If you were hoping for a laid-back, relaxing, and happy weekend, I've got some bad news for you. The surprise release of the critically acclaimed games, Lisa: The Painful and Lisa: The Joyful, just before the weekend, means you'll be in for an intense and heart-wrenching experience. Now available on Android, these games will take you on a harrowing journey through the post-apocalyptic world of Olathe, where you'll follow Brad Armstrong on his quest to reunite with his adoptive daughter, Buddy.
While the idea of a soul-crushingly depressing RPG might sound daunting, the Lisa series is renowned for blending genuinely engaging gameplay with a challenging and ethically complex narrative. It's not for the faint-hearted, but if you're willing to dive in, it could be exactly what you've been searching for.
In practical terms, the gameplay in Lisa isn't as confrontational as the story might suggest. It follows a traditional turn-based RPG format, where you recruit a squad of companions to join you on your journey and engage in battles with various foes. However, be warned: your companions are not as resilient as you, and certain instant kill moves or events can permanently remove them from your roster. The mobile versions, part of the Definitive Edition collection, boast new mechanics, enhanced HD visuals, and other improvements.
If you're looking to expand your RPG horizons, and perhaps crave the turn-based battles of Lisa but in a softer setting, consider exploring our list of the top 25 best RPGs for iOS and Android. It's all in one place, ready for you to discover your next gaming adventure.
