For decades, Disney's 1940 animated classic Pinocchio has been the gold standard for adaptations of Carlo Collodi's 1883 novel. The story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, with his nose growing with every lie, has been retold countless times. But while Disney's version is beloved, it's also safe—a morality tale about telling the truth. Enter Lies of P, a 2023 video game from South Korean studios Neowiz and Round8, which has reimagined Pinocchio in a way that is anything but safe. It's dark, tragic, and unflinchingly gritty, and it might just be the most daring adaptation of the fairy tale ever created.
A World Gone Mad: The City of Krat
Set in the Belle Époque-inspired city of Krat, Lies of P presents a world on the brink of collapse. The city is populated by humans and puppets—automaton servants created by the alchemist Geppetto, who forbade them from lying or harming others. But when the puppets suddenly turn on their masters in an event called the Puppet Frenzy, Krat descends into chaos. Survivors become Stalkers, hunters who prowl the streets slaying rogue puppets. To make matters worse, a deadly plague known as the Petrification Disease is turning the infected into monstrous Carcasses. It's a setting that feels more like a nightmare than a fairy tale, and it's all the more compelling for it.
Playing as P: A Puppet with a Choice
You play as P (short for Pinocchio), a near-perfect puppet who looks human and can lie and kill—abilities that break the rules imposed on other puppets. Guided by the Blue Fairy, Sophia, P is tasked with finding Geppetto and ending the chaos. The game is a soulslike RPG, meaning it's challenging and rewarding, with players choosing classes, wielding various weapons, and facing off against formidable bosses. But what sets Lies of P apart from other games in the genre is its unique mechanics. P's prosthetic arm can be customized with a flamethrower, grappling hook, or shield, and a hidden humanity stat rises when you perform human actions like lying or showing mercy. These choices even lead to multiple endings, including a secret one.
A Dark and Tragic Narrative
The story of Lies of P is a far cry from the lighthearted Disney film. Krat is a city of despair, with sick children hiding from puppets, infected old women awaiting death, and Stalkers who have lost their minds. The environmental storytelling is heartbreaking—notes and letters reveal the city's former glory, while others are desperate pleas from the dying. The bosses are Lovecraftian horrors, with body parts in all the wrong places, making each victory feel earned. Side quests often end in tragedy, adding layers of depth to the world. This is not a tale of good triumphing over evil; it's a cynical, misanthropic journey where lying is often the best strategy, and few NPCs have your best interests at heart.
Why It Outshines Disney's Adaptations
Disney has a long history of adapting fairy tales, but many recent efforts feel formulaic. Lies of P proves that adaptations can be both bold and faithful. It retains the core elements of the original story—the puppet, the lies, the nose, the cricket—but reimagines them in a way that is fresh and thought-provoking. It's not a morality tale; it's a commentary on humanity, truth, and the consequences of our choices. In a sea of mediocre Pinocchio adaptations, Lies of P stands tall, a testament to what happens when creators take risks. As book-to-screen adaptations go, this one is a standout, and it's a shame more studios don't follow its lead.
A New Standard for Fairy Tale Retellings
With its critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase, Lies of P has set a new standard for how classic stories can be reimagined. It's a game that respects its source material while daring to be different, and it's a reminder that the most memorable adaptations are often the ones that take the biggest risks. Whether you're a fan of soulslike games or just love a good story, Lies of P is a must-play. And if you're looking for more games that push boundaries, check out our list of influential video games or explore historical games that make learning epic. But for now, Lies of P is the Pinocchio adaptation we never knew we needed—and it's anything but safe.
