Lies Of P’s Take On The Souls Formula Still Rocks

Ever since FromSoftware launched the motion RPG Demon Souls in 2009, the remainder of the online game business has been (lovingly) copying it. Imitation is the sincerest type of flattery, because the saying goes. Amongst a wealth of solid takes on the style, final yr’s darkish fantasy title Lies of P stands out as the most effective. Not solely does the sport expertly emulate what followers love in regards to the Souls style, however it additionally iterates on its method in thrilling methods. Although one yr after its launch, what I discover most charming about Lies of P is simply how enthralling its absurd premise really is.

I assure if you happen to solely know one factor about Lies of P it’s that the sport is “darkish Pinocchio.” That was all anyone may discuss within the lead-up to its 2023 launch—effectively, that and the way a lot the protagonist regarded like Timothée Chalamet. But after critiques got here out and folks received the sport of their fingers, it turned out that Lies of P wasn’t only a low cost Bloodborne (the 2015 masterpiece from FromSoftware), however moderately it was really…good.

That has loads to do with the sport’s iterations on concepts typically thought-about core to the Soulslike style. One instance is in Lies of P’s guarding, which performs off of parrying in FromSoftware video games. In Lies of P, guarding appears like a necessary ability you should be taught alongside your journey, however not one which’s absurdly tough to grasp. It excels, although, in its innovation. That’s finest illustrated by the weapon crafting system. Positive, in a Souls sport, you might be more likely to acquire a lot of weapons, a few of which can even have a number of varieties. However Lies of P takes that concept to the intense. Each weapon within the sport is made up of two elements: a deal with and blade. The power to combine and match your weapon parts makes for an enchanting customizable gameplay loop with unimaginable depth.

However the biggest pleasure of Lies of P is available in its world, which is a surprisingly spectacular retelling of the Pinocchio story. The sport transforms the acquainted story right into a gothic horror story about id and free will. Pinocchio continues to be a puppet, however on the earth of Lies of P, this story investigates how the flexibility to decide on our destiny makes us human. Every thing in regards to the world, from its gritty takes on the Blue Fairy and Geppetto to its killer automatons, is extraordinarily foolish out of context. However Lies of P weaves a compelling narrative with all of those items.

It’s one of many causes I can’t watch for the sequel which, as the sport teases, will contain The Wizard of Oz. I’m already bought.

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