Lies of P retells Pinocchio as a Soulslike set in a Victorian-era city overrun by automatons. The weapon assembly system lets players combine handles and blades from different weapons. GPA scores it close to Elden Ring on Difficulty and Dark World, with the Soulslike tag shared across both.
Game Characteristics
Dystopian Setting
90%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
85%
Graphics
85%
Dark
85%
Story Depth
75%
Existential Themes
70%
Emotional Story
70%
Multiple Endings
65%
Target Audience
Recommended for: Intermediates to Advanceds (scores ≥ 50 indicate a good fit)
Nine Sols sets a Taoist science fiction narrative against combat directly inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice — a deflection system that builds into a Talisman seal execution. Red Candle Games' first action title, following Devotion and Detention. Switch, PS4/5, Xbox, PC. GPA scores it at the top for Action among Metroidvanias — the genre entry where parry timing is the entire combat philosophy.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
78%
Action
88%
High Difficulty
85%
Graphics
72%
Dark
70%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
70%
Emotional Story
72%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Sekiro removes the build customization of the Souls series and replaces it with a deflection-based combat system where reading enemy attacks is the only viable approach. GPA scores it at maximum Difficulty — the highest in the database alongside Cuphead — with Action close behind.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
75%
Action
95%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
80%
Dark
70%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
0%
Emotional Story
70%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Bloodborne moves through Gothic Victorian streets and cosmic horror architecture with an aggressive combat system that punishes defensive play. The Rally mechanic returns health through attacking immediately after taking damage. GPA scores it at the top for Dark World and near the top for Difficulty — the Action score is higher than Dark Souls entries, reflecting the faster combat tempo.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
95%
Action
90%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
85%
Dark
90%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
80%
Emotional Story
50%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Hollow Knight puts a silent knight in a vast underground insect kingdom built with hand-drawn art and a score that shifts by region. The map system withholds information until it's earned. GPA scores it at the top for Difficulty and Action among platformers, with Dark World running high — a combination that points at players who want atmosphere alongside the mechanical challenge.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
80%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
85%
Graphics
80%
Dark
75%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
65%
Emotional Story
0%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Dark Souls III accelerates the series' pacing and sharpens its boss design into its most refined form. The lore runs through item descriptions and environmental detail rather than cutscenes. GPA scores it at 90% for both Difficulty and Lore Focus — two axes that define the experience more precisely than genre alone.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
90%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
70%
Dark
90%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
80%
Emotional Story
0%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Beast of Reincarnation sends Emma the Sealer and her dog Koo across a post-apocalyptic Japan in the year 4026, where a corruption called the Blight has transformed the landscape into a beautiful but hostile wilderness. Emma absorbs abilities from defeated Nushi creatures, building toward a confrontation with the titular Beast. Combat blends real-time parrying in the Sekiro register with turn-based command elements. Game Freak's first non-Pokémon AAA title. GPA scores it high on Emotional Story and Dark World — a companion-bond action RPG that reviewers placed between NieR: Automata and Princess Mononoke.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
85%
Action
80%
High Difficulty
70%
Graphics
82%
Dark
75%
Story Depth
75%
Existential Themes
75%
Emotional Story
80%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Stellar Blade follows EVE on a mission to reclaim Earth from alien creatures. The parry-focused combat rewards learning attack patterns. GPA scores it high on Action and Graphics — the character design and environmental art are among the strongest visual presentations in the Action category.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
70%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
70%
Graphics
75%
Dark
60%
Story Depth
65%
Existential Themes
80%
Emotional Story
65%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Demon's Souls was FromSoftware's proof of concept for the Soulslike format, and the PS5 remake preserves the original's structure in high fidelity. The World Tendency system changes enemy behavior based on in-game actions. GPA scores it high on Difficulty and Dark World — the combination that defines the series' origin point.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
90%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
95%
Graphics
80%
Dark
85%
Story Depth
65%
Existential Themes
75%
Emotional Story
0%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
The Last of Us Part II follows Ellie's revenge arc and then Abby's perspective on the same events, making players responsible for actions from both sides. The violence is sustained and purposeful. GPA scores it high on Emotional Story and Dark World — the combination that identifies a narrative experience designed to be uncomfortable.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
60%
Action
80%
High Difficulty
70%
Graphics
90%
Dark
75%
Story Depth
95%
Existential Themes
80%
Emotional Story
90%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Elden Ring takes FromSoftware's Soulslike combat into an open world designed by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin. The Legacy Dungeons preserve the dense, interconnected level design of earlier entries while the Lands Between rewards patient exploration. GPA scores it at 95% for both Difficulty and Action — the highest Action score in the database.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
