Lies of P (PS5) Review: A Masterful Soulslike that Embraces Its Dark Heart

Are you ready to embrace the challenge of a truly unique and exquisitely crafted soulslike experience? Look no further than Lies of P (PS5), a game that has taken the gaming world by storm with its dark, gothic reimagining of the classic Pinocchio tale. Far from a whimsical children’s story, this action RPG plunges players into the steampunk-infused, plague-ridden city of Krat, where mechanical puppets have gone berserk, and humanity clings to a desperate hope.

Developed by NEOWIZ and Round8 Studio, Lies of P isn’t just another soulslike; it’s a confident, stylish, and incredibly satisfying entry that stands proudly alongside its inspirations. If you’ve been craving a new challenge on your PlayStation 5 that rewards skill, patience, and strategic thinking, then prepare yourself for a journey unlike any other. You can pick up your copy of Lies of P (PS5) right here.

The Darkest Fairy Tale You’ll Ever Play

From the moment you step foot into the desolate streets of Krat, Lies of P immediately establishes an atmosphere of oppressive beauty. The game casts you as P, a combat puppet who awakens to find the city in chaos. Your mission: find your creator, Geppetto, and unravel the mystery behind the puppet frenzy. What truly sets this narrative apart is its bold, mature reinterpretation of Pinocchio, complete with iconic characters like Gemini (Cricket) and even a Blue Fairy analog, all twisted into dark, captivating forms.

Visually, the game is a feast for the eyes on PS5. Krat is a sprawling, interconnected city of intricate architecture, gothic spires, and hauntingly beautiful interiors, all brought to life with stunning detail and performance. The character designs, especially the grotesque puppet enemies and imposing bosses, are incredibly creative and terrifying. It’s a game that makes you want to explore every dark alley, despite the lurking dangers.

Combat: Precision, Prowess, and Plenty of Pain

At its core, Lies of P is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding action RPG. Combat is king, and it demands your full attention. You’ll need to master a blend of precise dodges, perfectly timed parries, and strategic attacks to overcome the relentless puppet hordes. Every enemy, from the smallest automaton to the most colossal boss, has distinct attack patterns that you’ll need to learn and counter.

One of the game’s standout features is its innovative Weapon Assembly system. Instead of just finding new weapons, you can combine different blade and handle parts to create unique combinations. A heavy axe blade with a quick sword handle? A long-reaching polearm blade with a defensive handle? The possibilities are vast, allowing for deep customization of your playstyle. Each handle also comes with a unique “Fable Art” – a powerful special attack – adding another layer of strategic depth to your loadout.

Beyond your primary weapon, P has a Legion Arm, a customizable prosthetic that can be equipped with various abilities, from a flamethrower to an electric shockwave. This further enhances your combat options and allows for even more strategic variety. Successfully parrying attacks is crucial, often leading to a “Stagger” state where you can unleash a devastating critical attack, reminiscent of the best in the genre. It’s a system that truly sings when you get into its rhythm.

The Weight of a Lie: A Unique Narrative Choice

Adding another fascinating layer to the experience is the “Lie” system. Throughout the game, you’ll be faced with difficult moral choices, often between telling the truth (which can be harsh and unyielding) or telling a lie (which might offer comfort or a different path). These choices impact the game’s narrative, character interactions, and even lead to different endings. It’s a compelling mechanic that encourages thoughtful decision-making and adds significant replay value.

What Makes Lies of P Shine (Pros):

Stunning Art Direction and Atmosphere: Krat is an unforgettable setting, visually breathtaking and steeped in dark lore.
Deep and Satisfying Combat: Challenging yet fair, with responsive controls and rewarding mechanics.
Innovative Weapon Assembly: The ability to mix and match weapon parts offers incredible customization and strategic depth.
Compelling Narrative Reimagining: A fresh, mature take on Pinocchio that’s surprisingly engaging and emotionally resonant.
Excellent Boss Design: Bosses are varied, imposing, and offer some of the most thrilling challenges in recent memory.
Solid PS5 Performance: The game runs smoothly, showcasing its gorgeous graphics without a hitch.
Meaningful Player Choice: The “Lie” system genuinely impacts the story and encourages multiple playthroughs.

