Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, known in Japan as Makai Senki Disgaea, has gained a strong following in both Japan and North America. Now, following the development of an anime based on the hit strategy RPG, a sequel has been announced by Nippon Ichi Software, titled Makai Senki Disgaea 2.

The cast of the original game will not be returning in their major roles, but some will be making appearances as supporting characters, including Etna and the Prinnies. The setting has also been relocated to a new world, where we find our new hero Adel, with fiery hair and an even fierier temper, out to remove a curse put upon the people of his world. All of the populace was turned into devils at the hands of the Dark Lord Xenon, and it's up to the mysteriously unaffected Adel to break the spell and turn his family back into humans.

True to the spirit of its predecessor, Disgaea 2 will uphold elements of the original, both in system and in tone. The serious sounding plot needn't worry fans, because the quirky, dark humor that was trademark to Disgaea will be preserved. Battle elements such as the combos and team attacks will be appearing once again, as well as a gridded battlefield, and the Dark Congress system will be present for players to bribe and battle senators in exchange for special game conditions.

Disgaea 2's release is potentially slated for 2006. No word of a North American release has emerged at this time.