Lies of P (2023): The Review

Overview

Lies of P reimagines the tale of Pinocchio through the grimy, bloodstained lens of a Soulslike, offering a twisted, gothic journey through the collapsing city of Krat. You play as P—a puppet warrior caught between humanity and monstrosity—as he navigates the ruins of civilization, facing rogue automatons and eldritch horrors. Drawing heavy inspiration from Bloodborne, the game delivers a compelling mix of familiar mechanics and fresh ideas, with a narrative that cleverly balances fairy tale whimsy and existential dread.

Score: 8.5 out of 10

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The Positives

✅ Deep, Satisfying Combat: Responsive, weighty melee mechanics emphasize timing, dodging, and weapon variety, making each fight feel precise and earned;

✅ Creative Weapon Assembly: The ability to mix and match blades and hilts opens the door for tons of experimentation and personal playstyle expression;

✅ Impeccable Atmosphere: Krat is gorgeously macabre, with crumbling steampunk architecture, haunting interiors, and a moody soundtrack that perfectly matches the melancholic tone;

✅ Solid Boss Design: From grotesque puppets to twisted human foes, boss encounters are challenging and imaginative, demanding mastery of both mechanics and nerves;

✅ Meaningful Moral Choices: The game’s unique "lie or truth" system subtly shapes narrative outcomes, adding thematic depth to decisions and replay value;

✅ Pinocchio Reimagined Right: The story takes just enough from the classic tale to feel fresh, embedding familiar elements (like Geppetto, the Blue Fairy, and even a twisted Jiminy Cricket) in a much darker framework.

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The Negatives

⚠️ Stiff Early Hours: The opening chapters can feel sluggish, with limited tools and tougher enemy encounters that may put off new players;

⚠️ Parry System Takes Getting Used To: While powerful once mastered, the timing window can feel inconsistent at first, especially against erratic puppet enemies;

⚠️ Enemy Variety Dips Midway: While the game starts strong with unique enemy types, some areas later on reuse foes a bit too often;

⚠️ Storytelling Can Be Vague: Like many Soulslike games, narrative elements are fragmented and obscure at times, which may alienate players looking for a more direct plot;

⚠️ Performance Hiccups: Occasional frame drops and texture pop-ins, particularly in larger zones or fast-paced battles, break immersion slightly.

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The Experience

Lies of P is more than just a stylish Soulslike—it’s a thoughtful reinvention of a classic tale, drenched in darkness and full of mechanical nuance. With sharp combat, an inventive weapon system, and an eerie world that begs to be explored, it stands tall among its inspirations. While it stumbles slightly in pacing and polish, the craftsmanship and heart behind the game are unmistakable. 🎭⚙️🩸

A grim fairy tale forged in steel and sorrow—Lies of P turns its puppet strings into a bloody, beautiful ballet of blades.