In 2023, gaming enthusiasts received a delightful surprise in the form of “Lies of P.” Initially, this dark, soulslike rendition of the Pinocchio tale was met with skepticism, dismissed by some as merely a “Bloodborne” mimic due to its nearly Victorian aesthetic, foreboding atmosphere, and intense combat. Yet, defying expectations, “Lies of P” emerged as perhaps the finest non-FromSoftware soulslike to date.
Neowiz and Round8 truly outdid themselves with this game, introducing a variety of nuanced mechanics that lend it a unique identity. Features like weapon-crafting, Fable Arts, and Legion Arms create a dynamic combat experience all its own. While the inspiration from FromSoftware’s iconic titles is evident, denying its influence would be misleading. Elements like level design, narrative delivery, and quest mechanics resonate with similarities from FromSoftware’s portfolio. It’s likely that as the IP evolves, more of such influences will become apparent, perhaps in intriguing ways that surprise the community.
The gaming world is also abuzz with possibilities for future developments. Job listings on Neowiz’s website have sparked conversations among fans, suggesting that a sequel to “Lies of P” might incorporate multiplayer elements. Positions for a Content Planner and Balance Planner, with specific requirements for experience in multiplayer and PvP systems, imply news of online functionalities might be on the horizon. Cautious optimism is the stance to take until there’s any official word from Neowiz or Round8, but it’s conceivable that embracing multiplayer could bring the game closer to its inspirations from FromSoftware.
When considering how “Lies of P’s” potential multiplayer features might be executed, it’s fascinating to think how they could align with or diverge from FromSoftware’s established methods. FromSoftware first ventured into this territory with “Demon’s Souls,” which integrated innovative mechanics like asynchronous interactions and the novel summoning/invading system. These features, though not traditional in the multiplayer sense, allowed for unique player interactions such as teaming up to defeat powerful bosses or testing their mettle against one another.
The mention of PvP in the job descriptions hints at the possibility of “Lies of P 2” having a feature similar to the Souls invasion system or even elements akin to the Colosseum in “Elden Ring.” The original “Lies of P” included the Specter, a ghostly ally that players could summon during boss fights. This feature mirrors FromSoftware’s co-op system, suggesting that a full-fledged multiplayer mode might have been part of initial plans. Whether the sequel adopts these concepts remains to be seen, but the potential is there for an exciting evolution of the game.
“Lies of P” is more than just a retelling of Pinocchio. It twists the familiar story against a richly dark backdrop of the Belle Époque era, creating a thrilling narrative. Players assume the role of a puppet created by Geppetto, navigating through a plagued city filled with secrets and terrifying creatures. Guided by a mysterious voice, players must make difficult choices, deciding when to tell the truth and when deception might lead to survival.
Released on September 19, 2023, “Lies of P” has captivated players with its mature themes and intricate gameplay. Developments from Round8 Studio and Neowiz have truly pushed the boundaries, leaving fans eager to see what lies ahead for this compelling IP.
