A traditional grid-based tactical RPG, the player is able to deploy up to 10 characters, humanoid and monster. The player executes all actions in one go and is then proceeded by the enemy's phase.
Unlike other tactical JRPGs, Disgaea sets its level cap at 9999 and allows the player to reach it multiple times. In addition, the player is able to level up items to further improve stat bonuses.
The game is divided into 14 main chapters, each with a number of maps. Other locations are unlockable by passing bills in the Dark Assembly.
Controls
| PS2/PSP | DS | Action |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad / L Analog | - | Character movementCursor movement |
| Triangle | X | Open Menu |
| X | A | Confirm |
| O | B | Cancel |
| Square | Y | Change page in Status Screen |
| D-Pad + Square | D-Pad + Y | Change character direction in Area Map |
| R1 | R | Rotate area map clockwise |
| L1 | L | Rotate area map counter-clockwise |
| Select | - | Toggle display of Geo Panels |
