CaplaysX

When I found out the original Disgaea was coming out on Nintendo Switch I was overjoyed, after playing through Disgaea 5 complete I knew that I was in for another game packed with chaos and fun. Since I had never played the original this game was completely new to me (I will review this game accordingly), if you don't count listening to the OST and seeing footage online. The game instantly grabbed me with it's aesthetic (something that wasn't as prominent in D5) and threw me into the story. Disgaea 1's story isn't the best there is, but I don't mind, it doesn't take away the fun. As for gameplay the game was limited compared to D5 and I would have liked it modernised, though I can also understand that Nippon Ichi went for the original battle system to keep it more akin to the original game. The OST is absolutely awesome, it does what it needs to do and more. It pumps you up in a battle, sets the mood when it needs to and is enjoyable to listen to even outside the game. The characters work very well with the story, their personalities are clear and expressive, that makes sure that you actually care about the characters or take them lightly (comic relief). Simple as these may be, I think that's not hindering. The story is more than decent, I won't spoil anything but just know that this is much much much better than D5's story. I find it interesting that the original is one of the first to really shake up the strategy RPG / JRPG genre with its setting and characters, so if you're interested in things like that or are interested in how they implemented this diversion in the game you should really get it. The artstyle is great, I think the original designs of the characters are better than the modern designs, a little more dark, for some reason that resonates with me more in this instance. I have to say that some sprites aren't modernised like the rest, I think that's a weird choice to make, keeping some as they are and updating others. There is one major disappointment though, this is not really a remake. This game is a reskin with improvements in the sprites and OST. This does not make it not worth playing, especially on Nintendo Switch (though I think the pricetag could've been more friendly to our wallets). Disgaea is an amazing series to play on the go, therefore I think it is worth buying, maybe even if you do have the original on PS2. Overall I think this is a great game, especially for people who have not played the original yet, and the Nintendo Switch is truly the best console to play this game on in my opinion. The Disgaea series has quickly become my favourite franchise through Disgaea 5, and with Disgaea 1 complete I can keep on enjoying this series all the more. Don't miss out if you haven't played Disgaea 1!!! (Art)style: 10 (original) 9 (modern) OST: 10 Gameplay: 6.5 Characters: 9 Remake quality: 3 Story: 8 Pricetag: 5.5