Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 2

We already know there’s at least one more Prinny Presents volume on the way, and I encourage NISA to continue producing them as long as there’s an obscure back catalogue to work through. Players will be attracted to these collections on the promise of “hundreds of hours of content” where they might overlook them individually as being too “obscure.” Then, after starting to play them, those same people will realise that NISA is so much more than the house that makes Disgaea, and as both developer and publisher, has produced a vast library of obscure games that deserve to be remembered despite the obscurity.

To my surprise and delight, I enjoyed Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 even more than the first collection so if you're looking for some classic SRPG or Mystery Dungeon fun, it's a definite must-play compilation, dood.

Prinny presents NIS Classics Volume 2 offers a more convincing selection of releases than its predecessor, making it a good purchase for those who want to get their hands on the old NIS classics. If you've spent countless hours playing the two games present at the time of their release, consider that the new features introduced (in this case Petta Mode, for the first time in the West) are not substantial enough to justify another playthrough, especially without the tools to fully enjoy them on high-definition screens.

Prinny Presents NIS Classics Vol. 2 is a must-have for tactical RPG fans who missed out on either included game. Both Makai Kingdom and Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman are excellent, with Unlosing Ranger being a game that slipped between the cracks in its time and now truly gets a chance to shine on a greater stage. There’s still nothing like it on the market, and after nearly two decades, Makai Kingdom‘s take on tactical combat still has elements that haven’t been copied. This second batch of NIS Classics is a great one and something that offers two titles that have not only held up well, but have concepts that we haven’t seen done to death since their original release.

There is much more to NIS Classics 2 than dungeon fighting and leveling up. This is confirmed by the new compilation from the NIS studio, which returns with two endearing adventures full of personality and humor. With this, it immerses us in the most classic rpg genre including all the tasks of the tactical role: either through a turn-based combat system (Makai Kingdom), or through more direct action (Z.H.P). Two proposals that we welcome with open arms, and that will also provide us with many hours of play and fun.

Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2: Makai Kingdom: Reclaimed and Rebound / ZHP: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman brings two of NIS' more unique experiences to Nintendo's hybrid console. While the first volume launched in a very rough state, both Makai Kingdom and ZHP have been mostly a joy to experience on Switch. It is disappointing that there are no quality of life features or boosts added to make this more accessible to newcomers though.

I felt NIS Classics Volume 2 to be an excellent game with two to choose from and full of new content to explore and discover. If this is the first time playing the game, it may all be new. Nevertheless, I found them to be a wonderful pair to have in one game. Especially how they are slightly similar in the style of gameplay as well as their large amount of levels to play through. Both also being perfect RPG games that bring plenty of entertaining battle scenes and maps to investigate. Of course, there are a few issues, but other than that, it’s not a bad game collection.

Both of the games that make up Prinny Presents NIS Classics Volume 2 benefit from having a light-hearted approach to their story. With gameplay that doesn’t feature too many surprises, the humorous writing and charming characters sand over the rough edges of these older RPGs. While we had a preference for the over-the-top antics and writing of Z.H.P. over Makai Kingdom, both games have plenty to offer both new and existing fans and showcase the humour that has made these and other NIS titles so enduring over the years.

What we have here is two good games (good not great) bundled together but without any significant extra, except for the Petta Mode in Makai Kingdom. If you know and love these old hidden gems, give them a second go. Otherwise, wait for a sale.