Is Lies of P the Spiritual Successor to Bloodborne? A Deep Dive
The burning question on the minds of Soulslike fans since its release: Is Lies of P similar to Bloodborne? The short answer is yes, and no, but mostly yes. While Lies of P undeniably borrows heavily from the aesthetic, combat, and overall feel of FromSoftware’s Bloodborne, it’s far from a simple copy. It’s more accurate to say that Lies of P is a loving homage, a game that wears its influences proudly while carving out its own distinct identity. It’s a game that understands what makes Bloodborne special, and attempts to recreate that magic with its own unique twists.
The Bloodborne DNA in Lies of P
Visual and Atmospheric Similarities
The most immediate connection between the two games lies in their visual presentation. Both games feature grimdark Victorian-era settings, characterized by cobbled streets, imposing architecture, and a pervading sense of decay and unease. The gothic aesthetic, the shadowy alleys, and the grotesque creatures lurking in the darkness all evoke a similar mood. Lies of P even shares a love for monstrous enemies that are reminiscent of Bloodborne’s unsettling designs, leaning into the horrifying with a mix of grotesque figures and disfigured puppets. The sense of dread is palpable in both titles, creating an environment that is both fascinating and terrifying.
Combat System and Pacing
Gameplay is where the Bloodborne influence is strongest. The fast-paced, aggressive combat encourages dodging and parrying over the slow, methodical approach of Dark Souls. While Lies of P introduces a perfect-block mechanic, it still rewards players who are agile and reactive, similar to the feel of Bloodborne’s combat system. The emphasis on a single, powerful melee weapon, rather than constantly switching weapons, mirrors Bloodborne’s reliance on transforming trick weapons. The “rally” system where you can regain health by immediately attacking enemies after taking damage is very reminiscent of Bloodborne’s design. This is a clear design choice to capture the pace and high-octane nature of From Software’s gem.
Thematic Resonances
Beyond the visual and gameplay similarities, Lies of P echoes some of Bloodborne’s thematic concerns. Both games delve into the corruption of humanity, explore the consequences of scientific hubris, and present a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Lies of P’s Pinocchio theme, with its focus on lies and truth, adds a layer of thematic complexity, but it still fits within the overarching narrative themes that Bloodborne fans have come to appreciate. Both games share a sense of cosmic horror, although expressed in different forms, making them equally unsettling and thought provoking.
Where Lies of P Forges its Own Path
The Perfect Guard Mechanic
While inspired by Bloodborne’s combat, Lies of P doesn’t simply copy its mechanics. The introduction of the perfect block is a major game changer. Mastering the timing of perfect guards is crucial for success in Lies of P and this adds a layer of complexity not found in Bloodborne’s combat system. The perfect block is essential not just for defense but also to inflict damage and create openings for attacks. This gives combat a satisfying rhythm and a higher skill ceiling.
Weapon Customization and Legion Arms
Lies of P allows for a much greater level of weapon customization compared to Bloodborne. Players can mix and match blade and handle parts to create unique weapons with varied stats and movesets. This feature provides the player with a much greater degree of personalization and encourages experimentation. Another unique feature is the use of Legion Arms, which provide unique abilities and strategic combat options. These arms vary from flamethrowers to grappling hooks, adding a tactical edge to battles that Bloodborne lacks.
The Story and Setting
Though inspired by the grim aesthetic of Bloodborne, Lies of P sets itself apart through its unique narrative. It is a dark and twisted take on Pinocchio. The setting of Krat, a city overwhelmed by puppet mania, offers a distinct landscape that deviates from Bloodborne’s Victorian-era Yharnam. It is this blend of familiar inspiration with unique story and setting that makes Lies of P both refreshing and familiar.
