Lies of P Review Summary

Excellent level and enemy design: The game features excellent and varied level and enemy design. Locations are fun to explore, and enemy placements are challenging but fair. Bosses are consistently well-designed, providing engaging and satisfying encounters that reward learning and adaptation.

Satisfying and adaptable combat: The combat system is well-executed, offering a variety of options for different playstyles. The parrying mechanic is particularly rewarding, and the game provides tools and options to adapt to different challenges. Offensive and defensive play are both viable, creating thrilling and engaging boss fights.

Memorable and immersive soundtrack: The game features a memorable and immersive soundtrack that complements the atmosphere and enhances boss fights. The music is particularly impactful during boss encounters, creating a more engaging experience. Vinyl records found during exploration fit the game's setting.

Meaningful quality-of-life improvements: The game successfully integrates quality-of-life improvements that enhance the player experience. These include quest indicators, convenient Ergo recovery, and a weapon combination system. These features streamline gameplay and make it more enjoyable compared to other Souls-like titles.

Polished and refined Soulslike formula: The game refines the Soulslike formula, drawing inspiration from FromSoftware titles while adding its own unique mechanics. It successfully blends elements from Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Dark Souls, creating a polished and engaging experience that feels both familiar and fresh.

Uneven, artificial difficulty spikes: Many reviewers found the game's difficulty to be uneven, with difficulty spikes at certain bosses and in later areas. Enemies often have delayed attacks, long combos, and high health, leading to frustrating encounters. Some bosses are considered unfair due to unpredictable attack patterns and limited opportunities for healing or weapon repair.

Localization, control issues: The game suffers from localization issues, including unclear descriptions and inconsistent terminology. Some reviewers also reported awkward PC controls and a lack of customization options. These technical issues detract from the overall player experience.

General frustration, unenjoyable experience: Some reviewers expressed general frustration with the game's difficulty and design choices. Some felt the game was intentionally malicious and designed to make things difficult for the player. Others simply found the game unenjoyable and regretted their purchase.

Poorly designed boss encounters: Some boss fights, particularly the Black Rabbit Brotherhood, are criticized for poor design and unfair mechanics. These fights often involve multiple enemies with different elemental attacks, making it difficult to manage. The chaotic camera angles and limited player abilities contribute to the frustration.

Underwhelming Legion Arm system: The Legion Arm system is considered underwhelming and underutilized. Many reviewers found the arms to be clunky, ineffective, or lacking in variety. The limited amount of Legion limits its usefulness, especially for players who rely on parrying and counterattacking.

Souls-like combat with Sekiro parry: The combat system blends elements from various Soulslike games, most notably Sekiro's parrying and posture breaking, Bloodborne's rally mechanic, and Dark Souls' dodging. Perfect parrying is emphasized, with successful parries breaking enemy poise and opening them up for critical attacks. However, the timing for perfect parries can be strict, and the effectiveness of dodging versus parrying varies depending on the enemy.

Linear, interconnected level design: The game features a linear level design reminiscent of classic Souls games, with interconnected areas, shortcuts, and secrets to discover. While exploration is encouraged, the overall structure is more straightforward than open-world Soulslikes like Elden Ring. Some reviewers found the level design uninspired, while others appreciated the focus on combat and streamlined progression.

Unique weapon assembly system: The weapon system allows players to combine different blades and handles to create customized weapons with unique movesets, scaling, and abilities. Handles determine the moveset and stat scaling, while blades determine damage type and special abilities. Boss weapons cannot be customized but have unique properties.

Story with lying mechanic: The game's story is based on Pinocchio and incorporates a lying mechanic that affects the narrative and leads to multiple endings. The player's choices to lie or tell the truth influence the main character's development and their path to "humanity."

Deep character customization via P-Organ: The game features a deep character customization through the P-Organ skill tree, allowing players to unlock abilities and perks that significantly affect their build. The P-Organ system allows for different build specializations, enhancing critical hits, defense, or item effectiveness. The game also allows players to respec their stats relatively freely.

Excellent, smooth performance and optimization: The game is generally well-optimized, delivering smooth performance and high frame rates on a variety of PC configurations, including mid-range and older systems. Many reviewers reported no significant bugs, crashes, or performance issues, even at high settings and resolutions. Some reviewers specifically praised the game's optimization compared to other recent releases.

Impressive graphics and sound design: Many reviewers praised the game's graphics, art style, and sound design, highlighting the detailed environments, character animations, and atmospheric music. The visuals are often described as impressive and fitting for the game's gothic setting. The sound design and music complement the atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.

Good Steam Deck compatibility: The game is generally compatible with the Steam Deck, offering good performance on the handheld device. However, some reviewers noted that the text size may be too small and that the battery drains quickly without adjusting settings. Some users reported crashes even on the lowest settings.

Precise and responsive combat: The combat system is precise and responsive, with no input delay. A wired controller connection is recommended for the best experience due to the precise parry windows.

Uncapped FPS, reduced input lag: The game features uncapped FPS and reduced input lag compared to FromSoftware titles, resulting in a smoother and more responsive experience.

Excellent soulslike, stands out: Reviewers frequently compare the game to FromSoftware's titles, with many considering it the best non-FromSoftware soulslike. Some recommend it as a good entry point to the genre, while others suggest it's better suited for experienced players. Some reviewers also mention that the game combines elements from Bloodborne and Sekiro.

Strongly recommended overall: Many reviewers highly recommend the game, praising its engaging gameplay, compelling story, and high level of polish. Some consider it a masterpiece, a GOTY contender, and a must-buy, even at full price. Reviewers also commend the game's art direction, soundtrack, and sound design.

Enjoyable despite some flaws: While reviewers generally recommend the game, some acknowledge its flaws and express mixed feelings. Some reviewers intend to replay the game to experience different endings or try different weapons, while others are hesitant due to frustrating aspects, particularly in the late game.

Overrated, frustrating, unpolished experience: Some reviewers express strong negative opinions, calling the game overrated, frustrating, and poorly designed. They cite issues such as artificial difficulty, non-functional mechanics, and a lack of polish as reasons for their dissatisfaction.

Anticipation for future content: Many reviewers express excitement for the upcoming DLC and potential sequels, indicating a strong desire for more content in the game's universe. They are eager to see how the developers will expand upon the existing story and gameplay.

Dark Pinocchio reimagining: The game reimagines Pinocchio's story in a dark, steampunk setting, focusing on themes of lies, humanity, and the search for Geppetto. It incorporates familiar characters and plot elements while adding original twists and exploring the consequences of Pinocchio's choices.

Accessible, coherent narrative: The game features a more accessible and coherent narrative compared to typical Souls-like games, delivered through cutscenes, dialogues, notes, and environmental storytelling. While easier to follow, it still maintains some mystery and hidden lore, with choices impacting the story's progression.

Unique steampunk setting: The game is set in Krat, a visually striking city with a unique blend of steampunk, Victorian, and Belle Époque aesthetics. This setting creates a dark, gothic atmosphere filled with advanced technology and a sense of mystery and decay.

Inspired by Soulsborne genre: The game draws heavy inspiration from the Soulsborne genre, particularly Bloodborne and Sekiro, with similar level design, combat mechanics, and aesthetic elements. However, it also introduces its own innovations and is considered one of the most successful Soulslike games outside of FromSoftware's titles.

Sequel/DLC teased: The game's ending and post-credits scene hint at potential sequels or DLC, possibly exploring a 'Wizard of Oz' theme. Reviewers express excitement for future content and the developer's future projects.