Lies of P: Overture - Review

Lies of P: Overture released in a surprising drop, but it has a unique set up, as not only do players need to have reached Chapter 9 to access it, but it is also a prequel to the existing story. If you’re a fan of the original base game, then this is likely still for you. It still has the same soulslike feel in that it still functions and plays the same and nothing has really changed in terms of gameplay. However, have they made any minor improvements?

First off, it’s pretty clear that Overture has a “why fix a problem when there isn’t any to begin with?” scenario. The base game itself is fantastic and as close to a true Souls game you can get, without the FromSoftware label. Speaking of the Dark Souls series, they have not changed to much from game to game and that same impact applies here, Overture is more of what the base game offers. That said, there have been some minor improvements, and slight updates. Not specific to gameplay, as previously stated, but more in the menu system. One massive update that can easily be seen is that there is now an easy, medium and hard mode you can select from. For those who are long time Souls fans might huff and puff about the fact that there’s an easy mode. But much like what Elden Ring has done for the masses, it casts a wider net for people to at least try this near-perfect souls-like game without quitting very early on. If anything, it’d hopefully make players want to keep going opposed to stopping due to its difficulty.

Another change that falls into the quality-of-life bucket, is the ability to level up at the games save points, known as Stargazers, which is akin to the bonfires in other games. Before this expansion, in order for players to upgrade themselves, they would have to travel back to Hotel Krat, which is the hub for the main game and then speak to Sophia. This change of allowing levelling to be done at the Stargazer means that you can tinker around with your character stats and weapon configurations, without the need of travelling back. Not only is this a much simpler system, but it also fits into the narrative timeline of the game, with Overture taking place before the Hotel is even finished.

In order to get the DLC started, you’ll need to have at least opened up Chapter 9 of the base game in which a new item, Star’s Chrysalis is given to you. (Ed - an update released after this review was written that swapped Chapter 9 to Chapter 5) This prompts players to go to the Path of the Pilgrim in the Malum District. You follow the direction of the blue butterflies from the new item which leads you to activate a “Stargazer from which a mysterious power emanates”. Once activated, you’re taken to a mysterious snowy land, which within a short time of exploring and fighting newfound enemies, you and Gemini work out is the past. This is hinted through Gemini’s dialogue, and his mention that the Zoo burnt down in a fire, which doesn’t exist anymore. All seems a bit of a mystery to Gemini, and how you’re even able to travel there.

In terms of where the story goes, you’ll have to play it yourself to find out! The story setup is just one aspect of the game, the rest of it is driven by the gameplay and on that, I can report that it feels just as good here as it does in the base game. Don’t misunderstand, this is an all-new area of the game, as evident by the fact that everything is covered in snow, so while the core is the same, there is more going on. An easy example is that you will discover new weapon sets, which will give you new ways of taking the fight to the games new bosses. The location of a Zoo is also unique as not only does it have the usual exhibit locations you might expect, but there are also a few times when they play on those expectations.

They’ve added in new enemies such as animals who have been plagued with some sort of monstrous infection… so imagine what type of animals you might find at a Zoo, then add a dash of infection and you get some unique monstrosities. The game has also added a new status ailment in ‘freeze’, which goes with the seasonal theme and will pose a new challenge for players to deal with. One thing that was pretty cool was the menu background being changed to its snow visual once you’ve started the DLC.

On the negative side, and something that’s no secret as Round 8 Studios and Neowiz have publicly announced, amongst other updates, is the “DLC patch introduces many changes affecting player controls”, which definitely can be felt with the Steam Deck. When loading in the game, you’ll have to exit and reopen it again as the controls haven’t been configured. Again, this is only something I’ve come across playing on the Steam Deck but am unsure if it happens on any other platform or hardware. In terms of the game play itself, everything feels the same, in a positive way. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the enemies in the DLC do come across a little difficult at times, and players may find it a little too challenging if they haven’t levelled up their stats and weapons enough.

Lies of P: Overture is definitely something players will enjoy if they’re fans of the main game. The improvements in the quality-of-life menu via Stargazers is definitely one that has made the user experience better. If you love souls-like, this is still a game for you to jump on and is one of the closest souls-like you can get, without it being developed by FromSoftware. The games original look is preserved in this new expansion, so there is a sense of familiar, but there is enough new that it does not feel like a re-hash of what came before. For those who adored the original game, this expansion is something you should consider picking up and with the new difficulty setting, even those who avoid the souls genre, can find something fun to enjoy here.

The Score

9.0

Review code provided by Neowiz

The Pros

DLC is just as good and fun as the main game

Quality of life improvement is one that’s welcomed

Added in a easy, medium and hard difficult to entice wider players

The Cons

Players might find it just a little bit too much of the same thing

Seemed to be appealing to souls-like & FromSoftware fans

Some new enemies are still very tough if you haven’t levelled up enough