Unlocking the Secrets of Lies of P: A Soulslike Adventure
In the world of action role-playing games, FromSoftware’s Bloodborne has reigned supreme for over eight years. Its unique atmosphere and captivating gameplay mechanics have kept gamers enthralled. While other soulslike games have attempted to replicate its success, few have succeeded. However, NEOWIZ has ventured into this challenging territory with Lies of P, proving that it is possible to create a solid action RPG in the vein of FromSoftware’s legendary title. In this article, we’ll delve into Lies of P, exploring its narrative, gameplay mechanics, and what sets it apart from its inspiration.
A Dark Twist on a Classic Tale
Lies of P draws inspiration from Carlo Collodi’s classic tale, “The Adventures of Pinocchio.” However, it’s not a faithful retelling of the story. Instead, it transports players to the Belle Époque-inspired city of Krat. Here, the puppet P awakens to find his creator Geppetto missing, the city overrun by deranged puppets, and its population cowering in fear of both the puppets and a devastating plague. P embarks on a quest to find Geppetto, battling hordes of enemies to save Krat and, ultimately, to become human.
True to soulslike tradition, the plot unfolds through environmental cues and brief dialogues. While not particularly groundbreaking, the story serves as a dark reimagining of Pinocchio’s tale. Multiple endings, determined by P’s honesty throughout his journey, provide a satisfying conclusion, despite limited character development and a lack of unexpected twists.
Familiar Ground with a Dash of Uniqueness
Lies of P largely adheres to the formula popularized by FromSoftware. Players control P from a third-person perspective, navigating Krat, battling formidable enemies, avoiding treacherous traps, and utilizing bonfire-like checkpoints called Stargazers. The Krat Hotel serves as the central hub for leveling up, purchasing items, and enhancing weapons in preparation for challenging boss fights.
Fortunately, Lies of P introduces unique mechanics that differentiate it from its predecessors. P’s left arm, the Legion Arm, plays a central role, allowing for diverse combat options, including elemental attacks, wire-based tactics, and counterattacks. The P Organ mechanic, akin to a skill tree, adds depth to customization. Each unlocked node provides special abilities, stat boosts, and more, enabling players to tailor P’s fighting style. Moreover, weapon customization allows for the creation of distinct combat approaches, enhancing the game’s replayability.
Innovative Combat Dynamics
Combat and enemy design are pivotal in any soulslike game, and Lies of P excels in this regard. Varied enemy designs, even among those wielding similar weapons, challenge players and keep them on their toes. Mini-bosses scattered throughout Krat provide additional difficulty spikes, while main bosses offer memorable encounters. Combat feels more responsive than in the demo, further enhancing the gameplay experience.
Navigating the Dark and Complex City
Level design is a crucial aspect of any soulslike adventure, and Lies of P delivers a mostly satisfying experience. Krat, with its intricate pathways, shortcuts, and hidden items, offers plenty of exploration. While not as interconnected as Bloodborne or the original Dark Souls, Krat’s design serves its purpose, creating a chilling atmosphere and maintaining a sense of tension.
Visuals and Performance
Lies of P, available on current and previous-generation consoles, doesn’t push the boundaries of visual fidelity. However, character models boast impressive detail, and the game’s clever use of lighting evokes an eerie ambiance. On the PlayStation 5, the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second in Performance Mode, even during intense battles. While Quality Mode enhances visuals at the expense of framerate, it’s not recommended for a game that thrives on fluid combat.
The Imitation Worth Playing
In conclusion, Lies of P successfully imitates the essence of FromSoftware’s Bloodborne, providing an enjoyable experience throughout its roughly 20-hour playtime. While it may wear its influences on its sleeve, NEOWIZ has crafted a solid soulslike game that fans of the genre can appreciate, as long as they temper their expectations regarding innovation. Dive into the dark and twisted world of Lies of P and embark on a journey that pays homage to the classics while offering its unique spin on the soulslike formula.