Lies of P (Soulsbourne Type Genre - on Game Pass)
Discussion
It's an excellent game and definitely worth getting on Gamespass. Probably about 30 to 40 hrs on your first playthrough so relatively short but very high quality and you can NG+ to collect new items/make different choices etc.
It does have a few difficulty spikes along the way but aside from a couple of cheap bosses it is mostly well-judged and quite easy. The combat system takes a little bit from a number of notable Souls games. It has a parry/stagger system like Sekiro although you don't need to rely on it like you did in that game, indeed the timing windows for some of the unblockable 'fury' attacks are very slim and difficult to hit consistently. You can block damage the traditional way and regain some of that similar to the 'rally' system in Bloodborne. You can also dodge and i-frame away and playing using a mix of all three will usually see you through.
The setting, art direction and atmosphere are absolutely stunning in parts and most everything around the city of Krat is extremely compelling to look at and wander around. There is some absolutely excellent level design mixed in too, with only a couple of areas that I would consider to be duds.
Overall I think it's staggeringly good for an otherwise unknown indie studio.
It does have a few difficulty spikes along the way but aside from a couple of cheap bosses it is mostly well-judged and quite easy. The combat system takes a little bit from a number of notable Souls games. It has a parry/stagger system like Sekiro although you don't need to rely on it like you did in that game, indeed the timing windows for some of the unblockable 'fury' attacks are very slim and difficult to hit consistently. You can block damage the traditional way and regain some of that similar to the 'rally' system in Bloodborne. You can also dodge and i-frame away and playing using a mix of all three will usually see you through.
The setting, art direction and atmosphere are absolutely stunning in parts and most everything around the city of Krat is extremely compelling to look at and wander around. There is some absolutely excellent level design mixed in too, with only a couple of areas that I would consider to be duds.
Overall I think it's staggeringly good for an otherwise unknown indie studio.
Just started playing this one myself on Gamepass .. it is indeed very good so far.
It feels very Bloodborne-like, could almost be a spiritual sequel.
What I like is that the 'exploration' parts aren't as tough as most of the Soulsborne games so you aren't constantly dreading 'losing it all' every time you move forward into unexplored territory, letting you enjoy the new area .. However, the boss fight action seems to be right up there with the FromSoftware level of difficulty. But one nice thing they do is that if(when) the boss smashes you, your dropped 'souls' (Ergo) appear outside the arena on your reincarnation so you can get them back without going back into the boss arena. It encourages you to go ahead and try taking on a new boss because you don't need to worry that you are going to lose everything in your first few tries.
Graphics, sound and general aesthetics are just amazing. Easily up there with the best of the Souls games. Haven't tried this on the Steamdeck yet (as I had it on Gamepass) but apparently at low details it plays great and still looks amazing on the small screen. I think I will probably end up buying it on Steam whenever it goes on sale.
Of course, it could get so rock-hard that it puts me off, or I hit an area that is sooooo much of a relentless grind that I give up (eg Blight town). Just looking around for help tutorials though, it seems that the devs have put stuff in that act as a kind of surrogate 'easy mode' if you are inclined to use the techniques and objects.
It feels very Bloodborne-like, could almost be a spiritual sequel.
What I like is that the 'exploration' parts aren't as tough as most of the Soulsborne games so you aren't constantly dreading 'losing it all' every time you move forward into unexplored territory, letting you enjoy the new area .. However, the boss fight action seems to be right up there with the FromSoftware level of difficulty. But one nice thing they do is that if(when) the boss smashes you, your dropped 'souls' (Ergo) appear outside the arena on your reincarnation so you can get them back without going back into the boss arena. It encourages you to go ahead and try taking on a new boss because you don't need to worry that you are going to lose everything in your first few tries.
Graphics, sound and general aesthetics are just amazing. Easily up there with the best of the Souls games. Haven't tried this on the Steamdeck yet (as I had it on Gamepass) but apparently at low details it plays great and still looks amazing on the small screen. I think I will probably end up buying it on Steam whenever it goes on sale.
