AMN's Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don't waste your time. This is why we've split our reviews into four sections: What the Game's About, What's Hot, What's Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.

What the Game's About
Disgaea started out on the PS2 back in 2003 when it took Strategy-RPG fans by storm and caught everyone off guard. Nearly overnight the game became a cult hit among Strategy-RPG gamers and the title was highly sought after with copies of the game selling for over $100 on eBay. Disgaea features incredibly deep gameplay, great humor, unique characters, and offers challenging gameplay for newcomers and expert Strategy-RPG gamers.

In essence, the game is an exact port of the PS2 title but with a few new additions such as Ad Hoc multiplayer, Etna Mode, and Geo Cubes. Disgaea takes place right after King Krichevskoy death and the waking of Prince Laharl, who now must fight to keep the title of Overlord. Despite being asleep for 2 years, Laharl is ready for action with his loyal vassal Etna to ensure the title of Overlord in the Netherworld. Although the title will be focusing on Laharl, the Prince of the Netherworld, throughout the main story, Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness will also highlight the story of the quirky Etna in her own storyline.

What's Hot
The main strength of Disgaea is the gameplay and the battle system. Prior to every battle there will be a short story, which lay out your basic objectives and then it's time for battle.

Disgaea plays out like your typical SRPG title with the use of a turn-based battle system. The game is basically a game of chess except with demons, magic, weapons, and spells while retaining simple control. With the use of a basic grid map and turn-based controls the game is very pick up and play. Disgaea will throw several strong enemies at you all at once and it'll become a necessity to level up your party members by fighting with them more often.

This is a great challenge for strategists to overcome and even newcomers alike. Since the battles and the pacing of the game are so well established, you'll feel like leveling up is incredibly simple. The game will allow you to backtrack and re-enter battlefields you have already engaged in battle on, except with some changes this time around. Originally, you may have taken out all the enemies without a problem but the second time around they'll be a little stronger and this will allow you to level up your characters without jumping into a high ranked battle without being properly prepared. This helps you fend off frustration when you reach the higher leveled enemies late in the title. The more battles you take part in, the better you'll be prepared down the road.

Disgaea offers a lot of customization and leveling up freedom.

Etna Mode is the biggest addition to this title on the PSP. This mode offers an alternative viewpoint on the story of Disgaea through the eyes of Laharl's vassal Etna on her quest to become Beauty Queen Ultimate Overlord Etna. When playing in Etna Mode, players will be able to see what would happen if Etna had killed the Prince at the start of title. For players who complete this mode a completely new ending will be unlocked. However, this mode will not be unlocked at the start of Disgaea and can only be achieved once you complete the main story of Disgaea as Laharl. This is the first Disgaea title to feature multiplayer by offering up a full fledged Ad Hoc multiplayer mode.

One of the big factors in multiplayer mode is the use of Geo Cubes, pieces that will give off a tactical advantage. Each Geo Cube will have an effect on surroundings and will in turn give your character a boost in attack power or defense. Before a battle, each player will receive five random Geo Cubes and then can select another five for a total of ten. Naturally, these cubes will not ensure victory but will definitely help if you plan accordingly. In order to use these cubes effectively, players must think strategically and plan things out.