Lies from P, a Bloodborne-inspired reimagining starring a ruthless Pinocchio, is in full swing and nearing release. The game was unveiled in 2021, yet it wasn’t until recently that its full gameplay details surfaced. For quite a while, some believed the new project, set against the backdrop of the original FromSoftware title, would offer little to surprise. Three gameplay trailers and one narrative trailer have changed that impression. This article outlines the story and the combat system as revealed so far.
What is going on
Lies of P reimagines the classic tale of Pinocchio with a darker twist. The developers have cited inspiration from the earliest draft of the story, a version steeped in a somber mood and a brutality not typical of a children’s book. In this retelling, Pinocchio travels through many locations and encounters a variety of challenges. While trailers to date spotlight a single devastated city, fans wonder if a colossal boss fish might also appear in the broader world.
The central theme centers on lies and their consequences. While exploring Krat, the city where the narrative unfolds, players meet diverse characters who may offer missions. Throughout the journey, Pinocchio is faced with choices about truth or deception, and those choices shape both the plot and the ending.
The visuals reinforce the message that every decision leaves a mark. Earlier previews hinted at a plague afflicting the city, though the disease’s origins remain a mystery. The origin of the menacing dolls and why Pinocchio bears an ordinary human appearance with an iron prosthesis also invites questions, echoing familiar fantasy aesthetics with a dangerous edge.
The story centers on Pinocchio’s search for Geppetto, his father, who appears in the trailers as a pivotal figure. His demeanor hints at possible hidden motives, aligning with the game’s theme of deception. The possibility that Geppetto could be an antagonist adds another layer to the unfolding conflict.
A blue-haired Fairy emerges as a contrasting force, suggesting a struggle between two powers vying for Pinocchio’s allegiance. The trailer imagery implies a tense divide between these forces as the boy navigates his fate.
A striking group features people in animal masks alongside chests labeled “Liar.” In the original, rabbits prepared a box for Pinocchio to force his medicine, but in this adaptation the masked figures project a menacing presence. The same prosthetic attachments Pinocchio wears appear on their hands, hinting at a broader hunt or conflict. The reasons behind this tension remain undisclosed, inviting speculation about who is guiding the deception and why.
Taken together, Lies of P promises a mysterious and intriguing premise. This fresh approach to familiar fairy-tale intrigue fuels anticipation for a narrative that could stand out in the genre.
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It’s time to take on a land of fools
The gameplay draws obvious parallels to Souls-like titles, particularly Bloodborne. Pinocchio moves deliberately through Krat, methodically clearing rooms, opening chests, and facing peril with each step. Instead of bonfires, the world features devices called Stargazers, and the souls are replaced by a substance known as Ergo. The atmosphere leans heavy with gothic, industrial vibes that fans of the genre will recognize.
Yet Lies of P expands beyond the familiar. The combat system shows meaningful upgrades. Beyond an iron prosthesis with modular attachments, Pinocchio wields a diverse arsenal of blades and bladed weapons, with many items capable of being crafted on the fly to fit a chosen strategy.
Enemies drop not only ready-made weapons but also components like handles, blades, and tips. If a player wants to combine a sharp blade from a heavy spear with a different handle, it’s possible. The crafting depth remains to be fully explored, but the early demonstrations hint at rich customization. Not all handles may fit every tip, which will add a layer of strategy to gear selection.
During gameplay, components stay visible after assembly, signaling a strength mechanic that tracks how well gear performs in combat. A pop-up tutorial indicates that a well-timed parry can break enemy weapons, and it’s reasonable to expect similar results for adversaries, adding a tactical edge to timing and spacing.
Parry appears to be a core combat mechanic. The trailers show Pinocchio repelling puppet assaults, and fights feel weighty when equipping fewer items. It remains to be seen whether bosses demand precise parries to prevail, as in other titles of the genre.
The prosthesis itself is a focal point: attaching various tools can drastically influence battles. Shown examples include electric, incendiary, sniper, and harpoon attachments. The harpoon is especially intriguing, enabling Pinocchio to tug enemies close, and, with progression, potentially yank himself toward distant foes. Akin to cinematic feats found in other fantasy epics, this mechanic opens dynamic combat possibilities.
This gear system hints at substantial progression potential. Although the full skill tree isn’t disclosed, the implication is clear: crafting and upgrading offers wide-ranging customization. Unlike some games, the prosthetic options can be adjusted only at major waypoints, adding a strategic layer to equipment planning during exploration.
Pinocchio also demonstrates notable mobility, able to sprint, roll, and maneuver around foes. Players will choose a path at the outset—focused on balance, agility, or raw strength—shaping how the character develops as the journey unfolds.
An Ergo-laden belt device powers the hero and occasionally speaks, a playful touch that invites curiosity about its origin. Weight management is a new twist: Pinocchio carries a limit that influences how equipment and gear affect movement. This design choice nudges players toward careful gear management, a familiar challenge for Souls-inspired titles.
In combat, a special meter fuels rapid strikes that break defenses, making a bluish glow appear as power peaks. Adversaries that rely on brute force often flash red, signaling sustained offense that can be avoided only through swift dodging rather than blocking. The exact interactions between weapon types and attack patterns remain to be fully explored as development continues.
Consumables aside from health-recovery items include a pink potion-like substance that echoes familiar mechanics from Bloodborne and similar games, contributing to a tactile, action-forward rhythm in combat.
What can go wrong
Even with its strong setup, Lies of P faces potential pitfalls. The enemy roster centers on dolls, and several animation cues resemble the town’s ordinary denizens from Bloodborne, which may feel repetitive to some players. Friendly fire is not present, so all enemy attacks may be easier to dodge or misinterpret as harmless. Although the game was scheduled for a 2023 release, there is still time for refinements to this aspect of combat and encounter design.
The camera tends to feel clunky in tight spaces, occasionally obscuring part of the action as enemies shift out of view. A handful of bugs persist in demonstrations, including occasional teleporting foes and timing mismatches in attacks. While this is common in early previews, it can affect initial impressions.
Despite these issues, there is optimism that the final release will address these quirks and deliver a polished experience. The promise of a distinct setting, striking visuals, and a robust combat framework remains compelling for fans of the genre.
The game’s premise, visuals, and combat ideas together form a bold entry into the Souls-like space. Lies of P could become a standout if it maintains its unique tone while delivering satisfying challenge and exploration. The release is anticipated for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, offering a wide platform footprint for players in the North American market.