A soulslike take on a children’s classic
Lies of P is a premium action game from Neowiz Games, receiving critical acclaim as one of the best Soulslike games not to come from FromSoftware. In this dark and gritty retelling of the fantasy classic Pinocchio, you control the humanoid puppet through the city of Krat. The city has fallen from grace and is now filled with rampaging puppets and robots.
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With a punishing difficulty level, a wide range of gameplay possibilities, and a gripping storyline, Lies of P takes the best elements from games like Demon’s Souls (2020) and Thymesia to give that memorable role-playing experience.
Guide Pinocchio in a dark fantasy world
As a Soulslike game, Lies of P ticks all of the boxes. The unforgiving difficulty level, both from mobs and bosses, is one of them. Although admittedly gentler in scaling by Soulslike standards, make no mistake: this will take hours to master. Unlike earlier FromSoft games, however, it has more accurate hitboxes and animations that reflect the need for precise timings, whether you’re attacking, dodging, or parrying.
Concept-wise, it is closest to Bloodborne with its Victorian theme, although Pinocchio does have quality steampunk thrown in. It is a creative retelling of the classic children’s story, with the puppet boy’s tendency to tell lies playing a crucial role in the story progression. Depending on your decisions, you get to unlock one of three endings. Even the cast of characters will sound familiar, getting massive redesigns to fit its dark fantasy aesthetic.
Since it’s one of the games inspired by the Souls phenomenon, expect it to have the same shortcomings as other titles like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Souls fans will find it too easy, while casual gamers will definitely get skill-checked at various points in the game. One more divisive aspect of this game is that costumes are purely for cosmetic purposes only, with no damage reduction or weight impacts.
The best non-FromSoft Soulslike
Other developers have long been trying to crack the secrets of a successful Soulslike game, and Lies of P does it with ease. The non-medieval setting is already a breath of fresh air from challenging adventures like the Dark Souls trilogy or maybe even Elden Ring. It retains the highly mechanical combat mechanics and carves an immersive storyline all on its own. If you’re up to the challenge, this is a definite must-try.
