Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten (2011)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten is the fourth installment in Nippon Ichi Software’s beloved Disgaea series of tactical role-playing games. Released in 2011 for the PlayStation 3, the game tells the story of Valvatorez, a former tyrant who leads a rebellion against the tyrannical rule of the Netherworld’s president. With its signature blend of over-the-top humor, deep strategic gameplay, and endless customization options, Disgaea 4 has captivated strategy RPG fans worldwide.

Story

The game’s narrative unfolds in the Netherworld, a realm inhabited by demons, monsters, and otherworldly beings. Valvatorez, once a feared tyrant, has grown disillusioned with his past actions and seeks redemption. When the Netherworld’s President, a despotic penguin named Vulcanus, imposes a new law that oppresses the masses, Valvatorez forms a rebellion with a group of unlikely allies, including a sardonic mage named Fenrich and a busty succubus named Fuka.

Together, they embark on a perilous quest to overthrow Vulcanus and restore justice to the Netherworld. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations and backstories. The story is filled with humorous dialogue, witty banter, and unexpected twists that keep players engaged from beginning to end.

Gameplay

At its core, Disgaea 4 is a turn-based tactical RPG. Players control a party of up to 10 characters on a grid-based map, engaging in strategic battles against enemy units. The game’s combat system is incredibly deep and rewarding, offering a wide range of tactical options and character customization possibilities.

Each character has a unique set of abilities and skills, which can be further enhanced through a robust itemization system. Players can also recruit new characters from a vast pool of allies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The game’s signature feature is its “Geo Panel” system, which allows players to manipulate the battlefield by creating and destroying panels that can affect unit movement, attack power, and other combat factors.

Customization and Progression

Disgaea 4 offers an unparalleled level of character customization and progression. Players can spend countless hours tweaking their characters’ stats, abilities, and equipment to create the perfect party for their playstyle. The game’s “Item World” allows players to delve into procedurally generated dungeons within items to enhance their power even further.

With its deep character development system and endless replayability, Disgaea 4 encourages players to experiment with different strategies and team compositions. The game’s post-game content is particularly challenging, offering hundreds of hours of additional gameplay for those who seek the ultimate challenge.

Visuals and Presentation

Disgaea 4 features a vibrant and colorful 2D art style that brings the Netherworld to life. The character designs are exaggerated and expressive, adding to the game’s humorous tone. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of catchy tunes and epic orchestral pieces that perfectly complement the gameplay.

Legacy and Impact

Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten has been critically acclaimed for its innovative gameplay, charming story, and endless replay value. It has sold over a million copies worldwide and has become one of the most beloved strategy RPGs of all time. The game’s success has led to numerous ports and remakes, including a PlayStation Vita version titled Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited.

The Disgaea series continues to thrive today, with the latest installment, Disgaea 7, released in 2023. However, Disgaea 4 remains a fan favorite, praised for its perfect blend of strategy, humor, and customization.

Conclusion

Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten is a masterpiece of the tactical RPG genre. With its deep strategic gameplay, engaging story, and endless customization options, the game offers hundreds of hours of entertainment for strategy fans of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the Disgaea series or a newcomer to the genre, Disgaea 4 is an essential experience that will provide countless hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

9.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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