Lies of P Critique

Joseph Anderson

Joseph Anderson

48 min, 5 sec

An in-depth analysis of the narrative, gameplay, and design choices in the game Lies of P, with a focus on its combat mechanics and boss fights.

Summary

  • Lies of P is a Soulslike game that captures the spirit of the genre through its excellent combat system, boss designs, and unique weapon customization.
  • The game's level design is linear, which may not appeal to all players, but it allows a focus on combat mechanics.
  • Upgrades and progression are meaningful and impact gameplay, allowing players to adjust the difficulty to their preferences.
  • The game has been praised for its animation work, especially on bosses, making combat intuitive and enjoyable.
  • Despite its strengths, there are criticisms about the dodge mechanics, the repair tool, and the level design, though some of these issues have been addressed in updates.

Chapter 1

Introduction to Richard Bachman and Stephen King

0:00 - 1 min, 14 sec

The video opens with a historical account of the author Richard Bachman, a pseudonym for Stephen King, and his works.

The video opens with a historical account of the author Richard Bachman, a pseudonym for Stephen King, and his works.

  • Richard Bachman published his first novel in 1977 and continued to write until 'his death' in 1985.
  • Bachman was later revealed to be a pseudonym for Stephen King, who used it to publish additional works without the pressure of his name.

Chapter 2

Stephen King's Reasoning Behind Bachman

1:13 - 54 sec

Stephen King had multiple reasons for writing under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.

Stephen King had multiple reasons for writing under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.

  • King wanted to release works with more freedom and to test if he could achieve success again without relying on his established name.
  • Using a pseudonym also allowed King to publish more books without saturating the market under his own name.

Chapter 3

Pseudonym Developers in Video Games

2:07 - 45 sec

The video discusses the unlikelihood of pseudonym developers in the video game industry compared to literature.

The video discusses the unlikelihood of pseudonym developers in the video game industry compared to literature.

  • Due to the collaborative nature of video game development, it's unlikely for a 'Pseudonym Developer' to exist in the same way as authors like Bachman.

Chapter 4

Lies of P: Game of the Year Contender

2:52 - 45 sec

The narrator expresses their love for Lies of P, considering it a strong Game of the Year contender.

The narrator expresses their love for Lies of P, considering it a strong Game of the Year contender.

  • Having played most of the big releases, the narrator has beaten Lies of P five times and plans to play it more.
  • The game is recommended for fans of Soulslikes, with the caveat that it focuses heavily on combat.

Chapter 5

Combat Mechanics and Defensive Strategies

3:37 - 1 min, 18 sec

A detailed explanation of the combat system in Lies of P is provided, focusing on defensive options and strategies.

A detailed explanation of the combat system in Lies of P is provided, focusing on defensive options and strategies.

  • The game's defensive mechanics encourage a mix of dodging and blocking rather than relying on one method.
  • A misunderstanding of the tutorial can lead to a frustrating playstyle, but the game encourages diversifying responses to enemy moves.

Chapter 6

General Praise and Criticism for Lies of P

4:55 - 1 min, 3 sec

The narrator conveys their adoration for the game while acknowledging criticisms and providing a spoiler warning.

The narrator conveys their adoration for the game while acknowledging criticisms and providing a spoiler warning.

  • Lies of P exceeded the narrator's expectations in terms of gameplay and boss design.
  • The narrator criticizes the game's world and level design but acknowledges that some players may find the linear design appealing.

Chapter 7

Level Design and Boss Encounters

5:58 - 1 min, 28 sec

The video delves into the level design and the quality of boss encounters within Lies of P.

The video delves into the level design and the quality of boss encounters within Lies of P.

  • The game maintains a high standard of quality in level navigation and combat throughout its duration.
  • The narrator was consistently impressed by the boss fights, which remained engaging and did not decline in quality.

Chapter 8

World and Level Design Critique

7:26 - 2 min, 36 sec

The video offers a critique of the world and level design, highlighting its linear nature.

The video offers a critique of the world and level design, highlighting its linear nature.

  • Lies of P has a mostly linear structure with few optional areas, and while some levels hint at maze-like design, they are brief.

Chapter 9

Gameplay Complexity and Enemy Variety

10:02 - 2 min, 18 sec

The narrator discusses the complexity of gameplay in relation to player movesets and enemy variety.

The narrator discusses the complexity of gameplay in relation to player movesets and enemy variety.

  • Soulslikes typically have simple character options but rely on varied encounters and enemies to provide a fresh experience.
  • Lies of P stands out by maintaining a diverse roster of enemies and bosses that continue to introduce new challenges.

Chapter 10

Combat System and Boss Weapon Dynamics

12:20 - 24 min, 24 sec

Further analysis is provided on the combat system's depth and the role of boss weapons.

Further analysis is provided on the combat system's depth and the role of boss weapons.

  • The game's combat encourages players to use a mix of dodging and deflection, with bosses designed to accommodate various playstyles.
  • Boss weapons such as the Two Dragon's Sword offer an enhanced combat experience in New Game Plus, rewarding mastery of the game's systems.

Chapter 11

Upgrades, Progression, and New Game Plus

36:44 - 3 min, 29 sec

The narrator praises the upgrade system and its impact on the New Game Plus experience.

The narrator praises the upgrade system and its impact on the New Game Plus experience.

  • The P-Organ upgrade system provides significant gameplay enhancements that continue to evolve in New Game Plus.
  • The game rewards exploration and mastery with impactful upgrades that modify the core combat mechanics, such as the ability to block red attacks.

Chapter 12

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

40:14 - 7 min, 43 sec

The video concludes with final thoughts on Lies of P, addressing criticism and expressing anticipation for future works from the developer.

The video concludes with final thoughts on Lies of P, addressing criticism and expressing anticipation for future works from the developer.

  • The narrator disagrees with some criticisms about the dodge mechanics but acknowledges issues with the cube system and the need for improvements in level design.
  • Animation work, particularly on bosses, is highlighted as a standout feature of the game.
  • Overall, the narrator loved the game and is looking forward to what comes next in the Lies of IP.

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