Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention Review

No Degrade in Visuals and Presentation
For a game that was ported to such a small portable device, a lot of fans will assume that there will be a downgrade in presentation quality, but it’s not the case for Absence of Detention. All of the assets including the character portraits, levels, and sprites from the PS3 version remain intact. Playing it on the Vita will give you the feeling that you’re playing the PS3 version on the go. All cutscenes are also intact, which means NIS America didn’t leave out any voice-overs to fit it on a PS Vita game card. Also, the ability to change from dubbed to the original voice over is also accessible in Absence of Detention.

NOT

Dull Vita Touch-Screen Controls
In addition to the DLCs and other extras packed within Absence of Detention, touch controls are also included. Those who wish to use the touch screen controls of the Vita are welcome to do so, but you’ll get tired of using them over time and realize that D-Pad controls are better. The way it’s used is not innovative enough to make everyone adapt to its touch screen controls, especially with the back panel zooming the camera in and out.

Lots of Grinding
Disgaea titles are infamously known for their excessive level grinding regardless of platform. Since the max level is 9,999, the only way to achieve that is by doing lots of grinding and the gameplay tends to get boring after extended periods of play. Those who have little patience will most likely get tired of the game and not make it to the post-game fights. While level 9,999 may seem like a lot, you can finish the story in the 100’s, though the post game will require more leveling.

VERDICT

While it may seem like Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention is a re-release of a great game, I must say that it’s worth revisiting it all over again, especially for fans who didn’t have a chance to play the DLC. At only $39.99, you will not only get the main game, but all the DLC and various improvements that make it feel like an all-new experience. From all re-release Disgaea titles on a portable device, Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention is the grandest SRPG game you can ask for on the PlayStation Vita, which replicates the feeling of playing its console counterpart.

[Editor’s Note: Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention was reviewed on the PlayStation Vita. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]