What is Lies of P Based On? A Deep Dive into the Dark Fairytale
Lies of P is a soulslike action RPG heavily inspired by the classic Italian fairytale, The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi. However, it’s not a lighthearted retelling. The game takes the familiar story of a wooden puppet yearning to be human and twists it into a dark, gothic, and often brutal experience set in the Belle Époque era city of Krat. While retaining key characters and themes from the original story, Lies of P introduces a compelling original narrative filled with conspiracies, biomechanical horrors, and challenging combat. It’s a stark reimagining, blending the familiar with the utterly fantastical and grotesque.
The Core Inspiration: Collodi’s Pinocchio
At its heart, Lies of P draws its foundation from Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel. You play as Pinocchio, but not the Disneyfied version. This Pinocchio is a sophisticated, combat-capable puppet, created by the enigmatic Geppetto. The overarching goal remains similar: to become human. However, the path to humanity is fraught with danger and moral quandaries. The “lies” mechanic, a core gameplay element, directly references Pinocchio’s inherent nature and the consequences of dishonesty detailed in the original story. The more Pinocchio lies, the more human he becomes, adding a unique layer of complexity to player choices.
Beyond Pinocchio: Soulslike Mechanics and Dark Fantasy
While Pinocchio is the narrative bedrock, Lies of P’s gameplay and overall atmosphere owe a significant debt to the soulslike genre, pioneered by FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series. Expect challenging combat, intricate level design, demanding boss battles, and a cryptic, lore-rich world. The game borrows heavily from the established formula, featuring a focus on careful stamina management, precise dodging and parrying, and methodical exploration.
Furthermore, Lies of P infuses the Pinocchio narrative with elements of dark fantasy and steampunk. Krat is a city gripped by madness, plagued by the “Petrification Disease” which turns citizens into violent, grotesque creatures. The environment blends the elegance of the Belle Époque with the unsettling horror of advanced technology gone awry. This fusion of aesthetics creates a visually striking and psychologically unsettling world that sets it apart from other soulslike titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lies of P
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Lies of P, covering everything from its story and gameplay mechanics to its development and release:
What is the “Petrification Disease” in Lies of P?
The Petrification Disease is a central plot point in Lies of P. It’s a mysterious plague affecting the inhabitants of Krat, turning them into violent, grotesque creatures. It’s heavily implied that there’s a deeper conspiracy behind the outbreak, and uncovering its origins is a key part of Pinocchio’s journey. The disease serves as the primary antagonist force in the game, driving the chaos and destruction that Pinocchio must navigate.
How does the “Lying System” work in Lies of P?
The Lying System is a unique gameplay mechanic that allows Pinocchio to make choices in dialogue that affect the story and his character. Choosing to lie or tell the truth has consequences, influencing Pinocchio’s “humanity” and leading to different outcomes. It impacts the story in multiple ways, and the consequences of your lies are not always immediately apparent.
Is Lies of P a direct adaptation of Pinocchio?
No, Lies of P is a dark reimagining of the Pinocchio story. While it retains key characters and plot elements from the original tale, it introduces a new narrative, world, and themes. Expect significant deviations from the source material, especially in terms of tone and subject matter. It’s a very different and much darker interpretation of the classic.
What is the combat like in Lies of P?
The combat in Lies of P is challenging and demanding, characteristic of the soulslike genre. It emphasizes precision timing, stamina management, and strategic use of weapons and abilities. Players must learn enemy attack patterns and utilize parrying, dodging, and offensive maneuvers to survive. The combat is designed to be rewarding, with a high skill ceiling.
What are the different weapon types in Lies of P?
Lies of P features a variety of weapon types, each with its own unique move set and strengths. These include swords, rapiers, daggers, hammers, and more. Furthermore, the game allows for weapon assembly, allowing players to combine different weapon parts to create custom weapons with unique stats and abilities. This customization is a core element of the gameplay.
How does character progression work in Lies of P?
Character progression in Lies of P revolves around leveling up and upgrading Pinocchio’s stats. Players earn Ergo (the game’s equivalent of souls) by defeating enemies, which can then be used to increase stats such as Vitality, Motivity, Technique, and Capacity. Additionally, players can acquire and equip different weapons, armor, and accessories to further customize Pinocchio’s build.
Who are some of the key characters in Lies of P besides Pinocchio and Geppetto?
Besides Pinocchio and Geppetto, other key characters include:
- Sophia: A mysterious woman who guides Pinocchio on his journey.
- Eugénie: A talented inventor who helps Pinocchio upgrade his weapons.
- Simon Manus: A powerful figure with unclear motives who plays a crucial role in the game’s story.
These characters all have their own backstories and motivations, adding depth and complexity to the game’s narrative.
What is Krat like in Lies of P?
Krat is a Belle Époque era city that has fallen into ruin. Once a vibrant hub of technology and culture, it is now plagued by the Petrification Disease and overrun by violent creatures. The city’s architecture is a blend of elegance and decay, creating a visually striking and unsettling environment. Exploring Krat is a key part of the game, as players uncover its secrets and the causes of its downfall.
Is Lies of P a difficult game?
Yes, Lies of P is designed to be a challenging game. It features demanding combat, intricate level design, and unforgiving boss battles. However, the game also offers players tools to overcome these challenges, such as a robust character progression system, a wide variety of weapons and abilities, and the ability to summon Spectres (AI companions) for assistance.
What platforms is Lies of P available on?
Lies of P is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It was also available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.
Does Lies of P have multiplayer?
Lies of P does not have direct multiplayer in the traditional sense. However, players can summon Spectres, which are AI companions, to assist them in combat. These Spectres can be helpful in overcoming difficult boss battles and exploring challenging areas.
What is the overall tone of Lies of P?
The overall tone of Lies of P is dark, gothic, and unsettling. It explores mature themes such as betrayal, deception, and the nature of humanity. The game features a bleak and oppressive atmosphere, reflecting the state of Krat and the suffering of its inhabitants.
Are there multiple endings in Lies of P?
Yes, Lies of P has multiple endings, which are determined by the player’s choices throughout the game, particularly those related to the Lying System. The different endings offer varying perspectives on the story’s themes and the fate of Pinocchio.
Who developed Lies of P?
Lies of P was developed by Round8 Studio, a South Korean game development company. The game was published by Neowiz Games.
What makes Lies of P stand out from other Soulslike games?
Lies of P differentiates itself from other soulslike games through its unique setting, narrative, and gameplay mechanics. The dark reimagining of the Pinocchio story, the Lying System, and the weapon assembly system all contribute to a distinct and memorable experience. The game’s focus on narrative choice and consequence also sets it apart from many other titles in the genre.