Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories (First Impression)

So I just bought Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories for the PS2 and all I can say is WOW (that's MOM upside down... by the way) this is one of the best strategy RPGs available!

Let me tell you about some of my favorite features:

1. Battle System. Disgaea 2 uses a pretty basic SRPG formula but spices it up a bit. The game uses the typical grid battle system where the battlefield is composed of a bunch of squares. However, instead of having each unit act independently Disgaea 2 lets you move your units into position, issue them commands and have them all act at the same time. After moving into position and giving all your units something to do you hit the "Execute" button in the menu to perform all of your actions in tandem. This creates some pretty wild combos. Also, there's a chance you can perform team-up attacks with other allies around you. Sweet!

2. The Dark Assembly. The dark assembly is a demonic version of Congress where all of the Senators are monsters (is this some strange critique of most governing bodies? maybe...). In the Assembly you select a character to address the monstrous "senators" and get them to pass various bills. Bills could be anything from having more items in the weapon store to creating new characters to use in battle. And, just like in the real Senate, some senators may be asleep and others could be drunk! In order to pass bills you sometimes have to "bribe" members of the assembly with items and if you really want to get the message across you can actually engage them in battle and beat the support out of them. Talk about a filibuster. (sorry for all the cheesy humor...)

3. Level 9,999. Remember how in Final Fantasy VII the highest possible level you could get your characters too was 99? Well in Disgaea you can get them to level 9,999. Yes. I'm not kidding. That's the highest level possible.

4. Style and humor. When asked to make a yes or no decision in most games you're presented with a menu that says "Yes or No". In Disgaea I had a slightly different decision: "Yes or Hell No". It has a fun, playful, and funny style with awesome anime characters. What's not to love?

I've only played this game for about 2 hours now (hence the First Impression in the title) but it's incredibly awesome and I'll probably be playing it for a looooooooong time.