Lisa: Definitive Edition Censored for Console Release; More So On PlayStation

Serenity Forge released details explaining changes made to the release of Lisa: Definitive Edition on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. While the game’s previous release is still available on Steam, this console release has received a few alterations.

The developer shares information on two of those changes in a statement, “There have been two specific changes to the game. Specifically, the Salvation Ranger introduction and Junior’s flashback have had small alterations made to them. Whether or not to make these changes was not easy to decide, but ultimately it became an exciting prospect to alter some content in a small way in hopes that it welcomes and includes more players.”

I’ve never been one to assume that changing an aspect of a game would invite new players to it. So, this reasoning escapes me, but after looking at comments from players who know what has been changed, it seems they are in agreement with this alteration.

However, it seems the PlayStation version has received a few other changes, with the publisher sharing, “For the PlayStation version of LISA, we’ve added a notice about the protagonists at the beginning of the game. Additionally, cigarettes have been renamed to ‘cigarette candy,’ Joy is no longer referred to as ‘pills,’ and alcohol has been renamed as ‘soda’ in Joyful. Basically, the changes are not a big deal. We just wanted to make everyone aware of it in advance, because we know that LISA fans will notice it as a difference from the original games.”

Lastly, we’ll share the publisher’s understanding of the source material and the impact that the story could have on players.

Preserving the original content of the game has always been really important to us all, but the changes we decided to make on our own were ultimately done to better express the main themes and values of the game. Many characters in this game are miserable people persisting off of lies and fantasies. To a degree, you will always be dealing with inappropriate characters and circumstances in this game. Feeling uncomfortable and questioning motives is a big part of it. It’s designed this way, but to what degree? And for what purpose?

The stories, jokes, and characters of LISA are never meant to attack or denigrate who someone is as a person. Instead, they are meant to motivate reflection. And although the game features dark characters, it doesn’t want to wallow in this notion. Quite the opposite. Even when the world feels like it’s completely lost and you are all alone in this mess, you still have to take care of yourself.

You still have to find a purpose, find what you love. We all deserve it, and we are in this together. Buried underneath all the chaos, that’s what LISA is about. And if only a tiny piece of that resonates with even just one player, we will have done things right.

In case you missed it, check out our review.