Lies of P (Xbox One/SX)

Sehr stilvolles, wenn auch sehr vertraut wirkendes Soulslike mit durchdachtem Kampfsystem und motivierender Charakterentwicklung, aber über weite Strecken schwacher Erzählung.

Lies of P bringt neben einer hervorragenden Atomsphäre, toller Optik und dem coolsten Pinocchio jemals auch genug Eigenheiten in Sachen Gameplay mit. Es setzt sich gekonnt von seinen Vorlagen ab und ist für uns das wahrscheinlich beste Soulslike, was nicht direkt von From Software kommt. Lediglich das gewöhnungsbedürftige Blocken und manche Mechaniken halten das Spiel wirklich zurück.

Beneath that, yeah, Lies of P is a decent game. It pales only slightly in comparison to FromSoftware’s titles, and that’s a feat in itself. Some of the environments are boxier and less imaginative. The progression is starkly linear compared to the Souls series. There is less diversity in the enemies you go up against. The story is more rote than what you’d find in the nebulous tales of dead Gods that Miyazaki favors.

Lies of P has strong enough foundations in its edgy tone and tweaked weapons to provide an enjoyable experience for those in need of a FromSoft fix.

The freedom afforded by its crafting system, the excellent and dark storytelling, and the intensity of its combat are great ingredients for a classic tale and makes it easier to overlook some of the niggling issues that affect the puppet show.

With its bleak reimagining of Pinocchio and a stunning Belle Epoque era setting, Lies of P stands apart even when its gameplay relies on imitation.

Lies of P's greatest strength is how it rewards and empowers you at every turn to venture further through this twisted tale of puppetry and monstrous humanity, despite its oppressive world and formidable enemies.

Smooth combat, seamless exploration and a set of well-executed mechanics makes Lies of P an excellent Soulslike. When you add in the gorgeous visuals, desolate world design, stark sound design and engrossing story, it raises the experience above a lot of its contemporaries.