Lies of P is an ambitious attempt to carve a space in the Soulslike genre, drawing inspiration from the gothic worlds of Bloodborne and Dark Souls while adding its own unique flavor. Developed by Neowiz, this action RPG presents a dark reimagining of Pinocchio, setting players loose in the haunting city of Krat, where deadly automatons roam the streets, and cryptic storytelling beckons players to uncover its secrets. While Lies of P excels in its combat mechanics and atmosphere, it struggles with originality and level design, leaving it an enjoyable yet flawed experience.
A Stunning but Familiar World
From the moment you step into Krat, Lies of P captivates with its striking visuals and eerie world-building. The city’s architecture, draped in Victorian-era aesthetics, is both hauntingly beautiful and filled with danger. However, while the setting is compelling, it lacks the organic level design that FromSoftware has mastered. Many areas feel like set pieces rather than interconnected spaces, which diminishes the joy of exploration.
Despite these shortcomings, the art direction is remarkable. The game’s dark fairytale theme is well executed, with marionette enemies and puppet-like bosses contributing to a nightmarish atmosphere. The soundtrack and sound design further enhance the immersion, making each encounter feel tense and impactful.
Combat: Refined but Frustrating
The core combat system in Lies of P is its biggest strength. Unlike traditional Soulslike games, which often rely on dodging, Lies of P encourages a more aggressive, parry-focused approach. Successfully deflecting attacks not only mitigates damage but also sets up opportunities for powerful counterattacks.
One of the game’s most unique mechanics is its weapon customization system. Players can mix and match different weapon blades and handles, allowing for varied playstyles. This flexibility is refreshing and encourages experimentation, yet the inability to modify boss weapons limits its full potential.
However, combat isn’t without its frustrations. Enemy attack patterns can sometimes feel unfair, with certain encounters relying more on trial and error than skillful execution. Some bosses have overwhelming attack sequences that leave little room for counterplay, making fights feel more punishing than rewarding.
Storytelling and Atmosphere
Like many games in the genre, Lies of P adopts an environmental storytelling approach, where lore is scattered through cryptic dialogue and item descriptions. The game follows Pinocchio, a puppet striving for humanity, in a twisted narrative filled with deception and moral ambiguity. The themes of lying and choice-making are present, but they lack meaningful impact on gameplay, which feels like a missed opportunity.
The supporting characters, while intriguing, do little to engage the player emotionally. Unlike the mysterious yet compelling NPCs of Dark Souls or Bloodborne, many of the characters in Lies of P serve more as quest-givers than as truly memorable figures.
Difficulty and Accessibility
Lies of P is undeniably challenging, often pushing players to their limits with relentless enemy aggression and complex boss fights. However, the difficulty doesn’t always feel balanced. Some areas swarm players with enemies in ways that feel cheap rather than challenging. Additionally, the absence of difficulty settings may alienate players who struggle with the game’s steep learning curve.
That said, Lies of P does include some accessibility options, such as remappable controls and adjustable audio settings, but it lacks features like difficulty adjustments or assistive gameplay mechanics that could make it more inclusive.
Final Verdict: A Worthy but Flawed Soulslike
While Lies of P doesn’t quite reach the heights of Bloodborne or Elden Ring, it’s still a commendable effort. The combat is engaging, the visuals are stunning, and the dark fairytale theme is intriguing. However, its weaknesses in level design, frustrating difficulty spikes, and lack of true originality prevent it from becoming a genre-defining title.
For hardcore Soulslike fans, Lies of P offers a satisfying challenge and enough unique elements to make it worth playing. However, for those looking for a game that innovates rather than imitates, it may not fully satisfy. Neowiz has demonstrated great potential with this release, and if they refine their formula in future projects, they could deliver something truly spectacular.
Pros:
- Stunning art direction and atmosphere
- Deep and rewarding combat system
- Unique weapon customization
Cons:
- Frustrating difficulty spikes
- Lackluster level design
- Missed opportunities with story choices