Where Lies of P Might Test Your Patience (Cons):

Steep Learning Curve: Typical for the genre, but newcomers to soulslikes might find the initial difficulty daunting.
Can Feel Derivative: While excellent, its inspirations (especially Bloodborne) are very apparent in its design and atmosphere. Some players might wish for more unique mechanics beyond the weapon assembly.
Occasional Difficulty Spikes: Certain enemy encounters or boss fights can feel particularly brutal, requiring a significant time investment to overcome.

User Impressions: A Resounding Success

The gaming community has largely embraced Lies of P (PS5) with open arms. Players praise its unwavering commitment to its aesthetic, its finely tuned combat, and its respectful yet fresh take on the soulslike formula. Many have highlighted its polish and how it feels like a AAA title from a smaller studio. The game has frequently been cited as one of the best new IP of 2023, offering a strong challenge for veterans and a captivating world for those willing to learn its intricacies.

Who Is Lies of P Best For?

Lies of P is absolutely perfect for:

Soulslike Veterans: If you’ve conquered titles like Bloodborne, Dark Souls, or Elden Ring and are hungry for your next challenge, this game is tailor-made for you.
Fans of Dark Fantasy and Gothic Aesthetics: The game’s world is a masterclass in atmospheric design.
Players Who Enjoy Deep Customization: The weapon assembly and Legion Arm systems offer endless ways to tailor your combat style.
Story Enthusiasts Looking for a Unique Narrative: The twisted Pinocchio tale is surprisingly deep and engaging.

However, if you’re easily frustrated by challenging games, prefer a more casual experience, or are new to the soulslike genre, be prepared for a significant learning curve. Patience and persistence are key to enjoying this masterpiece.

Final Verdict: A Soulslike Gem

Lies of P (PS5) is more than just a homage; it’s a testament to how well the soulslike formula can be adapted and refined. It delivers a consistently engaging, visually stunning, and supremely satisfying experience that will test your skills and immerse you in a truly unique world. From its intricate combat to its unforgettable atmosphere, Lies of P (PS5) delivers a truly remarkable experience.

It’s a bold, beautiful, and brutal adventure that stands as one of the best new action RPGs of the generation. If you’re looking for a game that will challenge you, reward your efforts, and leave a lasting impression, then don’t hesitate.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey into the heart of a dark fairy tale. Grab your copy of Lies of P (PS5) today and see if you have what it takes to find the truth… or embrace the lie.

FAQ

Q. What kind of game is Lies of P, and is it difficult?
A. Lies of P is a dark fantasy action RPG, heavily inspired by the Soulslike genre. It features challenging combat, intricate level design, and demanding boss battles, making it quite difficult. Players familiar with games like Bloodborne or Dark Souls will find its mechanics familiar but with its own unique twists.

Q. What is the story and setting of Lies of P?
A. The game is a dark, reimagined take on the classic tale of Pinocchio. Set in the Belle Époque-inspired city of Krat, players control P, a humanoid puppet who awakens to find the city in ruins, overrun by mad puppets and a deadly plague. P must navigate this perilous world, discover the truth behind the calamity, and find his creator, Geppetto.

Q. What are some of the unique gameplay mechanics in Lies of P?
A. Lies of P introduces several distinctive mechanics. The “Lie System” allows players to make choices throughout the game that influence the narrative and its ending, sometimes requiring P to lie to advance. The “Weapon Assembly System” enables players to combine different blade and handle parts to create unique weapon combinations, altering movesets and scaling. Additionally, P utilizes a “Legion Arm,” a customizable prosthetic arm with various offensive and defensive abilities.

Q. How does Lies of P utilize the PlayStation 5’s features?
A. On PS5, Lies of P takes advantage of the console’s capabilities for an enhanced experience. This includes significantly faster loading times thanks to the SSD, immersive haptic feedback through the DualSense controller that conveys the impact of attacks and environmental details, and adaptive triggers that provide resistance for actions like charging attacks or using certain Legion Arm abilities.

Q. Approximately how long does it take to beat Lies of P?
A. The main story of Lies of P typically takes around 30-40 hours for most players. However, completionists looking to explore every area, defeat all optional bosses, uncover all secrets, and experience different endings may spend 60 hours or more across multiple playthroughs.

Q. Are there multiple endings in Lies of P?
A. Yes, Lies of P features multiple endings. These endings are primarily influenced by the choices players make throughout the game, particularly related to the “Lie System.” The accumulation of “humanity” through these decisions determines which narrative path P ultimately follows, encouraging replayability to see all possible outcomes.