One of the most unexpected titles coming to Nintendo Switch is Disgaea 5 Complete, a tactical RPG in the vein of genre classics like Final Fantasy Tactics. We spent quite a bit of time with the game at Nintendo's New York Switch event, and came away quite impressed with the port.
If you haven't heard of the Disgaea series, that's okay; after all, it's pretty niche and hasn't featured much on Nintendo systems recently, notably popping up with Disgaea DS back in 2008/2009. Disgaea has a bit of a cult following in the Western world; it's all about demons and angels and their attempts to change the underworld. Often in these games a demon will embark on a journey that ends with them saving the world, despite their intentions to do the opposite. At the start of each battle you can withdraw up to 10 characters from your base and move them around the map. Each turn consists of three phases - movement, action and execution. You can execute as many times as you want per turn, but it behooves you to think ahead a few steps, as many characters have combo techniques they can use with their allies, and that goes for you as well as your enemies.
Some of us here at Nintendo Life have played the PS4 version of Disgaea 5, and we were unable to discern a difference between the original and the Switch version. Fortunately, the demo on hand at the event loaded up with characters already fully leveled up with their flashiest techniques available. Disgaea is known for having over-the-top attacks that result in large explosions and screen-filling effects; even when launching the largest of attacks we observed nary a hiccup or stutter when docked or in portable mode.
We were able to play in all three gameplay modes the Switch supports, and with three different controller configurations; we used Joy-Cons in and out of their grip and also tried the Pro Controller, all of which worked exactly as one would expect. Disgaea 5 seems as though it would be an excellent candidate for touch control on the Switch, but unfortunately it does not support the touch display.
The reason we're most excited for Disgaea 5 on Switch is due to the incredibly large amount of content the game offers. Disgaea games are known for having one of the longest endgames of all, usually clocking in at the thousands of hours; they offer myriad subsystems and games to get into, a level cap of 9,999 and countless dungeons and worlds to explore, and that's not counting the DLC add-ons that come bundled with the Switch version by default.
It's great to see a game with as much depth and content as Disgaea 5 on the way to the Switch. We imagine fans of the genre will spend hundreds of hours with Killia and friends, from the comfort of their couch or on the go.
Comments 73
I haven't played Disgaea in some time but I am looking forward to this. I am VERY happy that NS is already looking to be a RPG haven.
I played the spinoff on the Wii called Phantom...
I like the totem pole strategy.
I know next to nothing about this series, but my interest is definitely piqued.
Must buy for me. Might 100% it in the year 2025. By then we will be playing on the Nintendo Go....
@Dakt No better for big screen imo
@lilredkoopa if you like RPG tactics game you will love it. A good game where you can level up to lv9999. Amazing!
Another insta purchase for the Switch.
@Alucard83 Is it comparable to Fire Emblem at all?
I hanestly considered getting a PS4 for this game. I'm happy it'5coming to Switch!
I've not heard of Disgaea before, but it looks like something I'd really like.
Always loved the Disgaea series. I grabbed Disgaea 5 on PS4 and just started it - but got stuck early on and never went back. I'm not sure if I can justify a Switch purchase since I already have the game. I would have definately bought into it if I didn't have the PS4 version. But it's definately worth the purchase for anyone considering it. Heck - I'd 100% buy the first Disgaea on Switch just because I still feel like it's the best in the series. But there's SO much content in any Disgaea game that this will be a welcome addition to the roster of Switch games for sure.
... Actually, I might just buy it after-all. Screw it.
Played 1-4 on the Vita ...Haven't checked this one out yet. Never got it on PS4 as I prefer the series on the go, so now that it's on the Switch ...Sure. It's portable. I just hope it comes out sooner rather than later.
@ThatNyteDaez
LOL I like how you talked yourself into buying it with a single comment
A series I've always wanted to try and I plan to dive in head first with this entry on the switch 😀
If you like Fire Emblem, I don't recommend playing this, as it will make it very hard to go back to playing Fire Emblem. The strategic possibilities are virtually endless, and character progression can go in any direction you want.
I'm excited for this. The last Disgaea game I played was the first one on the DS and I liked it a whole lot. This one looks fantastic.
@Great_Gonzalez You won't be disappointed I'm sure. If you like SRPG's, even just a tiny bit, this series is glorious.
@JaxonH I am my own worst enemy.
This is one of those games I've constantly seen on my scrolls through PS4/Vita games on Amazon but never got around to buying it despite my piqued interest. Now that it's coming to the Switch, you can bet your candy @$% I'm buying it. 😎
@ThatNyteDaez Don't you hate it when you set out not to buy something and then you accidentally talk yourself into it?
The only reason why I'm hesitant about purchasing this once released is I'd like to start the series from the beginning. If everyone says this is the best one and I beat it, how would I play earlier installments without being critical?
@Turbo857
My answer would be to just play this one and skip the rest. So many other great games to give your attention to afterward. Unless you end up falling head over heels for it or something and want to play the others above all else.