85%
Action
90%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
85%
Dark
70%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
70%
Emotional Story
0%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Kena: Bridge of Spirits sends a spirit guide through a village haunted by unresolved grief, clearing corruption to free the dead. The Rot companions add a resource management layer to the combat. GPA scores it high on Emotional Story and Graphics — the visual quality from a small studio remains the most discussed aspect of its reception.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
40%
Action
75%
High Difficulty
60%
Graphics
90%
Dark
40%
Story Depth
75%
Existential Themes
55%
Emotional Story
75%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
ENDER LILIES sets its Metroidvania in a rain-destroyed kingdom where Lily the White Priestess summons purified undead spirits as her combat set. The Mili soundtrack is one of the highest-rated in the genre. Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC. GPA scores it high on Dark World and Emotional Story — the Metroidvania where the melancholy atmosphere is the primary draw alongside the combat.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
85%
Action
72%
High Difficulty
68%
Graphics
72%
Dark
80%
Story Depth
68%
Existential Themes
68%
Emotional Story
75%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
ENDER MAGNOLIA continues the Ender Lilies world decades later, sending Lilac the Attuner through the Land of Fumes to purify corrupted Homunculi. Built in Unreal Engine 5, expanding the map and combat variety of the predecessor. Switch, PS4/5, Xbox, PC, January 2025. GPA scores it high on Dark World and Emotional Story — the sequel that delivered on every expectation the first game built.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
85%
Action
74%
High Difficulty
70%
Graphics
78%
Dark
80%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
70%
Emotional Story
76%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
God of War: Ragnarök continues Kratos and Atreus's journey through the Norse realms toward Ragnarök. The relationship between the two protagonists carries more weight than the combat, which is itself excellent. GPA scores it at the top for Emotional Story and Graphics — a sequel that deepens what the 2018 game established.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
60%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
60%
Graphics
90%
Dark
65%
Story Depth
90%
Existential Themes
60%
Emotional Story
90%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
God of War (2018) moves Kratos and his son Atreus through Norse mythology on a single unbroken camera shot. The relationship between the two is the structural engine of the game. GPA scores it at the top for Emotional Story and Graphics — the same axes that drive the sequel's scores.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
50%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
65%
Graphics
90%
Dark
55%
Story Depth
90%
Existential Themes
60%
Emotional Story
90%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Sifu builds its brawler around aging — dying adds years that increase damage dealt but reduce health. The counter and parry system rewards precise timing over button mashing. GPA scores it high on Action and Difficulty, with a low Beginner score reflecting the commitment the parry system demands before it feels rewarding.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
30%
Action
90%
High Difficulty
90%
Graphics
80%
Dark
30%
Story Depth
50%
Existential Themes
55%
Emotional Story
50%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Neva follows warrior Viola and her wolf companion through a hand-animated action game where the wolf's behavior changes as she grows from pup to adult. The combat timing rewards patience. GPA scores it high on Emotional Story and Action — a combination that correctly identifies a game where the relationship between the two characters is the mechanical engine.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
50%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
65%
Graphics
90%
Dark
40%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
50%
Emotional Story
80%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Resident Evil Village follows Ethan Winters to a European village and a castle owned by Lady Dimitrescu. The horror atmosphere gives way to action in the second half. GPA scores it high on Horror and Action, with Story Depth above the series average — the expanded cast and lore push the narrative weight higher than Village's predecessors.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
75%
Action
80%
High Difficulty
65%
Graphics
85%
Dark
65%
Story Depth
75%
Existential Themes
50%
Emotional Story
70%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Phantom Blade Zero builds its wuxia action around high-speed sword combat with a response window that rewards perfect timing. The martial arts world-building draws from Chinese historical fantasy. GPA scores it high on Action and Dark World — the combination that describes an action game where atmosphere and mechanical precision sit at equal priority.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
60%
Action
95%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
90%
Dark
50%
Story Depth
50%
Existential Themes
45%
Emotional Story
50%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
Metroid Dread returns the series to 2D after 19 years, sending Samus to planet ZDR to investigate a rogue EMMI robot. The stealth sequences against the indestructible EMMI units create a distinct tension layer on top of the Metroidvania exploration. GPA scores it high on Action and Difficulty — the combination that defines the series at its most mechanically demanding.
Tag Similarity
Dystopian Setting
50%
Action
85%
High Difficulty
80%
Graphics
80%
Dark
40%
Story Depth
70%
Existential Themes
55%
Emotional Story
60%
Chart tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Story Depth / Existential Themes / Emotional Story
About "Lies of P"
▸Game Composition (GPA Analysis)
Lies of P（ライズオブピー） leads with its Action RPG identity, anchored by the core feel of "Lies of P retells Pinocchio as a Soulslike set in a Victorian-era city overrun by automatons." The headline profile reads Dystopian Setting 90% / Action 85% / High Difficulty 85%, making it a strong pick for fans of Dystopian Setting and Action. Oriented toward experienced players looking to push their limits.
