Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness (PS3/PSN)

Disgaea is one of those exceptional video game experiences that is deeply cherished by those who have played it, and often times passed up by gamers who are into the more casual gaming scene. In layman's terms Disgaea is what we RPG gamers call an "SRPG", or strategy based roleplaying game. Some even call it a tactical RPG, or a JRPG. Whatever it is referred to though it is one of the the most involved video games that the RPG genre, or any genre for that matter has ever seen. It is filled to the brim with anime inspired content, and a hundreds of hours of time filling fun.

Nippon Ichi Software, or NIS as you likely know them have in essence developed their own netherworld based mythology within the constructs of the series. This applied netherworld mythology is both expansive in nature as well as humorous in a variety of ways. The series' unique mythology is part of the reason the game has stayed alive for so long in the RPG unfriendly market. With a cast of otherworldy characters that all anime fans can relate to it's hard to not get lost within the quirky dialogue driven tales that are provided with each new release. The fact that the main set of protagonists involved in the plots often times find their places in follow-up games of the series only makes diehard fans want to return for more. By sticking with their tried, and true game design NIS will no doubt continue winning over gamers, and return fans for a long time to come.

In Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness fans, and newcomers alike will be treated to yet another netherworld conflict between demons, and angels. In this particular story arch the demon prince Laharl makes a bold return as he tries to convince the netherworld of his superiority. His goal is to ultimately take the netherworld by force, and be crowned as the official Overlord. Following in King Krichevskoy's footsteps is not any easy task for him though, but with the help of the fallen angel Flonne, and his sarcastic sidekick Etna he might just reach his goal ... maybe. There's no doubt our favorite demon prince is in for some trials, and tribulations this time around though. Not only does Laharl have demons who oppose his dictatorship, but a certain royal adviser (Grosso) to King Krichevskoy is also trying his best to stop Laharl from taking the throne. Things get even more complicated along the way as Laharl's supposed angelic sister Cicily stops by to claim the throne for herself. Sibling rivalries never turn out good in any scenario, but Laharl, and his faithful crew keep a close watch on things as they go about their business of taking over the netherworld. As you continue play you will of course uncover more of this interesting plot.

As one who has been following this series might expect the game is still filled with a crap ton of similar yet slightly enhanced content. Laharl, for example has access to the throne room when the game begins as usual, and can conduct all sorts of business activities at his inherited castle. When you begin playing the game you'll also find that the the usual monster/demon operated venues that are locked within the castle walls like they always have been until you spend some time playing through the story based levels of the game. After you've spent some quality time playing through the tutorial, and initial strategy based stages though you will of course gain access to things like the RosenQueen store, The bulletin board (filled with helpful hints on becoming the best demon overlord), The Assembly (where bills can be passed for various perks), the Item World as well as many other interesting feature oriented outlets. It's these venues, and shops that play a huge role in creating the strongest army of characters possible within the game, and believe me when I say that you'll need such an army when getting into the more difficult stages later on.

The tutorial portion of the game which is in place for those of you who need a refresher's course, or for those of you who have never played a Disgaea game in your life will once again take you through the basics of the turn based battle as well as advanced things such as colored tiles, effects, and how to deal with color gems. The more you play the game the more often new features will make themselves known. Everything in the game whether it's simple menu navigation, or more complex strategies will be thoroughly explained through well crafted tutorial. Eventually things like the "Item World" will  become available, and the complex nature of the item leveling feature will be made clear as it was with everything else. NIS has always been good about easing the gamer into the game, and explaining what it is that needs to be done. One thing you always need to keep in mind though is that in Disgaea you can advance at your own pace. There's no need to rush things. As such you'll be glad to know that level grinding (repeating levels to level up characters/items) is still very much a prominent part of the overall Disgaea experience.

