Can a prequel DLC and a fresh set of features breathe new life into one of the most acclaimed soulslikes of the past few years? After going hands-on with Lies of P Overture, I’m more convinced than ever that Neowiz is about to pull it off-and entice both battle-scarred veterans and curious newcomers back into the haunting world of Krat.
Neowiz’s Lies of P surprised many with its gothic reimagining of Pinocchio and a relentless soulslike formula. Now, the Overture DLC promises to shake up the formula—introducing not only fresh challenges but also making the entire experience more welcoming to a broader audience.
The opening of Overture drops players into a snow-blanketed forest—an immediate visual and tonal shift from the original’s steampunk city. It’s not a gentle reintroduction: moments in, you’re fighting mutated beasts, including a terrifying polar bear with a torture cage helmet. The new freeze status effect slows your movement and stamina, adding a strategic wrinkle to already challenging encounters. It’s a bold start that demands you brush up on your combat fundamentals.
One of the standout upgrades comes from the enhanced movement animations. P now lunges and leaps into attacks when sprinting, slides with a spark-flinging dodge, and drags his Legion Arm during heavy swings. The result? Combat feels noticeably more dynamic, but also requires players to recalibrate their timing to avoid punishing mistakes.
The arsenal gets a major boost, too. The preview showcased a Final Fantasy VIII-inspired gunblade—a sword with a revolver handle for charged, explosive strikes—along with Wolverine-like claws, a massive double pinwheel blade, and a powerful bow. New Legion Arms like Cataclysm (a double-barrel shotgun) and Icarus (launching spinning blades) further deepen the options for creative destruction. These additions will appeal to players who crave experimentation and varied playstyles.
Level design remains a high point: the Krat Zoo, filled with menacing enemies and hidden paths, rewards exploration at every turn. The snow-draped visuals and brighter color palette suggest Neowiz is unafraid to take aesthetic risks, setting a fresh mood without sacrificing the oppressive tension that defines Lies of P.
But Overture’s impact extends well beyond its new storyline. A major free update alongside the DLC will introduce Battle Memories (boss rematches on escalating difficulties with unique rewards) and Death March (customizable boss gauntlets with limited resources). For those seeking even more pain, the upcoming boss rush mode lets you refight previous adversaries—solo or in a punishing gauntlet—chasing personal bests and leaderboard glory.
Perhaps the most consequential change is the new suite of difficulty options. The standard “Legendary Stalker” is joined by “Butterfly’s Guidance” and “Awakened Puppet”—modes designed to make Krat’s horrors accessible to newcomers without robbing the hardcore of their challenge. It’s a move that could help Lies of P stand out in the ever-crowded soulslike genre, where accessibility and approachability matter more than ever.
The only real disappointment: preview time ran out before facing the area’s intimidating main boss, the Tyrannical Predator. Still, if the rest of Overture maintains this standard, don’t be surprised if a DLC nabs “Game of the Year” buzz in 2025.
TL;DR: Lies of P Overture isn’t just another DLC—it’s a bold expansion that refreshes combat, adds inventive weapons, and opens up the soulslike’s world with difficulty options and robust endgame content. Whether you’re a hardened veteran or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to brave the streets (and forests) of Krat.
Source: Neowiz via GamesPress