LIES OF P REVIEW
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, MORE
Developers: Neowiz Games, Round 8 Studio
Initial release date: September 18, 2023
Mode: Single-player video game
Nominations: The Game Award for Best Role Playing Game, The Game Award for Best Art Direction
License: proprietary license
Genres: Role-playing video game, Fighting game, Adventure
"Review Copy Provided By Neowiz Games"
I've long been drawn to the Souls series and its challenging yet engaging gameplay style. Though I'm not the most skilled player, the rewarding combination of meticulous exploration, tough adversaries, and the thrill of triumph keeps pulling me back. Since From Software launched Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls, birthing a new gaming genre, many have tried to replicate this formula. Successes like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Remnant: From the Ashes stand out, but others, such as Hellpoint, fall short. This year, Lies of P emerged as a noteworthy addition to the Souls-like genre. After spending hours in the game's city of Krat, I find myself immensely impressed, especially given my high expectations. Kudos to Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio for crafting a world that demands further exploration.
Players in Lies of P take on the role of Pinocchio, Geppetto's unique creation, and navigate the gothic, mechanized city of Krat, overrun by rogue puppets. This dark twist on a classic tale begins with Pinocchio's awakening by Sophia's life essence. His first objective is to reach the safe haven of Hotel Krat. The game’s visual and auditory elements are remarkable, evoking memories of Bloodborne. From the detailed design of Pinocchio’s attire to the grim, corpse-strewn streets of Krat, accompanied by an immersive soundtrack, the game excels in creating a gothic atmosphere. Effective combat is crucial for a Souls-like game, and Lies of P does not disappoint.
The combat, refined from early demo feedback, feels fair and fluid, challenging players to learn enemy patterns to gather Ergo, the game’s currency, and reach Stargazers for crucial leveling. Innovative features include a weapon dismantling system, enabling players to customize weapons essential for later gameplay, and Legion Arms – a mechanical arm offering special attacks, particularly useful in boss battles.
The game's humanity system, impacting the ending based on players’ choices, feels underdeveloped and lacks clear consequences, representing the game's primary shortcoming. Nevertheless, Lies of P is an extraordinary journey. The combat is enjoyable and fluid, the bosses are unique, and the world is richly detailed and atmospheric. While the story isn't particularly strong, it's engaging enough, allowing the gameplay to shine.
Lies of P might not eclipse Dark Souls but is worthy of a sequel and acclaim. The game offers a compelling mix of enemy variety, impressive boss fights, and stunning visuals. It's a must-play for fans of the genre, suggesting From Software’s subtle influence. Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio have indeed created a standout experience in the Souls-like category.
