Lies of P

Being the best soulslike ever created, Lies of P is an absolute masterpiece that excels in all that it sets out to do; it boasts a captivating and intelligent reinterpretation of the fable of Pinocchio with magnificent and demanding combats where the level and bosses design is splendid. It also introduces a sublime and oppressive setting that makes you fall in love with each step you take, and the icing on the cake is a monumental soundtrack that boosts every single sensation. Never before has any video game captured the essence of FromSoftware with such prowess and personality, thus becoming one of the best titles of 2023.

Lies of P is a gorgeous, bloody, unforgiving game which builds off the well-tread souls template to create a wholly original adventure that never ceases being a joy to explore and experience. With top tier combat, fantastic enemy and boss designs, and intricate and often interweaving areas to explore, the game remains fresh despite the 30+ hours required for a first playthrough. I may be a sucker for these types of games, but Lies of P hit absolutely every note needed to draw me into its often grotesque yet surprisingly emotional world. Lies of P may be based on a well-known and over told fairy tale, but watching it unfold in a mature setting with a likable cast of characters and dire stakes made the story that much more enthralling.

Lies of P's greatest strength is how it rewards and empowers you at every turn to venture further through this twisted tale of puppetry and monstrous humanity, despite its oppressive world and formidable enemies. I struggled to pull myself away from Lies of P, even when it had me fuming. It delicately balances the fun of a Soulslike with the challenge the genre demands and only falters a few times. That it maintains that balance within the confines of a fairytale most know best because of Disney, flipping it on its head to tell something more in line with Carlo Collodi's original The Adventures of Pinnochio, is another achievement of Lies of P. But above all that, Lies of P uses the familiar, the highlights, and the lessons learned from the authors of the Soulslike subgenre to create something unique, fascinating, and exhilarating. Neowiz aimed for the stars, much like the ones its Pinnochio wishes upon, and hits them with machine-like accuracy.

For Neowiz’s first big AAA-caliber game, they have done a bang-up job with Lies of P. The story, characters, combat and RPG systems, controls, enemy design, level design — there’s a lot here that is done with excellence and the summation of these is a great game that I’d happily recommend to anyone that enjoys the tough-but-rewarding Soulslike genre.

Lies of P is a very good souls-like and it is undoubtedly the game of this type that comes closest to From Software perfection. Its demanding and racy gameplay offers an experience where extreme precision and patience will be your best allies. It’s a shame that the city of Krat, extremely elegant, offers a playing field with a somewhat flat level design. Beyond that, this rewrite of Pinocchio is absolutely terrible.

Lies of P succeeds in almost everything it sets out to do. Not only do we get a wonderful new setting in the form of Krat to explore and dissect, but we also get some great gameplay to go along with it. While the story sets up some interesting things, it takes too long to get it rolling. The game ultimately relies too heavily on the gameplay to keep you intrigued. Not that we’re complaining.

Lies of P sets foot in a realm that many studios have ventured into and failed, and even though it’s still not at the level of the works by the great Miyazaki, it is one the best Soulslike games ever made.

Although Lies of P takes heavy inspiration from the more successful leaders in the genre, this is one souls-like adventure that also dances to its own tune in many ways. The freedom afforded by its crafting system, the excellent and dark storytelling, and the intensity of its combat are great ingredients for a classic tale and makes it easier to overlook some of the niggling issues that affect the puppet show. While there may not be a Bloodborne sequel to quell the thirst, Lies of P is the closest one can get to a dark, fantastical adventure that is bloody brilliant.

Despite its undeniable use of core FromSoftware mainstays in building its foundations, Lies of P emerges as so much more than a simple imitation. The game’s origin points, both expected and strange, belie the clarity of vision that is found throughout almost every aspect, whether borrowed, adapted, improved upon, or wholly original. Round8 proves itself more than capable of pulling the strings, which makes the game’s absolutely fucking wild post-credits tease all the more exciting and hilarious. A delightfully mean world inhabited by equally spiteful creatures and a bevy of sharpened tools with which to go hunting, Lies of P is a tremendously fun surprise.

