If you’ve dabbled in numerous games similar to the “Souls” series, you might have observed a common pattern: downloadable content (DLC) often proves to be the most outstanding aspect of each game upon release. Given this trend, I’m not surprised that Lies of P: Overture stands out as Round8 Studio’s finest take on the Pinocchio tale within this DLC. Spanning approximately 10 to 15 hours, Overture builds upon an already strong game, transforming it into something truly exceptional.
In terms of Soulslike games, I consistently prioritize three essential aspects: the layout of levels, the design of bosses, and the creation of weapons. Lies of P had impressive bosses and weapons, and acceptable level designs initially, but Overture appears to significantly improve all areas. The levels are now more open, and players can explore them in intriguing ways. For example, a research facility requires players to navigate through patient holding cells by using ladders, holes in the ground, and elevators. Grates on the floor provide subtle hints about paths that players will eventually take. Krat Zoo, the initial stage, presents a sense of realism and diversity that was not present in the original game, and this holds true for much of the expansion as well.
As a gamer diving into Lies of P’s DLC, Overture, I must admit that my previous complaint about level design seemed to have been skillfully addressed. The way Round8 has mastered creating immersive Soulslike levels is nothing short of impressive. However, there’s one minor hiccup: enemy variety could’ve been pushed a bit further. While the DLC does introduce some fresh enemies, I felt it might have benefited from an additional one or two to keep things exhilarating. This might not be a significant issue if you’re revisiting the game, but for me, having just completed a playthrough less than a month prior, the repetition was noticeable.
To clarify, the enemy variety isn’t poor by any means; new puppets, corpses, and alchemists to battle are definitely a plus. I guess it’s more of a minor nitpick – not a real problem per se, but something that caught my attention. In essence, it’s the one aspect that stood out amidst the otherwise well-crafted experience.
Regarding the boss characters; they are exceptional without any reservations. Some boss enemies from the main game reappear as optional minibosses, but the primary ones are all fresh additions. The DLC does a fantastic job of providing these new characters with the grandeur that aligns with the DLC’s significance to Lies of P’s narrative as a whole. During the preview event, I managed to fight approximately half of the DLC’s bosses, and everything I stated about them then remains accurate now. The final boss of the DLC is particularly noteworthy, and the build-up to the encounter is my favorite part of the game after completing it. The weapons players can obtain as boss drops are also impressive.
Kudos are due for the fresh Gunblade weapon in the DLC’s armory. Its moveset is impressive, and the way its Fable Arts complement it makes it all the better. The weapon players earn upon finishing the DLC is incredibly overpowered; a potential issue if the game included Player versus Player (PvP), but luckily it doesn’t, so having a screen-clearing nuke at your disposal is a fantastic reward. Despite this, it won’t make matters easier on higher New Game Plus (NG+) difficulties. Other weapons such as a flamethrower lance and rapid-fire claws also stand out, each one unique in its own way. Some of these weapons work particularly well with the new amulets, like one that boosts your damage when you successfully dodge an attack. It will be intriguing to observe how game replays evolve with the new weapons, amulets, and additional buffs available through the P-Organ shortly after entering the DLC.
On my initial run through the DLC, I played on the base difficulty. It’s pleasing to discover additional challenge settings, as well as numerous enhancements to gameplay quality. Now, beneath your Ergo total, there’s a progress bar indicating when you’ll have enough for a level up at a Stargazer. The option to re-fight bosses and chain multiple battles against them is interesting, particularly considering how many of Overture’s bosses seem ripe for rematches.
One significant enhancement that game Lies of P has experienced with Overture is undeniably its storyline. To be honest, I found the original game’s narrative engaging, but Overture really amplifies it and makes it central. It wasn’t that the story felt inadequate before, but Overture adds intriguing pieces to the puzzle that make everything fit together a bit better – whether through background lore, character conversations, or actual scenes. The impact of your past actions on the present is a refreshing addition; even minor details like teaching new gestures to the swamp puppet, or questlines that stretch across time, are appreciated.
In my view, the finest expansions are those that don’t merely provide an additional piece of a game you already enjoy, but instead improve upon the original. Lies of P: Overture isn’t just impressive on its own, it demonstrates the progress that Round8 has made throughout the development process of the game. Initially, Lies of P was already excellent and worthy of your attention. What makes Overture truly shine is not just offering more of what players have loved, but perhaps giving us a glimpse into what players might expect from the studio in the future. In essence, Lies of P: Overture suggests that we’re only scratching the surface of what Lies of P can become. I’m eagerly anticipating seeing what the team has planned next.
9
Versions tested: PC (Steam)
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2025-06-13 01:26