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Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
Console
PSP
Publisher
NIS America
Genre
RPG
Developer
NIS America
Release Date
09/08/09
9
ESRB Rating
Teen
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REVIEW
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days
September 9, 2009 | 4:47 PM PST

by: Matt Furtado

Kombo'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 2: Dark Hero Days is the sequel to Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness for the PSP. Originally launching on the PS2 some three years ago, Disgaea 2 was received with mixed feelings by many fans. The gameplay was better, but the characters didn't have as much flare as the original cast. That has slightly been changed this time around, though. You'll still play as Adell and search for Demon Overlord Zenon in a mission to reverse the curse he put on your family that has forced them to turn into demons. While performing a summoning technique, Adell's mom fails at bringing Zenon to their village for a confrontation, but instead they inadvertently summon his daughter Rozalin. Forced to accompany Adell in his search for her father, Adell and Rozalin form a unique relationship as the game progresses.

It's your mission to stop the curse Overlord Zenon has placed on Adell's family. As you journey to find the Overlord, though, you'll also encounter a number of unique characters, but the standout character will be the once hugely popular and famous Dark Hero, Axel. Axel will run into you time and time again throughout your journey and this time he even gets in on the game himself. Having four of his own chapters, players will have the chance to play as Axel and make all his dreams come true.



What's Hot
There's a lot of good found in this game. With new additions, new features, and great voice work and music, Disgaea 2 is the complete package. Even if you had some problem with the PS2 version of Disgaea 2, you should definitely consider trying out this version because it's clearly the definitive version of the title.

Having the same great strategic gameplay from the original Disgaea, Dark Hero Days is just as addictive as any entry of the series. With a large cast of characters, weapons, and moves, you'll be playing this game until the PSP battery runs out. The game still used the same grid based battle system you have come to know and love. So, instead of talking about everything you know about the series, let's get right into the new content. This game is far from your typical straight PS2 port. With new additions from the recently released Disgaea 3, Dark Hero Days has new gameplay elements thrown into it. Utilizing new moves like Magichange--which debuted in Disgaea 3--players will be able to have a demonic creature change into a weapon for one of their characters to use during battle. This feature can be used in numerous ways and it's best to experiment with the different creatures that you can change into weapons to help strengthen your battle strategy.

Also new to this version are four new chapters staring Axel. Playing exactly like the main story, Axel mode is a blast to play because Axel is such a vibrant character. Everything from the main game is found in Axel's mode. You have a Dark Assembly, Item World, and story missions. This mode is a really nice addition and gives gamers who played the PS2 version before a good reason to double-dip.

Seeing as there a lot of gamers these days are really into anime or the Japanese culture as a whole, you'll be glad to know you won't have to listen to the English dialogue. You are given the option to change the voices to Japanese if you want to. Though, I must say the English dub is very solid and doesn't make your ears bleed like other titles do. If you prefer listening to Japanese voices, though, you have the option available to you.

What's Not
There's really not much that isn't hot with this title. The game is your typical Disgaea title. If you don't like strategy-RPG titles, then this title isn't for you. If you played Disgaea 2 a few years back, then you may feel hesitant on picking up this version, but the new content and having access to the game on the go really makes the offer tempting.

Final Word
Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is a great PSP title and the best strategy-RPGs available on the system. The first PSP Disgaea was a magnificent game, but Disgaea 2 trumps it. With new modes, features, and the same addictive gameplay you have come to know and love, there's no reason any NIS fan should skip on this title. If you are looking for a new strategy RPG for your PSP, then look no further. Disgaea 2: Dark Hero Days is one of the best PSP titles available.
Visuals
Very clean. It may look even better than Disgaea 3.
8.5
Sound
The soundtrack is nicely done and the voice work is great. Japanese dialogue is a great option.
8.5
Control
Simple, smooth and fast.
8.5
Gameplay
Long and deep experience. One of the best hardcore games available on the market.
9.5
Lasting Appeal
The game itself is very long, but with new modes and other content, you can revisit this game for months.
9.0
Verdict
One of the best PSP games available. If you are looking for a great hardcore experience on the PSP, then this is the title for you.
9.0
[not an average]
Review Scores Guide

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November 20, 2009
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