DOOD! I cannot wait dood!
Is it like the previous one?
The only remotely thing to Disgaea I have played is La Pucelle Tactics for the PS2.
But still, looks interesting.
I want a Disgaea/Fire Emblem crossover, just so I could pick up super serious Fire Emblem characters like Xander and Lon'qu and throw them at enemies
Disgaea 5 was a fantastic game, I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't played it on the PS4 and is looking for a fun, zany SRPG.
Glad to see the switch getting Disgaea 5 after having a lot of fun with the Disgaea on the DS back in 2009.
So any date yet or season for when we can exect the game?
@crimsontadpoles Do you like super-duper complete and yet fun TRPGs with whacky humor and good music? If yes, you've found a pearl.
One of the first games I plan on getting for switch!
Easily one of my top 5 favorite games on the PS4!
Switch players are in for a treat if they haven't played it before.
@Steve_Bowling best subheading I've seen in a long time.
Haven't played any of the Disgaea games.
Will get this day one.
It's all about the Overlords.
I will have the best prinnies.
@JaxonH
Thanks. I might just have to take the plunge on this one then.
I have not played Disgaea games before, but I'm willing to try this one on Swich, whenever it launches. Looks like I'll be playing a lot of RPG's, which is nice, as I love them.
I am ecstatic that this game is coming to Switch!
I've always thought "Man, if only the 3DS had Disgaea 5 and YuGiOh: Duel Legacy, I wouldn't need anything else..."
If this game has some magical way to play 3DS games, this would make my year - nay, my life!
They are good. I have them 1-3 on my Vita for PSP. I will check it out if I'm in a drought.
@Alucard83
Honestly, Fire Emblem can seem pretty barebones in comparison to Disgaea.
Fire Emblem, you can choose some classes, upgrade them, get some children...I understate all you can do, HOWEVER...
In Disgaea, you can level up to LVL 9,999, reincarnate your character with better stats, change their class, teach them skills, permanently increase their stats OUTSIDE of what they get in levels, fuse monsters in battle or make a monster a weapon....there's tons to do. That doesn't even touch what you can do to level up your weapons/armor/accessories/items.
If I had to compare the strategy tactics, though, I'd say the RPG aspect plays a much bigger role in Disgaea than it does for Fire Emblem. You can level a whole field in a couple of turns with the skills and magics you learn in Disgaea. They're both checkerboard with height included, and a lot of passive skills playing a big role if that's what you're asking.
I love the series but don't think I can justify a double dip. I say that but I have Disgaea 3 & 4 on PS3 and Vita sooooo we'll see.
@DiscoGentleman You? I will have to go to Japan and pay my respect at Iwata-denka's grave. The thought of having the quality of RPGs that the 3ds got ON THE TV?!?!?!? Yeah, I am getting tingles just thinking about it. Also, the size of the Switch screen means I will be less annoyed with the portable mode as well. Knowing we are getting DQ XI and Nobunaga's Ambition (which I am playing heavily right now)... let the good times roll.
Loved playing these on the Vita, looking forward to playing this one on the Switch. Such a great series.
@Elithal
Wow... that sounds really, really involved! I'm sold!
@Spoony_Tech Nintendo Go? That wristwatch device projecting a 4k holographic sphere that has ephemeral but precise touch and motion controls? The console that made the internet explode even more after it got Half Life 3 as its exclusive?
I recall you can teleport inside any items you find and fight through a 100-floor dungeon to power them up. This is not an easy task but there are hundreds of items in the game.
@PleaseUnderstan Phantom Brave is love.
Personally, it's always first in my heart of the NIS games, but the Disgaea games definitely come in at a close second.
I just wish they'd finally port Soul Nomad in the World Eaters. It's amazing how almost every other Strategy title they've done has been ported at least once but this one only ever gets to shine in the way of cameos <.<
@nhSnork I honestly couldn't think of anything better lol. Forgot about that think Tbh.
Another prospective must buy for me even though I have yet to catch up (and I'd probably need to begin every subsequent game after the predecessor's story finale - 100% completion of them all sounds like enough legacy to pass on to grandchildren XD). Thankfully, the entire flagship lineup is accessible on the go nowadays - two games on PSP (one doubling on DS with even more features, so that's a dilemma), two on Vita and now the fifth one on Switch!!! I have enough advance admiration for this series that I watched the anime tie-in (likely spoilery to an extent but reportedly altering a bunch of things anyway). And there are other tie-ins like those Prinny games on PSP - stuff as good and memorable as it is Ghosts'n'Goblins-tier hard. Overall, I've come in touch with enough of the setting, characters and trademark humour of the series to know I WILL play them all sooner or later. There's "when", but there's no "if" - and even hardware is not an obstacle.
Knowing Japan's knack for playing on the go, Switch promises to be a treasure trove for a JRPG fan like me, and besides new projects like Octopath Traveler, I wonder what other ports/remasters we might score here. :3
(Btw, isn't Japan getting this and I Am Setsuna right at launch?)
