When Disgaea was released for the
PS2 it instantly became an underground classic for hardcore PS2 owners. When the
world was consumed with 3D games, Disgaea was a throwback to 16-Bit style games
with anime-style characters and 2D visuals. The game was a turn-based strategy
game with a crazy assortment of gameplay. The old school graphics, crazy
storyline and gameplay hooked enough gamers that you could call Disgaea a title
that started the re-birth of hardcore Japanese RPG.
If you’re new to Disgaea I would
recommend checking out the review of the PS2 version located here:
http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21671.htm. The PSP version of Disgaea is
a reworking of the original PS2 title, just shrunk down to fit onto the PSP. In
the early preview version I played the PSP version looked, played and sounded
exactly the same as I remembered on the PS2. That might sound like a letdown but
it really shouldn’t be an issue since the game still looks and sounds great on
the PSP’s widescreen. The only small issue I noticed was when walking around
with the analog nub; your character would just move way too fast.
Gameplay-wise all of the crazy
features from the original game are included with some new additions. The PSP
version includes a multiplayer option that allows you to play against another
Disgaea owner over Wi-Fi. You will also be able to share items you’ve purchased
in your game with friends over the wireless connection. There is a music shop
option which allows you to purchase soundtracks and play them in the item world
mode. One feature in the PSP version is a secret mode that isn’t that big of a
secret if you look just right. Etna Mode allows you to play the game as if Etna
accidentally killed Laharl. The gameplay remains the same but the storyline and
stage progressions change from the regular version. This mode is almost worth
the price of admission by itself.
For anyone that missed out on
Disgaea when it was released for the PS2 should be on the lookout for Disgaea:
Afternoon of Darkness for the PSP. Even if you’ve conquered the PS2 version the
additional features, especially Etna’s mode, and great gameplay should still
keep you entertained for hours. Sure it’s the same game as the PS2 version along
with some new additions, but that should still make this a worthy addition to
anyone’s PSP library. Look for Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness for the PSP when
it’s released in October 2007.
