to pay for their sins as a 3 foot tall, blue pouch wearing-peg-legged penguin.
One notable feature about NIS is that they reuse their assets, such as NPCs, enemies, etc. The Prinnies are NPCs and playable characters appearing in 90 percent of the NIS games, most notably the Disgaea games, but their roles are different depending on the game. Prinny 1&2 takes place in the Netherworld (Demon World), and because the Prinnies are deemed worthless souls, they are the comedic relief of the series and are often thrown.
A fun fact about Prinnies is that they explode when thrown, and they are thrown a lot in the Netherworld.
In addition to the main character being a Prinny, some familiar characters show up. Most notably, the scantily clad demon who is in charge of all of the Prinnies, Etna, the ditzy heavenly, fallen angel, and Flonne, the unofficial mascot of NIS, Asagi, and more.
Let’s take a look into the first Prinny game, Prinny: Can I Be The Hero?
You are immediately thrown into a tutorial with optional tips for you to review. It’s easy to see that Prinny plays like a platformer, hack, and slack, 2D side scroller through the controls and movements. Each level is straight-forward, with various (reoccurring/recolored) enemies scattered through the stages and, of course, the well-timed level obstacles.
After going through the tutorial, you learn through dry, although comedic, voiced dialogue about what is expected of you with a new spin on the life of a Prinny. And literally, you are on your way to completing your task with a few changes once you reach your first area. There’s a timer in the upper right-hand corner, you have three scarves in the upper left-hand corner, and there is 999 counter in the bottom left-hand corner.
All are important.
Each level progresses the story, and each has a theme with specific enemies that change depending on what time of the day you go. But with this being my first time playing Prinny, I was definitely excited to play and soon became frustrated with some of the battles you encounter in the game, but it is SO satisfying once you deal that final blow.
Being familiar with the Disgaea series, it honestly felt as if I was playing a side mission in a Disgaea game. Still, as I continued through the game, I quickly noticed that the levels tend to play out the same with of course differences, but generally the same. The changes come when you revisit the areas, either during night or day, where you will encounter different level obstacles, enemies, and boss battles, even though you’ve already traveled to this place.
As a whole, Prinny: Can I Be The Hero is a decent side scroller with amazing voice acting, music by Tenpei Sato, the familiarity of the NPCs and enemies was what I expected Prinny to have as it takes place in the setting as Disgaea.
If you love 2D action side scroller games with lots of comedic relief, challenging platforming designs and enemies, amazing music, and that satisfying feeling of defeating a boss after dying 20 times, Prinny: Can I Be The Hero is your game.
Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
Your favorite Prinny is back with the sequel to Prinny: Can I Be The Hero that has been properly named – Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!
Already with a title like this, there was bound to be even more shenanigans based on the title, which revolves around panties. In addition to the two difficulties, there is a new difficulty for the game, “Baby Mode.” These childish looking boxes block off things that would normally damage you, and the normal red scarves are replaced with diapers. Effectively making it Baby mode.
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, that is the motto with Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood! The introduction, the tutorial, and the way you are introduced to your task are the same. Your task, this time, is in the title of the game, Panties. Etna’s panties were stolen, and it’s your duty as a Prinny to get them back. And thus, you are on your way right off the bat; you will spot some differences as NIS attempted to add variety into the game. Some differences you can see – the area where you start in is different, traveling to worlds are different, delivery service is available, and the appearance of Flonne, a fallen angel, and of course, Asagi.
Here’s my take on Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties.
I mentioned earlier, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it, and that’s exactly how NIS felt about Prinny 2. The level design, enemies, introduction to the story was similar to Prinny 1 with some differences. The ability to fill the combo bar has changed, and once you do fill it, you are granted Break Mode that increases your strength for as long as the combo bar is full. There are a few different abilities you’re able to do, such as the Husky Hip Pound, a cool dodge mechanic, and of course, a different take on the kamikaze, Prinnikaze. The game plays just like Prinny 1, the same mechanics, different story, but the frustration is still present. The reward is only given once you deal the final blow to the boss of the level and not get turned into panties.