Lies of P has a horror aesthetic that makes this iteration of Pinocchio unique. The subtle world-building is great for those who look for it, but those who try to just rush through the story can miss out. The truly scary part of Lies of P is the combat. Boss battles can be cruel and frustrating sometimes, even feeling unfair due to the controls that are hard to master. But if you stick through it, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. Souls fans shouldn’t sleep on Lies of P.

Neowiz took something well-known and really made it their own with stunning results. Lies of P is a game you can easily get lost in - provided you don't lose your cool.

Out of all the games that have attempted to master a Soulslike, Lies of P stands in a league of its own and should be experienced by anyone who is a fan of the subgenre.

Lies of P may not be Bloodborne 2, nor was it ever trying to be, and to say it’s the game to tide you over until we get a true sequel to Bloodborne feels like a massive disservice to the incredible game that it is. It is a worthy addition to the pantheon of incredible Souls-likes and in the same way I fell in love with Bloodborne only moments after playing it, I’ve fallen in love with Lies of P. It does everything right, minus a few technical hiccups, and carves a name for itself wholly its own. I’d say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this isn’t immigration. This is elevation...Lies of P exceeds its SoulsBorne inspirations and is easily one of the best games of the year.

Lies of P joins the list of this year's great releases and is a must for all soulslike fans. While it takes many of the elements already known in Dark Souls and Bloodborne, it manages to have its own identity with a great character design, a unique setting and a narrative that knows how to grow through the whole experience.

For a game based on a story that's been told what feels like an endless number of times, Lies of P feels one of a kind.

Smooth combat, seamless exploration and a set of well-executed mechanics makes Lies of P an excellent Soulslike. When you add in the gorgeous visuals, desolate world design, stark sound design and engrossing story, it raises the experience above a lot of its contemporaries. All in all, although Lies of P is essentially Bloodborne featuring Timothée Chalamet, it does more than enough to mark itself out as a unique title worth your time – and I’m not lying.

Within this sentiment is perhaps a microcosm of Lies of P – a large majority of it is meticulously and impressively crafted, only held back slightly by unsurprising annoyances. It has the all-important "tough but fair" gameplay soulslikes live and die on, supported by a compelling story and gorgeously rendered world filled with memorable characters. Lies of P is not perfect, but it's shockingly close, and is perhaps the best-case scenario for a soulslike trying to pay such diligent homage to the genre's beloved cornerstones.

This feels like the spiritual successor to Bloodborne, and if you had sold this as a sequel to the FromSoftware story, you could get away with it. If you're a fan of Soulsborne and want to add a spice of rewarding difficulty to your gaming career, you must check out Lies of P.

Lies of P is a title that perfectly replicates the soulslike formula while giving it its personal touch with Pinocchio's arms and weapon making. Aside from technical problems, it is a highly recommended title for fans of this type of game and those who want to get started since it is challenging but not frustrating.

Lies of P certainly evokes the likenesses of the game we all know it is trying to emulate — that’s right, Nightmare Creatures 2 (j/k, it’s Dark Souls). However, it is polarizing to me; it marks a step backward in several ways from the design of its inspiration. However, it also offers a few alternative modes of stepping forward from those designs, such as robust weapon adjustments, streamlined cosmetic options, and a fun new skill tree in Quartz upgrades. It also offers a more obvious central story, one that does a good job of recognizing its ancestry while gracefully appropriating it for the present cultural moment. It is just a bummer that, from a gameplay standpoint, Lies of P fails to remember where it came from.

Lies of P captures the core of the soulslike genre in an impressive title, with colossal bosses, memorable environments, an engaging soundtrack, and a skillfully designed progression system. It ranks among the top adaptations of fairy tales in the gaming world, leaving a lasting impact and being essential for fans of the genre.

All things considered, Lies of P is a product that has managed to convince us from practically every point of view. Neowiz's new work, although it plays very defensively and doesn't do anything truly new for the category to which it belongs, is a title with a living and breathing soul that reveals all the passion lavished by the studio during development. An exciting plot combined with the perfect artistic direction are the flagship of a robust and exhilarating play structure that will delight all fans of the genre. Are you ready to discover the darkness that lies in the depths of Krat?

Inspired by the top class and enriched with its own, albeit too few, ideas: If you leave the From Software portfolio aside, Lies of P is one of the best things to come in the soulslike genre.

