Lies of Phas made waves with its Soulslike gameplay and its eeriePinocchiostory reimagined as a dark, dystopian adventure. Its success was rooted in two key elements: the hauntingly atmospheric world and the titular mechanic of lying, which initially seemed tied directly to the protagonist, P. With both the sequel and DLC in development, speculation arises about potential changes in the protagonist.
The post-credits scene ofLies of Phints at the introduction of Dorothy fromThe Wizard of Oz, and that suggests a possible shift in focus. However, this raises questions about the future of the lying mechanic, as its relevance is closely tied to P’s character. On top of it, the name of the game isLies of P, so there either needs to be some sort of adjustment to the title or the story needs to resonate just as smoothly with the title as the lying did for P.
The Significance of the Lying Mechanic in Lies of P
InLies of P, the lying mechanic was more than a narrative device; it was a core gameplay element. Players' decisions to lie or tell the truth affected P’s humanity, relationships withnon-playable characters(NPCs), and the storyline’s direction. This system encouraged players to consider the moral implications of their choices.
Removing or altering this mechanic in the sequel could impact the game’s identity. If the sequel introduces a new protagonist without the lying mechanic, it would need an equally compelling system to maintain the series' thematic depth and player engagement. Shifting the focus to anewWizard of Oz-themed protagonist, such as Dorothy, offers opportunities to expand the game’s universe and explore beyond. However, it also presents challenges in maintaining continuity and player connection. The sequel would need to establish the new character’s motivations and struggles compellingly.
It would also be weird forNeowiz Games' teased sequel to be calledLies of Pwhile following the story of Dorothy. A more suitable choice would be to call itLies of D.
The ‘P’ in Lies of P Might Not Be for Pinnochio
At first glance, it seems reasonable to assume the titular P directly references Pinocchio. However, the choice to abbreviate the name to “P” rather than using “Pinocchio” directly may carry additional meaning. Given that P is a mechanical being striving for humanity, P could simply stand for “puppet” or it could have something to do with Paracelsus. The other twist here could be that Dorothy teased at the end of the game might be referring to theLies of PDLCand not the sequel itself.
While the sequel and the DLC are both in development, details of either are yet to be unveiled. Regardless of how it all unfolds, as the series moves forward, this ambiguity offers rich narrative opportunities, and a sequel that expands on these themes — whether through Dorothy, P, or anotherLies of Pcharacter— has the potential to deepen the franchise’s philosophical and emotional impact still.
Lies in Game Are Not Just About Deception
The lies in theSoulslike gameare not just about deception but also about self-delusion, societal manipulation, and existential ambiguity. If P symbolizes broader concepts such as potential, puppethood, or philosophical inquiry, then the lies could refer to the falsehoods that define human existence — moral compromises, societal constructs, or even the stories humans tell themselves, for instance.
In the case that there is a new protagonist in the next game, this interpretation could extend to theLies of Psequel, with the lies evolving to reflect the struggles of a new protagonist. For Dorothy, the lies might involve illusions of safety or freedom in Oz’s fantastical, yet oppressive, world, even if the name stays the same.
Lies of P
WHERE TO PLAY
Lies of P is a thrilling soulslike that takes the story of Pinocchio, turns it on its head, and sets it against the darkly elegant backdrop of the Belle Epoque era.You are a puppet created by Geppetto who’s caught in a web of lies with unimaginable monsters and untrustworthy figures standing between you and the events that have befallen the world of Lies of P.You are awakened by a mysterious voice that guides you through the plagued city of Krat - a once lively place that has been poisoned by madness and bloodlust. In our soulslike, you must adapt yourself and your weapons to face untold horrors, untangle the unfathomable secrets of the city’s elites and choose whether to confront predicaments with the truth or weave lies to overcome them on the journey to find yourself.
