Join James from Games with Jon & James as he revels in the madness that is Disgaea 7!
As a lover of all things RPG, this year was insane with amazing title after amazing title. We got the likes of Octopath Traveler II, Final Fantasy XVI, GrimGrimoire OnceMore, Forspoken, Star Ocean The Second Story R, Super Mario RPG Remake, and so much more. While all those I mentioned were amazing in their own right, one game stood above the rest when it comes to my game of the year, and that is Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless.
This is my favorite franchise in all of gaming and after the stumble that was Disgaea 6, I wasn’t sure if the franchise would return to form. Disgaea 6 was the jump into the modern era so-to-speak, they implemented 3D animations, sprites, and went all out in making the numbers insanely large from the start. However, the initial release on the underpowered Nintendo Switch, bad frame rates, and such a harsh turn in direction turned the franchise on its head in a bad way.
So imagine my surprise when Disgaea 7 not only corrected the egregious errors from its predecessor, it blew all expectations out of the water and delivered a wonderfully chaotic, fun, and engrossing experience. When I purchased Disgaea 7, I was cautiously optimistic, but the bad experience I had with Disgaea 6 honestly made me almost not purchase the latest installment. I am thankful I got past that initial hesitation as I cannot put this game down and this is some of the most fun I have had in ages with a strategy RPG.
In the vibrant landscape of gaming, where creativity and innovation converge, Disgaea 7 emerges as a shining beacon of excellence. Developed by the brilliant minds at Nippon Ichi Software, Disgaea 7 takes players on an exhilarating and chaotic journey through the Netherworlds, blending strategic gameplay, captivating storytelling, and a delightful dose of humor. From the Hinomoto Otaku to the Chivalric Thief, the characters keep you laughing and engaged throughout the game. This latest installment in the series has met and exceeded the expectations of fans and newcomers alike, solidifying its position as a true masterpiece in the realm of tactical RPGs, so join me as I review and share why this is my game of the year for 2023.
From the moment players step into the Netherworlds, they are greeted by a visually stunning and meticulously crafted universe. Disgaea 7's art style is a vibrant tapestry of colors, bringing the various realms to life with meticulous attention to detail. The character designs are both charming and imaginative, showcasing the game's unique personality. Each Netherworld is jam-packed with chaos, as you attempt to help Pirilika experience all things bushido, collect the seven founding weapons, and just embrace the zany story as it unfolds.
At the core of Disgaea 7 lies its deep and engaging tactical gameplay. Players are challenged to strategize, adapt, and conquer as they navigate grid-based battlefields. The introduction of new mechanics, jumbification, and hell mode, make the already enjoyable combat even more engaging. Whether you're a seasoned tactician or a newcomer to the genre, Disgaea 7 strikes a perfect balance, offering a learning curve that accommodates players of all skill levels.
The best feature of Disgaea 7 and the whole franchise is its unparalleled customization options. Players can dive into a vast array of character classes, skills, and equipment, allowing for endless strategic possibilities. The new "Netherworld Customization" feature empowers players to create their own unique Netherworlds, tailoring the game experience to their preferences. This level of freedom fosters creativity, encouraging players to experiment and find their own playstyle, ensuring that no two adventures are ever the same.
Although this franchise isn’t known for outstanding storytelling, Disgaea 7 manages to break that mold and weaves a captivating narrative that explores themes of redemption, friendship, and the power of unity. The game's characters are impeccably written, each with their own quirks, flaws, and growth arcs. Through witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, players become emotionally invested in the fate of their unlikely heroes. The balance between humor and poignancy is masterfully executed, creating a memorable and emotionally resonant storytelling experience.
In addition to its compelling single-player campaign, Disgaea 7 offers an expansive multiplayer mode that elevates the competitive aspect of the game. This addition blew my mind as we can now finally see how we stack up against others around the world and honestly, should have been an inclusion since Disgaea 3. Players can test their strategic prowess against friends or foes in intense battles, further extending the game's replayability. The thrill of outsmarting a human opponent adds a new layer of excitement, making multiplayer matches a cornerstone of Disgaea 7's enduring appeal.
Disgaea 7 stands as a testament to the boundless creativity of its developers and the unwavering passion of its fanbase. It is a game that not only captures the essence of the tactical RPG genre but redefines it, setting new standards for innovation, depth, and enjoyment. With its mesmerizing world, intricate gameplay, compellingly ridiculous narrative, and robust multiplayer features, Disgaea 7 is a true masterpiece that has rightfully earned its place as the Game of the Year for 2023 for me. Nippon Ichi Software has once again demonstrated their mastery of the craft, delivering a gaming experience that will be cherished by old fans and new ones for years to come.
About the Author:
James is an avid enthusiast of all things gaming, especially RPGs. He is an aerial photographer and digital marketer by day and a die-hard gamer by night. His ideal weekend is spent relaxing playing an RPG and recording the next episode of the Games with Jon & James podcast sharing all his JRPG knowledge with you.
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