Lies of P: The Bloodborne sequel we truly needed.

Lies of P Overview

Lies of P plunges players into a grim, dark re-imagining of the classic Pinocchio tale, set in the elegant yet decaying Belle Époque city of Krat. This once-vibrant metropolis has been ravaged by a mysterious frenzy, turning its mechanical inhabitants – puppets – into bloodthirsty monsters. Humanity teeters on the brink, hiding from the rampant destruction. Players assume the role of P, a unique puppet unaffected by the madness, who awakens with a vital mission: locate his creator, Geppetto, and uncover the source of the mechanical plague. As P journeys through the hostile streets and grand structures of Krat, he must confront countless rogue automatons, fighting for both his own existence and the fate of the remaining human population. The narrative brilliantly twists the familiar story, shifting Pinocchio’s primary goal from becoming a “real boy” to unraveling a chilling mystery and combating existential threats, adding layers of depth to its grim fantasy world.

A Spiritual Successor to Bloodborne

From its initial reveal, Lies of P immediately drew comparisons to FromSoftware’s gothic masterpiece, Bloodborne, and for good reason. Both titles share a compelling similarity in their overarching atmosphere and combat philosophy. The most striking resemblance lies in their shared horror aesthetics; Lies of P masterfully crafts a dark, ornate world filled with grotesque mechanical enemies and decaying environments, echoing Bloodborne’s Victorian-era dread. While Bloodborne leaned into cosmic horror and Lovecraftian monsters, Lies of P carves its niche with a distinct steampunk-inspired horror, featuring unsettling clockwork adversaries and twisted technological abominations.

Beyond the visual and thematic parallels, the games mirror each other in their combat design. Unlike other Souls-like games that might emphasize cautious defense or evasion, Lies of P actively encourages an aggressive, offensive playstyle, rewarding players for relentlessly pressing the attack. This fast-paced, visceral combat is a hallmark of Bloodborne. Furthermore, the game adopts a similar main-hand and off-hand weapon system, allowing players to wield a primary melee weapon alongside a diverse array of ranged or utility tools in their prosthetic arm, enhancing strategic combat choices and offering a familiar yet fresh experience for fans of aggressive action RPGs.

P’s Lies and Rally System

While skillfully echoing Bloodborne, Lies of P introduces several distinct mechanics that forge its own identity within the Souls-like genre. Central to its narrative is the unique “Lies” system, a direct nod to the classic Pinocchio story. Instead of relying solely on boss kills or faction alignment, the game’s multiple endings and unfolding story are shaped by P’s choices to tell truths or fabrications. These decisions impact character interactions, side quests, and P’s humanity, offering a dynamic layer of player agency that influences more than just superficial dialogue.

Another standout feature is the refined “Rally” system, which builds upon similar mechanics seen in games like Bloodborne and Nioh. This system allows players to regain a portion of lost health by immediately retaliating with attacks after taking damage, promoting continuous aggression. Lies of P innovatively extends this by enabling certain enemy bosses and mobs to also utilize a form of Rally, leading to more intense and prolonged engagements where both sides can recover, demanding strategic bursts of offense. Furthermore, the game enhances defensive options, allowing P to regain health not only through attacking after a regular guard but also by executing a perfectly timed “Perfect Guard,” which parries enemy attacks. This addition encourages players to master precise blocking, making defensive play more rewarding and versatile.

The Story is Linear

A notable divergence between Lies of P and its spiritual predecessor, Bloodborne, lies in their approach to world structure and narrative progression. While Bloodborne often presents a sprawling, interconnected world that encourages extensive exploration and discovering hidden paths, Lies of P opts for a more linear, story-driven experience. The game guides players through a series of distinct, beautifully crafted environments with a clearer, more defined path forward. This design choice, while perhaps offering fewer opportunities for broad open-world exploration, serves to intensify the narrative focus.

The linearity allows for a tighter, more deliberate pacing of the unfolding Pinocchio-inspired narrative, ensuring that players remain engaged with P’s journey to uncover the truth of the puppet frenzy and find Geppetto. This focused progression can enhance immersion, drawing players deeper into the dark fairy tale without the potential distraction of vast, branching routes. For players who appreciate a strong, guided story within their challenging action RPGs, this structured approach can significantly contribute to the overall enjoyment and accessibility, offering a refined experience that prioritizes storytelling alongside demanding combat encounters.

A Successor with Its Own Identity

In conclusion, Lies of P succeeds remarkably in delivering an experience that not only satiates the appetite for a Bloodborne-esque adventure but also confidently establishes its own unique identity. It meticulously captures the core essence of what made Bloodborne so captivating – the dark, gothic atmosphere, the relentless and aggressive combat, and the sense of constant danger – and integrates these elements seamlessly. However, the game goes beyond mere imitation.

Its distinctive Belle Époque steampunk setting, the compelling and twisted Pinocchio narrative, and innovative mechanics like the “Lies” system and the enhanced “Rally” and “Perfect Guard” functions ensure it stands on its own merits. Lies of P is more than just a homage; it’s a meticulously crafted action RPG that pushes the boundaries of the Souls-like genre with fresh ideas and a strong artistic vision. For any enthusiast of challenging combat, rich lore, and atmospheric storytelling, particularly those yearning for a return to the intense, visceral world of Bloodborne, Lies of P is an absolute must-play that truly earned its place among the genre’s best.