Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless Review for PlayStation 5

My experience with the Disgaea franchise is fairly limited, my first experience with it was when I reviewed “Disgaea 6: Complete” last year (check it out HERE). With the release of “Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless” I decided to give it another go to see if it will click with me more, this tactical roleplaying game from Nippon Ichi Software and NIS America. Released in Japan this last January. I imagine like all the previous titles; the game beckons to gamers who revel in the intricacies of character progression. Its defining feature lies in breaking the mold of level caps, allowing characters to transcend the conventional boundaries and ascend beyond level 9999 through a unique and engaging reincarnation system. Which is a pretty clever concept if you’re the type of gamer that appreciates the constant leveling and getting stronger style of mechanic in their games, for me though, it can tend to feel more like grinding for the sake of grinding.

Stepping into the fantastical world of Hinomoto, a futile Japan-inspired realm populated with alluring demons, you play as the lead character of Fuji—a demon mercenary with a distinctive aversion to kindness. The narrative unfolds as a whimsical journey, peppered with absurdity and laced with humor. Memorable encounters include Fuji’s interactions with Prilika, a wealthy demon enamored with Hinomoto culture, injecting a delightful comedic touch into the otherwise light plot. A notable departure from its predecessors, “Disgaea 7” marks the series’ foray into 3D character models while retaining the signature art style. The successful transition to this new visual medium breathes fresh vitality into the established aesthetic, creating an immersive experience that captivates the senses. It’s not always easy to make the switch to 2D character models to 3D, but this one felt very natural and seemless.

The game seemed to learn a lesson with what I somewhat took issue of in the previous title, which was their auto-battle system, where you can have the game essentially play for you all on its own for the most part, which is fairly odd, but I imagine it exists for the grinding player to not get over exhausted with its tedium This time around, while the auto-battle system still exists, it won’t work on story missions you haven’t played yet, so you cannot fast forward through the story super quickly this time. Adding a layer of tactical depth is the introduction of the jumbo combat, which has the characters grow exceptionally kaiju-size to dominate the battlefield with an expanded attack range—a feature that enhances the overall strategic gameplay.

The hallmark consistency of the franchise is evident in “Disgaea 7,” where a comical demon-centric narrative converges seamlessly with a gratifying progression system. While the game introduces numerous quality-of-life improvements, positioning it as the most accessible and polished entry in the series, personal taste becomes a significant factor. For me, “Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless” is undeniably a good game, showcasing charm and refined gameplay. However, it doesn’t quite align with my personal preferences. Despite its merits, it falls just short of becoming a staple in my gaming repertoire. The blend of humor, strategic depth, and visual appeal may resonate more profoundly with others, but, in my gaming journey, it stands as a commendable experience that didn’t quite hit the mark.

7.5/10

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Nick Navarro

Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87