Conclusion: Homage, Not a Copy
Lies of P is not Bloodborne 2. It’s a game that has been carefully designed to emulate a lot of what people loved about Bloodborne. However, it stands on its own merit with its unique mechanics, narrative, and customization options. It is a loving tribute that takes inspiration and adds its own twists. If you’re a fan of Bloodborne’s combat, atmosphere, and gothic horror, Lies of P is absolutely worth experiencing. Just don’t expect a carbon copy of Bloodborne; instead, expect a game that’s learned from one of the best and evolved the genre in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Lies of P too similar to Bloodborne?
While Lies of P draws heavily from Bloodborne in terms of atmosphere, combat, and enemy design, it also introduces its own unique mechanics like the perfect guard, weapon assembly, and Legion Arms. It’s a spiritual successor, not a carbon copy.
2. Is Lies of P more difficult than Bloodborne?
Many players find Lies of P to be on par with or even harder than Bloodborne, especially due to the emphasis on the perfect block mechanic. While Bloodborne has a fast combat pace, Lies of P can often feel more punishing, particularly when you fail to properly time the blocks.
3. Is Lies of P like Dark Souls?
Lies of P is often called a “Soulslike”, and it definitely shares common DNA with Dark Souls. However, its combat is much faster and more aggressive, leaning into Bloodborne’s style. UI elements and boss fight presentations will give Dark Souls vibes, but the core gameplay differentiates itself.
4. Is Lies of P as hard as Sekiro?
Difficulty is subjective, but many players consider Lies of P to be on par with or harder than Sekiro, especially if you don’t use exploits. The need to master perfect blocking in Lies of P can make it even more challenging for some players.
5. Is Lies of P harder than Elden Ring?
Experiences vary, but a good amount of players find Lies of P harder than Elden Ring. The more linear level design and emphasis on perfecting your combat are a big reason for this perception.
6. Is Bloodborne the hardest Souls-like?
Bloodborne is frequently cited as one of the hardest Souls-like games due to its fast-paced combat and challenging boss fights, particularly in its DLC. The combination of speed and punishing encounters make it a major challenge for many.
7. Is Bloodborne more violent than Dark Souls?
Yes, Bloodborne is significantly more violent and gruesome than the Dark Souls trilogy. Its weapons and enemies are designed to be particularly graphic, leaning into the horror aspect of its aesthetic.
8. Is Lies of P about Pinocchio?
Yes, Lies of P is a dark retelling of Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio. The player controls a puppet who can lie, which significantly impacts story decisions. This reimagining of the classic tale provides a unique twist on a very familiar narrative.
9. How many hours of gameplay is Lies of P?
A typical playthrough of Lies of P focusing on the main story will take around 29 and a half hours, while a 100% completion run is likely to take about 58 hours. This makes it quite a substantial game for Soulslike players.
10. Is Bloodborne harder than Ghost of Tsushima?
Bloodborne is considerably harder than Ghost of Tsushima. Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world samurai action game, while Bloodborne is a challenging Souls-like game with a much more demanding combat system. The two titles are very different in their game play and difficulty.
11. Is Lies of P better than Dark Souls 3?
This is a matter of opinion, but many players find aspects of Lies of P, such as the music, story, and unique weapons, superior to those in Dark Souls 3. The combat and emphasis on blocking is very different from the standard Souls formula.
12. What type of game is Lies of P?
Lies of P is a dark fantasy action game inspired by the Soulslike genre and the classic story of Pinocchio. It focuses on challenging combat, exploration, and a macabre narrative.
13. Who was Bloodborne inspired by?
Bloodborne was inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Bram Stoker, as well as the architecture of real-world locations in Eastern Europe. These sources created the very unique gothic-horror feel that the game is known for.
14. Is Bloodborne faster than Sekiro?
Sekiro features a faster movement and combat system compared to Bloodborne. Sekiro allows for much more aggressive movement with dashes and jumps that are not present in Bloodborne. Sekiro is focused on parrying and the deflecting system and is much more mechanically demanding.
15. Is Lies of P an open world game?
No, Lies of P is not an open world game. It features interconnected, linear areas that can be revisited, similar to the world design of Bloodborne. This creates an illusion of freedom while keeping the focus of the game very concentrated.