Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness
- March 20, 2013
- Nippon Ichi Software
- 20h median play time
NIS shows us tradition can easily hang with the Hollywood blockbusters of the video game world. The best game in the series, Disgaea D2 has humor, depth and story that will keep players entertained for weeks on end.
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is a tactical RPG in the Disgaea series. The game is a sequel to 2003's Disgaea: Hour of Darkness for the PlayStation 2, where the respective main characters of that game will again be the focus. Gameplay in Disgaea D2 remains the same as other core Disgaea games in the series. Monster Mounting is a new feature that replaces Magichange from Disgaea 3 and Disgaea 4. …
Reviews
- High-quality production with beautiful artwork and a durable hardcover design, making it a great addition to any Disgaea collection.
- Thorough and well-organized content that covers gameplay mechanics, post-game strategies, and character details, making it useful for both new and veteran players.
- Includes helpful tools like charts and item lists, along with a fun and engaging tone that enhances the reading experience.
- The guide's layout can be confusing, with poorly organized sections that make it difficult to find specific information quickly.
- Some important details, such as character coefficients and the stealing formula, are missing or inadequately covered, which can frustrate players seeking comprehensive guidance.
- The DLC code provided is not exclusive and requires additional registration, which feels like a marketing ploy rather than a genuine bonus for buyers.
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story in the game is praised for its humor, depth, and engaging characters, making it a highlight for players. However, some reviews note that the main storyline is relatively short compared to the extensive post-game content, which includes detailed guides on character development and gameplay mechanics. Overall, while the narrative may become complex, it remains a significant aspect that enhances the overall experience.
“Many improvements to the system, great story, new characters, and an amazing combat system.”
“The best game in the series, Disgaea D2 has humor, depth, and a story that will keep players entertained for weeks on end.”
“A good guide to the classes, stats, and items in the game as well as how to progress through the various chapters of the story.”
“She doesn't make an appearance ever again in the story after she's recruited in the main storyline.”
“[A storyline that begins to lose itself within its own complexity and no visual breakthrough in the slightest, even when compared to its predecessors.]”
“The items and charts are useful for quick reference; however, the math is a great way to start looking into ways to maximize development of your team well after the storyline finishes.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised for their beautiful artwork and thoughtful layout, enhancing the overall experience. Users appreciate the quality of the printed materials and the inclusion of hidden elements, which add depth to the visual presentation. However, some mention that the overlapping of monster charts could be improved for better clarity.
“Beautiful artworks and well laid out.”
“Like the artwork, the extra things that I didn't know about, like the hidden stuff.”
“320 pages of content that can help you discover all the secrets of the title, along with really beautiful artworks.”
“Monster charts are piled on top of each other (kind of like the actual game, but I don't think that was intended) with their artwork overlapping unused table space and text.”
“Quality paper and artwork line a significant amount of data.”
“320 pages of content that can help to know all the secrets of the title, as well as some really beautiful artworks.”
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Disgaea d2 has undergone significant changes, with a comprehensive overhaul of its mechanics that is well-documented in guides featuring detailed charts and explanations. The item world mechanics have also been updated, but the guides effectively cover all aspects, ensuring players have a thorough understanding of the new systems and their intricacies.
“This guide does a great job as a reference for gameplay mechanics and informative charts.”
“Disgaea D2 has undergone an intense overhaul of the game mechanics.”
“The item world has changed somewhat in how the mechanics work, but thankfully all bases are covered. The section goes into detail explaining the mechanics as well as providing tables for innocents, pirates/pirate ships, and item prizes.”
“Disgaea D2 has gone through an intense overhaul of the game mechanics.”
“The item world has changed somewhat in how the mechanics work, but thankfully all bases are covered and the section goes into detail explaining the mechanics as well as providing tables for innocents, pirates/pirateships, and item prizes.”
“The item world has changed somewhat in how the mechanics work, but thankfully all bases are covered and the section goes into detail explaining the mechanics as well as providing tables for innocents, pirates/pirateships, and item prizes.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that the game offers effective power grinding strategies, particularly in the post-game phase, with useful maps for early grinding and a checklist to maximize progress. Players appreciate the guidance on navigating the mechanics, especially for those familiar with Disgaea-style gameplay.
“It walks you through the basics of how to run a Disgaea-style post-game and provides a handful of maps worth returning to for early grinding, as well as a basic checklist of what to accomplish to get the most out of post-game, assuming we're not already thrashing everything in the item world with statisticians for early level gain.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users praising it as a valuable addition while others criticize it for excessive advertising. This has resulted in an average rating of 3 stars, reflecting a divide in player sentiment.
“5-star game, but the monetization feels like a shameless advertising plug.”
“The monetization system is overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
“It's frustrating to see a great game marred by constant prompts to spend more money.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Disgaea D2 is praised for its humor, which, along with its depth and engaging story, provides players with long-lasting entertainment.
“The best game in the series, Disgaea D2 has humor, depth, and a story that will keep players entertained for weeks on end.”
Critic Reviews
busy work
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is too more of the same
65%Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness Review
With a colorful cast, tight battle system and wide customization options, Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness is one of the most surprising games of 2013.
80%What a JRPG should be
NIS shows us tradition can easily hang with the Hollywood blockbusters of the video game world. The best game in the series, Disgaea D2 has humor, depth and story that will keep players entertained for weeks on end.
90%