Lies of P is the best soulslike that does not have the FromSoftware logo on it. The inspirations are evident, but ultimately this game has its own identity. Dark atmosphere, cool storyline, dynamic combat system, pleasant exploration, some challenging bosses - it's more than enough to provide fun.

Lies of P is a fantastic gothic Soulslike that is worth playing even during this hectic game season. Pick it up if you want a game that will bite back.

When you play Lies of P, you often have the feeling of playing a FromSoftware game. Enough to highlight the qualities of the games while exacerbating its faults. They are few in number and minimal but still demonstrate FromSoftware remains a cut above and above all the undisputed master in the field. However, Neowiz and Round8 deliver an excellent copy. We remember the nervous and jovial boss fights, a permanent reflection of one's build as well as the multiple choices of possible customization. Furthermore, this rewriting of the tale of Pinocchio shows easily and in an accessible manner how our choices and our responses can have consequences on the world around us. With Lies of P, Pinocchio is no longer a wooden puppet dreaming of being a young boy since he is clearly in the big leagues.

It is the best soulslike not made by FromSoftware. Lies of P does not innovate, but it is extremely competent and executes what it sets out to do with excellence, which shows that to be an excellent game it is not always necessary to reinvent the wheel. Lies of P often sounds like a beautiful and solid homage to FromSoftware games, especially Bloodborne, and features very well-executed gameplay with its own originality. The game has a great story told in a direct way, which overcomes the major flaw of other games of the genre.

Although at times it is too derivative, we had a great time with Lies of P. It is so well made in all aspects and the changes it introduces are so well thought out (despite not being groundbreaking), that we would have to lie not to recommend it.

Lies of P is the surprise you don't expect, a stroke of artistic genius that comes out of nowhere and overwhelms you, while remaining trapped in a golden prison made of seemingly inescapable dogmas for a subgenre, the soulslike one, which is represented in the most traditional way possible, without any structural novelty. There is no doubt that the game takes up FromSoftware's classics, but it does so with incredible competence, and it is really only the lack of really original cues, along with a level design anchored in the past and of varying quality, that keeps the title directed by Cho Ji-Won from earning an even higher rating.

Lies of P combines elements from Soulsborne games, adds some of its own ideas and puts it all in a very well-set version of a dark world, inspired by one of the most recognizable stories in classic literature. Some of its combat mechanics may take a little more time to get used to, but that doesn't take away from Lies of P its merits of being one of the best Soulslikes released recently.

Lies of P is one of the biggest surprises of 2023. Moody, gothic, bloody, and fast-paced, Neowiz first action RPG is a little gem, and even if it's not on par with FromSoftware best works, it's still one of the best soulslike games of the last few years. "Pinocchio meets Bloodborne" is a concept about as weird as it's compelling, and luckily Neowiz delivered with an interesting story, smooth combat and terrific musics. It's a little unpolished around the edges, and it lacks optional bosses and secret areas, but it's still a strong starting point for a new series.

Lies of P could look like a mere clone of Bloodborne, but its combat system and how Pinocchio's influences intertwine with the story are crucial elements to make the game shine on its own.

A great linear Soulslike with a mysterious steampunk world, tactical battles and small flaws.

Warm recommendation for the fans of the Soulslike genre.

The developers of Lies of P can be proud of having created one of the best, if not the best, soulsborne game made by a non-FromSoftware studio. Be that as it may, we really hope that in their next game they will try creating a more unique aesthetic untethered from copying the visuals of Bloodborne to such an extent.

Lies of P is a charming take on the Soulsborne template. Scarcely an original bone in its body but none the worse for it. We liked it despite not being particularly skilled. The title is probably among the worst we've ever encountered, but thankfully the game transcends it.

Lies of P is more than just a Bloodborne clone, although we'd be lying if we said it's just for inspiration. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, they say. Quite literally translating is exactly what happened here, but fortunately the developers have also given it their own look. Lies of P tells a fascinating story, scores above average on the aspects that make a soulslike good and even adds some innovative game mechanics. Look beyond your nose, squint a little and you will still get Bloodborne Remastered this year.

