Lies of P: A Dark Twist on Pinocchio in the Soulslike Realm
"Lies of P," developed by South Korean studio Neowiz Games, stands out in the crowded Soulslike genre with its unique take on the Pinocchio tale. In this review, we'll delve deeper into its gameplay, story, artistic direction, and overall impact.
Story and Setting Expanded
Set in a Belle Epoque-inspired city, "Lies of P" tells a darker version of Pinocchio's story. The narrative involves well-known characters from the original tale, like Geppetto and Gemini, but reimagined in unique ways. The city of Krat serves as the backdrop, a place overrun by puppet-like creatures. This setting provides a sense of foreboding and intrigue, though the story's pacing suffers, only gaining momentum towards the end.
Gameplay Mechanics Deep Dive
The game incorporates a morality system where choices between truth and lies affect the outcome. This system is intriguing but underutilized, not significantly altering the game's trajectory. Combat in "Lies of P" is fast-paced and aggressive, drawing inspiration from "Bloodborne." However, it tends to follow predictable patterns, especially in boss battles.
Customization and Progression
The ability to modify P's arm with various weapons provides customization. The game allows for a mix-and-match approach to weapons, offering flexibility in combat strategies. The degree of customization enriches the gameplay experience, fostering a sense of exploration and innovation.
Artistic Direction and Level Design
Krat's haunting atmosphere is one of the game's highlights. The eerie environments are meticulously crafted, but some elements feel derivative of other games in the genre. The level design is commendable for its attention to detail, yet lacks innovation in some areas.
Gameplay Experience
Players navigate through Krat, facing a variety of enemies. The game offers a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. While these elements are well-executed, the game sometimes struggles to offer a unique Soulslike experience, often reminding players of its inspirations.
Narrative and World-Building
The lore of "Lies of P" is rich and thought-provoking, with a narrative that extends beyond the main storyline. The world-building is impressive, creating a believable and immersive universe. However, the storytelling sometimes falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative experience.
Technical Aspects
From a technical standpoint, "Lies of P" boasts impressive graphics and sound design. The visual fidelity and audio immersion contribute significantly to the overall experience. However, there are occasional technical glitches and performance issues that detract from the game's polish.
"Lies of P" is a bold attempt at combining a classic tale with Soulslike mechanics. While it excels in setting and atmosphere, it stumbles in narrative execution and originality in gameplay. Nevertheless, it offers an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre and those intrigued by its unique premise.