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Lies of P captivated audiences at Gamescom 2022 with its unique premise: a Souls-like adventure inspired by the classic tale of Pinocchio. The game, developed by South Korean studio NEOWIZ, known primarily for online games, enters a crowded Souls-like market. Can it stand out among established titles like Mortal Shell and Thymesia, and avoid the pitfalls of less successful entries like Steelrising and The Last Oricru? This review dives into the world of Lies of P to uncover its strengths and weaknesses.

A Darkly Enchanting World

Lies of P

Lies of P casts players as a puppet crafted by Geppetto, a brilliant inventor in the troubled city of Krat. A mysterious calamity has befallen Krat, turning its puppet inhabitants into hostile automatons. Players must navigate this dangerous landscape to uncover the truth behind the disaster. From the outset, Lies of P establishes a compelling atmosphere. The city of Krat is a visually striking blend of gothic architecture and steampunk aesthetics, steeped in a perpetual twilight. Derelict urban landscapes, opulent mansions, and decaying slums all contribute to a sense of unease and intrigue.

Lies of P

The narrative unfolds with a concise and engaging storyline, a refreshing departure from the often cryptic narratives of FromSoftware titles. The information presented is clear and avoids unnecessary obfuscation. A key element of the narrative is a morality system centered around choices of “truth” or “lies.” While players familiar with Pinocchio might assume “truth” is the optimal path, Lies of P subverts expectations. Both choices offer compelling narrative possibilities, shaping the story based on the player’s moral compass.

Lies of P

For example, early in the game, players encounter a woman searching for her lost child. The “child” turns out to be a broken doll. The player can reveal the harsh truth or offer a comforting lie. These choices add depth to the narrative and impact the emotional resonance of later plot twists.

Polished Souls-like Combat

Lies of P

Lies of P embraces core Souls-like mechanics, from Stargazer checkpoints (akin to bonfires) to the challenging combat that demands precision and strategy. The game also introduces innovative systems to enhance the gameplay experience. The weapon system allows players to combine weapon parts to create unique armaments. For instance, combining the Puppet’s Saber head with the Booster Glaive Blade handle yields a swift blade with a powerful charged attack.

Lies of P

This customization allows for a wide range of builds and playstyles. Upgrading only requires enhancing the weapon head, streamlining the process and encouraging experimentation. Each weapon component also grants access to a Fable Art, a special ability that consumes Fable Slot (energy) to unleash devastating attacks or defensive maneuvers. Instead of dual-wielding or shields, Lies of P equips players with Legion Arms, offering diverse utilities such as grappling hooks, flamethrowers, or explosive shields.

Accessibility for Newcomers

Lies of P

While Lies of P maintains a challenging difficulty, it also incorporates elements that make it accessible to newcomers to the Souls-like genre. The game features numerous Stargazers and shortcuts, minimizing backtracking and ensuring players can readily replenish Pulse Cells (healing items). Furthermore, Lies of P implements a unique recovery mechanic. Depleted Pulse Cells gradually regenerate with successful attacks, offering a chance to recover during combat. A perfect guard also allows players to regain lost health by landing a counterattack.

Lies of P

Summons, or Specters, are available for boss battles, providing significant assistance with their high health and customizable enhancements. These accessibility features streamline the experience without compromising the core challenge, making Lies of P a rewarding experience for both veterans and newcomers.

Design Shortcomings

Lies of P

Despite its overall polish, Lies of P suffers from some design flaws. Certain bosses can be frustrating due to their aggressive movesets and large size, which can obscure attacks and lead to unavoidable damage. The final chapter feels overly long, with a relentless series of boss encounters and fewer Stargazers, disrupting the pacing.

Lies of P

The lack of a poise system, combined with the vulnerability to attack interruptions, can hinder the use of slower, heavier weapons. Players must meticulously time attacks and memorize enemy animations to avoid being staggered.

Conclusion

Lies of P is a captivating Souls-like experience with a unique setting and compelling narrative. Its innovative weapon system, accessibility features, and polished combat make it a worthy contender in the genre. However, some design flaws, particularly concerning boss encounters and pacing, prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these shortcomings, Lies of P is a refreshing and engaging take on the Souls-like formula, and a must-play for fans of challenging action RPGs.