In a world where the apocalypse has reimagined gender dynamics and thrust humanity into a twisted wasteland, LISA: Definitive Edition emerges as a cult classic bundle that revisits the acclaimed RPGs LISA: The Painful and LISA: The Joyful. Released by Serenity Forge and Dingaling Productions, this revamped collection delves deep into the dark, traumatic, and absurd journey of Olathe, offering a host of new content, enhancements, and quality-of-life improvements that captivate players’ attention across various platforms, almost a decade after the initial PC launch.
LISA’s world is a bleak one, where the apocalyptic “White Flash” has eradicated women, leaving behind a society governed by warlords, imbeciles, and perverts. You step into the worn shoes of Brad, a man ensnared by the sinister drug called Joy, who stumbles upon Buddy, a girl child whose discovery thrusts him into a journey of tragedy, comedy, and brutality. The tale doesn’t stop there, as LISA: The Joyful continues the narrative with Buddy as the protagonist, supported by other characters from the original.
This grim premise provides the basis for the game’s narrative, exploring the complexities of masculinity and human nature in a world marred by chaos. The gender imbalance creates a haunting backdrop for the characters’ struggles, while the game’s unapologetic approach to dark and controversial themes keeps players emotionally invested, even if discomfortingly so.
LISA’s gameplay unfolds in classic RPG fashion, with 2D environments reminiscent of platforming levels. Conversations with eccentric characters and turn-based combat make up the core gameplay elements while the combat system adds a unique twist, requiring players to master combo inputs for character skills, creating a fighting game-like mechanic.
Survival takes center stage as well, with campfire rest stops becoming nerve-wracking decisions that can lead to ambushes or kidnappings, underscoring the dangerous landscape. Players navigate through challenging battles, often struggling to manage the withdrawal symptoms caused by addiction—a mechanic that echoes the realities of substance abuse and heightens the overall sense of unease. This is no light-hearted game.
LISA’s visual aesthetic, while quirky, colorful and a tad generic at first glance, eventually captures the uncanny aspects of the post-apocalyptic world. The character designs and environments contribute to a sense of unease, emphasizing the gritty realities of Olathe – though those expecting technically impressive visuals should look elsewhere.
The soundtrack plays an important role in enhancing the game’s atmosphere as well, with unsettling battle themes and haunting melodies that reflect the emotional turbulence of the narrative. LISA: Definitive Edition leans into its complex narrative, intriguing characters, and unique mechanics. The game’s exploration of masculinity and humanity, coupled with its dark themes, is an undeniable strength, leaving players pondering long after the credits roll. The game’s mechanics, particularly the withdrawal system and combo-based combat, contribute to a sense of challenge and immersion, albeit occasionally leading to frustrating difficulty spikes. Moreover, the inclusion of accessible modes like Painless Mode in this Definitive version provides a welcome option for players seeking a less demanding experience.
LISA: Definitive Edition is not without its flaws though. The combat, while engaging and innovative, can become tiresome, and the balance between gameplay and narrative sometimes falters due to overly challenging sections. Additionally, the intentionally unsettling nature of the game’s themes and characters can be off-putting for some players – this is a niche title where there’s more to it than meets the eye.
In the end, LISA: Definitive Edition is a unique and thought-provoking experience that embraces discomfort and challenges players to confront the darker aspects of humanity. Its narrative depth, combined with its distinct gameplay mechanics, make it a compelling addition to the post-apocalyptic genre, even if it occasionally stumbles in execution. If you missed it the first time, it’s a great opportunity to check out an indie cult classic.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 