Icchi Software´s Disgaea D2 - PS3 review

Gameplay
Graphics
Sound/music
Controls
Replay value

Disgaea D2 a Brighter Darkness left me with very fond memories of why I loved the series so much. I got behind the wheel as if I’d never left it.

We picked things up with Laharl and the gang a few years after the events of Disgaea Hour of Darkness. Immediately we were thrown back into the nostalgic feeling of 2003 when the first entry was released.

It’s hard to find a good tactical RPG nowadays, as many RPG fans prefer action based gameplay, over the strategy focus. I spent an ample amount of time with the game, and had to skip the tutorials since I was already more than familiar with the gameplay.

From the start we’re thrust right into the action, and can see a lot in the Netherworld has changed. The layout of the castle has been expanded, and gives us room for a lot of what I call “soft leveling,” meaning you can level smaller stats to make a bigger impact.

Yep, not even the zombies can´t resist the great urge to make angels in the snow.

We now have an Apprentice, and Master roster, that allows us to finally soft create a hybrid character. For instance you want Edna to learn Fire and Healing magic? Use her Mana to create a Red Skull, and a Healer, then have one of them become her master in the roster. Keep using the spell you want her to learn until she does.

Then the skill tree for that class will be unlocked for her to use forever, as well as any spells her master learns as they level up as well. You can now move freely, instead of two directionally upon the maps, by way of the new grouped grid system that we can use for throwing as well, so no more trying to create wonky angles flicking the analog stick!

The new features of Disgaea D2 included: The Magichange system introduced in Disgaea 2, which has finally been upgraded. The new feature that replaced it, Monster Mounts, allows players to ride the monster and attack from their backs on the map. Exploring the castle, we have a cheat system now, and we’re given a categorized list of requirements for the Hospital to get those free items we salivate over.

The inventory system has been simplified, and combines the warehouse, and item bag into one entity. We can also see what level items are from the item bag without having to enter it so we don’t get confused about it for leveling. The only thing is, the game presented too many explanations that affected the core experience of exploration with these features, so many times it felt as if you were handed a spark note for any and everything you could think of.

The most interesting feature I experienced was the character creation screen, seriously it was. I know a lot of gamers prefer combat, and story, but to me it’s all about building my army properly. You can customize their personalities, voices, and costume colors. While they are all preset, but it helps that you get to personalize the team you have, and make them your own.

The Evility feature is finally gone Yes! I loathe this feature, as it made you waste your Mana unnecessarily to learn new skills, and upgrade them instead of using them for Reincarnation. Speaking of which, it doesn’t seem as if you need to reincarnate as much anymore sine EXP and Mana gained are ridiculous in Disagea D2.

Gameplay was completely overhauled in a very idealistic way. When you enter a map and need to fight an enemy, your relationship with the person you’re standing next to finally means something. The new With the Likeability feature we can finally assist our comrades, and it pays off. They will like you on a rating scale of 1-5 and will assist in a pinch should you find yourself below on health.

You can also boost likeability by tossing a item their way, or healing them. The idea is that eventually you’ll form support teams, or Special ops. For certain maps or, item leveling. The Item world is now called the Item Sea, and utilizes a ship to navigate its many floors, from 1-99 and beyond depending upon the ship you upgrade to. I didn’t really find this feature as enjoyable, as taking on a nautical approach was something I didn’t feel was concurrent with Disgaea D2.

Pros:
+ Classical and massively overhauled gameplay, with familiar characters we love.
+ Lush graphics, and compacted inventory system that will make playing much quicker.
+ Tons of levels that allow you to craft your own characters and team in depth.
+ Great musical score and extended options in control, as well as character development.
+ Fantastic turnaround in the series after severe let downs in subsequent title releases.

Cons:
-Endless banter between characters when playing upon maps.
-No real explanation of gap in storyline.
-Unnecessary parallel in campaign.

Verdict: 4.5/5
I thoroughly enjoyed Disgaea D2, barely facing problems with mechanics, or overall gameplay. While there were many things that could have been improved upon in the game, such as the overbearing handholding throughout the game. But other than that, Disgaea D2 are a really great RPG game!

tgg grade 4.5 out of 5

Title: Disgaea D2 A Brighter Darkness
Developer: Nippon Icchi Software
Format: PlayStation 3
Genre: Strategy RPG
Resolution: 720p, 1080p, 1080i
Release date: 10-08-2013
Difficulty: Med-Hard
Spent time: +100hrs
Average grade internationally: 77.66% Gamerankings.com
PEGI age rating: 12
Price: US: $19.99/ EU: $54.99