The concept of the post-apocalypse is incredibly popular in today’s media, whether it’s in books, movies, or video games. Many people are drawn to stories and worlds that have fallen into ruin, perhaps as a means of escaping from the current state of global affairs. One game that falls into the post-apocalypse category is Lisa, which was originally released in 2014. However, Lisa offers a unique twist on the genre by imagining a world where every woman mysteriously disappears. Despite being a cult hit, does the new definitive edition of Lisa still have the same power as it did nine years ago? Let’s find out.
Setting the Scene
Lisa begins with a shocking opening scene where the main character, Brad, is beaten up by a group of kids and then goes home to face abuse from his alcoholic father. These scenes make it clear that Lisa is a game that tackles tough subject matter head-on, despite its quirky, colorful art style. The game wastes no time in addressing its central theme of masculinity, as it is set in a world without women. The absence of women allows the game to explore the implications of such a world and offers a cynical yet nuanced commentary on the modern man.
Into the Wastes
Lisa’s gameplay is reminiscent of a 2D Mario RPG with elements of Earthbound. Players navigate through platforming levels, interact with surreal characters, and engage in turn-based combat. While the gameplay is well-represented in Lisa, the emphasis is clearly on the narrative rather than the mechanics. The game also makes creative expressions of its narrative through gameplay mechanics, such as the risk of being attacked or kidnapped while resting at a campfire. The world design adds to the sense of danger and confusion, reinforcing the idea that Lisa’s world is not meant to be easily navigated.
First One’s Free
Lisa’s design choices help to create an atmosphere of unease that complements its mature subject matter. The game portrays various forms of human depravity in its post-apocalyptic world, including violent gangs, sexual deviants, drug addicts, and alcoholics. The absence of traditional societal structures leads to the adoption of idealized masculine roles by the characters. Lisa manages to create a deeply sad and fully-realized world, despite its relatively short runtime.
One notable aspect of Lisa is its portrayal of drug addiction. The main character, Brad, is a drug addict, and the game reflects this through withdrawal symptoms that reduce his effectiveness in combat. The game puts players in the mindset of an addict by creating difficult-to-manage withdrawal situations, which can occur at any time, even during battles. The inclusion of drug addiction adds depth to the game and sets it apart from others in the post-apocalyptic genre.