Level-5's first full-scale production was the action role-playing game "Dark Cloud", developed under contract by Sony Computer Entertainment. Intended to be a launch game for the Japanese release of the PlayStation 2, it was delayed before the console's launch in March 2000 to allow further development, eventually being released in Japan in December 2000, and worldwide in 2001. Work immediately began on a sequel titled "Dark Chronicle" ("Dark Cloud 2" in North America). While not as successful as the first game, "Dark Chronicle" still gained critical acclaim and sold over half a million units worldwide.