User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 176 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 17 out of 176
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  1. Dec 5, 2017
    10
    This is the game I bought my Switch for. Not Zelda, not Mario - But Disgaea. Want to know something else? I already owned it and had got to end game (which is by no means the end of the game - is a bit misleading) on the PS4 version almost 18 months earlier.

    Disgaea treats you like an adult. Yes - if you play the quest lines (about 15-20 hours - and really should be considered as only
    This is the game I bought my Switch for. Not Zelda, not Mario - But Disgaea. Want to know something else? I already owned it and had got to end game (which is by no means the end of the game - is a bit misleading) on the PS4 version almost 18 months earlier.

    Disgaea treats you like an adult. Yes - if you play the quest lines (about 15-20 hours - and really should be considered as only the entrée to the game proper) and do this without grinding - then it can be a moderate and balanced challenge.

    But that's not how I play it. That's not how anyone I read about or watch on Youtube plays it. In Disgaea 5 - within a very eclectic set of possible activates - you can do pretty much whatever you want whenever you want.
    Do you want to try and win the game with one character? Fine that's possible. Using only armies of Prinnies? Yes that's also possible. Create a weapon so powerful you can spend the next 3 days cleaning half a map of enemy mobs in one shot Yes - if you spend enough time levelling that weapon in the item world - you can do that.
    But you could also level... A curry... if you wanted Why would you do that? I have no idea, but the game lets you do it if you want.
    You can play the first few quest worlds then never go back to finish the quest at all and still have 500 hours of never to repeat tactical action in this game.
    Yes it's turn based (A bit like Like Final Fantasy Tactics or "Let's Cling Together" on steroids)

    Looking back the learning curve "could" have been a monster, but it isn't. Like most JRPG tactical JRPG games, elements are spoon fed to the player so after about 4 hours play you know a lot of the mechanics without realising it.

    But don't think for one minute at that point that you know them all. Not until you've made new laws, interrogated prisoners, visited the Item worlds, sent teams on missions.
    Gone to Char world (the weirdest pseudo dice board game you'll likely ever see) morphed your classes into new classes - made a tower of all the characters you have on the map and hopped from one side to the other in a single turn. Worked out how to place the gems to turn every coloured square on a map to every variation of colour - damaging your foes as you do it - and of course - thrown an exploding penguin at a Netherdemon.

    You see in Disgaea you CAN do all of these things - you can do one of them forever, dip in and out of some and never touch others - it's entirely your choice - If you do balance your activities you can create some superbly powerful team mates with some ludicrously awesome skills that work through some mega tricked out weapons and armour... but that's entirely up to you.

    You can set out to do your DARNDEST to break the game - and the game will give you the tools and scope to try.
    All these systems interlock. Your characters special abilities can gell into the weapons awesome stats
    which you can improve in the item world and give yourself an advantage making new ridiculous laws to play under; Like "Give all the XP to one character for the next map" or "Create a sequence of maps full of things like fish I need to carry and milk bottles I need to smash to give me better weapon stats". or my favourite "Make the curry much more powerful"

    Really I could go on and on and on.
    The tactical main game is colourful and rewarding.
    The meta game on your craft is so varied and forgiving.
    You can't actually do anything "wrong". You can decide to not bother to learn whole aspects of the game play, because they bore you or you just prefer doing something else - and that's just fine - no problem

    Disgaea is what a grind should be. Because you the player are treated like an adult - given a play box full of interconnecting aspects you can grind or ignore at your hearts content, and told to get on with it.

