Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice
Encyclopedia
is the third video game in the Disgaea
series by Nippon Ichi
. It was released on January 31, 2008 in Japan for the PlayStation 3
video game console
. The North American version was released by NIS America on August 26, 2008. Jack Niida, Localization Director for NIS America, has stated that "Disgaea 3 will have a downloadable content feature through the PlayStation Network to download new and old returning characters.".
maps upon which the player controls a group of characters. Maps often feature "geo blocks" with statistical effects on the battlefield, that, unlike in previous games, can be stacked or stood upon. Many objects in the environment, including these blocks, and characters themselves, can be lifted, thrown, or destroyed. Certain classes can create boxes or barrels to create stepping stones. Characters can form stacks, allowing them to reach higher areas or perform "tower attacks". When throwing a character to a monster-type ally, they will bounce an extra distance based on the second thrower's direction.
With the newly introduced "magichange" feature, monsters are able to transform into specific weapons in which a partner can use to execute a strong technical attack. To do this they must be assigned to the same club
as the ally, and the change is temporary. After two turns the monster disappears from battle.
Characters now have certain weapons that they are proficient with, much like Makai Kingdom's battle system. While characters can use other weapons, they won't be able to use the weapon's skills. Weapon skills are now unlocked by purchasing them with mana collected from defeating enemies. Many of the skills' effective areas have been rearranged, and each weapon now has two hidden skills.
One can incorporate a maximum of two special augmentation abilities, known as "evilities", to improve a character's performance in battle, or allow magichange with a partner. One skill is standard for each class, the second skill can be customized. When a monster executes the Magic Change skill, their evility skills are also transferred to their partner.
Bonus maps and characters can be accessed after the final boss is defeated, at which point an epilogue chapter opens. The player may choose to continue to the extra maps, or to replay the entire game with stronger characters as in previous titles. From within the epilogue, many extreme challenges await hardcore players under various circumstances, from maxing out characters to the millions, to defeating the final secret boss.
, never showing up to class, or not doing homework. The student who participates the most in these kind of activities is known as the Honor Student, while demons who are admirable by human standards are known as delinquents.
, convinced that it is the only way to gain enough power.
Eventually, Raspberyl, Mao's childhood rival, learns about his goal, and realizes that if Mao became a Hero, it would endanger her position as the Academy's top delinquent. She makes up her mind to follow Mao, stop his plan, and once again secure her title. However, since Raspberyl is a demon delinquent, she tries to solve the problem without violence and talk him out of it instead. Almaz, a meek hero from Earth on a mission to protect princess Sapphire by defeating the overlord who he believes is targeting her, misunderstands the situation and tries to save the day. Mao accepts the challenge and defeats him, stealing Almaz's title and giving him the title of "Demon". Almaz slowly starts becoming a demon, but he sticks with Mao in hopes that Mao will tire of the hero title and give it back.
Visiting the "Heart Bank", in which demons store unnecessary memories, they make several attempts to open up Mao's heart, where the title is buried, but are unsuccessful. Geoffrey, Mao's butler
, is unhappy with Almaz's meddling. Finally, Mao realizes that he had sealed away his own memory that he had, in fact, contributed to his father's demise by telling the Super Hero his weak spot. The Super Hero later clarifies this by revealing that the Overlord intentionally lost in order to protect Mao from his ultimate attack.
Eventually, all the freshmen become delinquents, being brainwashed by the Senior class. While fighting them, Mao learns that Geoffrey orchestrated the plan. Actually the Super Hero in disguise, Geoffrey attempted to raise Mao to be the ultimate overlord so he could eventually destroy him. Mao tries to get revenge by destroying the human world, but the words of his friends convince him not to release the evil in his heart, and he instead goes after the Super Hero, who is surprised to see Mao has not succumbed to evil. The hero initially dismisses Mao as weak, but, ironically, Mao uses the true power of a hero to defeat the Super Hero. The ghost of his father gives Mao the Overlord title and he runs the Evil Academy henceforth.
