The dungeons from the previous games are back as well, which is a nice touch. Rather than just going to previous maps to gain levels, you may go through this method as well. They are also fairly nice to go through, as they also have nice weapons for you to pick up, use, and even bring back with you. Each type of weapon has a different style of attack, which may need to be unlocked before used. This is fairly nice as since you can pick up things like plants, which also have unique attributes.

There is one main drawback of this game, and it is that you cannot pick up an enemy if either of you have a weapon equipped. Ideally if you have a weapon like a sword, you would expect a sheath to put it when not in use. Now if you put down a weapon, an enemy can pick it up, though if you throw it out of boundaries the item returns to the weapon screen, but is not be usable for the rest of the level.

The main additions over previous incarnations are the buildings and vehicles. Buildings will increase stats, increase the amount of currency, or experience points you receive. Vehicles are quite handy; they allow a weak character to become a fighting force against stronger enemies. This doesn’t improve the game-play much, but it is still a fine addition to the game.

The game is another good adaptation of their engine, and it is quite fun to play. It plays like a combination of both Phantom Brave, and Disgaea, though it does not seem to capture all of the fun of Disgaea. Being able to move freely over the environment is interesting, but it does not seem as natural as former incarnations such as La Pucelle. The combo feature returns, more simplistic than from other games. Just attacking the same enemy counts as a combo, and since most enemies die within two hits, the feature is underutilized.

The targeting system is problematic, as some attacks will allow you to move automatically to the target, while others you will need to move yourself. Sometimes targeting will take several attempts before you get the desired effect. While it is nice to have both of these functions implemented, it can be frustrating before learning the limits of your attacks. It also takes a substantial amount of time to learn a new attack, so in the meantime you will become quite familiar with each of your moves.

Graphically, it takes a cue from previous incarnations, and this game engine once more supports sprites on a 3D background. These sprites move fluently, and look as natural as most Japanese cartoon characters, keeping the look of other NIS’s games. If you enjoy playing games on your GBA, or Super NES, this will be a good game for you.

I can honestly say that it is a refreshing reminder that not every game out there needs to be in full 3D. With the very quick load times, you should never be too far away from a good battle. This is all thanks to the graphics in my belief, but even then this is not something you will be upset about. When it all comes down to it, everything about the graphics feels retro, but still nice and warm.

In regards to the controls, this game controls much like its predecessors, and it keeps most of the framework of Phantom Brave, while adding pieces of Disgaea. With similar battle styles it retains its pick up and play aspect, with the learning curve is next to none. While not much has been added from Phantom Brave, it clears up some of the issues that had plagued it.

For the unlockable content / hidden features in this game, one of the bonuses is that you get to battle a character from the next game, which is very welcomed. What other game have you heard of that will give out details of its next game during their current one? The crew from Disgaea is also back, as well as a character from Phantom Brave, which leads to amusing battles, if you search them out.

In the end, the game does end up being rather short -- toping out at around thirty hours -- but it still makes sure to satisfy. The storyline is amusing and is sure to keep one laughing at humorous antics. Most characters seem stereotypical at first, but the personality grows as the story processes. The sudden twist in the story was welcomed, and it does support a few multiple endings. It is definitely something to pick up if you have enjoyed other games from NIS.