While Lies of P greatly apes the environmental aesthetic and gameplay of Bloodborne, it does enough to make itself stand out. It’s atmospheric, it’s intriguing, and the combat is fun, fast-paced and engaging. As far as Soulslike games go, this might just be the best yet outside of those made by FromSoftware. All of Lies of P’s minor issues are easily overlooked when it’s so rewarding to explore its world and experiment with your combat options. And so, whether you’re a fan of the genre or are simply intrigued by the game’s dark spin on a familiar tale, it’s worth jumping in.

Lies of P, blew us away… both with its gameplay and difficulty. Souls-like fans shouldn’t sleep on this retelling of a classic Italian tale complete with killer robotic puppets, deadly weapons, and a beautifully depressing world.

Lies Of P is one of the best Soulslike games to enter the genre, and on multiple occasions builds on the games that inspired it, adding refinements that result in a better gameplay experience. However it emulates its influences a little too closely, and fails to hit the same highs as the games that it has clearly used as a skeleton, inviting comparisons that aren't always flattering. Along with an incredibly disruptive difficulty spike, Lies Of P stands as a game that is very nearly great, and will scratch the right itch for fans of the genre to stick with it.

Still a step behind the classics, but a fantastic title for a team that doesn’t have much experience. A great game for Soulslike fans.

With so many great games available right now, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle but Lies of P is worth making time for. Although it doesn't do anything revolutionary, it's an all-around great game with satisfying and engaging combat, entertaining and challenging bosses, and strong atmosphere. On paper, it may seem like a bizarre concept, but once you hop in, Lies of P makes a strong case for itself with no strings attached.

A game based on a fairy tale like Pinocchio always had room to fail and yet, somehow, Lies of P manages to easily cross that bar. With a focus on relentless aggression in combat that goes toe-to-toe with some of the genre's best entries and a grim narrative and world that successfully engages and enraptures you, Lies of P is a triumph in most ways where it counts. While the second act really drags the game down and introduces a lot of pain points that it never truly recovers from, Lies of P endures to become one of the strongest Souls-like experiences in recent years and a worthy pick for any player looking to step into a bleak yet fascinating fairy tale world.

Lies of P suffers from a slow start with boring levels and uninspired enemies. Thankfully, later down the line game gives you much more interesting things to play with, including different weapons, unique gameplay systems and so on, turning itself into a pretty good addition to the genre.

Lies of P is wearing Bloodborne’s cloak, but it has its own heart, one encased in metal and powered by ingenuity. It sometimes transfixes on tropes of the genre to its detriment, yet still overcomes by the sheer quality of its boss fights, combat mechanics, and world design. Lies of P’s steel heart may not be born of blood and flesh, but it still pumps heartily enough to be a worthy substitute for the real deal.

I love Lies of P until I don’t, but those less adoring moments are always followed by something that ropes me right back in. A slickly directed, beautifully presented game that takes the absurd concept of marrying Bloodborne to Pinocchio and commits so earnestly that it transcends the silly and just plain works. Difficulty spikes and dodgy pacing undermine it at key points, and some systems aren’t as useful as they should be, but none of that takes away from the high quality and the amount of imagination poured into what could’ve been just another Soulslike...Even at its most exasperating, I wouldn’t let it lie.

Lies of P is a gift for soulslike lovers. Outstanding visuals, an intricate and interesting story and a reactive and frenetic combat. If you like the genre, this game won't disappoint. Dive in, it's worth it.

Lies of P is as slick and well-done as it is dark and mysterious. With weighty combat, cool weapons and tools, and some exquisite - though very creepy - enemy design, it’ll scratch the ‘souls’ itch for many, despite a few blemishes.

Not even attempting to hide the massive influence Bloodborne has had on it, Lies of P is a solid imitation of the game developed by FromSoftware. While it lacks the same combat and world design finesse of its illustrious inspiration, the action role-playing game by NEOWIZ is among the most accomplished soulslike game released this year, thanks to its dark retelling of the story of Pinocchio, combat and character customization tweaks and great enemy design.

Despite its similarities to so many other soulslike games, it does enough to be different. For hardcore soulslike players, there is the promise of a new story, and alternate endings among the difficult boss fights. For newcomers, Lies of P does a good job of easing you into the action. It hasn’t made me more interested in soulslike as a genre, despite me obsessing over it for the last few weeks, which I guess goes to show just how different it is. Despite how dark and rainy it may seem, there is a genuine goofiness to it that is rare to find, and the promise of a unique story for each playthrough will see it stand out.