. The first space is called "The Nether Institute, Evil Academy" and features six Prinnies. The users can purchase a displayable Prinny, answer a questionnaire, purchase Disgaea 3 content, and take "Disgaea tests." The second space is called "Mao's Room" and features the "Netherworld Millionaire" card game and an "Arcade Game". They were released on April 23, 2009 in the Japanese version of Home and on July 2, 2009 in the Asian version of Home. The game supports Home rewards currently for the Japanese version of the game where users are able to win decorative ornaments for their personal spaces in Home by earning trophies in the game. It has been confirmed that there is an unlockable ornament in the North American version of the game as well. The two game spaces were released to the North American version on June 10, 2010.
Available characters include Captain Gordon, Jennifer, Thursday, Kurtis in his human and prinny forms, and Mid-Boss from Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
, Adell, Rozalin, Taro, Hanako, Yukimaru, and Tink from Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories
, Zetta and Pram from Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome
, Gig and Revya from Soul Nomad & the World Eaters, Priere from La Pucelle: Tactics
, Marjoly from Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
, Hero Prinny from Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?
, and Kogure Souichirou from Hayarigami. Aramis from Disgaea and Pleinair, Takehito Harada
's mascot character, can be unlocked by completing certain requirements within the additional modes.
gave Disgaea 3 a score of 8/10, noting the difficult learning curve for new players but commending the game for its overall depth.
IGN
reviewer, Ryan Clements criticized the game's dated graphics and camera control but praised the music quality and length summing up his review with "Ultimately, I think Absence of Justice is just the repackaging of a formula that's passed its prime", giving it 6.7 out of 10.
has confirmed a Disgaea 3 remake will launch on the PlayStation Vita. Improvements over the PlayStation 3 original are planned, including the use of close-up character pictures, four new scenarios and two new characters. All the downloadable content from the PS3 version will also be included. The English remake, titled Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention, is also planned for release by NIS America in North America and Europe during spring 2012.
Disgaea
is a video game series of tactical role-playing games created and developed by Nippon Ichi. The series debuted in Japan on January 30, , with Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, later re-released as Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness and Disgaea DS. One of Nippon Ichi's most popular franchises, it has branched...
series by Nippon Ichi
Nippon Ichi
is a Japanese video game developer and publisher. They are responsible for such titles as Disgaea: Hour of Darkness, Phantom Brave, La Pucelle: Tactics and Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure.-History:Nippon Ichi Software was founded in September 1991 in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, as an entertainment...
. It was released on January 31, 2008 in Japan for the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
video game console
Video game console
A video game console is an interactive entertainment computer or customized computer system that produces a video display signal which can be used with a display device to display a video game...
. The North American version was released by NIS America on August 26, 2008. Jack Niida, Localization Director for NIS America, has stated that "Disgaea 3 will have a downloadable content feature through the PlayStation Network to download new and old returning characters.".
Gameplay
Disgaea 3 is a tactical RPG; most of the game involves battles on isometricIsometric projection
Isometric projection is a method for visually representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions in technical and engineering drawings...
maps upon which the player controls a group of characters. Maps often feature "geo blocks" with statistical effects on the battlefield, that, unlike in previous games, can be stacked or stood upon. Many objects in the environment, including these blocks, and characters themselves, can be lifted, thrown, or destroyed. Certain classes can create boxes or barrels to create stepping stones. Characters can form stacks, allowing them to reach higher areas or perform "tower attacks". When throwing a character to a monster-type ally, they will bounce an extra distance based on the second thrower's direction.
With the newly introduced "magichange" feature, monsters are able to transform into specific weapons in which a partner can use to execute a strong technical attack. To do this they must be assigned to the same club
Club
A club is an association of two or more people united by a common interest or goal. A service club, for example, exists for voluntary or charitable activities; there are clubs devoted to hobbies and sports, social activities clubs, political and religious clubs, and so forth.- History...
as the ally, and the change is temporary. After two turns the monster disappears from battle.
Characters now have certain weapons that they are proficient with, much like Makai Kingdom's battle system. While characters can use other weapons, they won't be able to use the weapon's skills. Weapon skills are now unlocked by purchasing them with mana collected from defeating enemies. Many of the skills' effective areas have been rearranged, and each weapon now has two hidden skills.
