Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fierce, bloody take on Pinocchio; not for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Lies of P
What's It About?
LIES OF P reframes Carlo Collodi's classic novel The Adventures of Pinocchio as a struggle between enslaved conscious robot puppets and their human masters. This telling of the familiar tale is set in the fantastical city of Krat, a metropolis reminiscent of 19th century European capitals. Pinocchio is a very human-like robot who is both a proficient warrior and a gifted liar -- two traits that prove important as he fights and deceives his way to the heart of this strange world. Players spend the bulk of the game exploring the city and engaging in combat with both the rebel puppets and crazed human survivors of the robot uprising, using swords and ranged attacks in intense and bloody battles. Clever timing is needed to properly dodge, block, parry, and attack. The city is an intricate maze, with players gradually unlocking access and shortcuts to new areas, which can come in handy when Pinocchio dies and is forced to restart from a previous checkpoint (this is bound to happen a lot). Between stints of combat and exploration players will encounter key characters who progress the narrative and give Pinocchio the chance to tell his expert lies, which can significantly change the outcomes of both key characters and the overall story.
Is It Any Good?
Older players looking for a good challenge will find it in this punishing fantasy adventure. Though not quite as tough as similar action RPGs like Bloodbourne and Elden Ring, Lies of P uses many of the same tricks to force players to perform well in order to progress the story. Mastering the mix of melee and ranged combat is necessary as players lose a significant amount of the progress they've made in their game when Pinocchio dies. These setbacks can be frustrating for many, but may create just the challenge needed for more advanced gamers.
The narrative's appeal is similarly niche. Pinocchio is an odd choice of inspiration for a viciously intense action game. While the notion of conscious, human-like puppets rebelling against their human masters makes some sense, the overall concept seems a little forced -- especially the attempt to make Pinocchio's inclination to lie a pivotal part of the storytelling that's rewarded. When everything clicks, Lies of P can be a lot of fun, but there's definitely some risk heading in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in media. Lies of P depicts scenes of intense and bloody combat, with robots rising up against their human masters. How do you feel when you play violent video games? What responsibilities do game developers have when creating violent video games?
Talk about transforming children's stories into something meant for more mature audiences. What might motivate an artist to do this? What do you think they are trying to communicate to audiences? Does it change how you view the Disney version of Pinocchio?
A major difference between Pinocchio in Lies of P and Pinocchio in the Disney film, is that Pinocchio is rewarded at times for lying in the game. What are the difference in consequences between the game and the version of Pinocchio we're told ask young kids? Why do you think the game designers chose to reward the character for lying?
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , Windows , Xbox One , PlayStation 4
- Pricing structure : Paid ($59.99)
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Neowiz Games
- Release date : September 19, 2023
- Genre : Role-Playing
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Puppets
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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