A Strategy RPG by Nippon Ichi that tries something different. Unfortunately it doesn't quite work as well as it should.
The game follows the tale of Marona. She can talk to phantoms, a gift which freaks just about everyone else on the planet out. She isn't very popular amongst the people. As a Chroma, she is a mercenary. She is assisted by Ash, a phantom who knew both of their parents, and how they died. When Ash notices some familiar Phantoms, he is reminded of this.
The narrative isn't of the norm, as is with most Nippon Ichi games. However, it is a lot more serious in tone as well. This is quite a surprise because the issues the game deals with are either heartwarming or just plain harsh. The other characters play a role into how she learns lessons in life, which isn't a very common thing in RPGs.
As to the actual game, its similar in style to Disgaea. What is different is the newly incorporated Free Movement system. Instead of grids, things move in a radius. This is quite a nice addition, though at times it might get cluttered up. There is also a Confinement system. The advantage is that whatever the character is confined to, they gain bonuses from that item. However, the disadvantage is that the only characters that are pernamently on the field are Marona and any enemies. There is a limit to how many turns a character can be on the field. This is quite a broken system in a way because it makes things incredibly hard if you're not leveling up Marona.
In terms of setting up your army, that isn't hard at all. If you meet the requirements, you can make it. Each character has an affinity to a certain weapon type. This works just like the Weapon thing in Disgaea, but the cool thing is you can combine skills to new weaponry and even pernamently to characters. Mana is required to do so, which is bad because it isn't easy to get hold of. The cheaper the maneuver the better in this game.
Graphically, the cutscenes are better. Though the lack of expressions is noticable compared to Disgaea. However, the look is brighter and suits the game's non-Disgaea feel. The in game graphics all look detailed, and the variety of environments is impressive considering the hellish environments shown in Disgaea.
The music is more symphonic and dramatic. There are one or two similar tunes to what you may have heard in Disgaea, but generally, this goes for a more serious tone. The sounds are clear, and the voiceovers can actually act. There isn't one really annoying character in the game at all!
This game generally is nothing compared to Disgaea. The system is broken, and generally isn't as much fun anyway. But it does target more serious gamers, with a far more serious tone to it. Its been a while since a developer has made a 100% serious game and it not being for what is done by the player, rather the characters themselves.