Lies of P feels like the result of a developer having already taken multiple stabs at the Souls-like genre, so it's impressive that Round8 Studio has accomplished so much on its first attempt. By fully embracing its dark take on the Pinocchio story, it sets itself apart from anything else available. Elevating it above other games are quality combat and extensive, satisfying customisation, turning Lies of P into a first-class experience for FromSoftware fanatics.

Lies of P plays it a little too by the book in terms of gameplay and area design but is ultimately a very solid soulslike, not entirely bereft of uniqueness, granted you know where to look. While I would have liked certain mechanics, primarily those surrounding lying, to have been leaned into a little more, I can’t deny that Neowiz Games did an excellent job overall.

Lies of P borrows heavily from a tried-and-tested formula indicative of the soulslike genre, but it still has combat mechanics and secrets that set it apart from the rest of the pack. Despite difficulty spikes and some muddied story beats, it is an excellent soulslike worth checking out that isn’t completely reliant on ideas from other places.

Lies of P borrows very enthusiastically from FromSoftware games and is therefore fun to play, but it adds very little to the well-known formula. The only exception to this is the weapon system, which comes out well and just in the nick of time gives the game the right to exist and its own face that it so desperately needs. It's a nice treat for Game Pass, but the five bucks you have to put down makes it a little more difficult to recommend in a jam-packed gaming year.

Lies of P is a very good Soulslike that doesn't quite reach greatness due to its lack of variety and needless limitations. That aside; what's here is still undeniably rewarding and entertaining so fans of the genre will enjoy what it has to offer.

Lies of P is a solid, well-thought-out game that – apart from some minor touches of originality – sticks closely to the formula developed by FromSoftware. Although every aspect of this Soulslike could be better, I believe fans of the genre will have a lot of fun playing it (if you can call dying 30 times in a row a lot of fun, that is).

In Lies of P, players are treated to a meticulously designed Soulslike experience that challenges their skill and immerses them in a world of atmospheric intrigue. With its stunning visuals, twisted narrative, and excellent technical performance, Lies of P would be a must-play for any fan of FromSoftware’s difficult titles. However, the frustrating combat mechanics revolving around the dodge mechanic and some unbalanced battles prevent me from fully recommending this experience.

Squint a little and you could be playing Bloodborne. So why not just play Bloodborne with your eyes open? Nevertheless, a solid B-tier soulslike. [Issue#33, p.86]

For all its wondrous mimicry, Lies of P can't quite match the master's ambition. A remarkable feat of craftsmanship and engineering it may be, but never quite a real boy. [Issue#390, p.124]

Lies of P is a fun game with solid combat mechanics and a really pleasing aesthetic. A creepy factor is aided by unique twists. But it falls short when compared to the finesse and balance of other games in this genre.

Lies Of P is a decent Soulslike, but it does squander the main opportunity that it had to differentiate itself. The “dark Pinocchio” theme is intriguing and the developers went about it with the right spirit, but struggled to convert it into something as thought-provoking and deep as it should have been. Take that out of the equation and you’ve got a Soulslike that’s a little heavy-handed in how it makes players engage with it, in a world that looks more inspired in screenshots than it is to actually journey through. Ultimately, as enjoyable as it is, Lies Of P stands testament to just how difficult FromSoftware’s formula really is.

Lies of P brings some exciting new ideas to the table and is well worth checking out for Souls-like fans looking to scratch that Bloodborne itch.

The gleeful antagonism that Soulslikes generally direct at players is what drives many away from the genre altogether, making Lies of P a useful entry point for beginners.

Lies of P has strong enough foundations in its edgy tone and tweaked weapons to provide an enjoyable experience for those in need of a FromSoft fix.

Though this Souls-like wears its heart on its sleeve in its love for the genre, Lies of P misses the mark on what makes these kinds of games tick. All the same, hardcore denizens seeking a challenge may find something to appreciate here.

A competent facsimile of Bloodborne, but one so completely lacking in new ideas that it can only ever come across as a pale imitation.