Prinny 1 & 2: Exploded and Reloaded – Review

Introducing Prinny! NISA’s beloved mascot character from the Disgaea games. Little did people know, Prinny had its own games on the Playstation Portable (PSP). NISA took it upon themselves to remaster and release the game on the Nintendo Switch! Let’s take a journey through both titles in our review!

Intro/Story:

Below are the story plots for both Prinny 1 & Prinny 2:

Prinny 1: Can I Really Be The Hero?

Master Etna demands the ultimate dessert, and it is up to a legion of lowly Prinnies to make it! Jump, slash, and combo your way through different stages of the Netherworld, devastate enemies and bosses with special attacks, and encounter both new and familiar faces in this explosive action adventure from the twisted minds behind the DISGAEA series.

Prinny® 2: Dawn of Operation Panties, Dood!:

When the mysterious Phantom Thief steals Master Etna’s panties, the Prinny horde must rise up once again to retrieve them…or suffer the consequences! Slash and Hip Pound your way through chaotic stages full of devilish foes, and build up the Combo Gauge to unleash powerful moves like Prinny Cyclone and Prinnykaze. Also, dive into the bonus story of the OTHER protagonist(?) of the DISGAEA games and claim your glory with Asagi Wars: Vengeance of Asagi!

While the story for both Prinny titles are interesting at best, they are actually delivered pretty well throughout the story. The game manages to capture the Disgaea charm while having it’s own story. The story itself is not really a super serious story either, but it is very true to the Disgaea lore that came before.

The stories for each title revolve around retrieving particular items. There is all sorts of surprises, unexpected twists, and turns throughout each journey. While it is a silly premise for each story, it does well to keep you interested to see it through. However, the story is not the focal point here, it is the gameplay.

I will also note that both games can be purchased as a bundle or separately digitally. Physical copies are both games on one cart.

Gameplay:

Gameplay in both Prinny 1 and 2 are the exact same and are very simple. Prinny moves, attacks, jumps, and dashes. That is about the extent of the controls.

In Prinny 1, the gameplay is not as smooth and it shows. Players will have to use all the skills in their repeitore to overcome each challenging level, defeat the boss in each level, and repeat this pattern to achieve their ultimate goal.

Prinny 2 follows this same formula except the gameplay has been tightened up somewhat. It plays much smoother, and is easier to control. That does not make the game less difficult. If anything Prinny 2 is much more difficult than Prinny 1.

Players are given 1000 lives in each game. Once all 1000 lives are spent, it is game over. There is also one central hub in each game and EVERYTHING is done in this hub. From purchasing unlocked items to saving the game. There is no autosave either, it must be done manually each time from this hub location.

This is a very old school type game with old school elements. It is not hand holding by any means. Players preparing to dawn the Prinny scarf should be prepared for this fun yet challenging journey.

Audio/Visual:

Audio and visual is just as it was during the PSP days. Not much has changed on this front. Graphics may have been sharpened and such, but it is a 1:1 remastered port for both Prinny games. That is not a bad thing in terms of voice work, which is well done. Additionally, the soundtrack for each game is varied. Each song matches the atmosphere of the stage you are going through.

Fun Factor:

Prinny 1 and 2: Exploded and Reloaded are fun games for their time. They also offer bursts of fun this time around as well. Fans of challenging platformers should be ready for a retro challenge.

Replay Value:

Prinny 1 and 2 have some replay value in it. There are hidden items to find, and a few other secrets to get. Additionally, there is the quest of getting the best rank on each level as you play.

Wrap-Up/Conclusion:

Prinny 1 & 2: Exploded and Reloaded brings a classic title to the Nintendo Switch as it was created. It is a faithful 1:1 remastered port of two classic games. Everything that was in the previous games is faithfully intact, which includes the difficulty.

This also brings up the issue that being a 1:1 remastered port, it does not have the polish that it should. Both games are functional, but clunky as well, which may be just as intended. These were really difficult games on the PSP. All of that is packaged nicely in Prinny 1 & 2.

Regardless of that, Prinny 1 & 2 Exploded and Reloaded are challenging titles that are welcome to the Nintendo Switch. They offer their fair share of fun and enjoyment. For those ready to be Prinny, prepare for a challenging journey, and do not ever give up!

Until next time, mgs2master2 out!

*Special Thanks to NISA for the Nintendo Switch review key