Lies of P Review: A Refreshing Take on Soulslike Gaming

Neowiz, the developer behind “Lies of P,” boldly labels its action game as a “Soulslike,” a direct nod to the renowned From Software series. Such a declaration is daring, considering the high bar set by From Software’s creations in the action subgenre. Naturally, I approached “Lies of P” with expectations tempered by the Soulslike genre’s standards.

However, something unexpected happened—I found myself sinking 40 hours into “Lies of P” in just five days, a feat I rarely accomplish with any game. I even went back to explore alternate endings and embarked on a New Game Plus playthrough because I couldn’t get enough. “Lies of P” masterfully adopts the familiar Soulslike combat and world-building elements while injecting its unique twists, setting it apart from its inspirations.
The result? “Lies of P” is nothing short of fantastic.

Neowiz fully embraces the Pinocchio narrative, using the well-known puppet character to tell a gripping story of an overworked and undervalued class rebelling against its creators. The game delves into the lengths those in power will go to retain control and explores the profound question of what it means to be human, accompanied by an intriguing and somewhat complex mechanic that I won’t spoil here.
While it may not break entirely new ground or dive incredibly deep, the way “Lies of P” weaves Pinocchio’s tale into its narrative, especially within the framework of a Soulslike, is commendable and works remarkably well.

Combat in “Lies of P” is instantly recognizable to Soulslike veterans. Every encounter presents a real threat, with enemies capable of ending your journey with a few missteps. Bosses, in true Soulslike fashion, can both surprise and infuriate, serving as crucial skill checks on your journey through the 19th Century France-inspired world of Krat. Initially, the game’s mechanics may appear perplexing, but as you become acquainted with them, they form a cohesive and satisfying whole.

The mechanical Legion arm wielded by Pinocchio introduces elements such as fire, electricity, acid, blocking, a grapple line, and more to your combat repertoire, enabling you to discover enemy weaknesses strategically. Grindstones allow you to imbue your weapon with elemental properties, and one-time-use Wishstones can be game-changers, whether extending the life of your NPC specter companion during a boss battle or slowly regenerating your HP when Pulse Cells are in short supply. Even weapons can be disassembled into handles and blades, offering diverse customization possibilities. What truly impressed me was the gradual introduction of these mechanics, expanding combat options just when I thought I had mastered the system.

With the exception of a few areas, “Lies of P” boasts stunning and distinctive visuals that breathe life into the puppet-infested world of Krat and its surroundings. From the bustling industrial districts to the eerie gothic cathedrals and World Fair-inspired exhibitions, each location is thoughtfully crafted. These Soulslike staples, seen through the lens of Pinocchio and Neowiz, breathe new life into familiar environments. The game also runs remarkably well and is visually stunning, prompting me to amass a collection of screenshots on my PlayStation 5.

In conclusion, “Lies of P” is a refreshing addition to the Soulslike genre. It deftly combines familiar elements with its unique storytelling and mechanics, creating a captivating and memorable gaming experience. Neowiz has taken the bold step of placing a well-known character at the center of its narrative, and the result is nothing short of remarkable. For fans of challenging action games with a narrative twist, “Lies of P” is an absolute must-play, offering hours of gameplay and an engaging story within a beautifully crafted world.