Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness retains the deep, isometric turn-based strategy that fans of Final Fantasy Tactics know and love, but adds its own brand of over-the-top mechanics. Each battle unfolds on a grid-based map where positioning, height differences, and elemental affinities all play crucial roles. The game encourages experimentation with team compositions, as you can recruit a wide variety of demons—each with unique skills—and customize their abilities through the Item World system.

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One of the most addictive elements is the Item World, a procedurally generated dungeon contained within every piece of equipment. As you dive deeper, you gain levels and unlock new powers, making your favorite gear progressively more powerful. Optional bosses scattered throughout these worlds offer extra challenge and reward: defeating them can yield rare items or powerful character upgrades, which in turn fuel even more advanced strategies on the main campaign maps.

The enhanced PSP edition, which serves as the basis for this PC port, introduces a second playable storyline from Etna’s perspective—imagine seeing the Netherworld through the eyes of one of its most cunning residents. Multiplayer battles add yet another layer, letting you pit friends against each other in skirmishes that test your mastery of combo attacks, Geo Panel manipulation, and team synergy. The result is a gameplay loop that remains engaging well beyond the main story’s 50+ hours.

Graphics

While the character sprites remain faithful to the PSP original, the background artwork has seen a notable polish on PC. Environments appear sharper and more vibrant, with enhanced textures that make each Netherworld level—from fiery caverns to haunted mansions—pop with personality. The isometric perspective benefits from these graphical touches, as distance and elevation cues become clearer for strategic planning.

Spell effects, combo animations, and the signature “Team Attacks” still dazzle, even if the base sprite art dates back to the mid-2000s. Each demon class has its own flair: vengeful angels glow radiantly, and bulky warriors stomp with satisfying impact. The UI overlays have also been streamlined, with crisper fonts and more intuitive icons that respond smoothly to both keyboard/mouse controls and gamepad input.

Cutscenes and dialogue are presented in static artwork panels rather than full-motion animation, but these retain the sharp, anime-inspired style that Disgaea fans expect. Despite the limited frame-by-frame animation, character expressions and text-driven humor shine through. This combination of old-school charm and modern refinements gives Afternoon of Darkness a distinct visual identity.

Story

You begin as Prince Laharl, waking from a two-year slumber to find his father, King Krichevskoy, dead and his throne usurped by a scheming demon council. This darkly comedic setup unfolds with witty banter, unexpected twists, and a colorful cast of allies—most notably the mischievous vassal Etna and the angelic trainee Flonne. Their conflicting philosophies on life, loyalty, and demon politics drive much of the narrative’s humor and heart.

The storyline’s pacing balances dungeon-crawling breaks with memorable set pieces and boss battles. Key moments—such as Laharl’s first triumphant return to his castle or Etna’s alternate “what-if” campaign—are accentuated by tongue-in-cheek dialogue and meta-references. For players who love branching plots, unlocking Etna’s route offers fresh insights into her motivations and the Netherworld’s power struggles, effectively doubling the game’s narrative value.

Supporting characters range from bizarrely endearing (a pompous ghost with stage fright) to utterly terrifying (a massive dragon lord). Their interactions provide both levity and occasional emotional stakes, ensuring the story isn’t just a backdrop for tactical battles. Whether you’re forging alliances in hellish courts or confronting long-lost secrets of the Underworld, Afternoon of Darkness delivers a memorable, character-driven adventure.

Overall Experience

Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness on PC captures the full breadth of its PSP predecessor while adding quality-of-life upgrades like an updated UI, Steam achievements, and support for higher resolutions. For newcomers to strategy RPGs, the early tutorial segments ease you into complex mechanics at a comfortable pace. For series veterans, the expanded content and alternate storylines provide ample reason to dive back into the Netherworld.

Replayability is the game’s hallmark. Between the Item World grind, challenge maps that unlock after the main story, and the multiplayer arena, you’ll find yourself strategizing long after King Krichevskoy’s secrets are revealed. The game also respects your time: battle speed adjustments and auto-battle options keep your grinding sessions from becoming a chore.

Ultimately, Afternoon of Darkness delivers a blend of humor, depth, and strategic satisfaction. Its combination of over-the-top combat scenarios, quirky storytelling, and near-endless customization will appeal to fans of hardcore tactics as well as those looking for a lighthearted RPG romp. Whether you’re dethroning rival demons or perfecting your dream team in the Item World, this remake stands as a definitive way to experience Disgaea’s diabolical charm on PC.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10