Lies of P – macOS Review

In a dark twist on the beloved children's tale Pinocchio, Neowiz Games ventured into the sinister realms of storytelling, and the result is more than just narrative wickedness. Lies of P stands as a formidable challenge with its unrelenting combat, proving to be a tough adversary that, despite its punishing nature, beckons players for repeated engagements.

Lies of P features an understated atmosphere, stylish graphics, and a gracefully moving protagonist stepping into the unknown with a sword in hand. The mechanical hand of the main character, reminiscent of the NES-era Bionic Commando, adds a unique and intriguing element to the visual design.

Controls feel instantly familiar, requiring no additional adjustments. The game introduces various punches, dodges, parry actions, and other fundamentals through on-screen text prompts at relevant moments. The mechanical hand becomes a standout feature, showcasing its destructive power and proving invaluable in numerous situations. The Neowiz Games team deserves commendation for incorporating challenge at strategic points, striking a balance with engaging gameplay that doesn't feel overwhelmingly difficult.

Earning extra points for its Souls-like design, Lies of P seamlessly integrates repetition into its gameplay, a crucial element for learning and skill improvement. Accumulating ergo currency by defeating enemies allows for character ability point upgrades, akin to the Souls games. The risk-reward system, where taking hits reduces the dropped pot but dealing damage restores it, adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay.

Initial encounters may seem deceptively easy, even for Souls veterans, as the whimsical enemies borrowed from Pinocchio animation inject humor into their aggressive attacks. Notably, the player-controlled swordsman goes by the name Pinocchio, raising intriguing questions about whether the in-game events serve as entertainment for nobles observing through binoculars and glass eyes. However, the plot remains incomplete and fragmentary, despite the inclusion of found text fragments and conversations with other characters.

As someone who has traditionally downplayed melee combat in similar games, Lies of P successfully captures my attention by compensating for the lack of emphasis on parrying. The game introduces a variety of abilities, including different attacks, mechanical hand options, and super combos charged by hitting enemies. The well-executed ability tree, allowing enhancements like an increased dodge window or more significant healing item capacity, further enriches the gameplay.

Despite the handsome setting, some moments in the game can feel empty, and encounters with new foes like Freaks add excitement but fall short in the scare factor. The variety of opponents, from goblins in underground dungeons to innovative wooden puppets, provides freshness to the enemy selection. Encounters with smaller mobs contribute to bigger rewards in the form of challenging boss battles, maintaining player interest.

Lies of P emerges as a welcomed addition to the gaming landscape, though it may not stand at the cutting edge of similar releases. The enemy selection, while not exceptional, serves its purpose. The emphasis on playability might soften the sharp edges found in releases like Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, which were known for their punishing difficulty. While Lies of P remains challenging, it presents various avenues for players to enhance their adventure experience, catering to a broader audience.

In essence, Lies of P feels like a stripped-down version of Dark Souls, reminiscent of the time when the foundation of the iconic series was taking shape in the minds of FromSoftware's creators. It retains the essence of a challenging solo experience, devoid of multiplayer intrusions. A recommendation for enthusiasts of the genre, Lies of P, despite minor flaws, leaves a good taste in the mouth.

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