Disgaea D2, as it were is a game not unlike it's predecessors. It is basically an SRPG experience that is divided in to three sections of gameplay. These sections include castle/character management, the main stage oriented gameplay, and the "Item World". At your castle you will be managing every detail of your characters as well as certain other features that have a direct impact on your progress within the core stage based storyline. The castle is most definitely the one stop shop where you can get things done, saved, and move on to greater things. There's everything from a health clinic to a demon dojo to be found within the castle walls. As you go about your business passing new bills via the Assembly, Training your characters to become their best in the demon dojo, buying stuff from the two RosenQueen store owners, and leveling up your obtained items to their max capacity via the Item World you will continually be building an army worthy of Laharl's reign.

The second section of gameplay as previously mentioned is the stage based storyline in which action meets hands-on strategy in a plot driven scenario. It is in these stages that your recruited/created cast of characters will become the best of the best. You will battle numerous demons as you traverse the grid oriented lands that the stages take place on. As you take turns attacking demons, defending against demons, and even healing your comrades you will do so in a turn-based way. You'll find that all of your characters can move only a certain amount of spaces within a given area, and that they each can only perform a limited amount of tasks within a single turn. As you defeat the demonic denizens of the netherworld your stat levels will increase, and your characters will level up becoming a formidable threat against anyone who should challenge Laharl's army.

Along with this method of stage clearing, storyline progressing, and stat improving you will find that you also need to equip your characters with the best equipment possible at all times. Returning to the castle after a stage completion is essential as it will give you the opportunity to heal your characters as well as purchase equipment/weapons via the RosenQueen Store, so that your characters are always up to par with the latest stage threats. Should you find your characters are unworthy to advance to the next stage simply do some level grinding in previously completed stages until you feel comfortable about taking on the next stage. By leveling up your characters via level grininding, earning in-game currency (HL) in the process, and spending said currency on the best weapons/equipment for your characters you can "almost" guarantee your future success. It's also a good idea to save your game often as you make a pit stop at the castle as defeat can come quite unexpectedly in Disgaea D2.

The third type of gameplay you'll happen upon in Disgaea D2 is in fact that of the previously mentioned "Item World". Like the stages of the main plot this area of gameplay can be accessed within Laharl's castle by simply talking to the appropriate demon. Unlike the main stages of the game though the Item World's stages are vastly more complex as well as random in nature, and will often times pose a greater threat than those contained within the main stages of the game. The "Item World", as it were is basically a way for the gamer to make the most out of the items that they win on the battlefield, and buy at the castle's store. By literally taking Laharal, and his crew and placing them within the item's world (selecting an item via the Item World menu) they can battle their way (with your assistance of course) through it's multiple stages improving the item's potential in the process. Items of course come in three different categories including "Common (Bronze), "Rare (Silver)", and "Legendary (Gold)", and can only be leveled up accordingly.

Things like "Innocents (added effects)", and the "Notorious (demons)" also come into play as you battle your way through the multiple stages of the Item World making the process of leveling up your chosen item a more complex ordeal. As far as making it from stage to stage goes you'll find that the only way to navigate to certain stages within an item world is to secure a pirate ship. This can be done by either talking to, or defeating a certain demon within an Item World stage. Certain stages will of course require certain ships to access them. This is where the rarity of the item comes into play. Should you choose to go with a common item you can level them up two times through multiple stage playthroughs eventually making that item legendary. Silver on the other hand can only be leveled up once, and legendary can basically only have "Innocents" added to it's slots.

You'll find that stages in the Item world are randomly generated, and come in an assortment of different types. For example there are "Bonus Stages" in which you have a limited amount of moves in which to collect as many treasures, or Innocents (demons that can be rescued for added item effects)) as possible. There's also a "Mystery Stage" in which you have the opportunity to nab a legendary item should you prove worthy enough to defeat the demon, or demons within. The standard stages on the other hand include all the elements used within the main game. Things like colored gems, and colored tiles are stretched to their limits within the confines of the Item World making it much more difficult to advance all the way to completion. Should you be able to reach the final stage of an Item World playthrough though you will have a chance to defeat a boss in order to level the item up completely. As straightforward as Item World leveling may sound you'll find that it's often times better to take a break, and come back when your characters are up for the challenge. Keep in mind that your progress in the Item World will be saved, and that you can return to any save point to continue leveling it up the item should you choose to do so. There's no need to be hasty when making your way through the many different Item World stages.

