Lies of P

I love and hate Soulslikes. Like, a lot. I understand the feelings they conjure in diehard fans of the genre (like triumph after conquering the insurmountable), but these games give me an anxiety attack every time I think about picking a new one up or returning to one I’ve played. Lies of P was really the first Soulslike that clicked from the moment I started playing it, probably because its narrative is easily digestible and intimately familiar.

We all know the story of Pinocchio the Pathological Liar, but the way Neowiz Games and Round8 Studio reimagine that tale in a gothic-steampunk aesthetic is both inspired and intriguing. It’s an excellent example of transforming a beloved IP within a genre that the developers so clearly understand and revere. So often, Soulslikes misinterpret what makes FromSoftware’s games so iconic, but Lies of P gets it—it’s the world-building and level design, and Lies of P’s does both so very well. There aren’t a ton of branching paths here; it’s not as expansive asDark Souls orLords of the Fallen, but each corridor you walk through and shortcut you unlock is an opportunity to take in the beautiful sights and grotesque enemies. It’s a damn challenge, but it rewards you with characters and environments that respond to your actions. In that way, Lies of P is one of the most immersive Soulslikes out there.

Read More: Lies Of P: The Kotaku Review