Lies of P, the latest addition to the soulslike genre, unapologetically wears its Bloodborne influences on its sleeve, and I’m here for it. As a spiritual sibling to FromSoftware’s masterpiece, Lies of P successfully replicates many of the formula’s core elements, making it a thrilling and captivating experience.
In Lies of P, you step into the shoes of the eponymous P, a self-aware puppet created by Gepetto, navigating a world plagued by an enigmatic curse or virus that has decimated humanity. The remnants of society are now under the control of mechanical puppets, designed to serve their human masters. When I say “puppet,” imagine walking, talking animatronic butlers.
The combat mechanics follow a familiar pattern, reminiscent of Bloodborne’s aggressive playstyle. Blocking and countering attacks while maintaining aggression to recover lost health adds an exhilarating layer to the gameplay. P’s left arm can be customized with various abilities, akin to Sekiro, adding depth and versatility to combat encounters.
The combat is not just familiar but also deeply satisfying. Each challenge I faced compelled me to overcome it, evoking the same sense of accomplishment I felt when first playing Bloodborne.
Lies of P crafts a gothic, Bloodborne-inspired world that oozes intrigue and atmosphere. While it offers a more linear path compared to its predecessors in the genre, I appreciated the focused storytelling experience it delivered.
What truly sets Lies of P apart is its innovative weapon crafting system. All weapons (excluding boss weapons) consist of a head and a handle that can be customized across different weapons, allowing for unique combinations like an electrified axe. This system adds a refreshing layer of creativity to combat.
Accessibility is another strong suit of Lies of P. While it remains challenging, it strikes a balance between difficulty and fairness, sparing players from prolonged frustration with any single boss encounter.
Graphically, Lies of P is a visual marvel, featuring exceptional world design and spine-tingling soundscapes. It’s astonishing that a studio with limited experience could produce such a stunning game.
In conclusion, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Lies of P. While it clearly pays homage to Bloodborne, it does so with such finesse and creativity that it deserves recognition in its own right. I commend the developers for delivering a memorable soulslike experience, and I’m pleased to award Lies of P a well-deserved 9/10.