Bottom Line: Lies of P isn't just another Soulslike clone; it’s a masterfully crafted homage that refines the formula with a brutal, beautiful, and relentlessly engaging adventure. It borrows heavily from the masters, but its unique weapon system and stunning world give it a soul all its own.
The Brutal Ballet of Combat
At its core, Lies of P is an action RPG defined by its combat, and the combat is an intricate dance of aggression and precision. The DNA of FromSoftware's catalog is unmistakable. The deliberate pacing, the emphasis on learning enemy attack patterns, and the crushing punishment for failure are all here. Yet, Round8 Studio cleverly cherry-picks and combines elements to create a rhythm that feels both familiar and distinct. The system feels like a direct descendant of Bloodborne, encouraging a forward-pressing offense, but it integrates the posture-breaking parry mechanic central to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
This is where the Perfect Guard comes into play. It’s a high-risk, high-reward parry that demands impeccable timing. Mistime it, and you take massive damage. But land it consistently, and you negate all damage, wear down the enemy's invisible posture bar, and eventually leave them "Staggered" and vulnerable. It forces an aggressive-defense posture that is exhilarating when you find its rhythm. It’s less forgiving than Sekiro's deflect, with a tighter window, but the payoff is just as satisfying.
Layered on top of this is the brilliant Weapon Assembly system. This is not mere customization; it's a fundamental pillar of gameplay. Separating a weapon into its "blade" and "handle" allows for true experimentation. The blade determines the attack power and damage type, while the handle dictates the moveset and how the weapon scales with your stats. Want the powerful, slow-hitting blade of a greatsword on the fast-swinging handle of a dagger? You can build that. This system encourages a level of strategic creativity that even its inspirations lack. It turns every new weapon found into a kit of parts, a new set of possibilities for your arsenal, giving the player immense agency in crafting a playstyle that is truly their own.
A World Woven from Lies
The narrative framework, a dark reimagining of Pinocchio, could have easily been a shallow gimmick. Instead, the game commits to it with surprising success. The central Lying System is the most direct expression of this. While some choices feel binary and their immediate impact minor, their cumulative effect is palpable. Telling a lie to comfort a dying citizen or to deceive a suspicious hunter slowly builds your "Humanity," subtly changing P's mechanical heart. It’s a clever mechanic that ties character progression directly to role-playing, making you consider the ethical and philosophical implications of your actions in a way that feels meaningful.
The world-building is where Lies of P truly shines. The city of Krat is a stunning achievement in environmental storytelling. From the opulent, gilded halls of the Opera House, now stalked by deranged puppet divas, to the grimy, plague-ridden alleys of the Malum District, every corner of the city tells a story of ambition and decay. The enemy design is exceptional, a menagerie of twisted clockwork horrors that are as terrifying as they are imaginative. Hulking police puppets, spidery marionettes, and grotesque circus performers all feel like they belong to this broken world. The lore is delivered through item descriptions and environmental cues in classic Soulslike fashion, weaving a tragic tale of a city that flew too close to the sun on wings of clockwork and ambition.