Disgaea: Infinite Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Nippon Itchi Software	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: NIS	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: June 8, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The only thing that really mitigates the game’s repetitious and short elements is the fact that it is in the “budget” category. The game’s $19.99 MSRP makes it a great choice for fans of the Disgaea series, especially those who want to see returning characters in a non-serious setting. I must stress again, however, that if you are expecting an experience like other Disgaea games, you should steer clear of this one, despite the budget price.

Disgaea: Infinite screenshot

In the technical department, Disgaea: Infitine is fairly standard. The game’s visuals consist of short cel animations during dialogue, and small sprite-based animations for action sequences. Although the graphics are far removed from the best we’ve ever seen on the PSP (the lack of any CG-animated cutscenes was regrettable) they work well enough considering this title’s “visual novel” format.

The sound in this game is excellent, and the voice actors from previous Disgaea games reprise their roles without missing a beat. The voiceover is also very extensive, and you won’t have to worry about reading text in silence, as the game has been fully voiced. The music is also very good and there is considerable variation over the game’s short length.

Despite its unconventional nature, I must say that I truly enjoyed Disgaea: Infinite. It’s a great little diversion and includes quite a bit of fanservice for longtime Disgaea fans. If you have affection for the Disgaea series, this title is definitely worth your twenty bucks. And if you don’t mind repetition, you can play through the game up to thirteen times to experience all of the story elements and endings. As long as you don’t expect an epic RPG experience, and don’t mind its interactive story format you won’t be disappointed with Disgaea: Infinite and will probably get a laugh or two out of this title.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.6

Graphics
Simple, repetitive, single-character animations make up the backbone of Disgaea: Infinite’s visual style.

2.9

Control
Single button presses to advance dialogue and make decisions are simple and easy to use.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Music is enjoyable and voice over is very well done.

3.1

Play Value
Although each playthrough will only take an hour or so, if you want to experience all of the different paths as well as the game’s 13 endings, you will need a good six hours or so. Just be prepared for a lot of repetition.

3.0

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

More of a player guided mystery rather than a tactical RPG like other games in the franchise, Disgaea Infinite offers players a whole new way to experience the world of Disgaea.

An all new “visual novel” style means an increased focus on the funny characters and outlandish story that has defined the series and won gamers over around the world.

Time travel back and forth in order to collect clues about the suspect at the heart of the game’s story. Things changed in the past can alter the future outcome of the game, allowing for a number of wild possible outcomes.

Possessing and making decisions for characters means that you drive the story, choosing what they say and do, giving you more control over the story and world of Disgaea than ever before.

Game features many returning characters from the Disgaea franchise of games, including the iconic and quirky Prinnies.