Eternal debate: Soulslike game "Lies of P" gets Easy Mode

Do heavy video games need an easy mode? And should every game be open to all players? These are the key questions that the Soulslike community around FromSoftware's titles in particular has been discussing occasionally for years. Now “Lies of P” is fueling this discussion once again: The Soulslike from South Korea, known for its high level of difficulty, is getting two new difficulty levels with a new expansion, which should make the game run easier.

This was announced by Game Director Ji-won Choi from development studio Neowiz at a play through event for the 'Lies of P' expansion 'Overture'. The games magazine Videogameschronicle quotes Ji-won Choi: “We wanted to make sure that a wider audience could play the game.” The decision was also based on feedback. “By introducing additional difficulty modes, we can offer the game experience to other types of players,” said Ji-won Choi. “This expands our player base.” This is now being debated on Reddit and elsewhere.

For and against difficulty levels

For many fans of the so-called Soulslikes, which take their name from FromSoftware's Dark Souls games, an easy mode is sacrilege. Opponents of difficulty modes argue that the challenge is the central element of such games. An easy mode would therefore take away the title's identity.

Supporters, on the other hand, argue that additional difficulty levels are optional. They argue that they can also give casual players access to the gaming experience, who would otherwise have bounced off or not even started. However, it can be argued that not every game has to be made for every possible player. It is not for nothing that many cult games are idiosyncratic creations that deliberately turn away from the mainstream to completely devote themselves to their vision.

Another argument that is often used against difficulty modes: They dilute the dialog in forums and communities because the challenge would differ so much between game modes that players can't properly share their gaming experiences. And the well-known counter-argument: this also happens with a uniform difficulty level –. After all, players can choose different skills or simply appear in a boss arena with different levels, which would have a significant impact on their challenge in the boss fight.

Miyazaki rejects easy mode

Hidetaka Miyazaki, legendary developer and game director at FromSoftware, is a staunch opponent of difficulty modes. Miyazaki developed the “Dark Souls” games, “Sekiro”, “Bloodborne” and “Elden Ring” and is therefore regarded as the most important figure in the Souls-like development scene. None of his games have a difficulty mode.

“If we really wanted the whole world to play our game, we would keep reducing the difficulty,” said Miyazaki last year in an interview with the British Guardian about “Elden Ring”. “But that wasn't the right approach. If we had decided that way, the game would have achieved less. Because the sense of achievement that players get from overcoming obstacles is such a fundamental part of the gaming experience.”

“Reducing the difficulty would rob the game of that joy – which, in my eyes, would ruin the whole game.”

“Lies of P” is one of the more successful representatives of the Soulslike genre that was not developed by FromSoftware itself. The action game, which is heavily inspired by the adventures of Pinocchio, went on sale in 2023 to positive reviews. In addition to the expansion “Overture”, a second part is in development.

(dahe)