Lies of P, developed by Neowiz, is a dark twist on the classic tale of Pinocchio. The title is set to release on September 19, 2023, across multiple platforms. Lies of P will be available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass. The game has garnered attention for its unique narrative and Soulslike mechanics.
Set in a grim, dystopian world, players assume the role of Pinocchio, a mechanical puppet, on a quest to find his creator, Geppetto, in a city plagued by malevolent beings. Monstrous beings reminiscent of Bloodborne inhabit the gothic metropolis of Krat. Players make moral decisions throughout the game, choosing between lies and truths that ultimately influence the multiple endings.
Adding another layer of complexity, the game offers players the choice between three combat styles at the beginning: the Path of the Cricket, the Path of the Bastard, or the Path of the Sweeper. Lies of P has managed to carve out its own space in the Soulslike genre. However, it has yet to reach the heights of iconic titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
Lies of P Metacritic reviews
Lies of P has received generally favorable reviews on Metacritic, with a Metascore of 81 based on 44 critic reviews. The game is yet to be released by Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio. But the critic reviews are in, and they are overall positive, with a bit of expectations going unmet in terms of the game being soulslike.
GamingTrend gave the game a high score of 95, praising its “gorgeous, bloody, unforgiving” nature and “top-tier combat.” On the other hand, VG247 was less impressed, giving it a score of 40 and criticizing its lack of polish and originality. They say, “There’s some enjoyment to be found in Lies of P. Its action is competent but lacks the polish and stir of its contemporaries.”
Gfinity praised the game’s stunning visuals, stating, “Lies of P is captivating.” Comicbook.com went as far as to call Lies of P the “spiritual successor to Bloodborne.” And IGN Italia described it as “one of the biggest surprises of 2023.” IGN further praised the title’s moody, gothic atmosphere and fast-paced action. However, IGN noted that it’s “a little unpolished around the edges.”
The Jimquisition praised the game’s quality and imagination despite acknowledging some frustrating moments. Hey Poor Player found the game to be “very solid soulslike” but wished for more unique mechanics.
Although, Metacritic reviews for Lies of P have been generally positive. But the game has yet to reach the iconic status of Dark Souls or Bloodborne. A reviewer encapsulates this sentiment, stating, “Even at its most exasperating, I wouldn’t let it lie.” Another adds, “Lies of P is a game that will make you question your morality, but it’s not for the faint of heart.”
Critics have praised the game’s polished direction and presentation, as well as its commitment to its unusual premise. However, they have also noted issues with the game’s pacing and sudden spikes in difficulty. One reviewer commented that “the game can take players on an emotional rollercoaster. But sometimes feels like it’s trying too hard to be edgy“.
One of the game’s standout features is the influence of the player’s choices throughout the game on its multiple endings. These choices often involve deciding whether to tell the truth or lie to various characters. This results in subtle changes to the game world and more significant consequences as the game progresses. However, the game’s high difficulty level can make achieving these endings challenging.
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