Description

Lies of P Review – A Creative Pinocchio-Inspired RPG with a Dark Twist

“Lies of P” enters the realm of action RPGs with a unique blend of moody aesthetics, inventive gameplay, and a profound respect for its Soulsborne heritage. Inspired by the Dark Souls series and characterized by its challenging gameplay, this game strives to infuse a sense of dread and wonder into its world. In this review, we’ll explore how “Lies of P” manages to embrace its inspirations while delivering a distinct experience.

A Dark Fairytale World

“Lies of P” presents players with a striking fairytale aesthetic that belies its underlying darkness. While its human characters and elements of body horror may seem sterile at times, the puppet enemies, eerie environments, and tales of quixotic adventures create an atmosphere of fairytale dread and whimsy. The game’s exceptional score, featuring sweeping boss themes and era-appropriate classical compositions, enhances the overall experience.

Combat and Gameplay

The core of “Lies of P” revolves around intense combat against murderous puppets, using an array of bladed weapons that range from rapiers to umbrellas and gargantuan sawblades to acidic spears. Combat in “Lies of P” strikes a balance between the fast-paced action of Bloodborne and Sekiro and the slower, methodical approach of Dark Souls. It emphasizes blocking, parrying, sidesteps, and dodge rolls. Quick reactions are rewarded with health recovery, and customizable prosthetics offer diverse combat options, from exploding shields to flamethrowers. Players can even dismantle and reconfigure weapons to tailor their preferred moveset and attribute scaling.

Innovations and Creative Tweaks

Beyond combat, “Lies of P” excels in areas where it introduces innovations and creative adjustments to classic Soulslike systems. It explores mysterious NPC questlines, intricate level design within awe-inspiring architecture, and clever “gotcha” moments that challenge even Souls veterans. Additionally, it introduces gameplay tweaks such as the retrieval of lost souls from defeated bosses, healing items recharging from enemy kills, and the welcome convenience of elevators resetting to their original positions upon death, eliminating the need for tedious waiting.

Paying Homage and Carving Its Path

While “Lies of P” draws inspiration from Bloodborne and other Souls games, it occasionally clings to its influences a bit too closely. Some elements may feel like direct borrowings rather than original creations. However, it’s worth noting that imitation can sometimes be a form of flattery when executed as skillfully as in this game. “Lies of P” may feature a wooden protagonist, but its dedication to delivering a unique experience shines through.

Conclusion

In “Lies of P,” players embark on a dark fairytale journey filled with challenging combat, inventive gameplay, and an atmosphere of both dread and wonder. While it pays homage to its Soulsborne predecessors, the game manages to carve its path with creative innovations and tweaks that set it apart from the crowd.

“Lies of P” is a worthy addition to the Soulslike subgenre, offering a captivating and distinctive experience for players on PC, PS5, and Xbox. It proves that even in the shadow of giants, a well-executed homage can stand on its own.