Lies of P's demo takes us on an action-slamming journey, fighting robotic puppets, and reminding us why we all dread souls-like bosses. Set in London, the game's rich atmosphere immediately draws comparison to Bloodborne, but with a lighter mood. Although, the game shares similarities, Lies of P, takes into consideration, upgrades that have yet to be introduced into the genre.
The demo starts off with a choice: are you a balanced, dexterity, or strength build fighter? I chose dexterity for swift movements and dodging, but quickly realized it's easier to become a balanced fighter from the stat upgrades. For any returning souls players, you'll notice a similar interface of equipping weapons and items, assigning them to your D-pad for in-combat use, as well as a familiar combat system of sneaky backstabs for one-hit kills, and having to perfect parry your opponent's moves unless you want to strike to get your health back.
Weapon durability is also back, but with a twist: instant repairs and a readily available grinder for in-combat repairs. I didn't have much difficulty incorporating it into my fights, but I would caution against the timing, since some enemies will lunge at you as a consequence of your vulnerable state. A new weapon mechanic has been introduced, allowing for the dissembling of given weapons, to build a new design using a blade of one, and a handle of another, creating a hybrid of a handle's strong attack and the damage of its new blade. My favorite choice was the rapier handle with a shocking blunt object for the blade, allowing for quick succession of stunning the puppets, and allowing me to recover stamina in the meantime.
Fable Arts has also been added, allowing fighters to use a special attack on their enemies, inflicting increased damaged on a quick succession of a few moves. It can be gained through combat, but can also be filled using a fable catalyst, which is a purchasable item at shops. It helped me do considerable damage in a short time, while simultaneously trying to keep my distance to avoid any strikes. It's a good way to move in quickly and get out with enough time to spare in between strikes. Depending on the timing, it can help stun the boss, lending you that extra advantage.
Oh, and did I mention Pinocchio has an interchangeable mechanical arm? Wait until you see what it does.
During the demo, there are three bosses to encounter, and although it could be from stat deficiency, the first boss felt the most difficult. A puppet clown that requires dodge efficiency through movement study. The second was another hunter that has a lunge ability with an elongated hacksaw, which felt more on par alongside hunter battles in Bloodborne. Without projectiles coming at you, the battle is one of getting in close when possible. The last is a giant, electrifying robot that shocks you to your core. Without the support of an AI alongside me, the fight would be incalculably much harder. I found that staying behind it while it was focusing on the AI allowed me to consistently get its health down to half, leaving me to deal with it for its second phase, which is an annoying phase, to say the least.
Before delving into the nightmarish journey that lies ahead, here are a few tips: you are allowed to upgrade at the first stargazer before the first boss fight, and continue to do so, until the boss is defeated. What the game fails to tell you, is after the first boss fight, you can still upgrade Pinocchio, but you can only do so at the hotel, talking to the woman you meet in the lobby. (I was holding onto about 10,000 souls or "ergo" before I figured that out). Lastly, utilize the weapon disassembly, because you might find a better fighting style suited to you.
Lies of P is a new souls-like adventure arriving on September 19th, 2023, and is a close relative of Bloodborne, with upgraded abilities, new features, and of course, difficult bosses. Although the demo fueled frustration throughout, it left me wanting more action. Get ready to face ruthless challenges and become a master of puppets. How many lies will you tell, before the end of the game?
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