    No other game anywhere - ever (and I've looked long and hard) is anything even remotely like Disgaea
    It's Disgaea - go on break it. Go on, don't be scared - try and break it... it's daring you.
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  2. Jun 7, 2017
    10
    I have played several other tactical strategy rpgs and always lost interest, but I am loving this one. I love that it doesnt take itsslf too seriously. It runs beautifully and has loads of content. Love the combo systems and wacky dialogue/story.
  3. Jun 1, 2017
    9
    One of the best strategy game, only shame is no Chinese language support like PS4. I've spent more than 60 hours on PS4 (free from PS+), and not even hesitated to spend $60 on switch. It's just built for this platform. No need to turn on TV or AV system, you can level up wherever you are.
  4. May 30, 2017
    9
    Great game for the Switch's handheld functionality. It's a lot of grinding, but there's way more reward as you go, so it doesn't feel too grueling. There's never really a set strategy for winning and there are times when you'll seemingly have to try some outlandish ideas to succeed. The characters and story are fun and full of spoofs, though not exactly the most serious.
  5. Dec 2, 2017
    9
    Disgaea 5, a great game that has been ported over to the Nintendo switch, brings plenty of enjoyment and several hours of gameplay. I often find myself playing in short bursts in handheld mode. Thus, Disgaea 5 could easily create a “pick-up and play” experience which separates the Switch version from the PS4 version. However, Disgaea offers so much more than a great “pick-up and play”Disgaea 5, a great game that has been ported over to the Nintendo switch, brings plenty of enjoyment and several hours of gameplay. I often find myself playing in short bursts in handheld mode. Thus, Disgaea 5 could easily create a “pick-up and play” experience which separates the Switch version from the PS4 version. However, Disgaea offers so much more than a great “pick-up and play” experience.

    In terms of gameplay Disgaea 5 provides sweet honey that satisfies even the hungriest of gamers. Additionally, Disgaea 5 will provide you with hours upon hours of endless gameplay. However, the fighting mechanics create an addiction that surpasses the addiction of a boy and warm delicious chocolate. Disgaea 5 has a library of different techniques you must master. Combination techniques, different special attacks, different abilities, class changes, Disgaea 5 offers several different battle mechanics and techniques one should become acquainted with. The variety of battle techniques however, creates additional enjoyment within the game and allows the player several choices on how to dispose of certain enemies. Want to watch a combination attack, with a cheesy cutscene of people jumping into space to bone-rush the crap out of an enemy? You can do that. Wanna beat the sh*t out of someone with an eight-man tower? You can do that. Wanna be that guy that just uses nothing but strong broken characters? Well you can do that if you really want to…
    The ability to constantly rotate and try out different characters allow the player to try different flavors and discover how to create the perfect recipe for success. The constant mix and matching in combat sequences never bores the player and creates a fresh and unique experience for each battle. Thus, in terms of combat Disgaea 5 offers a great experience.

    Disgaea 5 offers several great gameplay experiences outside of combat. Leveling up your class, upgrading weapons to crush withering opponents, buying and purchasing items to create advantages before combat sequences, Disgaea 5 allows the player to customize characters with ease. However, the council meetings offer interesting gameplay experiences. Council meetings help the player pass bills that normally benefit the player. You can bribe members of the council to sway a few votes in your favor. However, you also have the option to duke it out with council members if everything fails (would not recommend doing). You can also recruit characters that you can customize and take along with your main party. Additionally, the switch version includes all the DLC thus, you have access to all the side quests and additional characters. With the variety of customizations, the player forms a special connection with the playable characters. The multiple customization options make the characters feel unique and makes the customized character feel like special in their own aspects.

    The characters provide a unique experience that provide simple yet comical humor that makes each character likeable. Watching the characters interact with each other allows the player to feel a connection with each character. Additionally, while each character may have different reasons, each character pursues the same objective. Having the same objective allows each character to form relationships with each other and makes the player have a stronger understanding of the plot. Disgaea 5 revolves around Killia and the rebel army that want to defeat Lord Void Dark, an overlord who currently has captured several Netherworlds. Each character within the rebel army has different motives like being driven by revenge, driven by wanting to become the strongest overlord, and simply not wanting to follow through with a marriage. However, each character has the same end goal, to defeat Lord Void Dark. Thus, the different motives allow each character to stand out and, help the player grow attached to the different characters within Disgaea 5. Do you enjoy watching soap operas? Do you like cheesy skits? Yes??? Then you probably will enjoy the dialogue in Disgaea 5. Watching the dialogue and interactions of different characters provide laughter and enjoyment. Overall, in terms of story Disgaea 5 has a solid story that makes the player want to progress through the game.

