Take some time to enjoy the beautiful setting of Lies of P.
One of the best things about Lies of P is how the world is set up. The areas we learn about in each of the 11 parts are very detailed, with many sub-areas and little known facts. In Lies of P, though, this doesn’t mean that every area is the same level of difficulty. In fact, some places are much harder and more fun to play through.
When you think about Lies of P‘s ten different places, the differences in the settings become clearer. Which area is the most fun, and which one could have used some more work?
Chapter 10
While Chapter 10 isn’t terrible, it moves by so quickly that it doesn’t really say anything. That’s annoying because the area is right next to Hotel Krat, which is the main hub of the game, and I feel like the secret area that could be related to a place I’m already connected to isn’t there.
If Chapter 10 had a better visual identity or a more unique set of enemies, it might stand out. But, the different rooms in Chapter 10 are too similar to those in other chapters. Even the boss is from Chapter 5, and while this is an interesting meeting, it’s not because of where it takes place.
Chapter 5
At the end of Chapter 5, it is shown that the places between Chapters 2 and 5 are linked to make a big loop that starts and finishes at the Hotel. It’s too bad that the last part of this linked world feels like a let-down because the experience is satisfying and strengthens the sense of a connected world.
There are some great parts of the road that goes from the church to the Malum District. But the people we meet in this chapter are what really make the story stand out. The area around the Red Lobster Inn is nice to look at, but other than that, it doesn’t stand out.
Chapter 1/9
Another great detail that makes the world of Lies of P feel more real is that the setting from the first chapter is shown again in the ninth chapter, but this time after it has been horribly changed. Going back to the dark parts of the first chapter with the added challenge of disruption makes the new parts feel naturally satisfying.
Some of the more damaged parts of the level can feel a little too surreal. But exploring the new buildings is fun and challenging. It is very annoying, though, that the new surroundings can block off some quest lines. For example, after Chapter 9, the answer to the mystery of the ship is just out of reach.
Chapter 8
There’s a reason why the toxic swamp is a standard part of the genre. However, the Barren Swamp doesn’t feel as harsh or painful as some of its counterparts. Even though the Barren Swamp is mostly straight, the variety of choices it offers and the way it’s set up with towers as focus points make the tightly packed area fun to explore.
It’s surprisingly fun to walk through this puppet graveyard. Because of simple things like breaking walls with explosive minecarts, sneaking up on shooters that used to shoot at you. And running into mini bosses that used to be hard enemies as regular ones.
Chapter 11
Chapter 11 seems much longer than Chapters 9 and 10. It starts with a blizzard, then you work your way up the windy tower. And finally you see the sunrise after beating Laxasia. As our last territory, this is, of course, a difficult area. Some of the falls can feel a little unfair, but other than that, most of the difficulty and beauty feel earned.
One of Lies of P’s strengths that is shown here is how satisfying it is to beat Laxasia and see the beauty of the area with just a change in the weather. Finally, the beautiful set dressing for the last run is admired.
Chapter 3
At first, visiting Venigni Works will be scary because of its winding paths and surprisingly tough enemies. But you will keep going back because it has more to offer than it seems. Compared to the first two parts, Venigni Works gives you more ways to get around, and each one is fun in its own way.
By the time you reach the boss fight, you probably won’t have seen everything in this maze-like factory. There are details like the Trinity Locker, optional fights like the Survivor being hidden, and the scary Puppet of the Future that most Happy Wheels players will want to avoid on their first visit.
Chapter 2
This is what makes Elysion Boulevard the best example of Lies of P’s style, and it makes the most of that. The steampunk impact is at its strongest, and the sad Victorian streets are full of world-building details. The enemies are also much stronger than they were in the introduction.
Elysion Boulevard isn’t as big as the part that comes after it. But it does have some secrets to find and rewarding short-cuts that reward you for keeping going.
Chapter 7
After finally beating King of Puppets, Lies of P tells you right away that Lorenzini Arcade is still going to be a battle. Even though this area goes around and around, the first part of the journey is pretty straight. It’s also very hard, with enemies and status effects waiting around every corner to make sure you don’t make it back to your ergo in one piece.
Once you finish this test, you’ll be taken to the Exhibition Hall. Which is still dangerous but feels a lot less intense thanks to its bright decorations and simple loop that makes it easy to farm ergos before the tough boss.
Chapter 4
It can feel like a lifetime of work to finally get out of Venigni Works. Wo seeing the sunset on Moonlight Town is a welcome release. Even though the enemies are still tough and the Atoned could be a problem. It feels like the tone needed a little lightness.
The short walk that connects the train to the church isn’t very interesting. But St. Frangelico’s is an amazing building that you should check out. The natural beauty of the church and the horror of the petrification mutation make this a fun and difficult puzzle to solve.
Chapter 6
Rosa Isabelle Street is a nice change of pace after the dull Malum District. The area’s features keep it interesting, even though it feels like the difficulty has increased with tougher enemies and mini-bosses stacked on top of each other.
The Mad Clown isn’t a very difficult miniboss by itself, but the narrow, fiery street can be very difficult. Following this, you will be given the Estella Opera House as a prize. Its intricate design draws on the unique style and tone of Lies of P while also hints at the nature of the boss that is waiting.