Why is Lies of P French? Exploring the Belle Époque Inspirations
The aesthetic of Lies of P, a dark and captivating Soulslike game, is undeniably French, steeped in the atmosphere of the Belle Époque. While the game itself isn’t explicitly set in France, the decision to embrace this particular historical period is not arbitrary; rather, it’s a deliberate choice that profoundly shapes the game’s narrative, visual design, and overall thematic concerns. The answer to the question “Why is Lies of P French?” is multifaceted, revolving around the historical context of the Belle Époque, its inherent contradictions, and how these elements seamlessly integrate with the story of Pinocchio.
The primary reason for the game’s French influence lies in the developer’s choice of the Belle Époque as its aesthetic bedrock. This period, spanning roughly from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I in 1914, was a time of great technological advancement, social progress, and artistic innovation in Europe, particularly in France. It was an era characterized by optimism, rapid industrialization, and lavish displays of wealth and opulence. Paris, in particular, was the epicenter of this cultural renaissance, influencing art, fashion, and design across the continent.
Round8 Studio, the developers behind Lies of P, explicitly chose the Belle Époque to capture this unique dichotomy. The era’s superficial charm and progress hid deep societal tensions and moral ambiguities, which resonate powerfully with the dark and twisted retelling of the Pinocchio story. The glamorous facades and intricate machinery of this period mirror the duality present in the narrative – the seeming perfection of puppets versus their capacity for monstrous violence, the allure of progress masking the ethical decay of Geppetto, and the quest for humanity intertwined with the struggle against monstrous foes. The city of Krat, the fictional setting of the game, is deliberately crafted to evoke the architectural style and atmosphere of Belle Époque-era French cities, from the grand buildings and cobblestone streets to the ornate décor and gas lighting. This visual authenticity contributes to the immersive experience and reinforces the game’s thematic connections.
Furthermore, French culture during this period was also a breeding ground for philosophical and artistic explorations of identity, artificial intelligence, and the boundaries of humanity, all of which are central themes within Lies of P. The game’s narrative subverts the traditional Pinocchio story, transforming it into a more complex and morally grey narrative. The setting allows the developers to explore these themes in a grounded and visually compelling way. The beautiful yet decaying environment mirrors the inner struggle of Pinocchio, who is not a naïve, innocent puppet, but a complex character grappling with his identity and the lies he tells.
The music, too, reinforces this connection. The inclusion of the 1905 Français song “Fascination” in promotional material and the game itself is a clear nod to the French influences. The combination of historical visual cues, narrative themes, and music creates a cohesive and compelling world that is distinctly French in its inspiration, even if the setting is not explicitly France itself. The deliberate choice of the Belle Époque, with its mix of grandeur and hidden darkness, is essential in shaping the narrative and thematic depth of Lies of P, offering a unique backdrop to the timeless story of Pinocchio.
Lies of P: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the setting of Lies of P?
Lies of P is set in the fictional city of Krat, which is heavily inspired by Belle Époque-era French cities. While not explicitly France, Krat’s architecture, fashion, and atmosphere are designed to emulate the style of late 19th and early 20th-century France.
Is Lies of P a retelling of Pinocchio?
Yes, Lies of P is a dark and mature retelling of Carlo Collodi’s The Adventures of Pinocchio. It features key characters like Pinocchio and Geppetto but with significant twists and deeper themes.
Who is the main character in Lies of P?
The main character in Lies of P is Pinocchio, a mechanoid puppet created by Geppetto. Players control Pinocchio on his journey to become human.
What is the significance of the lies in Lies of P?
Lying is a key mechanic in the game. Pinocchio’s ability to lie differs from other puppets, impacting story decisions and unlocking certain elements, such as the powerful secret weapon, the Golden Lie, which manifests as his nose.
Is Geppetto evil in Lies of P?
Unlike traditional adaptations, Geppetto in Lies of P is portrayed as an evil and manipulative figure, who reveals his true nature by the end of the story, adding a dark twist to the classic narrative.
How does the Puppet Frenzy impact Lies of P?
The Puppet Frenzy is an event in the game where the once subservient puppets of Krat suddenly turn violent against humans. It serves as a significant part of the game’s backstory and plot and provides the challenge players must navigate, with many citizens killed due to the puppets.
How many endings does Lies of P have?
Lies of P has three different endings, which are influenced by the player’s choices throughout the game, particularly the decision to lie or tell the truth, and how they interact with key characters like Sophia.
What is considered the “good” ending in Lies of P?
The “good” ending is achieved by making mostly “Lie” choices throughout the game and listening to records to gain humanity. The final steps are letting Sophia live and refusing Geppetto’s request. The best ending is the same, with the additional step of giving peace to Sophia, with her bed being empty.
What is the gameplay style of Lies of P?
Lies of P is a Soulslike game, heavily inspired by the Dark Souls series. It features challenging combat, intricate level design, and a focus on player skill and strategy, with its own unique aspects such as the weapon assembly system.
Is Lies of P difficult?
Lies of P is considered a challenging game. While its difficulty is debated, it is often described as being on par with or slightly easier than Bloodborne but possibly harder than other Dark Souls titles. Some players find it similar in difficulty to Sekiro, especially without using exploits, highlighting the importance of learning to perfect block.
Is Lies of P replayable?
Yes, Lies of P is highly replayable. The ability to mix and match different weapon parts allows for creative combat options and builds. Furthermore, different choices in the playthrough lead to different outcomes, adding to replayability.
Is Lies of P linear or open-world?
Lies of P is a linear game, following a more confined path through its world. There are no real alternate areas. Progression is through narrow pathways within each area, which adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere and challenges of the game.
Does Lies of P feature Pinocchio’s nose?
Yes, Pinocchio’s “nose,” which is a weapon called the Golden Lie, appears in Lies of P. Players can acquire it by telling lies throughout the game, referencing the original story where Pinocchio’s nose grew when he lied.
Who is the main antagonist in Lies of P?
The main antagonist in Lies of P is Simon Manus, an alchemist who manipulates Ergo and the Petrification disease to advance his own vision of humanity’s evolution.
How successful is Lies of P?
Lies of P has been a successful release, selling over 1 million copies since its launch. Due to this success, Neowiz has prioritized DLC and a sequel to expand on the world and lore of Lies of P.