One can incorporate a maximum of two special augmentation abilities, known as "evilities", to improve a character's performance in battle, or allow magichange with a partner. One skill is standard for each class, the second skill can be customized. When a monster executes the Magic Change skill, their evility skills are also transferred to their partner.
Bonus maps and characters can be accessed after the final boss is defeated, at which point an epilogue chapter opens. The player may choose to continue to the extra maps, or to replay the entire game with stronger characters as in previous titles. From within the epilogue, many extreme challenges await hardcore players under various circumstances, from maxing out characters to the millions, to defeating the final secret boss.
Setting
The game takes place in a Netherworld school called the Evil Academy. In this demon school, a good student is one who engages in delinquent activities such as truancyTruancy
Truancy is any intentional unauthorized absence from compulsory schooling. The term typically describes absences caused by students of their own free will, and usually does not refer to legitimate "excused" absences, such as ones related to medical conditions...
, never showing up to class, or not doing homework. The student who participates the most in these kind of activities is known as the Honor Student, while demons who are admirable by human standards are known as delinquents.
Story
, son of the Overlord, has not once attended class since the beginning of school. His ambition is to overthrow his father and claim his title (along with claiming revenge for having his gaming systems destroyed). After reading a few volumes in his manga about the Super Hero, Mao resolves to become a heroHero
A hero , in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion...
, convinced that it is the only way to gain enough power.
Eventually, Raspberyl, Mao's childhood rival, learns about his goal, and realizes that if Mao became a Hero, it would endanger her position as the Academy's top delinquent. She makes up her mind to follow Mao, stop his plan, and once again secure her title. However, since Raspberyl is a demon delinquent, she tries to solve the problem without violence and talk him out of it instead. Almaz, a meek hero from Earth on a mission to protect princess Sapphire by defeating the overlord who he believes is targeting her, misunderstands the situation and tries to save the day. Mao accepts the challenge and defeats him, stealing Almaz's title and giving him the title of "Demon". Almaz slowly starts becoming a demon, but he sticks with Mao in hopes that Mao will tire of the hero title and give it back.
Visiting the "Heart Bank", in which demons store unnecessary memories, they make several attempts to open up Mao's heart, where the title is buried, but are unsuccessful. Geoffrey, Mao's butler
Butler
A butler is a domestic worker in a large household. In great houses, the household is sometimes divided into departments with the butler in charge of the dining room, wine cellar, and pantry. Some also have charge of the entire parlour floor, and housekeepers caring for the entire house and its...
, is unhappy with Almaz's meddling. Finally, Mao realizes that he had sealed away his own memory that he had, in fact, contributed to his father's demise by telling the Super Hero his weak spot. The Super Hero later clarifies this by revealing that the Overlord intentionally lost in order to protect Mao from his ultimate attack.
Eventually, all the freshmen become delinquents, being brainwashed by the Senior class. While fighting them, Mao learns that Geoffrey orchestrated the plan. Actually the Super Hero in disguise, Geoffrey attempted to raise Mao to be the ultimate overlord so he could eventually destroy him. Mao tries to get revenge by destroying the human world, but the words of his friends convince him not to release the evil in his heart, and he instead goes after the Super Hero, who is surprised to see Mao has not succumbed to evil. The hero initially dismisses Mao as weak, but, ironically, Mao uses the true power of a hero to defeat the Super Hero. The ghost of his father gives Mao the Overlord title and he runs the Evil Academy henceforth.
PlayStation Home
Nippon Ichi Software has released two Game Spaces for the game in the Asian and Japanese versions of the PlayStation 3's online community-based service, PlayStation HomePlayStation Home
PlayStation Home is a virtual 3D social gaming network developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's London Studio for the PlayStation 3 on the PlayStation Network . It is available directly from the PlayStation 3 XrossMediaBar under PlayStation Network. Membership is free, and only requires a PSN...
. The first space is called "The Nether Institute, Evil Academy" and features six Prinnies. The users can purchase a displayable Prinny, answer a questionnaire, purchase Disgaea 3 content, and take "Disgaea tests." The second space is called "Mao's Room" and features the "Netherworld Millionaire" card game and an "Arcade Game". They were released on April 23, 2009 in the Japanese version of Home and on July 2, 2009 in the Asian version of Home. The game supports Home rewards currently for the Japanese version of the game where users are able to win decorative ornaments for their personal spaces in Home by earning trophies in the game. It has been confirmed that there is an unlockable ornament in the North American version of the game as well. The two game spaces were released to the North American version on June 10, 2010.
