1 Year Later, Lies of P is the Best New Chapter in the Story of Soulslikes

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1 Year Later, Lies of P is the Best New Chapter in the Story of Soulslikes

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Lies of P has left an indelible mark on the Soulslike genre. Having grown up playing the likes of Bloodborne and Dark Souls, I was initially skeptical about a fairy tale-themed Soulslike, but Neowiz managed to pull it off masterfully.

In the void left by the absence of Bloodborne in contemporary media adaptations and enhancements, the announcement of Neowiz’s Lies of P as a Soulslike set in the Belle Epoque era was a soothing relief. The game certainly looked visually stunning with its detailed cobblestone streets and haunting automaton adversaries, which were displayed during the early gameplay demonstrations. However, it was the striking resemblance to Bloodborne in terms of aesthetic that really fueled the excitement for this Soulslike to extraordinary levels. This similarity still holds true a year after its release, but what’s more, Lies of P has demonstrated that it is not only visually appealing but also mechanically and narratively deep in unexpectedly significant ways.

An unexpected twist on the classic tale “The Adventures of Pinocchio” might not seem the most likely path for a Soulslike game. Yet, such a blend is ingenious because it allows Neowiz immense creativity in designing levels, characters, and bosses. As we eagerly anticipate new content from “Lies of P“, let’s hope that future Soulslikes will learn from Neowiz’s innovative approach set a year ago.

Lies of P’s Weapon Handle and Blade Customization is Inspired

For a new Soulslike game to stand out, it shouldn’t just copy what’s already been done; instead, it should build upon the proven formulas of previous Soulslikes while also offering something uniquely its own. This distinctive element will help establish its identity and credibility in the genre. FromSoftware games have demonstrated this effectively, even though their games would probably be popular regardless. It’s impressive to see titles like Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring each offering unique features beyond their striking differences in setting, genre, and aesthetic.

In this particular scenario, the game Lies of P distinguishes itself by introducing a weapon customization system. This system allows players to develop various types of weapons, offering unique combinations of qualities and movement patterns that cater to their preferred playstyles. It’s a straightforward yet remarkably impactful aspect that captivates anyone who enjoys action-RPGs, particularly those favoring a ‘bash’ or ‘parry’ build. Moreover, it expands the boundaries of what Soulslikes can visually present when developers get innovative with weapon distribution strategies.

In the game Lies of P, there’s an abundance of weapons, some of which cannot be taken apart. However, the ones that can be disassembled offer various combinations, thereby expanding the game’s weapon collection based on the different arrangements players choose to explore.

In comparison to other FromSoftware games, Bloodborne’s trick weapons come quite close in terms of unique features. These weapons can be expanded by incorporating secondary functions as transformation modes. However, what makes Lies of P stand out is that it allows players to create their own weapon functionalities. This is just the tip of the iceberg, considering the additional abilities offered by P-Organ and Legion Arms, which also have significant potential effects.

Regrettably, the intricate fighting mechanics in Lies of P were quickly overshadowed by how powerful and frequently exploited consumables and throwables are within the game. Since they have become ideal for optimizing speedrun routes, these items have been the main topic of discussions regarding gameplay ever since.

Lies of P’s Genius Adaptation of Pinocchio Should Provoke Future Soulslike Narratives to Pull Their Weight

A year post-launch, it’s evident that the adaptation of Lies of P demonstrates a great deal of ingenuity, skillfully building upon the themes and characters from The Adventures of Pinocchio. For instance, the role reversal where Geppetto becomes the main adversary in Lies of P is intriguing. Moreover, the game introduces an extensive dialogue system, allowing players to choose between lying or telling the truth, with significant repercussions either way.

In the storyline, truthfulness and deception are intertwined, with certain responses being more transparent than others, which influences the protagonist’s emotional depth and humanity. The protagonist undergoes physical changes that mirror this transformation. A cat growing fond of the character as they become increasingly human-like serves as an excellent indicator of progress. Striving for a more human-like state is an engaging side quest, and it makes listening to the somber and enchanting tracks from the Lies of P record player even more captivating for players.

Beyond Hotel Krat lies a plethora of terrors for players, featuring some extraordinarily mind-boggling boss designs, like the notorious Black Rabbit Brotherhood, Laxasia the All-Encompassing, Nameless Puppet, and Romeo, the King of Puppets. However, it’s worth noting that a few boss encounters in “Lies of P” may seem visually or structurally similar to those from “Bloodborne” bosses.

In modern times, games similar to Soulslike can use a standard fantasy backdrop and still attract players if they share elements reminiscent of popular FromSoftware titles. However, Lies of P has elevated the Soulslikes genre in a manner that few others will be able to match unless they successfully incorporate unique gameplay and narrative elements as powerfully and distinctively as this game does, while also offering an original story or setting that leaves no room for debate.

Lies of P’s DLC and Confirmed Sequel Ensure the Fairy Tale is Far from Over

Due to the upcoming DLC and sequel for the game “Lies of P,” its current state as a fairy tale Soulslike, one year after release, could significantly change when the story continues. It’s quite possible that future Soulslikes, with a scope similar to that of Dark Souls or Bloodborne, will draw heavily from Lies of P as an influential model, given its unique gameplay and the rich opportunities offered by its original “Adventures of Pinocchio” IP, not just for a fantastic Soulslike game but also for a promising franchise.

Undeniably, Lies of P appears to be dipping into the public domain’s rich cookie jar, hinting at its plans to reimagine The Wizard of Oz within its Soulslike narrative framework. This move positions Neowiz as a developer worth watching closely, as their potential creations in this genre could prove incredibly captivating. As more and more Soulslikes adapt famous fairy tales with dark, grim reinterpretations, Lies of P‘s niche adaptation could strike gold. Few other Soulslikes have the chance to mine a similarly unique vein of potential success in the future.

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2024-09-18 22:35