Lies of P Review (PS5) | Push Square

pushsquare.com:

Lies of P is a game that doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Made by South Korean team Round8 Studio, it feels like the product of a developer taking its second or even third swing at the Souls-like formula. It puts the majority of other titles inspired by Dark Souls to shame, yet the only other game to the name of Round8 Studio is an MMORPG called Bless Unleashed. How has a relatively unknown developer managed to top some of the industry's elite with better combat, extensive customisation, and quality presentation? Lies of P is a game that doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but what's abundantly clear is it's something FromSoftware fans can't afford to miss.

A passing glance at the title would likely draw comparisons to Bloodborne, and while it does use the same set dressing of Victorian London, Lies of P goes above and beyond to stand on its own two feet. By retelling the story of Pinocchio in a significantly darker manner as the city of Krat is gripped by an animatronic revolt, the game sets itself apart from virtually any other video game ever produced. Terrifying puppets roam the streets. Killer clowns are boss fights. Traditional children's toys become more of a nightmare than a source of joy.

It's a very unique direction to take, but it's one that pays off as the Timothée Chalamet knock-off of a main character battles between the stereotypes of a puppet and embracing the thoughts and feelings of a human. This internal struggle is presented to you as decisions to make throughout the game which lead to one of a few different endings. You can tell the truth, or lie and start working towards replacing your wooden limbs with real flesh.

With wind-up keys protruding out the backs of enemies and purposefully wooden