Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless cover image

Links

Steam

Playstation

Twitch

MONSTER

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless
Item: Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Top-Down Perspective, Anime and JRPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableOct 3, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperNippon Ichi Software

Overview

The next chapter in the Disgaea saga. In Disgaea 7, the story is set in a world called "Hinomoto Netherworld Cluster," which is inspired by Japanese culture.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Disgaea 7 thrives on its zany humor, beloved characters, and faithful absurdity, delivering a charm-filled ride despite formulaic storytelling. While critics praise its playful script and dynamic duo, others call out clichés and shallow depth—yet the game’s irreverent energy and strategic fun cement it as a standout, if not groundbreaking, entry in the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praise Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless for its humorous tone, engaging characters, and faithful adherence to the series’ eccentric style. CGMagazine highlights the blend of antiheroes, parody, and heartfelt moments, while Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport emphasize its lighthearted, goofy narrative set in an Edo-period-inspired Netherworld. God is a Geek and Starbit commend the zany antics and dynamic between protagonists Fuji and Pirilika, noting the game’s “pure Disgaea” energy. The story’s focus on restoring Bushido code and collecting legendary weapons is seen as a charming framework for absurd humor, with critics like BaziCenter and Meristation appreciating its charismatic cast and playful script. Even when the plot lacks originality, reviewers like Everyeye.it and Noisy Pixel acknowledge its consistent use of absurd jokes and pop-culture references, which keep the experience entertaining. However, several critics point to the story’s lack of depth and repetitive structure. PLAY! Zine notes that the narrative feels less engaging than previous entries, while COGconnected and Hardcore Gamer criticize clichéd moments, forgettable characters, and middling dialogue. TheGamer mentions gross and immature humor, and GameSpew finds some elements overly ridiculous. PC Invasion suggests the story may feel “rote” for long-time fans, despite its fresh twists. While the game’s comedic tone is widely praised, some reviewers argue that its reliance on parody and slapstick undermines emotional resonance, with Nintendo Life and Siliconera acknowledging the balance between zany and dark elements but noting that the plot occasionally falters under its own antics. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with critics agreeing that Disgaea 7 succeeds as a humorous, character-driven experience rooted in the series’ signature absurdity. While some find the story formulaic or lacking in depth—particularly when compared to earlier entries—the game’s charm lies in its irreverent humor, engaging protagonists, and commitment to the Disgaea brand. Reviewers like Nintenderos and Pure Nintendo highlight its emotional engagement and unexpected twists, while others, such as Tech-Gaming and Push Square, appreciate the playful script and interdimensional antics. Despite mixed opinions on originality, the game’s ability to balance comedy with strategic gameplay and character dynamics ensures it remains a standout entry in the franchise, even if it doesn’t break new narrative ground.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Disgaea 7 is a chaotic, deep SRPG with wild mechanics like Jumbification and Hell Mode, offering endless customization and tactical depth—though its steep learning curve and overcomplicated systems may alienate newcomers, yet critics praise its rewarding complexity and long-term replayability, balancing nostalgia with innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

