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Impression: Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days on PSP
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Disgaea 2 on PSP
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days on PSP is just the latest entry in the quirky strategy role-playing franchise. While not an original title this port of the PlayStation 2 original offers up a number of upgrades, tweaks and extra gameplay. Is any of this enough reason to pick up a copy on the PSP? The short answer is yes for any strategy RPG or plain role-playing fan, especially if you have a thing for twisted humor, anime styling and exploding Prinny, let’s take a look …
Gameplay – A very, very detailed strategy role-playing game with hours of gameplay covered by the underworld dressing that is Disgaea. The game is played on a grid-based map where, prior to battle, gamers equip and select their units to participate in battle. The rules for each encounter may vary from keeping a certain ally alive to killing everyone so this is where the strategy comes in. Tons of resource management, character management and battles, that’s what Disgaea is all about.
Graphics – The PSP reproduces the PS2 to a tee. The animated sequences are outstanding and the game is very easy to follow on the PSP screen. This is old-school, sprite based graphics at their finest, no 3D to worry about.
Sound – Outstanding voice work, some pulled from the original but more implemented for the new scenarios. The intro music is as catchy as ever and both Adell and Rozalin highlight was is a deep and talented voice cast. The background music is quirky and catchy, something the entire franchise shares.
Design – The original Disgaea was, and is, a thing of beauty when it comes to character design. They are not traditional anime in their look and can really only be described as Disgaea. The levels get an update with the new Geo Panel functionality where not only can powers be enhanced but the terrain changed. Disgaea has always been a thing of beauty to look at and 2 on PSP is no exception.
Miscellaneous – This is not an original game and the Disgaea franchise is beyond cult now. The original was tough to find on PS2 but that’s changed. The Nintendo DS has tasted Disgaea, PlayStation 3 has an entry and the PSP, and well this is the third entry following up on a re-release of the original and the first action titles Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero! That being said this franchise and its unique gameplay (insane combo attacks) and level of detail makes it a must have for gamers even if played before. What separates this franchise is its unique characters, settings and manner in which it does not come close to taking itself serious. Gamers get Adell, the last truly human in his world, striking out to defeat the Overlord Zenon and doing so with his, accidentally, summoned daughter Rozalin. These two form a nice romance and must battle with all the crazy characters from the original including the Prinny army of Etna. Yes the game is solid but the setting and characters move it over the top.
Overall, Disgaea 2 on PSP tweaks the original enough with extras such as Axel’s adventure and the Geo Paneling to warrant another gameplay through for veteran gamers and a first time for any fan of Final Fantasy Tactics or the slew of strategy RPG’s on DS and PSP.
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