Lies Of P – Review

Lies of P takes the classic tale of the wooden puppet and throws it into a grimdark Souls-like blender, crafting a challenging and atmospheric action-RPG. But is it a masterpiece carved from enchanted wood, or a puppet show held together by rusty staples? Let’s dissect its gears and see.

Story & Setting: The narrative reimagines Pinocchio as a Geppetto-less automaton seeking to mend his shattered body and unravel the mysteries of a plague-ridden city called Krat. While the themes of humanity, deception, and finding one’s purpose are woven throughout, the story can feel cryptic and underdeveloped at times. The true star is the environment, a gothic nightmare of towering puppet theaters, decaying clockwork factories, and grotesque monstrosities lurking in the shadows. Every cobblestone whispers of a grim past, begging to be explored.

Gameplay & Mechanics: Lies of P’s heart lies in its Souls-like gameplay. Combat is a brutal ballet of parries, dodges, and strategic weapon combos. Mastering your timing and understanding enemy AI is crucial for survival. The crafting system adds a layer of depth, allowing you to cobble together makeshift weapons and tools from scavenged materials. The “P-Core” system, where you equip body parts for stat boosts and unique abilities, is another intriguing twist, though the options can feel limited later in the game.

Level Design & Exploration: The interconnected world of Krat is a joy to traverse. Hidden shortcuts, secrets tucked away in every nook, and optional boss challenges reward thorough exploration. The level design is impressive, showcasing a variety of distinct environments, from sunlit rooftops to claustrophobic sewers. However, the interconnectedness can also lead to some backtracking fatigue, especially when tackling optional areas.

Strengths:

• Brutal but rewarding combat: Mastering the dance of combat feels incredibly satisfying.
• Unique “P-Core” system: Adds a layer of customization and strategic depth.
• Gorgeous and atmospheric world: Krat is a haunting and memorable setting.
• Interconnected level design: Encourages exploration and discovery.

Weaknesses:

• Cryptic and underdeveloped story: Leaves players craving more narrative depth.
• Limited enemy variety: Can feel repetitive after a while.
• Backtracking fatigue: Some areas can feel like a chore to revisit.
• Technical hiccups: Occasional performance issues and bugs can mar the experience.

Verdict:

Lies of P is a thrilling and punishing Souls-like adventure with a unique Pinocchio twist. The brutal combat, atmospheric world, and rewarding exploration make it an experience worth venturing into. However, the cryptic story, limited enemy variety, and occasional technical stumbles hold it back from achieving true greatness.

Final Score: 7.5/10 – A compelling but flawed puppet show worth attending.

Should you play it? If you enjoy challenging Souls-like gameplay, atmospheric exploration, and a dark reimagining of classic fairy tales, then Lies of P has something to offer. Just be prepared to face your inner demons and grapple with the puppet strings of its shortcomings.