Written by Alexander O. Cuaycong and Anthony L. Cuaycong
Title: Disgaea 4 Complete+
Developer: Nippon Ichi Software
Publisher: NIS America
Genre: Strategy, RPG
Price: $49.99
Those familiar with Nippon Ichi's legacy should already know what the name Disgaea entails. High stat caps, cute sprites, ridiculous stories, and an overall charming aesthetic design are par for the course for any Disgaea game, and Disgaea 4 is no different. Initially released on the Sony PlayStation 3, Disgaea 4 was later offered for the PS Vita in 2014, and on the PS4 and Nintendo Switch in 2019. Now almost nine years since its original appearance, it finds a home with its other sister titles on Steam. The question is, how well does it stack up against its predecessors?
That's pretty much how Disgaea 4 can be described in a nutshell. It might seem tame in its earlier stages, looking like any other turn-based role-playing game, but make no mistake: It runs true to its roots, reveling in its unique combination of tactical depth with interesting map gimmicks. In the latter parts of the story, its lineage becomes abundantly clear in its combat sequences, letting players loose with a multitude of combos and special skills. At the same time, oodles upon oodles of content are on offer via multiple character endings, New Game+, and even an ever-changing random map generator in Item World.
Everything is tied together by what is essentially the definitive edition of Disgaea 4. Disgaea 4 Complete+ on the personal computer brings with it all the content its original release had plus all subsequently released downloadable content at no additional cost. With visuals updated to look better on high-definition monitors, this essentially wraps the title in a neat little package that any lover of the turn-based RPG genre will enjoy. As far as ports go, it ranks right at the top. It definitely delivers in content and functionality.
True, Disgaea 4 Complete+ is by no means perfect. As with other titles in the franchise, it requires a lot of grinding. While its user interface and quality-of-life features do help in reducing much of the frustration one can encounter, its forced gameplay loop can prove tedious to the uninitiated. The humor can also be a little off-putting, not because of the quality of its jokes or writing, but because of its overall tone. It’s light-hearted to excess, and isn’t afraid to throw in a punchline or two even during more serious story segments. It often hits its mark, but can induce irritation on occasion, especially when characters feel archetypal and tropey.
Overall, Disgaea 4 Complete+ comes highly recommended. Gameplay-wise, the series will peak in Disgaea 5, but it sets gamers up well for the next installment. Once again, Nippon Ichi Software delivers a title that’s sure to entertain for hours on end.
THE GOOD
- Superb port for the personal computer, with myriad quality-of-life features present
- Oustanding core gameplay loop
- The Disgaea series near its peak, combining an immersive narrative with unique gameplay
- Tons of content to go through with all the previously optional downloadable content packed in
THE BAD
- Micromanagement of characters and equipment can get a little clunky, as is typical of turn-based RPGs
- Humor can feel out of place during more serious story segments
- Requires constant grinding
RATING: 9.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment