Lies of P Review: A Soulslike Renaissance or a Puppeteer’s Fumble? Our Unvarnished Assessment

Introduction: Unveiling the Clockwork Heart of Krat

We’ve delved deep into the shadowy streets and gaslit alleys of Krat, the opulent, yet decaying city at the heart of Lies of P. Our objective? To offer a comprehensive and unbiased analysis of this highly anticipated Soulslike adventure, a game that dares to reinterpret the classic tale of Pinocchio through a lens of Victorian gothic horror. Our experience, shaped by countless hours navigating the challenging combat, unraveling the intricate narrative, and soaking in the atmospheric world, allows us to provide a definitive verdict. This review aims to dissect every facet of Lies of P, from its gameplay mechanics and level design to its storytelling and overall presentation, to help you determine if this is a puppet you want to control. We’ll be comparing it to its predecessors, the game that inspired it, and the general expectations created by the gaming community. Is Lies of P a masterpiece that will rise in the ranks of Soulslike games, or is it just another title destined to be forgotten?

A World Forged in Darkness: Setting and Atmosphere

Krat: A City Consumed by Decay

The visual design of Lies of P is undoubtedly its strongest asset. The city of Krat is a breathtaking spectacle of architectural beauty, gradually succumbing to a creeping blight. The environment, meticulously crafted with a blend of Victorian grandeur and gothic horror, creates an atmosphere thick with dread and anticipation. Buildings stand tall, their facades marred by the passage of time, the cobblestone streets reflect the weak light from the distant, polluted skies, with a sense of history and a lingering sense of mystery. The design shows evident influences from FromSoftware’s Bloodborne, but the game masterfully crafts its own distinct visual identity. The color palette is dominated by shades of grey, brown, and deep reds, giving the entire city a melancholic feel that makes it memorable. We found ourselves consistently impressed by the level of detail in every environment, from the decaying grandeur of the opera house to the claustrophobic tunnels that lurk beneath the city’s surface.

Sound Design: Whispers of the Damned

Complementing the exceptional visual design, the sound design is equally impressive. The haunting melodies and orchestral score elevate the tension, each note adding depth to the atmosphere. The sound effects, from the clanging of metal weapons to the guttural growls of the corrupted puppets, are brilliantly implemented, further immersing the player in the grim realities of Krat. The creaking of doors, the echoing footsteps in the corridors, and the distant cries of the city’s inhabitants all contribute to the feeling of unease and vulnerability. This attention to the soundscape demonstrates a dedication to creating a cohesive and immersive experience, where every element works in harmony to draw the player in. The carefully designed music, sound effects, and ambient sounds all work together to create a sense of despair, anxiety, and fear.

Gameplay: A Dance with Death

Combat: Precision and Patience

The combat system in Lies of P is a key component of its appeal. While it clearly draws inspiration from the combat found in FromSoftware’s work, it introduces a unique set of features that set it apart. The combat is heavily reliant on timing, precision, and strategic decision-making. Players must master the art of parrying, dodging, and utilizing their weapons effectively to survive the brutal encounters.

Weapon Variety and Customization

Lies of P offers a wide array of weapons, from swords and rapiers to hammers and axes. Each weapon possesses unique attack patterns and stats, allowing players to tailor their fighting style to their preferences. Furthermore, players can customize their weapons with a crafting system that allows them to combine different blades, handles, and special abilities, which offers a deep level of customization and experimentation. The game encourages experimentation, and players can continuously refine their chosen weapons, improving their effectiveness in combat.

P-Organ and Legion Arm: Augmenting Pinocchio

The “P-Organ” system functions as the equivalent of character progression and allows players to enhance their stats and unlock unique abilities. Through this system, players can increase Pinocchio’s health, stamina, and other attributes. The “Legion Arm” offers special tools and weapons, each with its own unique set of moves and abilities. These can drastically impact combat by allowing players to inflict status effects or create distance between themselves and their enemies. The careful and strategic use of these tools is often the key to surviving challenging fights, which opens up the strategic depth of the game.

Narrative and Storytelling: The Truth Behind the Lies

A Twisted Fairy Tale

Lies of P boldly reinterprets the familiar story of Pinocchio, placing the wooden puppet in a dark and dangerous world reminiscent of Bloodborne. The narrative focuses on Pinocchio’s struggle to become human while navigating the treacherous streets of Krat and battling hordes of corrupted puppets. The storyline is complex, filled with moral dilemmas, and raises questions about humanity, free will, and the cost of survival.

Choices and Consequences

The game features a system of choices, where the decisions the player makes can impact the story’s progression and determine the ending. These choices are often presented as moral dilemmas, forcing the player to make difficult decisions that impact the world around them. The inclusion of multiple endings is also a great way to reward players for replaying the game. The consequences of these decisions are not always immediately apparent, adding to the feeling of intrigue and mystery as players gradually shape their version of the tale.

The Lies System

One of the more intriguing systems in Lies of P is the “Lie” system. Pinocchio has the option to tell lies, with varying effects on both his character and the environment. These lies are tied to the gameplay and narrative and have a direct impact on Pinocchio’s path to becoming human. It is the game’s central conceit and offers the player agency over the story.

Challenges and Frustrations: The Price of Immersion

Difficulty: A Soulslike’s Hallmark

As with other games of its genre, Lies of P is not for the faint of heart. It is a demanding experience, requiring patience, skill, and the willingness to learn from one’s mistakes. The combat system is challenging, and the enemies are often relentless and unforgiving. The bosses, in particular, present formidable challenges that can test the player’s skill and resolve. This difficulty is part of the intended experience and serves to reward dedication and perseverance.

Performance: Technical Issues

Unfortunately, Lies of P is not without its technical imperfections. We have experienced occasional performance hiccups, including frame rate drops and minor glitches, particularly during intense battles. These issues, while not game-breaking, do detract from the overall experience. Hopefully, these issues will be addressed with future patches.

Pacing: The Rhythm of the Game

The pacing of Lies of P can sometimes feel uneven. The initial hours can be slow, with a gradual introduction to the game’s mechanics and narrative. The challenge lies in ensuring that this slow burn maintains the player’s interest while building towards the exciting encounters that define the experience. Some players may find the early game to be a test of patience, while others may appreciate the deliberate build-up.

Conclusion: A Promising Debut with Room to Grow

Lies of P is a commendable entry into the Soulslike genre. It offers a unique take on a classic story, a visually stunning world, and a challenging combat system. While the game suffers from some performance issues and uneven pacing, the strengths far outweigh the weaknesses. The game’s atmosphere, combat, and customization options make it a title worth playing for fans of the genre.

Pros

Cons

Overall Verdict

Lies of P is a captivating and challenging Soulslike title with a unique narrative and a visually stunning world. Despite some technical issues and a slightly uneven pace, the game’s strengths shine through, delivering a memorable experience for those who enjoy the demanding nature of the Soulslike genre. The game is certainly worth considering for players who enjoy action-adventure games or are fans of the Soulslike sub-genre.

We believe Lies of P has set the stage for future titles in this burgeoning franchise. Its innovative ideas and unique take on a classic tale will set the stage for many more games to come. We eagerly await the next chapter of this puppet’s journey.

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