    Graphically Disgaea 5 does its job and not much else. The colors however, have a cute little charm and the characters have great detail. Some stages however, look very similar. These similarities unfortunately, make a few stages lack in special value.

    Overall, Disgaea 5 provides several hours of entertainment which provides a great on the go experience. If you like JRPG’s and want a game that will last a while, I would recommend Disgaea 5. The great gameplay, plot, and character development creates an enjoyment within Disgaea 5.
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  6. Jan 13, 2020
    10
    Disgaea is the series that keeps on giving!

    Giving hours over the top grid based tactics RPG! Great Story! In Depth Character Creation & Customization. Switch Version worth it for Portability and DLC Alone. Its one of those games you can pick up and play for 15 minutes on a lunch break or binge a whole rainy day on. That set Aside. Being a long time fan of the series. Disgaea 5
    Disgaea is the series that keeps on giving!

    Giving hours over the top grid based tactics RPG!
    Great Story! In Depth Character Creation & Customization.

    Switch Version worth it for Portability and DLC Alone. Its one of those games you can pick up and play for 15 minutes on a lunch break or binge a whole rainy day on.

    That set Aside. Being a long time fan of the series. Disgaea 5 really improved on the classic formula to deliver a fresh story with a new spicy flavor "pun intended". The Character Class system and rewards you for having spare characters. The Music still top notch with its quirky diversity. Animation is as always overtop well directed. Voice Actors I have to say are the best yet.

    Only game I would really compare it too as a contender on the switch console would be fire emblem 3 houses. And both are not competing against each other. if you like one you will like the other and just be a swap of play based on your mood for the day. Of course there is Disgaea 1 on switch now too which would be a simpler less feature based still epic story and combat system.

    And Prinny's DOOOOOD!
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  7. May 23, 2017
    9
    Having played this game for a few hours i can say it is simply one of the best srpgs I have ever played, a fun story (so far) fun, interesting gameplay, cool character designs, and appealing visuals make this a must have for any rpg fan with a Switch
  8. May 28, 2017
    9
    if you liked previous disgaea or you love tactical rpg then this can be easy purchase for you since this is best disgaea til date and its pretty decent tactical rpg.
    but if youre not in these 2 catagorie here is some pros and cons
    pro:very lenghy this can be both pros and cons, even with out doing any grinds.. you rush straight to story. it can easily hit that 100hours mark and if you
    if you liked previous disgaea or you love tactical rpg then this can be easy purchase for you since this is best disgaea til date and its pretty decent tactical rpg.
    but if youre not in these 2 catagorie here is some pros and cons

    pro:very lenghy this can be both pros and cons, even with out doing any grinds.. you rush straight to story. it can easily hit that 100hours mark and if you play to develop your favorite characters and want to strong elite team.. it can mark 500hours...

    pro: disgaea 5 is very funny. I often see my self smiling and sometimes I actually laugh out loud.
    but sometimes it gets little silly since the dialog trys to be funny almost all the time haha

    pro: comes with disgaea 5 season pass. season pass include about 20to 50hours lengh gameplay scenarios (depends how grindy you wanna play) and entire main protagonists from previous disgaea series (disgaea 1,2,3,4) i love how i can play as valvator (disgaea4 vampire) plus some other main protagonist from other NIS games such as 100 white witch and more. hero character is overflawing with this complete version and you will never have to raise regular units.

    pro: graphic and sound quality is amazing. this game is originally build for ps4 and the quality is there. all scenes are fully voice acted not the mention the graphic detail is best in trpg till date on your handheld

    pro:straight up 60fps never drops like ever for you entire gamplay.

    pro:probly most indept trpg til date.

    now for Cons

    cons:again it can be pros and cons its super omg lenghy. if your student that doesn't have alots of money to spend on video games or only have switch console and there no other games to play until
    next triple A title to come out, this game will take you there. this game will consume your next few months of video gaming. but if you have large backlog of video gaming or you just don't have time because of work.. skip this.. you will never able to finish the game.

