Bloodborne sits starkly opposite FromSoftware’s other action RPGs due to a number of unique gameplay changes, but primarily because of its Gothic architecture, atmosphere, and Lovecraftian cosmic horror. Therefore, fans of FromSoftware will always be quick to associate aesthetically similar Soulslikes to Bloodborne rather than FromSoftware’s dark fantasy action RPGs. Some Soulslikes have maintained that essence, but none seem to be emulating Bloodborne more successfully than Neowiz’s Lies of P.
This game looks like the most polished Soulslike to date and Lies of P breaks a major Soulslike tradition by featuring a wild interpretation on a known IP. Pinocchio is certainly not the property most fans would think to look forward to in a Soulslike, but Lies of P’s dark fantasy is a superb choice with a fair amount of Bloodborne in its genes to flavor it. Indeed, Lies of P may never outlive its comparisons to Bloodborne, whether that is due to its comparable gameplay mechanics or dark aesthetic, and that could be both a blessing and a curse.
Lies of P is Emboldened by Its Bloodborne Comparisons
Lies of P will get far on its Bloodborne comparison alone due to the latter game’s drought. It is important to note that there is currently nothing suggesting that Bloodborne will be revisited, and yet fans are desperately clinging to the idea that it could receive a PC port, a PS5 remake, or a sequel. That is a testament to how seminal Bloodborne is, and how badly fans want to see it return.
Lies of P and Bloodborne do actually have separate European settings and periods as aesthetic and architectural inspiration, but they are comparable enough that one can be contrasted with the other in similar environments. It also helps that Lies of P’s Belle Epoque setting is also in a state of dilapidation with bonfires and corpses lying about—though, in Lies of P, the corpses littered about are likely all automatons.
It is true that if Lies of P looked worse than it does it might not bear the same resemblances that fans see in it, or at least it would already be critiqued as falling short of Bloodborne. This shows that fans are looking forward to it due to that merit, specifically, and its gameplay will need to either match or exceed that standard.
Comparing Lies of P to Bloodborne Could Result in Disappointment
However, if fans are holding Lies of P to Bloodborne’s standard they will likely be setting themselves up for disappointment. Lies of P could end up being a phenomenal game of its own, but fans who hope for it to be the next Bloodborne and equate one another as such will no doubt be underwhelmed.
It currently seems like the narrative in Lies of P is a huge asset that could carry it further, especially for fans of Pinocchio who may already know the lore and appreciate any Easter eggs or references that Lies of P takes liberties with. If its narrative is not enough to isolate it from Bloodborne, though, then fans will hopefully be able to discern gameplay features between the two that they can appreciate. One way that Lies of P could circumvent this fate is by having more FromSoftware influences than Bloodborne alone, and thankfully it does.
Lies of P’s Legion Arms resemble Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’s Shinobi Prosthetic, for example, and there may yet be other familiar features from FromSoftware games waiting for players to find them. Either way, Bloodborne should not be the end-all-be-all for this aesthetic, and Lies of P will hopefully open the door to other Soulslikes that are unafraid to dip their toes in similar atmospheres as FromSoftware games that have come before them.
Lies of P is set to release in 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.