Lies of P: Overture - Puppets, Perils, and Performance Puzzles

A tale of Pinocchio that leaves you questioning who’s pulling the strings

Launch Day Larry

Welcome, dear readers, to the whimsical world of “Lies of P: Overture,” where puppets lie, bosses cheat, and your patience is tested more than a Dark Souls veteran’s resolve. This DLC promises to expand on the original “Lies of P” with new challenges, story elements, and a sprinkle of performance issues to keep you on your toes. Let’s dive into the marionette madness and see if this expansion is worth the strings attached.

Gameplay: A Dance of Difficulty and Delight

“Lies of P: Overture” continues the soulslike tradition of making you question your life choices with its challenging gameplay. The second boss, in particular, is a standout, offering innovative mechanics and animations that set a new standard for the genre. The introduction of new weapons adds a refreshing variety, making each encounter feel like a new dance of death. However, the level design sometimes feels like it was inspired by a labyrinthine IKEA, with narrow corridors that make your weapons as useful as a wet noodle.

The DLC introduces a boss replay mode and a colorblind mode, which are welcome additions for accessibility and replayability. Yet, the difficulty slider has sparked debate, as it might prevent the game from achieving a perfectly balanced challenge. Meanwhile, the final boss seems to have attended the “School of Unfair Boss Design,” with input reading flasks that make you question if your controller is haunted.

The DLC’s level design has been compared unfavorably to Dark Souls 2, with some players feeling like they’re fighting giant bosses in a shoebox. Despite these challenges, the DLC offers a rewarding experience for those willing to embrace the chaos and improve their skills.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Frame Drops

Visually, “Lies of P: Overture” is a treat for the eyes, with detailed environments and striking enemy designs that make you want to pause and admire the scenery—if only the frame rate would let you. The art design has seen a noticeable improvement, with open environments described as “downright gorgeous.” The winter-themed visuals add a chilly charm, making you feel like you’re battling through a snow globe of doom.

However, the graphical experience is marred by performance issues that make even the most patient gamer want to throw their PC out the window. Frame drops, stuttering, and crashes are as common as exploding robot heads, and the game seems to have a voracious appetite for RAM. These issues detract from the otherwise impressive visuals, making it a game best enjoyed after a few patches.

Story: A Puppet’s Tale with Strings Attached

The narrative of “Lies of P: Overture” expands on the base game’s story, offering clarity on previously ambiguous elements like the Alchemist chain of command and P’s past life. The introduction of a new character adds depth to the narrative, though players are left wanting more, like a kid at a candy store with a strict budget.

The story is well-received, with improved acting and presentation, but the requirement to replay 90% of the main story to access the DLC has left some players feeling like they’re stuck in a time loop. This barrier has overshadowed the narrative experience, leaving fans eager for new content but frustrated by the hoops they must jump through to access it.

Final Verdict

“Lies of P: Overture” is a challenging and visually stunning addition to the “Lies of P” universe, offering new content that both delights and frustrates. While the gameplay and graphics are commendable, performance issues and access barriers to the DLC’s story content hold it back from greatness. For those willing to brave the challenges and wait for patches, this expansion offers a rewarding experience that will test your skills and patience.

Score: 6.5/10