96%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is widely praised for its innovative mechanics and faithful adherence to the series’ roots. Critics highlight the introduction of Jumbification, a mechanic that allows characters to grow massive and wreak havoc, as a standout feature that adds chaos and strategic depth (God is a Geek, Nintendo Life). The game retains classic turn-based SRPG elements like grid-based movement, unit customization, and the iconic "grab and throw" mechanics, while expanding on them with features such as Geo Panels, Hell Mode, and Poltergas for faster leveling (CGMagazine, Nintenderos). Nintendo Life and Siliconera commend the game’s emphasis on tactical planning, noting that over 40 classes and varied abilities encourage experimentation. The inclusion of item reincarnation and customizable headquarters further enriches the meta-gaming experience, offering players tools to optimize their progress (Tech-Gaming, PC Invasion). Many reviewers, including Nintendo Life and TheGamer, emphasize that the game’s complexity is balanced by its rewarding systems, making it a satisfying challenge for veterans and newcomers alike. However, some critics point to the game’s steep learning curve and overwhelming complexity as potential drawbacks. Multiplayer.it and BaziCenter note that the sheer volume of statistics, percentages, and mechanics—such as manual healing after battles—can be daunting for new players, creating a barrier to entry (Multiplayer.it). While God is a Geek praises the variety of characters and abilities, they also acknowledge that some mechanics, like Jumbification, might feel underdeveloped or inconsistent. Similarly, COGconnected criticizes the endgame as becoming a "quickdraw competition" focused on positioning and damage output, which could alienate players seeking more narrative-driven challenges. Additionally, Tech-Gaming mentions that while the game’s systems are flexible, some features like "cheating the system" might feel exploitative to purists. These critiques suggest that while the gameplay is richly layered, it requires significant time and patience to fully appreciate. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing Disgaea 7 as a strong entry in the series. The majority of reviews, including those from Nintendo Life, CGMagazine, and TheGamer, emphasize that the game’s blend of traditional SRPG mechanics and fresh innovations like Jumbification and Hell Mode creates a deeply engaging experience. While some mechanics may feel overwhelming or underpolished, the depth of customization, strategic options, and post-game content (noted by COGconnected and PC Invasion) ensure long-term replayability. Critics like Starbit and SpazioGames highlight that the game’s quirks and complexity are part of its charm, reinforcing its appeal to fans of tactical RPGs. Ultimately, the gameplay is seen as a triumph for the series, balancing nostalgia with evolution in a way that satisfies both longtime players and newcomers.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Disgaea 7’s 3D visuals are a vibrant, ambitious leap forward, hailed as the series’ best yet for its sleek character models, lively world-building, and anime-inspired flair—though Switch performance stumbles with texture pop-in, frame-rate hiccups, and blurry details, sparking mixed reactions over technical flaws vs. stylistic boldness.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless received largely positive reception, particularly for its evolution from 2D sprites to 3D models and its vibrant aesthetic. Critics like Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Life praised the improved 3D character models, smoother animations, and the game’s colorful, lively depiction of the fictional world of Hinomoto. GameGrin highlighted the “quirky character and enemy designs” and noted that the shift to 3D was well-executed, calling it the series’ best-looking entry yet. God is a Geek and Starbit appreciated the new 3D art style, with the latter commending its aesthetic consistency and modern integration of feudal themes. Additionally, Nintendo World Report and Siliconera emphasized that the visuals perform well on the Switch, even if some technical limitations exist. The game’s commitment to an anime-inspired look resonated strongly with fans, as noted by CGMagazine, which acknowledged its appeal to genre enthusiasts despite potential drawbacks for others. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws in the visual execution, particularly on the Nintendo Switch. Everyeye.it criticized the inconsistent 3D quality, noting that character models were more detailed than backgrounds, which felt repetitive and underdeveloped. Noisy Pixel and PLAY! Zine highlighted technical issues like frame-rate drops and texture pop-in during intense sequences, while SpazioGames mentioned texture pop-in and brief freezes. God is a Geek also noted that the visuals were slightly blurry on the Switch, and Hardcore Gamer criticized the initial performance on the console as “horrendous.” While some of these issues were mitigated on PC (as noted by PC Invasion and The Mako Reactor), the Switch version’s graphical limitations remained a point of contention. Additionally, BaziCenter and GameSpew acknowledged the 3D transition but suggested that not all fans would embrace the new style, indicating a mixed reception for the aesthetic shift. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Disgaea 7’s visual improvements, despite technical shortcomings. The game’s 3D art style and vibrant design were widely praised as a significant step forward, with Nintenderos and Nintendo World Report noting that previous flaws were largely addressed. While some reviewers, like Everyeye.it and SpazioGames, pointed out inconsistencies, the majority agreed that the visuals enhance the gameplay experience. The PC version’s performance, as highlighted by PC Invasion and The Mako Reactor, further demonstrated the game’s potential when optimized, though the Switch’s limitations remained a hurdle for some. Ultimately, Disgaea 7’s graphics and visual design were seen as a strong evolution for the series, balancing stylistic ambition with technical challenges that varied across platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Disgaea 7’s sound design and music are hailed for their immersive, varied compositions blending traditional Japanese elements with modern beats, creating a cohesive, thematically fitting auditory experience. Critics praise the blend but note predictability and repetition, lacking standout tracks or significant innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless receive largely positive reception across multiple reviews, with several critics highlighting its strengths. Everyeye.it praises the soundtrack composed by Takeshi Matsumoto and Tomohiro Horihata as "excellent," noting its varied and situation-appropriate compositions that enhance gameplay immersion. NintendoWorldReport acknowledges the music’s fitting nature to the game’s theme, while COGconnected describes it as "catchy" and RPG Site appreciates the blend of traditional Japanese and modern instruments, calling it "quite nice to listen to." Meristation and The Mako Reactor also commend the integration of traditional Japanese style with the series’ established musical identity, emphasizing how it contributes to a cohesive experience. Additionally, Hey Poor Player highlights strong sound design that complements the game’s mechanics, suggesting a thoughtful approach to auditory elements. These reviews collectively underscore the soundtrack’s ability to align with the game’s tone and provide an engaging auditory backdrop. While the majority of critiques are favorable, some reviewers note minor shortcomings. NintendoWorldReport observes that the music "lacks standout tracks," implying a degree of predictability or conservatism in its composition. GameSpew points out that the music feels repetitive, as it is "the same as in previous entries," which could disappoint fans seeking innovation. This sentiment suggests that while the soundtrack remains consistent with the series’ identity, it may not offer significant evolution in terms of originality. Additionally, COGconnected’s omission of specific sound design comments and Meristation’s focus on voice options rather than auditory mechanics indicate that some aspects of the audio experience were less emphasized or overlooked by critics. These critiques highlight a tension between familiarity and novelty in the game’s musical direction. