One of the best game i've played in years. Definitely in the conversation for one of the greatest indie games ever made alongside the likes of hk, undertale, cuphead, celeste, etc.
For people who like action rpgs and puzzles this game is one of a kind masterpiece. For people who dont uhh there's definitely a decent barrier to entry. Although there are assist options so everyone can finish this, u can also look up puzzle solutions. But it's understandable that it's not for everyone.
It's arguable that the quests, puzzles, and this game in general shouldve been shorter, i agree. Half of their dungeon ideas probably should be for postgame optional stuff. Still a 5/5 for me though.

Finished the base game with ~80% of the trophies (planning to get all of them post-game when i buy the dlc)

it's been a while since i completed a longer game so i want to make a longer review too (also because i love this game)

Okay first of all this game is awesome, if you like disgaea or SRPG then this is a must play.
- Story : Disgaea series isnt known for the story because they're pretty generic. There are some cool moments and sometimes its quite good like disgaea 1/2 but nothing profound. Disgaea 5 story is average yes dont expect anything too good, however it isn't bad by any means. When you know what to expect and what part of the game is the best, then i think u can start enjoying the story and normal playthrough of the game. For me it serves as a relaxing stage when u dont have to think too much.
- Character : This is very subjective, i can 100% understand why someone don't enjoy the characters at all. But i actually kinda like the characters, i love the tales series like skit thing. I think u shouldnt take this game too seriously, this game is like a big joke in a good way. think of the characters as like exaggerated niche stereotypical types. If u accept that then u can also appreciate the charm of the writings that they made around that idea and also the voice acting.
- Gameplay : This is undoubtedly the best part of the game. However the gameplay loop isn't strictly about the actual gameplay where u fight enemies. The big part of the gameplay of disgaea is outside of the gameplay, it's the menuing, optimising, etc. There's so many systems that u can explore and figuring out everything is the best thing ever. When you've figured out a lot of things, you will realise the addicting gameplay loop.

Overall this game is amazing, i finished it in 70 hours but i did way more than needed. I think i can easily spend hundreds of hours doing the post game, there's still a LOT to do.
However i know this game isn't for everyone. It can be quite hard deciding what to do, what systems to explore, they can be overwhelming. I recommend reading guides tbh, imo the best part of the game is grinding and optimising. Item world is not needed except for 1 tiny thing in the base game but i think it's the best thing in the game, i can spend my time there forever.
also this game's pacing is really slow, especially the first few chapters. it really takes a lot of patience to get into the good part. they also made the the base game a bit too long imo, it shouldve been like 5 chapters less.