Whatever you choose to do in the Item World you should know a few things. First, and foremost you do not have to defeat all of the enemies in an Item World stage. There is an easier way to get your cast of characters out should you opt to choose the easy way out. To do so you simply locate the anchor tile, and have one of your characters step upon it. This will take you to the next stage very quickly. Should you find yourself lacking in characters, or health you can take yet another immediately easy way out that will transport your crew back to Laharl's castle. This method requires the use of the "Mr. Gency" item. It's a last resort sort of item that will give you the escape that you need should you find you are low on characters, or health.

Battle, and leveling up is definitely a huge part of Disgaea D2, but politics also finds it's place within the game in the form of the Dark Assembly, and the Item Assembly. In these menu based features you can do a multitude of different things that range from aesthetic character alterations (character color, name, creation, deletion) to game changing gameplay features (Prinny Day, Triple EXP, Bonus Items ...). The Dark Assembly which is where most of the voting, and bill passing/denying will take place happens in a courtroom hearing where fellow demons will either side with your proposal, or vote against it. In that sense it's a lot like real world politics, but a lot less important in nature. Going into the Dark Assembly you can choose any one of your characters whether it is Laharl, Flonne, Etna, or a created character, and have them propose a bill before an elected chairman as well as a select cast of representatives. Each bill can be proposed for a price, and that price in the dark Assembly is Mana. In order to obtain said mana you simply have to play through some stages with your characters. Certain bills of course will cost more mana than others though, and not all representatives will be in your favor.

In order to get the ball rolling in the Dark Assembly you must of course select a character from the accompanying menu, and then choose which bill you wish to have passed. Upon entering the courtroom your character will come face to face with the reps, and the head chairman of the board. Each rep, and chairman will be highlighted according to their favor for the bill, or lack thereof. If they are for your proposal they'll be glowing blue, and if they are not they will be glowing red. The undecided, or neutral voters will have no color highlight at all. By walking up to each of them,and reading their character dialogue box you will find out exactly how far they are leaning on your favor, or how against your proposed bill they are. You'll also find that the dialogue box contains character specific bribes that can be offered to persuade them to vote in your favor.

Aside from the formalities you can also pay off the reps directly using in-game currency to buy their vote, or duke it out with them assuming you are strong enough to do so. Giving up, or leaving is also an option that should not be overlooked in certain assembly situations. I highly suggest not picking a fight though until your characters are greatly leveled up. In order to check up on the reps, and the chairman you can always access their stats via the Dark Assembly menu ("Representatives") prior to presenting a bill, and see which way they are voting as well as whether or not you stand a chance at winning using any of the available methods. As far as the Item World Assembly goes it is a lot like the Dark Assembly in that votes are counted on a similar scale, and that the voting process is exactly the same. The subject matter (bills) however is completely different, and only affects things in the Item World.

Like I said before Disgaea D2 is quite the involved gaming experience. Between the politics involved in becoming a demon Overlord, and the brutal brawls required to set one's name in stone Laharl (You), and his followers (Your Crew) definitely have their work cut out for them. The good thing about it though is that taking on the netherworld, and the angels of Celestia can be done at your own pace. You can level grind until your hearts content, or face the impending threats outright like a brave (... er, foolish) little demon. Either way you go about it there's plenty of stuff to do within the worlds of "Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness". Added things like Japanese language options, unlockable character types, and hidden humor pokes make it all the more worthwhile. There truly is not one dull moment to be found here.

Do I recommend you take this game for a spin, and spend some real world money on a purchase of it? HELL TO THE YES!!! Not only does this game have massive content, but the replay value is greatly amplified. You will not find one dull second as you experience every feature contained within Disgaea D2. If you are looking for something beyond content, and replay value though then you might just want to get out there to your local gamestop, or gaming store, and pre-order this bad boy as the perks are impressive. If I remember correctly you'll get a CD soundtrack along with an art print amongst other things. These are all items that any fan of the series will be proud to own. Had I not gotten a review copy I would have likely done the pre-order thing myself. Be sure to get out there, and get that pre-order down payment put down before the 8th of this month if you intend on taking my advice!