Additional content
Additional unlockable content became available in Japan once the game was released and on December 22, 2008 in North America, and was released monthly in Japan until January 2009 and once or twice a month in North America until August 2009. The content includes new characters able to be accessed once the main story is complete, character and monster classes, the modes "Item World Command Attack" and "Class World Command Attack", and a side story following Raspberyl after the end of the game. The high additional price of this content has caused controversy amongst fans due to its presence on the game disc itself.Available characters include Captain Gordon, Jennifer, Thursday, Kurtis in his human and prinny forms, and Mid-Boss from Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness
is a tactical role-playing video game developed by Nippon Ichi Software and published by Nippon Ichi Software in Japan, Atlus USA, Inc. in North America, and Koei in Europe for the Sony PlayStation 2 video game console...
, Adell, Rozalin, Taro, Hanako, Yukimaru, and Tink from Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories
Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories
is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Nippon Ichi Software for the PlayStation 2 video game console. Disgaea 2 is the sequel to 2003's Disgaea: Hour of Darkness for the PlayStation 2 and was released in Japan on February 23, 2006 and North America on August 29, 2006...
, Zetta and Pram from Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome
Makai Kingdom: Chronicles Of The Sacred Tome
Makai Kingdom: Chronicles of the Sacred Tome, released in Japan as , is a tactical role-playing game developed and published by Nippon Ichi Software for the PlayStation 2 video game console. It was released in 2005...
, Gig and Revya from Soul Nomad & the World Eaters, Priere from La Pucelle: Tactics
La Pucelle: Tactics
La Pucelle: Tactics, released in Japan as , is a tactical role-playing game for the PlayStation 2, developed by Nippon Ichi Software. It was released in Japan in January 2002, and in North America by Mastiff in May 2004...
, Marjoly from Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure, released in Japan as is a console role-playing game for the PlayStation from Atlus USA and Nippon Ichi Software, the creators of Disgaea, and is part of the Marl Kingdom series....
, Hero Prinny from Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?
Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero?
, is a 2D side-scrolling adventure video game for the PlayStation Portable, developed by Nippon Ichi Software. It is a spin-off title in the Disgaea series.-Gameplay:...
, and Kogure Souichirou from Hayarigami. Aramis from Disgaea and Pleinair, Takehito Harada
Takehito Harada
is a chief executive officer of Studio ToOefuf and video game artist employed by Nippon Ichi whose art has been featured in video games such as Disgaea, Phantom Brave, and Makai Kingdom. His art style has been described as "crazy and bizarre" and features everything from cute pre-teen demons, to...
's mascot character, can be unlocked by completing certain requirements within the additional modes.
Reception
Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice has been met with fairly positive reviews. Andrew Fitch of 1up.com noted "This is possibly the most accessible incarnation to date, and if you've overlooked Disgaea until now, give this one a shot." EurogamerEurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
gave Disgaea 3 a score of 8/10, noting the difficult learning curve for new players but commending the game for its overall depth.
IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
reviewer, Ryan Clements criticized the game's dated graphics and camera control but praised the music quality and length summing up his review with "Ultimately, I think Absence of Justice is just the repackaging of a formula that's passed its prime", giving it 6.7 out of 10.
Re-releases
In August 2011, the Japanese magazine Dengeki PlayStationDengeki PlayStation
is a Japanese gaming magazine published by ASCII Media Works . The magazine originally featured information pertaining to PlayStation video games, but since then has also incorporated information from PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Portable games...
has confirmed a Disgaea 3 remake will launch on the PlayStation Vita. Improvements over the PlayStation 3 original are planned, including the use of close-up character pictures, four new scenarios and two new characters. All the downloadable content from the PS3 version will also be included. The English remake, titled Disgaea 3: Absence of Detention, is also planned for release by NIS America in North America and Europe during spring 2012.