    cons: story sucks. ok to be more accurate, the big story is there and its quiet good (main protagonists past, revenge, motivation,etc) but the small storys or happening on the way is dam silly... like fighting over curry, and chase the curry thief to other nether world etc.. story is enough to get you frustrated sometimes.. at least its funny so its not boring..

    cons:game balance is not so perfect as all disgaea in my opinion. good balance is like fire emblems. this game is quiet balanced but sometimes it gets out of hands, sometimes youre too strong compare to enemy, sometimes enemy is way too stronger than you.

    overall I give 9 out of 10. its great srpg and crazy time consuming game. if you love srpg you will love this couple of hundred hours journey and it have potential to be your favorite game of all time. but iff you don't like srpg... or just this game.. you wont be able to even finish the game and you will not like it.
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  9. May 28, 2017
    9
    do you like throwing penguins? do you like it when said penguin explodes when it's thrown?
    than 10/10 get this game right now!
    But in all seriousness, this is a really elaborate tactical RPG with systems within systems for you to figure out and get to grips with. the characters are colorful, the story (for as far as i've played it) is good old silly JRPG fun and the systems for this
    do you like throwing penguins? do you like it when said penguin explodes when it's thrown?
    than 10/10 get this game right now!

    But in all seriousness, this is a really elaborate tactical RPG with systems within systems for you to figure out and get to grips with.
    the characters are colorful, the story (for as far as i've played it) is good old silly JRPG fun and the systems for this game, while overwhelming at first, become second nature pretty fast.
    this game also allows you to play however you want.
    want a team of main characters? no problem.
    want to battle a dragon with a penguin? sure go ahead.
    want to make a human tower out of your teammates and slam an enemy across the face with it? yes, that's an option.
    explore this game's options, discover countless ways to play and just enjoy the silly ride you've begun
    9.2 from me
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  10. May 23, 2017
    10
    disgaea num portatil nintendo é a melhor combinação.Jogo excelente com personagens carismaticos e um gameplay complexo e rico.Espero que a nis traga seus titulos anteriores numa coletania pra que a biblioteca do switch fique completa.
  11. Oct 1, 2017
    9
    A damn near perfect port of a PS4 game onto a portable device in the Switch, this is an even better task than getting to play the original PS2 game on the PSP years ago as this is coming from the beast console PS4 into the tiny Switch form factor.

    Absolutely great from NIS and hoping to see more love like this on Switch, perhaps we could get to see some of the older Disgaea titles
    A damn near perfect port of a PS4 game onto a portable device in the Switch, this is an even better task than getting to play the original PS2 game on the PSP years ago as this is coming from the beast console PS4 into the tiny Switch form factor.

    Absolutely great from NIS and hoping to see more love like this on Switch, perhaps we could get to see some of the older Disgaea titles making their way onto the lil Nintendo machine.
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  12. May 30, 2017
    8
    No hace falta llevar décadas jugando videojuegos para saber que los Tactics no son el género favorito de los usuarios. Sin embargo, Disgaea llega con un tono descomplicado en el que a veces sientes que no hay límite para las horas de juego que le puedes invertir. Con una historia y personajes divertidos, así como mecánicas que parecen nuevas y clásicas a las vez, creo que es un juego alNo hace falta llevar décadas jugando videojuegos para saber que los Tactics no son el género favorito de los usuarios. Sin embargo, Disgaea llega con un tono descomplicado en el que a veces sientes que no hay límite para las horas de juego que le puedes invertir. Con una historia y personajes divertidos, así como mecánicas que parecen nuevas y clásicas a las vez, creo que es un juego al que hay que darle la oportunidad. (Si igual tienes dudas, dale una oportunidad a la demo) Expand
  13. Jun 14, 2018
    9
    This game is amazing for the sheer amount of content, customization and strategy involved. If you like Quirky and colorful anime characters, Level up, grinding, strategy RPGs (Like FF Tactics or Fire Emblem) then this game is a must have! That being said the game is not for everyone, the story is very anime / tongue in cheek, don't expect to take it seriously but it's still entertaining.This game is amazing for the sheer amount of content, customization and strategy involved. If you like Quirky and colorful anime characters, Level up, grinding, strategy RPGs (Like FF Tactics or Fire Emblem) then this game is a must have! That being said the game is not for everyone, the story is very anime / tongue in cheek, don't expect to take it seriously but it's still entertaining. There's TONS of old school grind you can literally level up to 9999, level up your gear and literally play for 1000 hours and still not run out of stuff to do.