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Disgaea 7’s sound design and music, with only minor reservations about originality or standout moments. The majority of reviews emphasize its ability to blend traditional Japanese elements with modern instrumentation, creating a cohesive and immersive auditory experience that aligns with the game’s themes. While some critics like NintendoWorldReport and GameSpew note the lack of groundbreaking innovation, the general sentiment remains positive, reflecting the soundtrack’s effectiveness in supporting gameplay and reinforcing the series’ established identity. The balance between familiarity and quality ensures that the music and sound design remain a strong, if not revolutionary, component of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Disgaea 7 delivers polished, improved technical performance across platforms, with smoother gameplay, stable frame rates, and optimized visuals—especially on Switch and PS5. While minor hiccups like texture pop-in, frame drops, and interface quirks exist, they’re overshadowed by its overall stability and polish, marking a strong leap from Disgaea 6.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless receives generally positive feedback across its platforms, with notable improvements over previous entries like Disgaea 6. On the Nintendo Switch, critics like Everyeye.it and Multiplayer.it highlight significant strides in stability, noting two graphical modes (performance and graphics) that cater to different preferences, with smooth 60fps in performance mode. Nintendo Life and Starbit emphasize the game’s improved consistency compared to its predecessor, while Nintenderos praises its "technical performance and stability" without issues. On PS5, GameGrin and TheSixthAxis commend the near-flawless experience, with only minor frame drops in graphics mode, and Hardcore Gamer notes that technical issues on Switch were largely resolved on PS5. For PC, The Mako Reactor praises the game’s optimization, especially on the Steam Deck, with 60fps and crisp visuals, though PC Invasion mentions a lack of true full-screen support. Despite these positives, some platform-specific drawbacks emerge. On the Switch, Noisy Pixel and PLAY! Zine report frame rate issues and texture pop-in, while NintendoWorldReport acknowledges that graphics mode may cause drops. The game’s hybrid nature seems to exacerbate these problems, as noted by SpazioGames, which mentions "texture pop-in and brief image freezes." On PS5, RPG Site points out hitching and FPS drops during combat, though most reviewers like TheSixthAxis found the performance flawless. For PC, while The Mako Reactor lauds optimization, the text size on Steam Deck is criticized as too small, and PC Invasion notes a lack of full-screen mode—minor but notable quirks. These issues, however, are often framed as minor compared to the overall polish. Overall, critics agree that Disgaea 7 represents a technical improvement over its predecessors, particularly on Switch and PS5. While the Switch version has some inconsistencies (e.g., Noisy Pixel’s frame rate issues), it is generally seen as more stable than Disgaea 6, with options to prioritize performance or visuals. The PS5 release is praised for its smoothness, though RPG Site’s combat-specific hiccups are an exception. On PC, the game’s optimization and Steam Deck compatibility are highlights, despite minor interface quirks. Most reviewers, including Nintendo Life and Starbit, acknowledge that technical flaws exist but do not detract from the core experience, suggesting a strong consensus that Disgaea 7 delivers a polished, if imperfect, technical performance across platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Disgaea 7 delivers staggering replay value with 400+ hours of grindable content, mind-bending customization, and experimental systems like Evility and Item Reincarnation, but its repetitive endgame and steep learning curve may alienate casual players—yet fans of deep strategy RPGs will devour its endless challenges.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overwhelming consensus among critics is that Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless boasts exceptional replay value, driven by its expansive systems and depth. Multiple reviewers highlight the game’s robust character customization, with Nintendo Life noting an estimated 400 hours of endgame grind and Nintenderos citing a staggering 300–500 hour completion time. The variety of classes (over 40, per God is a Geek) and experimental mechanics, such as the Evility system (TheGamer) and Item Reincarnation (GameSpew), encourage players to revisit the game for new strategies or challenges. Features like Netherworld Sightseeing, online AI battles (Push Square), and DLC stories (The Mako Reactor) further extend engagement, while Nintendo World Report emphasizes that the game’s “abundant and challenging post-game content” ensures long-term appeal. Critics consistently praise the game’s ability to reward dedication, with CGMagazine pointing to stat grinding and PLAY! Zine calling it “addictive” due to its engaging progression systems. However, some critics note that the game’s replay value comes with caveats. SpazioGames warns that the endgame can become repetitive after around ten hours, while COGconnected mentions the grind as a potential drawback for players seeking variety. Others, like Multiplayer.it, argue that the story lacks memorability despite its mechanical depth, and Starbit acknowledges that the sheer complexity might intimidate newcomers. Additionally, GameGrin points out that managing systems like the D.I. (Dungeon Intelligence) can feel time-consuming, and PC Invasion suggests that while optional missions and new content keep things fresh, they may not fully mitigate repetition for all players. These critiques highlight that while the game’s scale is impressive, its reliance on grinding and repetitive mechanics could wear thin over time. Despite these reservations, the majority of critics agree that Disgaea 7 delivers a highly replayable experience, particularly for fans of the series or strategy RPGs. Pure Nintendo and Siliconera both emphasize the game’s “significant replay value” through its endless customization and supplemental challenges, while BaziCenter and RPG Site praise its deep systems and post-game content. Even critics who acknowledge flaws, such as TheSixthAxis (noting “plenty of replay value” despite some repetition), underscore that the game’s sheer volume of content justifies multiple playthroughs. Ultimately, while not without its drawbacks, Disgaea 7 is widely regarded as a title that rewards players with hours of engagement, making it a standout entry in the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

