Once you're up to speed on the basics, the game introduces its innovations: GeoBlocks, Magichange, a massive level cap increase, and the promise of downloadable content. An evolution of the GeoPanels seen in the first two games, GeoBlocks act as elemental cubes that can be triggered for cascading effects during battles. As three-dimensional objects, GeoBlocks enable you to reshape a battlefield on multiple levels. Whereas GeoPanels affected a singular plane, GeoPanels can be destroyed to affect height as well. It's a remarkably innovative mechanic that gives the game a fresh, yet familiar feel.

Of lesser significance is Magichange, which translates to a character's ability to transform into a weapon for massive attack power. While the feature is definitely useful, it doesn't fundamentally change how you play the game. It's more of a complementary element than a radical innovation. The same can be said of the new level cap, which maxes out at a whopping 9999. It may not influence gameplay, yet it causes Disgaea 3 to stand out as an enormous value. Throw in the promise of added chapters, characters, and other content via PlayStation Network and the game emerges as the best value of any game on PlayStation 3.

For all that the game does right, it isn't without shortcomings. Visually, it sits at the bottom of the PlayStation 3 library with pixelated sprites that appear to have been upscaled instead of rendered in high definition. The battlefields look nice, but it's hard to escape the sense that more could have been done graphically. Future support for downloadable content means the game is primed for connection to PlayStation Network, which begs the question as to why multiplayer was omitted. Some form of competitive play should have been included at the very least.

Despite that, it's an incredibly enjoyable game. Cute, almost overwhelming in its depth, and bursting at the seams with value, Disgaea 3 once again demonstrates the care NIS America takes in catering to its gamers. We'd be lying if we said we didn't want to see shiny graphics, but sometimes you have to appreciate the diamonds in the rough.

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