
Lies of P: Overture Excels, Drawing Strong Inspiration from Bloodborne
2025-05-22
Author: Daniel
In 2021, a groundbreaking announcement from Round 8 and NEOWIZ introduced gamers to *Lies of P*, a dark, soulslike experience that creatively blends the gothic vibes of *Bloodborne* with Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of Pinocchio, reimagined in a Victorian setting. Upon its release in 2023, it exceeded expectations with its richly crafted fantasy world and exhilarating combat, swiftly winning over skeptics.
Fast forward two years, and I delved into *Overture*, an intriguing expansion that continues the *Lies of P* saga. Although my gameplay was limited to just an hour, exploring the first stage and the new Boss Memories mode was more than enough to see that this South Korean development team is on the verge of another triumph.
The connection to *Bloodborne* is undeniable, not only in aesthetics but in its challenging gameplay, which adheres to the soulslike tradition while omitting typical safety nets like blocking. Embracing this comparison is a point of pride for the development team, as they strive to meet high expectations and solidify their reputation with *Overture*.
As I stepped into the snow-laden expanse near Krat Zoo, guided by the curious spirit, Gemini, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant, chilling atmosphere. The narrative remains shrouded in mystery, yet the excitement of wielding new weaponry, like the striking gunblade known as the Pale Knight, offered a thrilling taste of what’s to come. This weapon, reminiscent of a style befitting Squall Leonhart, combines greatsword-like heft with firearm finesse, delivering formidable melee and ranged attacks.
Another new addition was the bow, marking a shift to ranged combat in the series. While it’s adept at picking off smaller foes, larger enemies pose a challenge. Mastering its mechanics may unlock greater potential for dealing damage from afar.
As I explored the icy terrain, I also experimented with long claws that unleashed ferocious strikes, adding to the impressive arsenal available in *Overture*. Fans of weapon customization will find a plethora of new options that enhance combat strategies.
The new legion arms introduced are noteworthy as well. My favorite was another firearm—this one, a chargeable double-barrel variant that transformed my offensive capabilities in close encounters, able to stun larger enemies or disrupt their attacks, making every encounter dynamic.
Enemy encounters were standard at first, featuring familiar fare like wolves and zombies, but the design team showcased their creativity with intriguing adversaries like agile kangaroos and an imposingly eerie elephant, leading up to a climactic showdown with a menacing, ergo-affected crocodile.
Notably, boss fights will evolve with the *Overture* expansion, introducing two new game modes: Battle Memories and Death March. Death March presents a hardcore boss rush experience, while Battle Memories allows players to revisit iconic battles with increased difficulty, promising unique challenges and rewards for those brave enough to tackle them.
With its rich lore and captivating gameplay, *Lies of P* has rightly claimed its place among 2023's top titles and stands as a remarkable contender in the action RPG genre. While *Overture* doesn’t stray far from the original's formula, the infusion of new weapons, chilling monsters, and innovative game modes proves that there's always room for exhilarating growth, keeping the spirit of *Lies of P* alive and thriving.