@NImH I'm glad at least one person smells what I'm cookin'!
I'm already over budget for Switch games for the entire year. Who said it was looking like a dry lineup? lol
@BinaryFragger as Push Square reported, NIS boss is very enthusiastic about Switch, hoping for it to share and balance the market with PS4. So the odds for more NIS titles look good.
@TeslaChippie some folks said that... a week ago. A mere week ago. Quick judgement? What quick judgement? X^)
Disgaea games are amazing, fantastic characters, great TRPG battle system, but they are also the only games I ever met that made me think that there is a thing as too much contenent XD
I'll probably skip this one, I have enough hard time finishing much shorter TRPGs like FE, this is way out of my schedule >.>;;;
I own this on PS4, but will probably get this on the switch day 1, Dood!
Question is whether to go standard or special edition...
@flummerfelt Dood that is the dilemma I'm in right now dood. I think I will preorder the special and pay for the consequences later.
I just about fell out of my chair after I spotted Killia during the Switch presentation. I am so hyped for this.
This series is the sole reason I bought a PS2, was my biggest reason for getting a PS3, and currently is my only reason for wanting a PS4. Now I can skip on the PS4 (for now?) and get it on the Switch!
Also for any doods or nondoods wanting to try out previous games in the series, the first Disgaea is on Steam and the second one is coming at the end of January. They may feel a bit antiquated after playing a newer entry like D5, though. I love Disgaea 2 so much.
@Wexter sounds like a plan, Dood! I think it honestly has some value.
Is there a release date for this yet? I can't find one
@Gridatttack The gameplay and especially the geo panel effects are quite similiar to La Pucelle. There is a lot more humor, and of course more of a focus on demons.
@TossedLlama
Each Disgaea game has a unique cast and story, so you can play any of them fine. (The only exception to this is Disgaea: D2, which is a sequel to the first game.) Now characters from older games do show up in the post game, but these scenes are merely humorous and don't really add story, so the most you would miss are a few joke references.
Thousands of hours? Count me in then.
You can't just level up to 9999. You can reset and level up another 9999 as many times as you like, but the stats keep going up.
You can also level up items by going inside them and winning battles and recruiting monsters. Not just special items. ALL ITEMS.
The problem I've found with Disgea (I have 1 for PSP and DS and 4 for PS3) is that i play the main story. Get stuck and decide to grind in the item world, but forget to stop grinding. It's perfect for portable. An iPad or 3DS version would be great as the DS one is a bit rusty and doesn't let you switch to other apps or homescreen.
This looks like my type of game. I've always wanted to get into Disgaea, but I never really bothered despite being able to find the first game used for dirt cheap.
My question is, is it recommended I play the other games before this one? Will I have trouble understanding any story the game has?
Must have!!!
is it up for preorder yet.
I love RPGs will get this for sure!
@Turbo857 Play part 1 first. Its a digital release on ps3 if you still have yours hooked up. The game is hilarious, and out of all the disgaea's released after, part 1 is still my favorite. I haven't gotten to part 5 yet, but I have it for ps4, just lack a ps4. Plus, in part one, you get horse wiener....... and yeah, I mean that.
I've never really played any games in the series. Perhaps this would be the title to wet my beak a little with.
@Spagem
Disgaea games are always littered with easter eggs and references to old games but the actual story of each game is stand-alone so you can easily jump in at any point (Only the original Disgaea and Disgaea D2 actually continue with the same characters/story).
I still prefer Fire Emblem to Disgaea due to the latter relying more on grinding than strategy, but both are great SRPG series.
I already have Disgaea 5 but haven't put much time into it. If I could get a decent amount back for a trade-in, I could consider picking it up. Switch's first year will be a little lacking so having an extra game would be helpful.
The last Disgaea I played was on DS and I really loved it. Had hours of fun in the game. I think it was mainly because the story was a lot like in the anime which I saw first. Disgaea 5 looks rather nice, but I don't think I would enjoy it without Laharl, Etna and Flonne (they are available only through DLC). I think II'll pick up the PC version instead.
@Tiredman
Lol, sounds good. Yeah, few articles I read mentioned the quality of the games gets better with each new installment but the script writing suffered. In RPGs especially, I love a good script (Kid Icarus Uprising's was hilarious) so starting from the beginning sounds like a good idea.
"One sardine for 20 hours of labor."
Wow, the chick pays worse than Scrooge.
@Turbo857 It isn't necessarily the quality got better as the series went on, they just kept adding and adding things to do with each game. In the first one, you had the item world, and a bunch of post game bosses, then they added item world pirates and a reverse carnage world that is the main game hard mode, minus the story. Then they added ways to power up your characters move with character worlds that were like 10 floor versions of the item worlds. Part 1 is the simplest, and honestly, had the best characters. The future Disgaea's had an occasional awesome character, like one of my favorites, DESCO, from part 4, but pretty much the entire cast of part 1 is awesome.
Tap here to load 73 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...