93%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict for Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its refined gameplay, narrative depth, and accessibility. Many reviewers highlight its evolution as a significant step forward for the series, noting its cohesive storytelling and engaging tactical mechanics. CGMagazine emphasizes that it “offers a cohesive narrative and engaging gameplay that appeals to both SRPG fans and newcomers,” while Nintendo Life calls it a “worthwhile entry” with a “refined take on gameplay systems” and a “charming story.” GameGrin lauds the game as an “excellent tactical RPG” with “deep gameplay, a gorgeous art style, and well-written characters,” and Starbit describes it as “one of the best entries in the series.” The game’s ability to balance humor, customization, and strategic depth is frequently cited as a standout feature, with critics like BaziCenter noting its successful return to the series’ roots and improved mechanics. However, several critiques point to notable drawbacks. Some reviewers express concerns about repetitive elements and gameplay limitations. Everyeye.it mentions “questionable changes to the gameplay mechanics” and the necessity of grinding, while SpazioGames criticizes the “extreme repetitiveness” and “controversial art direction.” God is a Geek acknowledges technical issues on the Switch, stating that “technical issues, while improved, are still present,” and Hardcore Gamer finds the story “lackluster” and characters “forgettable.” Additionally, TheGamer notes that the game can become “too powerful” in some aspects, leading to balance concerns. These criticisms often center around the series’ traditional grind mechanics and the challenge of appealing to newer players, with some reviewers suggesting that the game’s complexity may alienate those unfamiliar with its systems. Despite these reservations, the majority of critics agree that Disgaea 7 is a strong entry in the franchise, with many calling it one of the best in recent years. Nintendo Life and RPG Site praise its “consistent and enjoyable” experience, while PC Invasion hails it as “as good as the series has been in over a decade.” Even critics with reservations, like SpazioGames, acknowledge its “solid entry” status, and TheMakoReactor recommends it for fans let down by Disgaea 6. The consensus is that while the game isn’t without flaws, its strengths—particularly its tactical depth, humor, and replayability—make it a worthwhile experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. As Siliconera notes, it “restores confidence in the series,” reinforcing its position as a standout title in the tactical RPG genre.

