Lies of P (PS5) - Dark Souls-like Pinocchio Adventure

In this review of Lies of P for PS5, the bottom line is straightforward: this is a must-play for fans of challenging action RPGs who want a dark, story-driven twist on the souls-like formula. The game stands out because it pairs tight, satisfying combat with a striking Belle Epoque atmosphere and a moral system that ties directly into progression; players who enjoy deliberate encounters and meaningful choices will find real value here. Reviewers should note the deliberate pacing and the blend of narrative and mechanics that reward experimentation.

Key Features

• Dark Belle Epoque setting: The ruined city of Krat provides a richly detailed, oppressive backdrop that reinforces the game's grim Pinocchio-inspired tale and encourages exploration.
• Souls-like combat: Combat is challenging and precise, with a satisfying weight to strikes and enemy telegraphs that reward mastery and patience.
• Weapon crafting and customization: Players can craft and modify weapons from materials found in the world, creating loadouts that suit different playstyles and encounters.
• Lie-driven progression: The choice to tell or withhold lies directly affects P's humanity, producing tangible gameplay and narrative consequences that deepen replay value.
• Narrative choice impact: Profound narrative choices shape interactions with the few survivors in Krat, making story outcomes feel personally earned and affecting character development.

Who It's For

Players who appreciate deliberate, demanding combat and a strong narrative hook will get the most from Lies of P. Fans of souls-like titles looking for a fresh setting and a novel moral twist-where lying alters both story and mechanical progression-will find the game especially rewarding.

This is less suitable for those who prefer fast-paced, forgiving action or who avoid repeated trial-and-error encounters; the game leans into a punitive-but-fair design that expects time spent learning enemy patterns and crafting viable weapons.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging, weighty combat that players and reviewers describe as satisfying and challenging.
• Strong atmospheric design in a ruined Belle Epoque city that reinforces the narrative tone.
• Meaningful customization through weapon crafting and a lie-driven progression system that rewards choice.

Cons

• The deliberate difficulty and slower pacing may frustrate players who prefer more forgiving or fast-action games.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Lies of P on PS5 is a thoughtfully designed souls-like that combines gratifying combat with a memorable, morally charged narrative. It delivers excellent value for players who enjoy methodical encounters, deep customization, and a story that reacts to choices; those seeking a gentler experience should consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a traditional Pinocchio retelling?
The game is inspired by Pinocchio but reimagines the tale in a dark Belle Epoque setting with original narrative choices and consequences.

Does lying change gameplay?
Yes, the more lies P tells the more his humanity changes, producing tangible advantages and disadvantages that affect progression and story outcomes.

Is the combat similar to FromSoftware titles?
Combat is souls-like in its challenge and precision, but the game distinguishes itself with weapon crafting and its unique narrative mechanics.