Since FromSoftware released the action RPG Demon Souls In 2009, the rest of the video game industry (lovingly) copied it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, as the saying goes. Among a plethora of solid takes to the genre, the dark fantasy title of last year Lies by P. stands out as one of the best. The game not only skilfully imitates what fans love about the Souls genre, but also repeats its formula in an exciting way. Although a year after its release, I still find the most charming thing about Lies by P. is how captivating its absurd premise actually is.
I guarantee you, if you know just one thing about Lies by P. it is that the game is “dark Pinocchio.” That was all anyone could talk about in the run-up to the 2023 release – well, that and how much the protagonist looked like Timothée ChalametBut after the reviews came out and people got their hands on the game, it turned out that Lies by P. was not just a discount Blood transfused (FromSoftware’s 2015 masterpiece), but it was actually… good.
This has a lot to do with the game’s iterations on ideas that are often considered core to the Soulslike genre. One example is in Lies by P.‘s defense, which is based on the parry in FromSoftware games. In Lies by P.Guarding feels like a basic skill to learn on your journey, but not one that is absurdly difficult to master. However, it stands out for its innovation. This is best exemplified by the weapon crafting system. Sure, in a Souls game you’re likely to collect a number of weapons, some of which can even have multiple forms. But Lies by P. takes this idea to the extreme. Every weapon in the game consists of two parts: a handle and a blade. The ability to combine your weapon components makes for an intriguing, customizable gameplay loop with incredible depth.
But the greatest joy Lies by P. comes to his world, which is a shockingly impressive retelling of the Pinocchio story. The game transforms the well-known story into a gothic horror story about identity and free will. Pinocchio is still a puppet, but in the world of Lies by P.this story explores how the ability to choose our destiny is what makes us human. Everything about this world, from the dark depictions of the Blue Fairy and Geppetto to the killer machines, is extremely silly out of context. But Lies by P. weaves a captivating narrative with all these pieces.
This is one of the reasons why I can’t wait for the game’s sequel, which, as the game already hints, will include: The Wizard of Oz. I’m already sold.
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