Lies of P: Tracing the Soulslike Roots and Beyond
The question of whether Lies of P is inspired by Dark Souls is not just a matter of conjecture; it’s a core aspect of the game’s identity. The short answer is a resounding yes, Lies of P is heavily inspired by Dark Souls. However, this inspiration doesn’t make it a mere clone. Instead, Neowiz’s take on the Pinocchio tale masterfully blends the familiar mechanics of the Soulslike genre with its own unique twists, creating an experience that is both recognizable and refreshingly distinct. The game doesn’t shy away from its influences; it wears them proudly on its sleeve while forging its own path. Let’s delve deeper into how this influence manifests and what it means for players.
Soulslike Foundations
Core Mechanics and Structure
Lies of P embraces the fundamental elements of a Soulslike game. We’re talking about the punishing yet rewarding difficulty, where death is a common occurrence but also a learning opportunity. The intricate level design, with interconnected pathways and hidden areas, is a hallmark of the genre. Combat relies heavily on deliberate timing, precise attacks, and a strategic approach to encounters. Players will find themselves using a stamina bar, managing their resources carefully, and mastering the parry/block system to survive the hostile world of Krat. The structure of encountering challenging bosses that require analysis, strategy, and patience before finally being felled is also a defining feature that Lies of P borrows from Dark Souls.
The Feel of Combat
The weighty feel of combat, a defining trait of Dark Souls, is another aspect where the influence is undeniable. Attacks have impact, enemies are resilient, and the penalty for reckless behavior is swift and severe. Lies of P, however, adds its own spin to the combat formula. The emphasis on perfect guarding, for instance, is a more refined take on the parry mechanic that requires a more precise and proactive approach. This encourages players to be aggressive and to learn enemy attack patterns thoroughly. The use of Legion Arms as alternative attack options and the Weapon Assembly system further set it apart from its inspirations, allowing for greater build customization than what’s offered in many traditional Soulslike titles.
Beyond Dark Souls
While the DNA of Dark Souls is apparent, Lies of P carves out its own identity by introducing unique elements. The story, a dark and fantastical rendition of the Pinocchio fairytale, provides a narrative focus that distinguishes it from the more open-ended nature of Dark Souls. The world of Krat, with its Belle Epoque inspired aesthetics and clockwork enemies, is also a significant departure from the grim fantasy settings of FromSoftware’s games. Additionally, the aforementioned Weapon Assembly and Legion Arm systems allow for a level of customization not typically seen in soulslike games. Lies of P makes it very clear that it’s drawing from a variety of inspirations, including Bloodborne, with elements of the UI and animations bearing strong resemblance.
Direct vs. Indirect Inspiration
It’s important to differentiate between direct cloning and informed inspiration. Lies of P doesn’t simply try to mimic Dark Souls; it uses its core design principles as a foundation upon which to build something new. It acknowledges the success of FromSoftware’s formula and builds on the genre it helped create by adding its own mechanical innovations. It’s clear that the developers aren’t just emulating, they’re evolving the genre. The success of Lies of P in its own right is a testament to how well this approach works.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Lies of P a direct sequel to Dark Souls?
No, Lies of P is not a sequel or prequel to Dark Souls. It’s an entirely separate game with its own lore, setting, and characters. It’s heavily inspired by the Soulslike genre popularized by Dark Souls, but it’s a distinct title developed by Neowiz Games.
Is Lies of P harder than Dark Souls?
This is a subject of debate among players. Some find Lies of P harder than the Dark Souls games due to its emphasis on perfect blocking and its more punishing enemy encounters. Others, however, find its difficulty comparable or slightly easier than Dark Souls, particularly Dark Souls 3. It often comes down to personal playstyle and experience.
Is Lies of P a Soulslike or a Soulslike-like?
Lies of P is a genuine Soulslike game, not simply a “Soulslike-like”. It encompasses all of the core features of the genre, including the unforgiving combat, intricate level design, and challenging bosses. The use of specific mechanics doesn’t take away from it being a core entry into the genre.
What other games besides Dark Souls have influenced Lies of P?
Aside from Dark Souls, Lies of P also draws inspiration from Bloodborne. This is evident in the game’s UI, some enemy designs, and the overall atmosphere. There’s also a hint of Sekiro’s precise combat mechanics, particularly in the emphasis on parrying and timing.
How does Lies of P’s combat compare to Dark Souls?
While the core principles are similar, Lies of P’s combat is more focused on perfect guarding as opposed to rolling and traditional blocking. The Weapon Assembly system and Legion Arms add further layers of customization and complexity, making the combat system more diverse than the more rigid combat of Dark Souls.
Does Lies of P borrow Dark Souls’ lore and mythology?
No, Lies of P has its own unique lore and mythology, drawing from the Pinocchio fairy tale and other steampunk inspirations. It does not utilize or reference the lore or deities found in the Dark Souls series.
Is the world design in Lies of P similar to Dark Souls?
Yes, Lies of P features an interconnected world with shortcuts and hidden areas, a core feature of Dark Souls’ world design. However, the setting is very different, featuring the dark and detailed streets of Krat instead of the ancient ruins found in Dark Souls.
Does Lies of P use a “Bonfire” system?
Yes, Lies of P has “Stargazers” which are equivalent to Dark Souls’ Bonfires. They serve as checkpoints to rest, level up, and restock your consumables.
Is there character customization in Lies of P?
Yes, Lies of P allows for some level of character customization, including weapon and skill selections. It also has a variety of cosmetic options to change the appearance of Pinocchio.
Is there a “build” system in Lies of P?
Yes, Lies of P allows for a variety of character builds. Players can focus on Strength, Dexterity, or a combination of both. Also, the Weapon Assembly system adds an element of mix and match to fine-tune builds.
Are the bosses in Lies of P as challenging as in Dark Souls?
Yes, bosses in Lies of P are challenging and require the player to learn their attack patterns. These can be comparable, and sometimes even harder than bosses found in the Dark Souls trilogy.
Is the “death penalty” in Lies of P similar to Dark Souls?
The death penalty in Lies of P is very similar to that of Dark Souls. Players lose their collected Ergo (souls) upon death and must return to the location of their death to recover them.
Is Lies of P a successful game?
Yes, Lies of P has been a commercial success, selling over one million copies in the first month since release. It has received positive reviews from critics and players alike for its unique take on the Soulslike genre.
Why is Lies of P so popular?
Lies of P’s popularity stems from its successful execution of the Soulslike formula, combined with its unique art direction, interesting story, and challenging gameplay. It has managed to offer a fresh take on the genre while retaining the core mechanics players love.
Is Lies of P a must play for Dark Souls fans?
For fans of the Soulslike genre, and especially those who love Dark Souls, Lies of P is undoubtedly a must play. It offers a compelling experience that feels both familiar and fresh. The game provides its own flavor of a compelling action RPG and proves to be an excellent entry into the Soulslike library.