With the Japanese release of Disgaea 3 only two months away, Nippon Ichi Software has released some more information on its first PlayStation 3 project. First are two new characters: Big Star-sama, the charismatic leader of the class No.2 pupils, and the Superb Salvatore. Despite being a member of the legendary ten gentlemen, the latter is in fact a female. She is an extremely cold-blooded soldier, who likes to order others around. On the other hand, she respects those, who are stronger than her.

Through committees it will also be possible for the player to alter the classroom part of the game. A committee consists of characters with various traits, but the chairman of each committee can acquire the parameter bonuses from his fellow members. Also, if he gets close to them on the battle map, he will be able to use their magic. Furthermore, if a monster-type character is a member of the respective committee, one can turn said monster into a weapon. Ifreet for instance can be transformed into a sword-type weapon. As each character possesses certain "Ma-bilities" (special skills that for instance heal their owner periodically), the "Ma-bility" of a monster turned into a weapon can be inherited by the character wielding the weapon.

Those who pre-order the third installment of Disgaea in Japan will be receive a special audio CD for free. The CD will include full chorus arrangements of the main themes of Disgaea 1, 2, and 3.

Disgaea 3 will be available in Japan on January 31st 2008. The standard release will retail for 6,800 yen ($62.29 USD), whereas the limited edition will carry a price tag of 8,800 yen ($80.61 USD). The latter will include a two-disc soundtrack and an artbook.

• GameWatch