▸Characteristics & Analysis
Our editorial team scored "Lies of P（ライズオブピー）" by using its feel of soulslike, ベルエポック, and フランス舞台 as the primary lens, weighting Dystopian Setting and Action most heavily. Top similar titles include "ナインソルス（Nine Sols）", "SEKIRO: SHADOWS DIE TWICE（隻狼）", "Bloodborne（ブラッドボーン）".
Lies of P — A Dark Pinocchio Soulslike Built on Brutal Combat and Weapon Crafting
GPA Analysis | Decadent Setting 90% | Action 85% | High Difficulty 85% | Dark 85%
Welcome to Krat — blood, oil, and broken puppets
Lies of P (Round8 Studio, 2023) reimagines Pinocchio as a Belle Époque dark fantasy. Puppets turn on humans, petrification spreads through the city of Krat, and you wake as the special puppet P searching for Geppetto. GPA tags it at Decadent Setting 90%, Action 85%, High Difficulty 85%, and Dark 85%.
If you are considering a purchase: this game is very hard — among the stiffest recent soulslikes. But unfair difficulty is not the whole story. Weapon assembly gives beginners a strategic escape hatch, and the decadent world pulls you in before the bosses beat you down.
GPA score overview — Lies of P
Decadent Setting ◀
90%
Action ◀
85%
High Difficulty ◀
85%
Graphics
85%
Dark ◀
85%
Target player scores (50+ = recommended fit)
Beginner20
Intermediate55
Advanced90
Beginner 20 is low. Intermediate 55 and Advanced 90 mark the main audience — read this if you are unsure you can finish the game.
1. Dodge, guard, perfect guard — no single button solves fights
Dodge feels safe until red-glow Fury Attacks ignore i-frames. Guard blocks reliably but never at 100% — guard regain lets you punch back during the white flash to recover lost HP. Perfect guard avoids chip damage and builds stagger, but knocks you back — deadly on narrow cathedral beams where a perfect read still kills you by falling off the ledge.
2. Where it clashes with SEKIRO, Bloodborne, Elden Ring, Wo Long, and Nioh
SEKIRO pushes perfect deflect without a stamina tax — Lies of P recommends the same reads but drains stamina so hard you often cannot punish a stagger you earned. Bloodborne pairs regain with gun parry openings; here, hyper-armor enemies keep swinging through your windows. Elden Ring rewards over-leveling in open fields; Lies of P's linear progression resists stat brute-forcing. Red attacks in Wo Long and Nioh 2 telegraph counters clearly — Lies of P's red swings delay unpredictably and home in after you dodge.
Parry difficulty on the editorial scale
Our Top 15 Parry & Soulslike Games article tracks parry-focused titles where both Action and High Difficulty sit well above the site average (roughly 40–50%). The chart below is that article's editorial "parry difficulty" rating — not GPA's official High Difficulty score.
Parry difficulty rating — editorial scale (10-point converted to %)
Lies of P lands at 88% — below SEKIRO (95%) and Nioh 2 (92%), above Elden Ring (80%), and well above Stellar Blade (65%) and Expedition 33 (75%). The mechanical friction described above sits behind that number.
3. Weapon assembly — the system that saves the game
Blades (damage, guard efficiency) and handles (moveset, scaling) swap freely at the hub with zero material cost. Pipe-wrench power on rapier speed is not a cheat — it is the design. Fable Arts on each part add another build layer. Mismatch blade/handle types and damage drops; overweight blades slightly slow light handles. That puzzle is why the game stays compelling even when combat feels cruel.
4. Before you buy
Summoned puppet allies help early but charge into unblockables mid-game and die fast. Solo final-boss clears hit harder than Elden Ring's anticlimactic trades — and feel better for it if you want earned mastery. Japanese localization is readable but uneven in tone.
Who should buy this — and who should start elsewhere
From hands-on play: if you are new to soulslikes and have not cleared one yet, start with Stellar Blade and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on Normal difficulty before jumping into Lies of P. Stellar Blade (65% parry difficulty) lets dodge carry you; Expedition 33 (75%) teaches reactive defense inside turn-based pacing — both have lower entry walls than this game.
Intermediate players and above — comfortable with action games and actively seeking high-difficulty payoff — should look at Elden Ring (80%) and Lies of P (88%). Elden Ring offers open-world leveling outs; Lies of P is linear and punishes stamina-and-parry mismatches harder. Both reward patience over shortcuts.
Buy Lies of P if you want decadent atmosphere, weapon-crafting depth, and punishment you are willing to learn through repetition — not if you need forgiving co-op or easy leveling outs.
GPA similar titles
1. SEKIRO: Shadows Die Twice
Match 79%
Shared: deflect-first combat, high action and difficulty. Different: SEKIRO's stamina-free tempo is cleaner.
Similar tag snapshot (top 5)
Action
95%
High Difficulty
95%
Decadent Setting
75%
Graphics
80%
Dark
70%
2. Bloodborne
Match 78%
Shared: decadent horror, regain flow. Different: gun parry and poise breaks are more readable.
