Highlights
"Lies of P" is a highly anticipated Soulsborne action RPG that reimagines "The Adventures of Pinocchio" with a dark fantasy twist.
The game showcases various endings that not only wrap up the Pinocchio story but also imply a broader, interconnected dark fantasy world.
In the closing scene, ties to "The Legend of Paracelsus" and "The Wizard of Oz" are unveiled, paving the way for possible sequels and the advancement of a dark fantasy franchise.
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS for Lies of P ahead. Proceed at your own risk.
Since its initial announcement, Lies of P has captivated audiences with its unique storyline, reimagining Carlo Collodi's The Adventures of Pinocchio as a Soulsborne action RPG. This groundbreaking concept, coupled with thrilling gameplay reveals throughout the summer, has catapulted Lies of P to become one of the most highly anticipated original titles of 2023. Upon its release, Lies of P has received widespread acclaim, with reviewers praising its dark reinterpretation of the original characters and narrative. While fans of the Soulsborne genre may have expected multiple endings, the true extent of its dark fantasy lore surpasses all expectations. While Lies of P concludes the Pinocchio narrative with its various endings, a shared final scene hints at a larger dark fantasy universe waiting to be explored.
In Lies of P, players follow the protagonist P, a creation of the alchemist Geppetto, who is tasked with ending a catastrophic event in the city of Krat, where puppets have revolted against humanity. Throughout P's journey, he utilizes his unique ability to lie, a human trait bestowed upon him by Geppetto, to navigate forbidden areas of Krat and deceive its puppet adversaries. Geppetto promises P that if he successfully collects a substantial amount of Ergo, the substance that brings puppets to life, he will transform P into a real boy. However, this promise proves to be deceitful, as Geppetto plans to use P's heart to resurrect his own son, Carlo, instead. Players are given the choice to comply with Geppetto's request, unlocking one of three distinct endings. However, these endings culminate in a final scene that unveils a interconnected narrative beyond the surface.
Lies of P's Ending Reveals a Much Bigger Narrative
In the final scene of Lies of P, a character named Giangio, whom the reader has previously encountered, is shown speaking on the phone to a woman while on a train. The woman addresses him as Paracelsus, the name shared by a real-life alchemist from the Germanic Renaissance, who is also the subject of a popular fairy tale. In this fairy tale titled The Legend of Paracelsus, the alchemist embarks on a quest to find cures for various illnesses and diseases. He ultimately discovers a spirit trapped in a tree and is rewarded with a medicine that can heal any sickness.
As Paracelsus continues his conversation with the woman in Lies of P, he reveals that the events described in the book were part of a larger experiment. He believes that he has found a potential pathway to eternal life upon its conclusion. Paracelsus and the woman agree that P's manifestation of a "new humanity" deserves further investigation, and they speculate that his arm may hold the key to this extraordinary phenomenon. The conversation concludes with Paracelsus stating that he is returning home and preparing a final report on the events that transpired in Krat.
Lies of P's Final Moments Open the Door to a Dark Fantasy Universe
Upon his return, Paracelsus states his intention to find another key called Dorothy. The scene then shifts back to Krat, where fans gather on the rooftop of a tall building. Suddenly, a young girl appears with only her legs and bright red shoes visible as she walks along the ledge. She stops to observe the city and then clicks her heels three times, revealing herself as Dorothy from L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz.
The conclusion of Lies of P brings together three classic fairy tales and hints at a possible sequel that would allow fans to experience The Wizard of Oz through the perspective of Dorothy. Although no future titles have been announced yet, Neowiz Games seems to be laying the groundwork for an expanded dark fantasy universe. It remains unknown which other fairy tale characters may be discovered as Paracelsus continues his quest for eternal life. With the success of Lies of P, it is highly likely that one or more sequels will be approved. If these future titles manage to effectively adapt their source material like Lies of P, Neowiz's dark fantasy universe could potentially become the next major Soulsborne franchise.
Lies of P is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.