Lisa the Painful is possibly one of the best RPGMakers, and possibly rpgs in general since the way it's design is very well crafted with only nitpicks I would like to bring up due to the fact that it being a turn based RPG has some downsides to communicate a truly painful experience. Otherwise in first playthroughs it communicates that premise so very well.

My only problems I have with Lisa is the definitive edition, and how originally it costed $10. The consolation prize here is that you can still play the original. Im so happy Austin, and Serenity didnt delisted it and gave you another product unlike many game companies but the review is already long as it so please just buy Lisa, and if its good play Joyful to see what happens afterwards.

Thanks Dingaling

This is by far one of the most innovative and strategic turn-based experiences I have ever had. There's a compelling and memorable story that works WITH the gameplay and combat elements. I have enjoyed this genre since FF Tactics came out and I can promise you that NO other game keeps you on your toes than LISA. Feels like a rollercoaster the entire time you play. The way LISA has you gamble with the lives of your party and resources, which can have PERMANANT repercussions on your playthrough, keeps the stakes high. The monetary system (dirty mags) is balanced so well as to make store purchases important, among other elements I won't spoil which also make purchases FEEL strategic.

The visual elements are simplistic and are skillfully used with the comedy. LISA the Painful is a master of comedic timing and accomplishing a compelling narrative with just a few pixels. The visual style (although some of the comedy doesn't) is continued in LISA the Joyful.

I will also make a criticism of LISA the Joyful (which I hear was a stretch goal from the initial project anyway) for having a too simplistic combat style compared to what came before it. The lore additions were mostly unnecessary and only served to pull some of the mystery away from Painful. I am absolutely still glad it exists, but would consider it an extra chapter to tie up loose ends rather than a sequel.

Thanks for giving me something to look forward to at the end of the day, LISA.

Also this ♥♥♥♥ slaps on steam deck.

I got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy down in my heart, down in my heart.
Down in my heart... I got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, dooown innnn my heart! Down in my heaart tooodaay!
Joy... Down in my heart... How about you?

Oh. It's you... Your heart seems unhappy... Let's cheer it up. (You got some Joy!)

Remember to take care of yourself. I'll check up on you soon.