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Review of Disgaea DS on Nintendo DS

by Chucky Chucky photo Sep 2008
Cover image of Disgaea DS on DS
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 23 Sep 2008
Genre: Tactical Role-Playing Game
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Publisher: NIS America

Introduction

If you've ever wondered what would happen if a cute, chibi demon rose from the dead to become an overlord while making snide remarks about love, then congratulations, you may just have stumbled upon Disgaea DS. The re-release of the PS2 cult classic has come back with a vengeance, ready to charm you with its charms while leaving you to question your sanity, and possibly your life choices.

Gameplay

Disgaea DS is essentially a turn-based tactical RPG that plays out on a grid. Here, players control a dysfunctional army of demons led by Laharl, a prince with all the charm of a particularly grumpy cat. Combat is not just about smashing buttons; oh no, that would be too simple. You can lift and throw allies, capture enemies, and take advantage of Geo Panels to create overly complex strategies that are more convoluted than trying to explain what 'floccinaucinihilipilification' means. Geo Panels are your friendly neighborhood game changers-they can bless you with invulnerability or, you know, kill you slowly. It's a happy little chaotic dance that rewards strategic (and often absurd) thinking. Want to lift your little Prinny ally and toss them into an enemy camp? Go for it-just be prepared for some explosive consequences. The laughs come easy, even if your units might not.

Graphics

Graphically, we're not exactly in the realms of modern gaming. Think of cheese and then think of cheese on toast-uniquely satisfying and delicious in its own right, yet also a bit low-key compared to what's on the menu today. The sprites are charming, capturing the eccentricity of the characters perfectly, while the dialogue bubbles pop with chaotic energy. Combine that with the vibrant colors and you have something that looks deceptively cheerful for a game involving dark themes like personal ambition and the battle of good vs. evil. Honestly, it's like if Sesame Street suddenly decided to do a parody of Game of Thrones.

Conclusion

Disgaea DS brings the right level of depth to the tactical RPG scene without sacrificing the quirky charm that made the franchise a hit in the first place. The humor is both intentional and accidental, whether it's through the absurdity of bumping your power up to ridiculous levels or watching your characters deal with their existential dread in the most comedically inappropriate ways. If you're looking for a straightforward RPG, you might be venturing into the wrong territory. If you want to play a game and feel like questioning your decisions and learning to throw your allies just for the fun of it, then Disgaea DS is a delightful option. Just remember: if someone offers you a chance to become overlord, maybe think twice-because it's hard to run hell with a load of Prinnies exploding around you.

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