Developer Neowiz has acknowledged that the recently released Overture DLC for their Pinocchio-themed soulslike game Lies of P may have pushed the difficulty too far beyond acceptable limits. Game director Ji Won Choi has issued a formal response promising adjustments after widespread player complaints about punishing difficulty spikes, particularly in New Game Plus modes.
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| Exploring the treacherous paths of "Lies of P" highlights the challenges players encounter in the Overture DLC |
Developer Acknowledges Unintended Difficulty Issues
In a director's letter released this week, Ji Won Choi expressed gratitude for community feedback while admitting that certain aspects of the DLC didn't meet their intended design goals. The development team has identified specific areas where the combat experience became unfairly challenging rather than appropriately difficult. Choi emphasized that while soulslikes are meant to be tough, the current state of Overture crosses the line into unbalanced territory.
New Game Plus Mode Creates Unfair Challenge
The primary issue appears to center around New Game Plus difficulty scaling, where players report being killed in just two hits by both regular enemies and bosses. This dramatic spike in lethality has made progression nearly impossible for many players who successfully completed the base game on higher difficulties. The community has formed dedicated discussion threads documenting these balance problems, with players describing encounters as punishingly unfair rather than challenging but fair.
Community Response Highlights Specific Problems
Player feedback has been particularly vocal about certain boss encounters, with many citing the Markiona and Predator bosses as especially problematic. Users report that even on the newly introduced easiest difficulty setting, enemies deal excessive damage that makes strategic gameplay nearly impossible. One player noted that while they could complete the main game on the hardest difficulty without major issues, the DLC presents an unreasonable challenge spike that disrupts the carefully balanced progression system.
Careful Approach to Combat Adjustments
Neowiz has committed to reviewing various adjustments including difficulty reduction, but Choi stressed that changes to combat mechanics require meticulous work and thorough testing. The team is still determining specific details and scheduling for the patch, acknowledging that combat represents one of the most fundamental experiences in Lies of P. This careful approach suggests that any modifications will be thoughtfully implemented rather than rushed to market.
Temporary Solutions Available
While players wait for official fixes, the Overture DLC did introduce three new difficulty options to the base game, providing some relief for struggling players. These settings allow players to reduce the challenge level before Neowiz implements their planned balance adjustments. The developer's willingness to add these options alongside acknowledging the need for further changes demonstrates their commitment to player accessibility and enjoyment.