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The Disgaea series, known for its challenging gameplay, humorous storyline, and strategic depth, returned in 2013 with Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness. This sequel to the original Disgaea: Hour of Darkness continues the adventures of the self-proclaimed Overlord Laharl and his quirky companions. This review dives into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, exploring its unique gameplay mechanics, charming graphics, and overall experience.

alt text: Disgaea D2 gameplay screenshot showcasing the vibrant and colorful world.

Challenging and Engaging Gameplay

Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is a challenging Strategy RPG (SRPG) with gameplay reminiscent of other titles in the genre like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics. The game unfolds across numerous stages, each featuring a grid-based map where players strategically deploy and command their units in turn-based combat. The objective is simple: defeat all enemy units on the map.

alt text: Disgaea D2 battle scene showing characters engaging in combat on a grid-based map.

The RPG elements shine through the character progression system, which includes leveling up, improving stats, and learning new skills. Completing stages unlocks new character classes and weapons, expanding tactical options and providing a rewarding sense of progression. Disgaea D2 boasts a diverse and extensive roster of characters, each with unique stats and abilities. Beyond the main cast, players can create custom characters through the Dark Assembly, allowing for personalized squads and strategic team compositions.

Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is a highly challenging Strategy RPG (SRPG).

Item World and Unique Power-Ups

Unlike many SRPGs, Disgaea D2 features a distinct item enhancement system called the “Item World.” Within each item lies a series of randomly generated dungeons, providing opportunities to boost item stats, earn money, and acquire new equipment. This rogue-like element adds a layer of replayability and a compelling incentive to explore the depths of every item.

alt text: Disgaea D2 screenshot showing the unique "Item World" feature.

Distinctive Geo Panels and the Mount System

The Disgaea series’ signature Geo Panels return, adding a layer of tactical complexity to battles. These colorful panels bestow various effects on units standing on them, ranging from stat boosts and increased experience gains to detrimental effects like reduced defense. Strategic positioning and manipulation of Geo Panels are crucial for maximizing advantages and securing victory.

alt text: Disgaea D2 screenshot displaying the colorful Geo Panels and their effects on the battlefield.alt text: Disgaea D2 showcasing the unique character designs and vibrant art style.alt text: Disgaea D2 highlighting the game's humorous and over-the-top characters.

The new Mount system replaces the Magi-Change mechanic from previous games, allowing Monster-type characters to transform into mounts instead of weapons. This provides stat boosts and grants access to special abilities, revitalizing underutilized characters and adding a fresh layer to the combat system. The Geo Panel system offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Innovative Support System and Other Features

Disgaea D2 introduces a unique support system that fosters teamwork and strengthens character bonds. Fighting alongside allies increases their “Love” stat, represented by hearts, which enhances combo attacks, healing abilities, and Mount system benefits. Characters can also perform support attacks and even take damage for each other, encouraging strategic unit pairings and rewarding cooperative play.

alt text: Disgaea D2 showcasing the game's unique support system and character interactions.alt text: Disgaea D2 battle scene showcasing the dynamic combat and special attacks.alt text: Disgaea D2 showcasing the game's distinctive character designs and humorous tone.

Other notable features include the Lift and Throw mechanics, enabling players to traverse terrain and reach distant enemies, and the Cheat Shop, where players can use Mana to enhance skills and weapon proficiency.

Charming Graphics and Voice Acting

Disgaea D2 features a distinctive anime-inspired art style with charming and whimsical character designs. The Prinnies, iconic penguin-like creatures, add a layer of humor and personality to the game. The voice acting, available in both English and Japanese, is well-executed and complements the game’s lighthearted tone.

Shortcomings and Conclusion

While the support system adds depth, it can also discourage experimentation with different characters, leading players to stick with a core group to maximize benefits. The storyline, while humorous, is somewhat predictable and lacks depth. The soundtrack, while fitting, doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

alt text: Disgaea D2 screenshot showing character interactions and dialogue.alt text: Disgaea D2 highlighting the game's environments and level design.

Despite some minor flaws, Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness offers a highly engaging and challenging SRPG experience with unique gameplay mechanics, a charming art style, and a humorous storyline. Fans of the genre and the Disgaea series will find much to enjoy in this quirky and entertaining sequel.
The new support system has a few drawbacks.