Uncover the Truth: Master the Ultimate FromSoftware Boss Strategy and Conquer P's Lies

Lies of P is emerging as a strong contender among the top-notch Soulslike games not developed by FromSoftware. Despite some areas for improvement in the recently released demo, the reception for this dark fantasy reimagination of Pinocchio has been overwhelmingly positive.

One key factor contributing to this is the game's resemblance to Bloodborne, a renowned title by FromSoftware that forms a significant part of the Soulsborne collection. Many enthusiasts are considering Lies of P as a spiritual successor to Bloodborne due to its gothic horror setting and fast-paced combat against formidable adversaries, all within a 19th-century aesthetic. However, it remains to be seen if the game truly lives up to this comparison upon its release. Nevertheless, there is one element of FromSoftware's design that Lies of P should absolutely not draw inspiration from.

Lies of P Should Not Have Double Bosses

FromSoftware's penchant for incorporating fights against multiple bosses in their games has always been a subject of contention. Undoubtedly, one of the studio's most legendary battles is the double boss encounter featuring Ornstein and Smough in the original Dark Souls.

Despite its notorious difficulty, this fight remains cherished by players due to its exceptional balance. The key lies in devising a strategy to determine which boss to take down first. One boss possesses agility but lacks durability, while the other is slow but imposingly robust. Crafting an effective plan revolves around identifying the greater threat while simultaneously evading the attacks of the other. It's worth noting that this particular fight stands apart from other double boss encounters in FromSoftware's repertoire, where such encounters often lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.

Content: A recent example of an extremely challenging double boss encounter in the game Elden Ring is the Godskin Duo. Not only is this encounter mandatory to progress, but it is also incredibly frustrating. The Godskin Noble and Godskin Apostle possess numerous unblockable and hard-to-dodge attacks, making the battle even more difficult. To make matters worse, they are capable of both close-range and long-range assaults, making it tough to keep track of their movements.

When it comes to designing boss fights, there are certain aspects that Lies of P should avoid taking inspiration from. One of the most crucial ones is incorporating double boss encounters. Creating enjoyable and challenging boss fights is already a complex task, and it becomes even more daunting when trying to make fighting two bosses simultaneously feel satisfying.

Both bosses not only need to be individually designed with their own strengths, but also be balanced in their cooperative fighting. Ornstein and Smough exemplify this balance as they complement each other's weaknesses, making players strategize to exploit vulnerabilities. In contrast, the Godskin Noble and Godskin Apostle lack this dynamic, as their separate encounters suggest they were intended for one-on-one fights.

To establish its own distinct identity, Lies of P should differentiate itself from FromSoftware's titles. Although it has garnered favorable attention, much of it stems from comparisons to one of the studio's renowned games. To achieve this, Lies of P should establish a unique philosophy regarding boss encounters, rather than replicating its inspiration, flaws included.

Lies of P comes out September 19 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.