Of course, it could get so rock-hard that it puts me off, or I hit an area that is sooooo much of a relentless grind that I give up (eg Blight town). Just looking around for help tutorials though, it seems that the devs have put stuff in that act as a kind of surrogate 'easy mode' if you are inclined to use the techniques and objects.
Started playing this last week - it's a lovely look game but it's so difficult. I'm stuck on the first boss - The Parade Master.
I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
Buttery Ken said:
Started playing this last week - it's a lovely look game but it's so difficult. I'm stuck on the first boss - The Parade Master.
I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
Yeah, he was surprisingly tough considering how low-powered your character is going to be at that point. In common with most Souls games, you can't level up until you get to the 'hubworld'. I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
A good general tip with the game is that throwable things are very good at causing damage. Also don't forget that your weapons have one-off (well, they recharge but very slowly) 'special attacks' too on the Y/triangle button so be sure to use them if you get the chance.
And a key thing is to always use blocking. You only take small (relatively) amounts of damage if you block and can get it back with a quick counterattack. It doesn't seem to be as wearing on your stamina as a normal souls game. If you perfect parry it's even more effective (block very shortly before the enemy attack happens, hard to time) as it costs you no health and can build up to make the enemy stagger-able.
Despite some very tricky bosses and minibosses, I find the general gameplay outside the boss fights to be much more forgiving than typical Souls games. Also it looks stunning - aesthetics are top notch. For 'free' on Gamepass, cannot complain. I will probably buy it to keep when I can get a good price on a Steam key.
Buttery Ken said:
Started playing this last week - it's a lovely look game but it's so difficult. I'm stuck on the first boss - The Parade Master.
I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
I got past him by buying a certain sword from the shop just out front of the boss area. Can't remember the name of the sword now but it was a Rapier of sorts and it had the highest damage I could find early on. Also, dodge to the right to avoid his attacks and block/parry the attacks you cant dodge. I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
welshjon81 said:
Buttery Ken said:
Started playing this last week - it's a lovely look game but it's so difficult. I'm stuck on the first boss - The Parade Master.
I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
I got past him by buying a certain sword from the shop just out front of the boss area. Can't remember the name of the sword now but it was a Rapier of sorts and it had the highest damage I could find early on. Also, dodge to the right to avoid his attacks and block/parry the attacks you cant dodge. I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
Buttery Ken said:
welshjon81 said:
Buttery Ken said:
Started playing this last week - it's a lovely look game but it's so difficult. I'm stuck on the first boss - The Parade Master.
I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
I got past him by buying a certain sword from the shop just out front of the boss area. Can't remember the name of the sword now but it was a Rapier of sorts and it had the highest damage I could find early on. Also, dodge to the right to avoid his attacks and block/parry the attacks you cant dodge. I think I know how to do it, and I've got him down to about 30% health, but just can't finish him off. On most games I'd go away, get stronger, and come back to beat him. But this seems more 'on rails' and doesn't give the opportunity to do that.
I'll try again tomorrow!
There are three different swords that you get at the start, depending on which 'path' you choose for your character.
However, all three are available from the merchant just before the boss and at prices that the player should be able to afford.
The key is blocking (perfect parrying if you can but not essential) or dodging as appropriate, using fable arts (the powerful special move that the weapons have) and copious use of throwing objects from a distance if you are low on health. Then just get sword hits in as you can between enemy attacks.
However, all three are available from the merchant just before the boss and at prices that the player should be able to afford.
The key is blocking (perfect parrying if you can but not essential) or dodging as appropriate, using fable arts (the powerful special move that the weapons have) and copious use of throwing objects from a distance if you are low on health. Then just get sword hits in as you can between enemy attacks.
welshjon81 said:
No, not the heavy one, I stuck with the more dextrous one but it was better than the one you start with. Have you passed him yet?
