Lies of P: A Wooden Heart's Epic Ballet
Crafting a compelling journey out of strings and nails.
last updated Jan 15, 2024
From its intricate combat system to its enchanting audiovisual tapestry, 'Lies of P' presents a challenge that's equally punishing and rewarding.
Journey of the Puppet Warrior
Jumping into 'Lies of P' is akin to diving headfirst into a twisted fairy tale where you're just as likely to get a splinter as you are to find a enchanted sword. At its core, the game concocts a delectable hybrid of Bloodborne's aggressive playstyle and Sekiro's emphasis on precision parries. The in-game 'talent tree' and 'prosthetic arm' add layers of strategy often missing from lesser souls-likes, elevating the stakes for every encounter. Although some may whine about the perfect guard mechanic being overly punishing, seasoned gamers will appreciate the depth it brings. True, the title's linear path might feel like a straightaway rather than a proverbial 'walk in the woods', but the gameplay loop is so engrossingly satisfying you'll likely forgive the lack of detours.
An Opera of Steel and Shadow
The clash of blades and bone-chilling shrieks of fallen adversaries in 'Lies of P' are a symphony for the soul(hard). The audio is a star performer, dancing alongside you in every fight and embracing you in every solemn moment of exploration. The soundtrack is a masterpiece worthy of a standing ovation, each note capturing the game's macabre elegance perfectly. While the lack of an auditory cheese wheel rolling down an ally as an Easter egg is a missed opportunity, the combination of music and sound effects does more than enough to pull you into the world's dark depths.
A Macabre Dance of Light and Shadow
The gloomy Victorian splendor of 'Lies of P' is lavishly rendered, with environments that could make even the most stoic of gargoyles weep in appreciation. Every shadow feels like it's hiding a secret, and each ray of light seems to whisper of hope—a visual dialectic strikingly executed. Performance-wise, the game glides smoother than a marionette on ice, keeping those tense combat encounters clear and crisp even when your PC might feel like it's part of a steampunk diorama. While anyone looking for rainbow explosions might prefer staring at a bowl of Skittles instead, the carefully crafted atmospheric colors and detailed environments are nothing short of impressive.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
NEOWIZ
Release Date
September 18, 2023
The Verdict
'Lies of P' takes the soulslike genre and cranks it up a notch with enough innovations to feel refreshing while respecting the legacy of its forebears. From its intricate combat system to its enchanting audiovisual tapestry, it presents a challenge that's equally punishing and rewarding. Small team or not, what's been achieved here deserves a tip of the top hat—even if said hat might hide murderous intent. 'Lies of P' is not just a standout title in the genre; it's a testament to the heights indie developers can reach when they set their minds to it.
