Souls-likes have really exploded as a genre in the last couple of years, but it seems few manage to do what From Software has done with its games in terms of quality and how popular they are. Lies of P quickly became a favorite for many among Souls-likes when it first released in 2023, going up against the big one in the genre, and now finally we can enjoy the game on the Switch 2 with Lies of P Complete Edition, but how does it hold up today?
A Darker Take on a Classic Tale
Without spoiling anything, the story of Lies of P takes you on a fascinating, grim journey through the puppet-infested city of Krat. The world-building is truly great, and the developers have successfully created a unique, oppressive atmosphere around it all. Every street, building, and character you encounter breathes life, or a twisted imitation of it, into this dark, Victorian-inspired setting, keeping you constantly immersed in the unfolding mystery.
The included DLC story adds a wonderful new layer to the overall experience. It builds upon the established lore and world-building expertly, simply adding more of the good stuff that made the base game so captivating without ever feeling tacked on or unnecessary.
Responsive Combat and Level Design
At its core, the gameplay of Lies of P is heavily parry-focused. I really like this gameplay style; it feels exceptionally responsive, and nailing those precise parries feels great every single time you pull them off against relentless enemies.
Beyond the combat, the level design of Lies of P feels just like playing Dark Souls for the first time. The shortcuts are perfect in length, often reaching one just before I would have died, keeping that nerve-wracking tension alive. Furthermore, there are thoughtful shortcuts or respawn points near all the bosses, completely taking away that unnecessary, tedious run-back every try that some games still feel the need to have.
Lies of P Complete Edition also comes with all the added patches over the years, which proudly includes my absolute favorite one: the difficulty options. I really applaud Round8 Studio for not listening to the hardcore players complaining about freedom of choice in how to tackle a game. It also seems like a perfect fit for the Switch 2, seeing how that console might have a different audience than other platforms, and having easier modes available might get more people interested in the game and the souls-like genre itself.
Visuals and Atmospheric Soundscapes
While the game is a bit downgraded on the Switch 2, it still looks very good, especially if you play it in handheld mode. The eerie environments still look great; it is mostly on the characters where you can closely see the graphical downgrade. But seeing how well Lies of P manages to run on the Switch 2, the minor visual setback is well worth it, because this game runs very smoothly. I played it mostly in handheld mode and had no dips in the framerate at all, not even during the biggest, most chaotic boss fights.
The sound and music of Lies of P remain one of the biggest pillars of the game. The low-tone music and ambient sounds added in the different environments deeply contribute to the great atmosphere of the title and haven’t aged a single day.
The Ultimate Handheld Souls Experience
Being able to play Lies of P on a portable console like the Switch 2 is simply great. Being in a place in my life where sitting in front of the TV and playing for hours is very limited, I always find it wonderful when I can pick up a game and play more or less anywhere, while still retaining the ability to seamlessly continue gaming on my TV. With this Switch 2 edition, the developers have even added two different display modes—one optimized for handheld and one for TV, to get the absolute most out of the hardware, something I’m guessing we will be seeing more of in future game releases.
Conclusion
Lies of P Complete Edition is a great way to experience a truly great souls-like. It features engaging parry-based action gameplay, memorable bosses, and exceptional world-building wrapped in a thick, captivating atmosphere. Playing it on the Switch 2 feels fantastic, both in handheld and docked on the TV. While there are some natural graphical downgrades given the hardware limitations, it more than makes up for it by running at a rock-solid, stable framerate. If you have never played the game or its expansion, or if you have always been intrigued by the genre but never dared to explore it, Lies of P Complete Edition on Switch 2 provides the absolute perfect time to dive in.
Leave a Reply