    Switch Performance, the game looks amazing, don't listen to people saying it looks bad. With full RGB on my 4K TV it looks so colorful that you'll need sunglasses. Still it's a bit crisper on PS4 but it's not noticeable unless they're side by side. It also loads faster on Switch, has all the DLC and it's PORTABLE. This game was MEANT for portability. This is the best version of the game hands down!
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  14. Jun 19, 2017
    9
    The humour is a bit dry and the controls could have probably be a tin better, but overall it's a really great strategy game. The amount of actions you can take, classes you can choose and fun you have is really nice. It also lasts for long.
  15. Sep 11, 2017
    10
    One of the most in depth turn based game I have ever played. This game is excellent is almost every way. The story, at least for me, was interested and exciting to play through. There are plenty of characters to pick form. There are tons and tons of stages. The art style is beautiful. There are countless amounts of items, and the characters level cap is so high, I have no problem worryingOne of the most in depth turn based game I have ever played. This game is excellent is almost every way. The story, at least for me, was interested and exciting to play through. There are plenty of characters to pick form. There are tons and tons of stages. The art style is beautiful. There are countless amounts of items, and the characters level cap is so high, I have no problem worrying about maxing out. The game requires lots of time, so this is really a game that you can play in pieces, especially if you go to the item world. At first the game can be intimidating, but if you give it a chance and slowly learn what all the features do, you end up having tons of fun, but there is a large learning curve, so I imagine that may scare people off. Expand
  16. Feb 6, 2021
    10
    One of the two best games of its kind really ever made. It's kind of the perfect answer to the simplicity of Disgaea 1.
  17. Apr 24, 2018
    9
    Amazing game, completely takes the Disgaea experience and upscale it once again, after 3 the series seems in a bit of a down curve with 5 the series is back strong again! love the characters and all the systems in place, also very glad i got it for switch to play on the go.
  18. Apr 4, 2021
    9
    It was my fist game for Switch. And i'm still playing, because this game is huge. So much content to enjoy. The campaign has sooo many missions, and there is a lot more to do, thanks to optional missions, Item world, all the Netherworld stuff and Research. It's a classic Disgaea game, with all the cool tactical stuff, towering, overpowerness and garbage dialogues.
    But honestly, the Cast
    It was my fist game for Switch. And i'm still playing, because this game is huge. So much content to enjoy. The campaign has sooo many missions, and there is a lot more to do, thanks to optional missions, Item world, all the Netherworld stuff and Research. It's a classic Disgaea game, with all the cool tactical stuff, towering, overpowerness and garbage dialogues.
    But honestly, the Cast is far more lovely than in most serious RPGs.

    They're Demons and you will love them, Ohohohoho.

    You won't regret buying this game. It's just on of the best sRPG Games for your Switch. No performance issues, no Frame drops. Just a lot of fun, plip.
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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 33
  2. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. CD-Action
    Jul 20, 2017
    80
    The story could’ve been more engaging but I intend to come back to D5 regularly for months. [08/2017, p.65]
  2. Jun 26, 2017
    82
    Disgaea 5: Complete was like finding a hidden gem for me personally and even if you’re not normally a fan of tactical RPG’s, I highly recommend that you give it a try. Beautifully simple yet complex over time, Complete is a game worth owning.
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Jun 23, 2017
    80
    That's not something to double-dip for if you already own Disgaea 5 on PS4, but if you don't, get the entire base game on the go here! [Issue #28 – July/August 2017, p. 76]