Lies of P

A Dark Fairy Tale Reborn: Lies of P on Windows

If you've ever wished Bloodborne had a baby with Pinocchio, and that baby grew up in a smoky, gaslit opera house, you're in for a treat. Lies of P for Windows is a soul-like action RPG that reimagines the classic puppet story through the lens of brutal combat, moral ambiguity, and gorgeous dread. Published by NEOWIZ, this game isn't just another Souls clone—it carves its own niche with a clever “lie or tell the truth” system and a weapon assembly mechanic that lets you Frankenstein your own tools of destruction. Let's open the workshop and see what's ticking inside.

Nuts and Bolts: What Makes This Puppet Tick

At its core, Lies of P is an action-adventure game set in the decaying city of Krat, where puppets have gone mad and you, a mechanically advanced puppet named P, must find your creator. The primary hook? You can decide to lie (or tell the truth) during conversations, and these choices branch the story, affecting both the ending and your character's humanity. The second standout feature is the weapon assembly system: you can swap the blade and handle of any weapon, mixing movesets and stats to create something completely unique. Want a greatsword that swings like a rapier? You can do that. A dagger with a hammer's stagger power? Absolutely. This level of freedom is rare even in the most custom-heavy action games.

Combat That Punishes and Rewards Cleverness

Combat feels deliberate and weighty, just like you'd expect from a soul-like. But Lies of P introduces a dedicated “Perfect Guard” mechanic that, when timed correctly, lets you break enemies' posture without taking damage. It's risky but immensely satisfying. The Legion Arm—a mechanical prosthetic—adds further versatility: you can equip a grappling hook, a flamethrower, or even a shield. Each tool consumes Legion energy, so you're forced to think on your feet. Compared to games like Dark Souls or Nioh, Lies of P feels more aggressive because your health partially regenerates when you retaliate quickly after taking a hit (a nod to Bloodborne's rally system). The learning curve is steep but fair; expect to die a dozen times before mastering a boss's pattern. But when you finally land that Perfect Guard combo and shatter a puppet's stance, the dopamine hit is real.

User Experience: Polished on Windows, but Not Perfect

The Windows version runs smoothly on a mid-range rig (I tested on an RTX 3060 / i7-10750H at 1440p with a mix of high and ultra settings, maintaining a stable 60 fps). The interface is clean and readable, with traditional PC-friendly elements like scalable UI and full controller support (Xbox and DualSense work flawlessly). The key bindings are customizable, though the default mouse-and-keyboard mapping feels slightly clunky for dodging and switching weapons—I strongly recommend a gamepad. Loading times are snappy on an NVMe SSD, and the game supports HDR, making the already stunning Gothic architecture and candlelit streets pop. One minor gripe: the camera can get tangled in tight corridors, a common issue in this genre, but not a dealbreaker. Overall, it's a well-optimized port that doesn't demand bleeding-edge hardware.

Why This Puppet Stands Apart from the Crowd

What truly sets Lies of P apart is its narrative backbone. Most soul-likes tell their story through cryptic item descriptions and sparse NPC dialogue. Here, the choices you make during conversations with key characters—whether to lie or tell the truth—directly affect your in-game stats (your “Humanity” meter) and the endings. It's not just cosmetic; lying can unlock different items, boss interactions, or even change how NPCs treat you. This interplay between combat and storytelling feels fresh. Combine that with the weapon assembly system, and you have a game that rewards experimentation not just in builds, but in moral decisions. It's like playing a choose-your-own-adventure book where every fight is a brutal, dance-like duel. For genre veterans, it offers enough new mechanics to keep you engaged without feeling gimmicky. For newcomers, it's a solid entry point, provided you're willing to embrace the challenge.

Should You Pull the Trigger?

Heck yes, but with a caveat. If you love the precision and tension of games like Sekiro or Bloodborne, Lies of P will feel like a love letter. The weapon customization alone gives it immense replay value—I've spent hours just trying weird combos like a spear head on an axe handle. The Lies system, though limited to a few key moments, adds genuine weight to your role-playing. On the flip side, if you're easily frustrated by punishing difficulty or prefer fast-paced, lighter combat, this might feel like a slog. The Windows version is solid, but if you're on older hardware, keep expectations modest. Buy it full price if you're a soul-like enthusiast; otherwise, wait for a sale (it often appears at 20–30% off). And seriously, use a controller. Your fingers will thank you.

FAQ

How do I start the game and what are the basic controls on console?

To begin, launch Lies of P from your console home screen. Use the left stick to move, right stick to control the camera, X/A to interact, and R1/RB for light attacks. Customize controls in Settings > Controls > Button Mapping.

What is the recommended difficulty level for a beginner in Lies of P?

Lies of P does not have difficulty sliders; it offers a fixed challenging experience. Beginners should focus on learning enemy patterns, parrying with the Legion Arm, and upgrading Vitality early. Practice in the Hotel Krat hub area first.

Can I change the language or subtitles in the game?

Yes. Go to Settings > Language & Region. You can adjust both voice and subtitle languages independently. Subtitles can be toggled on or off and resized under the Accessibility tab within the same menu.

How does the Lie system work and does it affect the story?

When prompted during conversations, you can choose to lie or tell the truth. This affects NPC reactions, unlocks different quest outcomes, and influences your ending. Decisions are permanent per playthrough. Check the 'Choices' tab in the menu to review your past decisions.

What is the Legion Arm and how do I use it effectively?

The Legion Arm is a special tool attached to your left hand. Equip it via the Equipment screen (Weapon > Legion Arm). Each arm type offers unique abilities like grappling or shooting. Use it by pressing L2/LT. Upgrade its stats with Legion Caliber at the Crafting Table in Hotel Krat.

How do I upgrade weapons and what materials do I need?

Visit the Saintess of Mercy Statue in Hotel Krat. Use Ergo to level up your character's stats. For weapons, use Moonstones and Plague Crystals found in the world. Upgrade at the Workbench in the same location. Each weapon can be improved up to +10 with rare Moonstones.