LISA: The Joyful is the haunting conclusion to the 2D role-playing game series LISA that you should not miss. The game directly follows the events in LISA: The Painful, putting players in the role of Buddy, the last young girl left alive in the post-apocalyptic world of Olathe. Let us learn more about this game in this article.
Note: You can also play other similar games of the same genre on our website such as The Fall 2: Zombie Survival or Ninja Warrior 2.
Introduce about LISA: The Joyful
LISA: The Joyful is the final title in the dark 2D RPG series by Serenity Forge. The game continues the storyline after the previous part, taking players to follow the girl Buddy – one of the most important characters left in the devastated land of Olathe. With a post-apocalyptic setting, the game opens a bold journey when Buddy decides to face the chaotic world to gain freedom and master his destiny.
Compared to previous parts, The Joyful delves deeper into the character’s psychology, while expanding the details related to Buddy’s past and motivations. The game retains the characteristic turn-based combat style, combined with a direct storytelling style, making players constantly drawn into difficult choices.
Additionally, the Definitive Edition launch brings enhanced graphics and sound, helping to provide even more intense feelings. LISA: The Joyful is more than a happy game, though it is certainly enjoyable. It is a personal journey in itself with many deep layers of meaning.
Story
The story of LISA: The Joyful begins after Brad Armstrong – Buddy’s adoptive father – passes away. In the context of the world of Olathe being in chaos and out of control, Buddy decides to stand up to assert his position. As the last girl left in a land of men, Buddy must face the pursuit, hostility and invisible pressures of a decaying society.
Her mission is that of searching out and eradicating the lords that rule different regions, that have been causing the chaos and the darkness of this world. During her journey, Buddy gradually discovers several secrets concerning the past, the truth about her beginning and the bond with the characters that were present in the first half.
All of Buddy’s movements have the conflict within her between the yearning for liberation and the agony she has to endure. The game’s narrative not just depicts the survival story, but also delves into the feelings, choices and consequences of the actions that the player makes with the character.
Turn-based RPG gameplay
In reality, gameplay in LISA: The Joyful is in turn-based RPG format but with a distinct familiar sensation it has of its own. Control of Buddy will be present, and turn-based combat will make each skill contribute to the circumstances.
Before each attack, players can consider between physical skills, special attacks or using support items. Each skill has its own effect, from causing strong damage to weakening the opponent. During the battle, it is necessary to carefully observe the enemy’s behavior to come up with appropriate tactics, because many battles will have increasing difficulty and are not easy to overcome if you just choose random actions.
With this combat system, the feeling of confrontation always creates tension, especially when the opponent is a lord with the ability to attack unexpectedly. In addition, as Buddy develops, she will unlock new skills, providing different approaches to each battle.
Special mask system
In LISA: The Joyful, the mask system is used as a special support element, helping Buddy adapt to the cruel world she is facing. Each mask is not just an accessory, but also has its own meaning and directly affects the way the character interacts with the world and people around her.
Throughout the game, Buddy will acquire many types of masks from enemies or from events in the game. When a mask is worn, she can change her appearance so that it becomes more difficult for others to recognize who she is or act differently towards how she appears. Some masks allow Buddy to pass by enemies, some trigger new conversations or open up doors.
Overall, the mask system is not overly complicated in terms of operations but plays a large role in uncovering the story and progressing further along the journey.
Graphics and sound
The graphics and sound in LISA: The Joyful are built in a minimalist style, but create emotional weight right from the first frames. The game uses 2D graphics with dark tones, emphasizing the desolation and coldness of the post-apocalyptic world. The characters are built in pixel shape, not highly detailed but sufficiently detailed to display clear expressions and movements.
In the Definitive Edition, the image is complemented by higher resolution, with smooth frame rates, so that players can feel the effects more strongly when moving and fighting. Settings such as caves, ruins, or abandoned towns are all conveyed with eerie emptiness and silence.
The sound in the game consists of a contrasting form of silence and abrupt music. The majority of parts are infused with soft but tense background sounds, contributing to the atmosphere of loneliness and instability. There is special music given for big matches, making the moment more intense and dramatic.
Overall, LISA: The Joyful is a deep gaming experience, coupling creative role-playing gameplay and emotive storytelling. The game concludes the LISA series’ saga strongly, leaving a deep impression on gamers.