Since 2015, there’s been a noticeable clamor for any new content related to BloodborneFans have been left wondering what the sequel might look like. Software continues to produce. Dark Souls 3, Sekiro, and the smash hit 2022 Elden Ring, but nothing could quite satiate the “Bloodborne 2” thirst – except the upcoming The lies of P.
Lies about P made a memorable mark during this summer’s slew of announcements, including its anticipated day-one launch of Xbox Game Pass. It’s been positively compared to many other games. BloodborneIt’s not surprising. However, after getting our hands on it at PAX West, Round8 & Neowiz’s The lies of P Its unique quirks make it stand out and help it be better.
Lies about P This Could Be Your Next Soulslike Obsession
The Lies about P Three loadout options were available for Pinocchio in the preview build: a balance blade, a quick razor, and a heavy saw mounted on a pole. Each had their own preset stats, which were similar to those you see at the beginning of most modern From Software titles. This gives you an idea of the variety of ways you can play.
As you would expect, the controls work as you’d expect. You have a dodge step and light attack, as well as a dodge step and a longer-range dodge rolling. If you hold down heavy, you’ll unleash an attack unique to the weapon. Final, each weapon is equipped with its own Fable Art. These can be activated by building up the resource through normal attacks.
Where Lies about P This is a departure from the norm Souls Its treatment of larger enemies is the key to its formula. If they are struck enough times, their health bar will flash white. This means that it is time to hit them with a powerful heavy attack. They will become “groggy”, which is a sure sign of a fatal hit. It’s a showy reward that feels a little more like something out of a hack and slash as opposed to a Soulslike, but the game definitely forces you to earn it.
If that isn’t flashy enough for you though, you can change out your left arm for other utility options, much like Sekiro. They are versatile and can be used to complement many play styles.
The grapple hook pulls your body towards enemies and you can hold it down to jump off them or do a quick dive attack. The electric hand can deliver a powerful shock at close range. On the flip side, the flamethrower emits a steady stream of flames. Certain enemies are more vulnerable to shock or flames than others, making it possible to use certain strategies against tricky enemies.
Unlike lesser Soulslike imitators, Lies about P One key aspect of combat tempo is what this team excels at: Enemies are punishing, but you’re equally deadly to them. While average enemies will fall quickly, one wrong move could put you in the same boat. Sub bosses and larger enemies can soak up quite a bit of damage, but they didn’t feel spongey and dull to fight.
As a result of this tempo, the demo felt like the now-cliché line many people attribute to Souls Games: It was difficult but fair. It’s absolutely not for the faint of heart, but those who have honed their skills with Hidetaka Miyazaki’s macabre craft will feel right at home.
The word “macabre”, however, is an absolute description Lies about P’s wonderfully weird, wooden world of nightmares. Imagine a Pinocchio game that was so dark and grave just a few years ago. Just look at how automatons can feel like nightmare fuel. Five Nights at Freddy’s — Lies about P The atmosphere is oppressive and spooky.
Every cobblestone street felt haunted and every perilous roof gave you an excuse to slow down. Every enemy moved strangely, and their actions seemed both familiar and alien. You are left curious, but afraid to find out more about each item.
So far The lies of P easily lives up to the hype as a “totally not Bloodborne” spiritual successor. The combat feels engagingly meaty, the world feels strikingly haunting, and the overall package has me ever more curious about Round8’s upcoming action RPG.
