I was a late bloomer to the souls-like genre, kicking off my journey in Dark Souls 3 long after its initial release. Since then, I’ve eagerly anticipated various titles within this challenging genre, ranging from Elden Ring to Remnant 2. The arduous battles these games present offer a unique sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, making each victory its own valuable prize. When I first learned about the upcoming release of Lies of P, my interest was piqued.
Now that I’ve had the chance to experience it, I can confidently say that this game has earned its place as a fantastic addition to the souls-like lineup. Lies of P doesn’t merely serve as an outstanding RPG; it stands as a must-play for both newcomers looking to explore the genre and seasoned veterans alike.
“You must manage not only when to strike with your weapon but also when to execute repairs.”
As with any RPG soulslike, Lies of P provides a tutorial covering the essential mechanics, such as attacking, dodging, and utilizing healing items (referred to as Pulse Cells). Right from the start, you find yourself thrust into the decrepit city of Krat, dealing with the threats that await you. While I typically appreciate comprehensive tutorials that thoroughly prepare you for the challenges ahead, I’ve come to expect a more condensed tutorial experience in these games, one that immerses me in combat while I learn on the fly. Lies of P delivers precisely that.
Early on in Lies of P, a parallel with games like Sekiro quickly emerges: combat timing is important. What accentuates this dependency is the class you choose in the tutorial, whether it leans towards balance, strength, or dexterity. My personal inclination toward dealing more significant damage led me to select the strength-based class. This choice compelled me to master the rhythm of my greatsword swings while ensuring I had a window for defense or evasion. Each weapon class presents different timing mastery, and it’s this skill that will distinguish success from failure in combat.
Continuing with the theme of timing, a distinctive aspect I encountered in Lies of P revolves around the utilization of a grinder to replenish weapon durability. With every blow you land, your weapon gradually loses its durability and needs to be repaired. Fortunately, the grinder boasts unlimited uses, but that’s where timing becomes critical. Especially during intense boss encounters, you must manage not only when to strike with your weapon but also when to execute repairs. The intricate dance of timing and the constant need to stay vigilant in this regard quickly endeared me to the game.
“The eerie silence that persists throughout many of the diverse settings serves as a stark reminder that I was on this journey alone.”
Throughout my time immersed in Lies of P, one constant that has remained with me since the very beginning is the stunning design of its environments. The creative visionaries at Neowiz Games have transported me into the world that Pinocchio embarks upon, creating a truly immersive experience.
As I began my journey on a gloomy and bleak night, I could feel the calamity that had struck the world of Krat. The haunting echoes of speakers scattered throughout the city, persistently warning me of the perilous puppet threat. The eerie silence that persists throughout many of the diverse settings serves as a stark reminder that I was on this journey alone.
The entire world is steeped in Victorian-era aesthetics, and lovers of Bloodborne, myself included, will find themselves right at home in the hauntingly familiar atmosphere of Krat. The environments feel remarkably distinct, ranging from the streets of Krat’s city center to an industrial puppet factory and an ill-fated cathedral filled with nightmarish adversaries. Each section of the game I ventured into possessed an immersive unique allure; a feature I was thoroughly favoring.
“The weapon assembly mechanic emerges as a standout feature in Lies of P.”
One of the most prominent aspects of Lies of P is its combat system. Mastery of combat, aside from learning enemy patterns and timing, hinges significantly on the weapons you select. What sets this game apart and makes it truly stand out is its innovative weapon assembly feature. This unique system empowers you to craft entirely new weapon types by combining different handles and blades, tailoring your weaponry to match your preferred gameplay style.
Delving deeper into this feature, you have the freedom to experiment with combinations using the weapons already in your inventory, and there are no limits on your creativity. This means that if you want to wield a weapon with the blunt force of a hammerhead and the finesse of a rapier’s handle, you can do so. However, it’s essential to note that each combination comes with its own set of caveats. While you may gain a boost in attack power, it might come at the cost of lower technique and vice versa. The weapon assembly mechanic encourages extensive experimentation and emerges as a standout feature in Lies of P.
Adding to the realm of experimentation is the introduction of Pinocchio’s “Legion Arm,” which functions similarly to the prosthetic arm from Sekiro. This arm serves as a secondary offensive or a defensive weapon. Players can utilize many arm types, including a flamethrower for scorching foes, a grapple for closing the gap between opponents, and an electric shock arm for dealing extra damage to specific enemies like puppets.
With the combined flexibility of weapon assembly and the Legion Arm, playstyles are completely up to the player, offering plenty of variety. Both of these features contribute significantly to the game’s appeal, enhancing the overall experience for players.
“In Lies of P, there are more than three distinct endings and the choices you make significantly impact the outcome.”
One aspect that took me somewhat by surprise during my playthrough of Lies of P was the implementation of a morality system. However, the inclusion of specific choices throughout the narrative, each with their own far-reaching consequences or benefits, turned out to be an enjoyable surprise. While these choices don’t appear frequently, they are positioned perfectly throughout the game in a way that enhances the overall experience.
The system of moral choices makes sense as well due to the mythos of Pinocchio and whether lying or telling the truth leads to him becoming a real boy. Applying the same style of concept to the game seems to mesh well and the amount of choices is not oversaturated in the game either which is great, as it would definitely take away from it. There are over three different endings in the Lies of P and the choices you make will matter.
The moral decision-making system aligns seamlessly with the mythos of Pinocchio, where the act of lying or telling the truth directly influences the journey toward becoming a real boy. Applying this concept to the game’s narrative feels remarkably fitting, and the number of choices presented isn’t overly saturated. This restraint is a positive aspect, as an excess of choices could potentially detract from the game’s impact.
In Lies of P, there are more than three distinct endings and the choices you make significantly impact the outcome. This adds an intriguing layer of depth to the game, ensuring that player decisions hold genuine weight in shaping the story’s direction and it also adds to the game’s overall replayability.
“The story was unfolding at a leisurely pace, often taking a backseat to the gameplay..”
The base synopsis revolves around Pinocchio waking up in the city of Krat and his quest to locate his father and creator, the renowned technician Geppetto. Along this journey, players must combat frenzied puppets that have wrought havoc upon the city’s inhabitants.
An element of the game that left me somewhat disappointed was the pacing of the narrative. It felt as though the story was unfolding at a leisurely pace, often taking a backseat to the gameplay. It wasn’t until several hours into the game that I began to notice more substantial story elements emerging.
While souls-like games typically prioritize gameplay, I had the impression that Lies of P intended to shift the formula and place a stronger emphasis on storytelling. Unfortunately, there were instances where I found myself uncertain about the narrative’s progression because certain story points seemed to be reiterated without advancing.
While the narrative does move forward, it does so at a measured pace, and I often found myself more engrossed in conquering the formidable bosses than in keeping track of the unfolding world events. For those who prioritize story in their gaming experience, it’s worth noting that you may need to revisit various lore elements to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the game’s narrative.
“Lies of P has captivated me in a manner reminiscent of FromSoftware.”
Lies of P distinguishes itself within the soulslike genre by incorporating a variety of unique elements, proudly earning its place as another outstanding title in this category. With features such as weapon assembling, morality choices, and a grim atmosphere, this game immediately caught my attention and is one I’m eager to revisit through multiple playthroughs.
The diverse types of monstrous bosses and the trials they introduce throughout the game firmly establish Neowiz Games as a credible contender in the realm of soulslike RPGs. Ultimately, Lies of P has captivated me in a manner reminiscent of FromSoftware. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer, Lies of P is an excellent choice that promises an engaging and rewarding adventure.
*Disclaimer: Reviewed on PS5; code was provided by the Publisher.
