Lies of P is a rather perplexing game in many respects. Developed by the South Korean team Round8 Studio, it comes across as a product of a developer who has made several attempts to master the Souls-like formula. It outshines most other titles inspired by Dark Souls, which is quite impressive considering that Round8 Studio’s only other known game is an MMORPG called Bless Unleashed. It’s a puzzling situation – how has this relatively obscure developer managed to outshine some of the industry’s top contenders with superior combat mechanics, extensive customization options, and impeccable presentation? While Lies of P may seem like an enigma, one thing is abundantly clear: it’s a game that FromSoftware enthusiasts simply cannot afford to overlook.
What’s remarkable is the game’s overall presentation. While it may not flaunt the cutting-edge visuals of a Naughty Dog title, it consistently delivers everything flawlessly at a rock-solid 60 frames per second. From the awe-inspiring opening credits cutscene to the gratifying on-screen animations that accompany vanquishing a boss, it’s evident that an enormous amount of dedication and attention to detail has gone into perfecting even the smallest elements of the game. It’s truly baffling how Round8 Studio has achieved this level of excellence, but Lies of P boasts breathtaking production values. Even the main menu dynamically updates with new background scenes to reflect your progress in the campaign – it’s a truly delightful touch.
Lies of P remains somewhat conventional when adhering to the fundamental aspects of being a Souls-like game. The general gameplay loop holds few surprises; if you’ve experienced a FromSoftware title or any of its numerous imitators, you’ll find the gameplay familiar and comforting. However, to its credit, the game introduces unique elements that dispel any accusations of it being a mere Bloodborne clone.
With a weapon in your right hand, your left hand is flexible, accommodating Legion Arms that bestow various abilities. You can customize your character with a flamethrower, a shield, armor-piercing bullets, landmines, and more – all serving as a lifeline when the challenges become exceedingly formidable. These additions expand the scope of combat, providing opportunities to string together attacks from both hands, allowing for traditional sword strikes alongside electrifying shocks. They are immensely gratifying to wield, and they become even more formidable with upgrades that enhance their effectiveness in battle.
Lies of P also offers the expected weapon enhancements commonly found in Souls-like games, requiring the collection of peculiarly named upgrade materials, alongside a conventional leveling-up system to bolster your vitality, stamina, and attack prowess. Furthermore, the P-Organ mechanic introduces more substantial upgrades. By gathering Quartz from formidable foes or special chests, you can enhance your wooden character to have more Pulse Cell uses (similar to an Estus Flask), widen the timing windows for certain attacks, or enable you to equip more Amulets simultaneously, among other benefits.
Moreover, most weapons come in two parts: the blade and the handle. Utilizing a vendor back at the hotel Krat, you can mix and match swords, daggers, and greatswords by attaching different blades to different handles, each offering distinct effects and abilities. This innovative approach to customization adds another layer of complexity, allowing you to create unique combinations that provide an edge in battle. As you continuously upgrade various aspects of your character throughout the 25-hour playthrough, you’ll experience substantial growth in your character’s strength. With a variety of new weapons, each offering different playstyles, and Fable Arts (special attacks) to experiment with, the game offers an astounding array of customization and improvement options.
Lies of P gives the impression of a developer that has already made multiple attempts to master the Souls-like genre. It’s astonishing that Round8 Studio has achieved so much with their debut effort. By fully embracing a dark adaptation of the Pinocchio story, the game stands out from the crowd. What sets it apart are its outstanding combat mechanics and extensive and satisfying customization options, making Lies of P a premier experience for die-hard FromSoftware fans.
