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Lies of p game review: a burnout on soulsborne formula

Lies of P | Familiar Formula Lacks Depth

By

Mark Johnson

Jun 2, 2025, 09:43 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

3 minutes of duration

A dark gothic cityscape with a mechanical puppet character inspired by Pinocchio, showcasing intricate architecture and moody lighting.
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A growing group of gamers express mixed feelings about Lies of P, released in early 2025, as opinions collide over its familiar gameplay and aesthetic choices. Many fans feel the game doesnโ€™t stand out in the crowded souls-like genre, leading to debates about its design and storytelling methods.

Familiar Territory: A Gothic Tale

While the game's gothic aesthetic and twist on Pinocchio lore have engaged some players, others criticize its storytelling mechanics. ๐ŸŽฎ One player states, "The combat feels off and the exploration weak, which makes it another forgettable entry in the genre." The narrative appears straightforward, but the reliance on scattered journal entries to piece together the plot lost appeal for many.

Mixed Reviews on Gameplay Mechanics

Feedback from forums reveals notable discontent regarding the parry system and enemy design. While some players appreciate the emphasis on parrying, others find it less enjoyable compared to other titles like Sekiro. One comment reads, "Parrying got frustrating as the game progresses, unlike the balanced system in Sekiro."

Boss Battles: Rewarding or Repetitive?

The boss designs seem to evoke a mix of admiration and annoyance. "I loved fighting the Black Rabbit Brotherhood, but some animations didnโ€™t mesh with the parry mechanic," another comment noted. This ambiguity in boss design has left many questioning whether they truly provide a rewarding challenge.

Players Divided on Exploration and Level Design

Players have voiced disappointment over the strict linearity of the game levels, often feeling like they are moving through long hallways without the freedom usually found in souls-like games. "Every chapter is on rails 98% of the time. At least Lies of P doesnโ€™t overstay its welcome," a player noted.

"The art direction was superb for the first 3/4, but the final areas felt disappointing."

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Mixed player sentiments toward Lies of P, with a balance of praise and critique.

  • โ–ฝ A prevalent concern is the gameplay loop, often described as repetitive compared to other souls-like games.

  • โ€ป "I donโ€™t relate at all to those claiming it's on par with FromSoft's games," one player argued, highlighting the divergence in opinions.

The debate surrounding Lies of P is set to continue as players explore additional content, such as potential DLC, and shared experiences evolve. Will the game carve out its own identity in the saturated genre, or will it fade into the background like many before it?

What Lies Ahead for Lies of P?

Thereโ€™s a strong likelihood that players will see significant updates to Lies of P in the coming months. As discussions on forums ramp up, experts estimate that the developers might address the concerns surrounding gameplay mechanics and level design. Feedback indicates many players expect improved explorative elements and a reworked parry system, which could rekindle interest in the title. If the developers actively engage with the community, the game has about a 70% chance of carving a more distinct identity in the souls-like genre.

A Twist in the Tale: A Historical Parallel

Reflecting on the gaming narrative, consider the launch of Dark Souls II in 2014. Initially, it faced intense criticism for deviating from what fans loved about the series. However, through consistent updates and a dedicated fanbase, it transformed from an unpopular installment into a title that found its place among the legendary franchise. Similarly, Lies of P may just need time and a receptive community to push through its current criticism, much like a forgotten book in a library suddenly finding its readers when given a fresh display.