Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention

Really, it's your enthusiasm for the game and some repeated battling that makes Disgaea's system actually sink in. [July 2012, p.111]

All in all, Disgaea 3: AOD is a wholehearted recommendation; a fun, challenging time that will last as long as a player wants it to.

Given the state the Vita is in the moment, there's no denying that Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention is one of the best games to have on the system. It's got bucket loads of content that will give months of gameplay. The game is also charming, pumped with personality, has a likeable cast of characters and a quirkiness that only the Japanese can bring

Do your homework and Absence of Detention rewards with unrivalled depth. Skive off, and you'll flunk the class. [July 2012, p.111]

The only fault of the game is that if you've played it on PS3, there isn't much reason to come back. Otherwise this is one of the deepest tactical RPGs available and the Vita version is the definitive release.

Despite the bad graphics Disgaea 3 scores with the huge amount of game content.

Disgaea's people know who they are, and they can rest assured that Absence of Detention is what they want. [June 2012, p.76]

Even though it only looks slightly better than its PSP counterparts, the game is still fun, and the core game will keep strategy RPG fans busy for a long, long time. For those who've already gone through the PS3 incarnation, there isn't enough of a reason to get this one unless you never invested in the DLC. For everyone else who are fans of the genre, this is a worthy enough purchase.

Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention takes a while to learn, but once you've passed the entrance exam there's enough content to hold your attention far beyond the school holidays.

Funny, charming and challenging, the Vita version of this quirky SRPG series is totally compelling. Vita needs more games like this.

Despite not being the best game in the series, this is a complete adaptation of the title, kind of a "Game of the year" edition of the original. Its new features hardly justify an acquisition if you already have the original version, but if you don't this is a great RPG for the PSVITA.

If you aren't scared off by the incredible depth, there is a lot of fun to be had in Disgaea 3. The game makes a smooth transition to the handheld arena, and it is a solid choice for killing either 10 minutes or an hour.

This version of Disgaea 3 is a direct port from the classic PS3 appeared in 2008. This Tactical RPG retains the trademark sense of humor, "siliness" and fresh ideas of the NIS franchise, including some new (minor) features and whistles.

If you want more content than this game offers, you're probably insane.

Yes, the visuals are dated and the story isn't the best of the franchise, but the gameplay still sparkles and is perfectly suited to the Vita.

The old fashioned visuals collide with the humongous amount of content and the immense tactical depth.

Disgaea 3 is a game that will last you a while, whether you just want to casually focus on the main story or go all out with post-game content. The fact that it's portable makes it well-suited to quickly pick up and play a level or two or spend a few minutes grinding away.

The nature of the system makes for more forgiving ventures into the depths of the game's item worlds and the pixel art may be easier to forgive on the smaller screen. Platform aside, this was already an excellent turn-based strategy game that, although too heavy on frivolous exposition, can be explored and enjoyed from here to eternity.

While certainly not terribly friendly to newcomers, seasoned fans will find a heaping helping of engaging strategy gameplay to sink their teeth into and an adventure that offers up countless hours of play to those willing to explore all it has to offer.