TL;DR

Disgaea 7 is a triumph for the series: a refined, humor-soaked tactical RPG with deep strategy, stunning art, and a story that charms fans and newcomers alike. While its grind-heavy mechanics, repetitive elements, and divisive art direction draw criticism, its tactical brilliance, replayability, and return to form solidify it as one of the best in the franchise—worth every minute for genre lovers.

MONSTER

Reviews

59 reviews found

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Sep 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7 is a fully realized entry in the series that combines familiar elements with fresh mechanics, making it one of the reviewer's favorite entries.

Read full review

GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Oct 2, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is an excellent tactical RPG with deep gameplay, a gorgeous art style, and well-written characters. It is one of the most enjoyable SRPGs in years.

Read full review

Starbit

Nintendo Switch

Mar 27, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is considered one of the best entries in the series, successfully reinventing itself and improving upon its predecessor in multiple aspects.

Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Oct 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is a great entry in the Disgaea series, fixing the mistakes of its predecessor and offering a fresh and enjoyable experience.

Read full review

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Sep 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7 is a worthwhile entry in the series, offering a refined take on the gameplay systems and a charming story. It is newcomer-friendly but may not be for everyone due to its deliberate approach to min-maxing. Recommended for RPG fans and longtime Disgaea fans.

Read full review

Tech-Gaming

Oct 2, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless returns to the franchise's grid-based glory, delighting Disgaea devotees. The story and gameplay are strong, offering amusing interactions and familiar mechanics. The game provides a sense of freedom and replay value.

Read full review

PLAY! Zine

Nintendo Switch

Nov 10, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7 is considered one of the best entries in the series, providing a colorful and entertaining experience, despite some narrative shortcomings and technical issues.

Read full review

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Nov 8, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7 is praised as a fantastic and meaty game, promising hundreds of hours of gameplay and excitement for future entries in the series.

Read full review

Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Sep 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is praised as a very good strategy game that builds upon its predecessors. It is considered a great step forward from the previous installment and is recommended for fans of the genre.

Read full review

PC Invasion

Oct 10, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless is a satisfying new entry in the series, building on its predecessors while adding new content and modes. It is as good as the series has been in over a decade.

Read full review