More gameplay, more combat

There are other curveballs the game will throw at you as well. The addition of the ability to throw other characters and enemies around adds an exceptional amount of strategy to getting around the map quickly. And getting around quickly can be very important if the enemy controls the various geopanels on the map, areas with special effects like increased attack power. Fortunately you can destroy the effect of geopanels, or simply throw enemies off them. You can repeat battles as often as you wish, which may be very often in some instances.

Perhaps the biggest differences come out of combat. You can visit a demonic senate to get their approval for things, such as new items in the item store, new characters and classes, etc. Of course they’re not going to do this for nothing, actions in the senate take mana, which you’ll earn by killing enemies. Trying to get the votes you need may also include intimidation and bribes. If this sounds strange, it’s not half as weird as Item World. In Item World you take your characters on a trip inside your items. Defeating enemies that live in your items makes the item stronger. Later on you can add to your items as well. If hiring people to live in your items sounds weird, wait till you see the story unfold.

A rude awakening

Laharl is a demon prince who’s overslept, paying homage to the one of the oldest RPG clichés of an oversleeping protagonist. The difference is that Laharl has overslept for a few years. Fortunately his loyal servant Etna has been there to use various implements of destruction to finally wake him up. Unfortunately, Laharl’s father died while he was asleep and his power has been usurped by others in the netherworld. Rather than mourn the loss of his father, Laharl is anxious to get out regain his birthright by beating down those who stole it. This only hints at the wackiness you’ll see in this game’s story. The game makes it clear early on that it doesn’t take itself seriously. There are a lot of slapstick gags and general silliness presented in the game. But unlike other games that have tried to be both serious and funny, Disgaea rarely gets bogged down in a heavy or serious mood.