Disgaea: Hour of Darkness (魔界戦記 ディスガイア, Makai Senki Disugaia, literally: Netherworld Battle Chronicle Disgaea) is the first game in the Disgaea game series. It follows the young demon Laharl as he recklessly fights numerous battles in order to ascend in the throne and become the Overlord of his Netherworld, along the way he also discovers how violence isn't the only solution. The game was released in Japan on January 30, 2003, with the American release on August 27, 2003.