๐ข LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! I PRESENT TO YOU THE BEST SOULSLIKE! ๐ข
No cap. ๐งข
Bloodborne 2? Anyone? Pretty much, eh? I think it's safe to say that Lies of P is the best Soulslike we've ever gotten. It's between it and Remnant 2, maybe Code Vein. But yeah, the game just does so much right. Successfully capturing that fromsoft magic, while still bringing something new to the table.
Thereforeโ๏ธ In this edition of Through the Lens ๐, we'll be taking a look at Neowiz Games and Round 8 Studio successful Bloodborne imitation from 2023: Lies of P. โ๏ธ
(should've just called it lies of pinocchio, amirite?)
Roll it! ๐ฝ

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๐ท UP TOP ๐ถ
The soundtrack is very Souls-likeish. But it still fits the setting. A lot of strings, a lot of classical-sounding pieces. All in all, I doubt you will be listening to it while working, but mayhaps you could listen to it while reading this article? โบ๏ธ Just a thought.
This game looked super sus to me for a long while. I was really hesitant to give it a shot. The protagonist and the whole "it's just like Bloodborne" narrative was a tad much. And also, Bloodborne? Really? Well, I'm glad to say that the mad lads actually did it. Lies of P is an amazing game, and maybe the best Souls-like ever made. ๐ฎ Yes, I know, big words. Let's discuss!
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๐ท BLOODBORNE 2 ๐ถ
So yes, people have been clamoring for a sequel to Bloodborne since its release. Recently there have been rumblings of a PS fromsoft exclusive, so we might be getting one**(?)** fingers crossed. In the mean time. A brand spanking new studio out of South Korea decided they wanted a crack at it, and boy did they deliver.
There are many Souls-likes out there, but most try to emulate Dark Souls. I don't know of a 3D Bloodborne clone (there are some 2D Bloodbornes), so the attempt in itself is commendable. ๐
You know what's even more commendable? Them pulling it off? ๐

What makes a Bloodborne, Blood born? I'm glad you asked. It's all about the pace of the combat. Lies of P nails down this pacing like nothing before. There are a lot of mechanics that are lifted straight out of Bloodborne and many more that complement that design beautifully.
Thematically, while there are some similarities, there is no great Eldrich influence in Lies of P. All for the better. This game's theme and setting is what sets it apart from traditional Soulslikes. As I doubt fromsoft would ever attempt a futuristic, fantasy-like retelling of Pinocchio. ๐
Yes, you heard that right. Let's quench that burning curiosity then.
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๐ท AN ACTUAL STORY ๐ถ
The title of this section is me being coy. Yes. fromsoft games have stories. But they are never at the forefront. It's more lore than story. I personally love that approach, but Lies of P is much more direct in its messages. While still keeping to the great environmental storytelling the genre is known for.

What I really love is that the story here is competent. Well told and well paced. With interesting characters and an awesome premise. It's usually so when you cheat by invoking fairy tales. I think they provide an excellent baseline to bounce ideas off of. Nevertheless, they pulled it off.
The cut scenes and set pieces displayed are also great. With dialogue and story interjected at just the right time. Dare I say fromsoft can learn a thing or two from these upstarts trying to barge into their genre. Competition is always a good thing. ๐ฏ

Not only does Lies of P present the best gameplay out of any Souls-like, but one could argue it improves on the fromsoft formula. And while I would say that is a false argument, it is still an argument to be had. One that none of the other close dared to attempt. Well, dared to succeed in more like. In any case, it's a welcomed addition to this format, and I'm glad someone finally came along to do this type of game justice with a different framework for story. ๐บ
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๐ท LEGACY ๐ถ
A game like this from a relatively unknown studio is rare. The publishers have confirmed that they are already working on a sequel. As they should be. The success that this game enjoyed amidst the release of Lords of the Fallen's remake (another Souls-like we will talk about) sets a clear precedent.
As the first truly amazing Souls-like, I think the legacy of this game is strong already. We never know what time brings, but for now, people are loving what Lies of P is bringing. And even if the sequel disappoints, its first showing is still remarkable enough to be remembered.
It is a difficult game, no doubt. And it is not as fair as some of the best fromsoft designs, but it is still good enough. If you have a passing interest in the genre, the direct nature of Lies of P might suit you more than the more obscure fromsoft titles. So if you've ever wanted to get into the genre, Lies of P is a great choice. ๐

Thank you for reading, you rock! (and maybe roll) ๐๐๐
๐ผ๏ธ **Image Sources: 01, 02, 03, 04
)** ๐ผ๏ธ
Shout-out to the ๐PIZZA๐ gang, ๐ค gang. ๐ค
As I mentioned, our next take will come for Lords of the Fallen. And I'll warn you, it's not gonna be as positive as this one. Not in the slightest. ๐ But yes, a much better outing than their first go around. And a game we'll have a lot to talk about. I hope you guys tag along as I have a lot of feelings on all these Souls-like on the market.
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I hope you are having an amazing start to your week! ๐
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