The story isn't exceptionally deep, but it's not supposed to be: this is a comic realm, and unless you've got the driest humor ever it will make you laugh at least a few times. The characters aren't as flat as some games (or comedies) that I've seen, so it's a pleasant if unexceptional romp. The story itself ends relatively quickly, but there's plenty to do after your first play-through.
Story: 5/10
While intentionally done in the quirky style familiar to fans of Disgea, for a 2005 game I found the graphics a disappointment, and it will be moreso for those with large-screen TVs because distortions and pixelation will be magified. The larger portraits between missions are decent but the sprites were dull and the effects seemed overdone considering how little they actually help deal damage - although it still remains funny.
Graphics: 5/10
The sound effects are unimpressive, but the voicing for the attacks and conversation is hilarious in both the English and Japanese - either dub can be selected from the beginning and changed at will through the options.
Sound: 4/10
The music isn't especially high quality, but it's quirky and fitting the comic world it's in.
Music: 6/10
Anybody who enjoys Strategy RPGs will feel right at home. The interface is quick and relatively easy to control up until you start getting into the more random-generated maps, which have a tendency to have sharp cliffs that obscure the camera. Managing character and pool inventory may take a bit to getting used to - especially with the weird items you'll get, like the Remote Control or Balloon - but doesn't become a problem unless you're a completionist or actually want to get the top-level classes and items, which becomes EXTREMELY annoying because some things like the last tier of penguin or `Prinny' class requires you level one of them up above level 600 (yes, the level goes up to 999, not stopping at 99). While some like this, I found it actually hurts the game, because getting any of the truly worthwhile goodies is tedious. On my third play-through my highest soldier was barely level 80, and that's after using him almost exclusively.
Gameplay: 7.6/10
While getting everything gets monotonous fast, you get to keep every single coin, item, and soldier (with experience and equipped items). Being able to save literally everything you can acquire makes next plays much faster and more fun - particularly when you start fighting the optional bosses, like the next game's protagonist and other quirky foes.
Replayability: 7/10
If you enjoy tactical command games and want something in a more comic vein, this will prove a satisfying experience. For those who aren't already strategy fans, it's probably not going to be the right pick.
Overall: 7.3/10Get more detail about
Makai Kingdom.
