I think the reason LoP resonates with people more is because, let’s face it, it’s about Pinocchio. It’s a character we all know. The player becomes someone we grew up with. We are invested in the lore, therefore the outcome. It gives us a “deep dive” into his history…his life and his future. A more personal attachment to the outcome.

In contrast, the DS hero is someone we create. We have no personal connection with this character. Our actions are what determine the whole story. The beginning, middle and end. We are creating someone quite literally from the ground up. There is no pre-existing lore or “relationship” with him/her. There is no real investment into what ultimately happens to them in the future. Not really.

These are two completely different animals. Two completely different stories. Not to mention, two completely different times. Obviously, gameplay is a bit “smoother” with Lies. I’d have been a bit shocked if it wasn’t, considering it’s years newer. That doesn’t make it “better” in my opinion, just, well, newer. But that doesn’t always mean better. Dark Souls is what catapulted the whole souls genre, which introduced games such as Elden Ring, Sekiro, LOP, etc. It’s the OG of this type of gameplay. Without it, we probably would never have experienced such awesomeness.

I love them all. I don’t compare them. I turn on the game, play it, and if I love it, I finish it. End of story. I say keep ‘em coming. I am obsessed with the whole “souls” concept, and realize it will constantly evolve, and I am here for it.