Lucas Ayde said:
There are three different swords that you get at the start, depending on which 'path' you choose for your character.
However, all three are available from the merchant just before the boss and at prices that the player should be able to afford.
The key is blocking (perfect parrying if you can but not essential) or dodging as appropriate, using fable arts (the powerful special move that the weapons have) and copious use of throwing objects from a distance if you are low on health. Then just get sword hits in as you can between enemy attacks.
I think i'm just crap. I've just tried another 5 times and the furthest I get is about half health. I've no throwables left - I had some thermite but already used it!However, all three are available from the merchant just before the boss and at prices that the player should be able to afford.
The key is blocking (perfect parrying if you can but not essential) or dodging as appropriate, using fable arts (the powerful special move that the weapons have) and copious use of throwing objects from a distance if you are low on health. Then just get sword hits in as you can between enemy attacks.
I've tried two different swords but can't afford the third.
I think that I'm just not quick enough to block. And when I do, I'm not quick enough to get a counter in
Back to Starfield I think.
Buttery Ken said:
I think i'm just crap. I've just tried another 5 times and the furthest I get is about half health. I've no throwables left - I had some thermite but already used it!
I've tried two different swords but can't afford the third.
I think that I'm just not quick enough to block. And when I do, I'm not quick enough to get a counter in
Back to Starfield I think.
One of the things about soulslikes is that you can always go back and harvest more souls. I think I levelled myself up as much as possible at the Stargazer but there is quite a low cap beyond which it won't level you any more and you need to get to the hotel. I've tried two different swords but can't afford the third.
I think that I'm just not quick enough to block. And when I do, I'm not quick enough to get a counter in
Back to Starfield I think.
Those sawtoothed cogs that puppets frequently drop are throwables too so you can build up a good supply of them. They also drop throwing cells sometimes which are very effective.
A good tactic is to just go into the boss fight and try and learn the attack patterns. Don't waste any consumable items while you are doing this. It's pretty pain free and the Carnival Master is right next to a stargazer where you respawn.
Also of coure, worth checking out youtube for videos of how to do the boss.
Buttery Ken said:
I think i'm just crap. I've just tried another 5 times and the furthest I get is about half health. I've no throwables left - I had some thermite but already used it!
I've tried two different swords but can't afford the third.
I think that I'm just not quick enough to block. And when I do, I'm not quick enough to get a counter in
Back to Starfield I think.
A good practice with these type of games is to try and beat the bosses without any consumables, except for your replenishing health flask, or P-charge or whatever they call it in this game. I've tried two different swords but can't afford the third.
I think that I'm just not quick enough to block. And when I do, I'm not quick enough to get a counter in
Back to Starfield I think.
If you become reliant on throwables and consumables, you won't learn the boss properly and when you run out of items to use, you'll have to go and farm for more and that will just slow you right down. Maybe try saving the items for clinching victory when you're within a hair of beating the boss.
With Lies of P, the game has become considerably easier since it was first released as they have given some of the dodge upgrades that you would normally only unlock after a good few hours in the game a rework, so they are now intrinsic behaviour - you can dodge further and dodge-roll from being knocked down to help you avoid getting hit with follow-up attacks. Don't try to block or parry too much at first, see what you can dodge or even walk out of the way of as the boss attacks you. Learn when you can get a hit or two in and most critically, never get greedy. Getting greedy and trying to score and extra hit in your window of opportunity is generally punished harshly in Soulsborne games.
Block attacks and focus on instantly countering, as long as the boss is not going a combo, you can tank a fair bit of damage in this game if you counterattack quickly enough to regenrate the health you lost on the block. Don't worry too much about perfect guard parrying, it is tough and it took me probably most of my first playthrough to really get the timing down. On my NG+ run, I pretty much destroyed everything as it felt like some enemies and bosses could barely even land a hit on me.
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