In the ever-evolving world of gaming, few titles manage to surprise and captivate players quite like Lies of P. The 2023 Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike from Neowiz became an unexpected hit, enthralling fans with its challenging combat, intricate world, and dark reimagining of the classic tale. Now, as whispers of a sequel emerge, it seems the developers are gearing up for something even more ambitious—a possible open-world experience with a thematic nod to The Wizard of Oz.

A Sneak Peek at the Future

For those who journeyed through the twisted streets of Krat and emerged victorious, the end of Lies of P offered a tantalizing glimpse into the future. The post-credits scene introduced a character named Paracelsus, who, in a cryptic conversation, mentioned seeking out someone named Dorothy. The scene closed with an enigmatic figure, likely Dorothy herself, tapping her red shoes together in a manner eerily reminiscent of the classic Wizard of Oz. This brief yet powerful tease set the stage for what could be a fascinating narrative direction in the sequel.

Exploring Open-World Possibilities

Adding fuel to the speculation, a recent job listing from Neowiz, highlighted by Tech4Gamers, suggests that the next installment of Lies of P might embrace open-world elements. The listing, written in Korean, is searching for a field level planner with a strong background in open-world game design. It specifically mentions experience with creating seamless worlds and designing levels that serve as hubs between dungeons.

While the exact nature of the game remains under wraps, the job listing hints at a more expansive and interconnected world than what players experienced in the original Lies of P. This potential shift towards open-world gameplay could mark a significant evolution for the series, aligning it with other successful titles in the genre, such as Elden Ring. The comparison is not far-fetched, given that Lies of P drew heavy inspiration from FromSoftware’s titles, and the move towards a more open and exploratory design could be a natural progression.

A Wizard of Oz-Inspired World?

The decision to incorporate elements of The Wizard of Oz into the game’s narrative is both intriguing and ambitious. Lies of P already demonstrated Neowiz’s talent for taking beloved stories and twisting them into something dark and unique. Introducing a character like Dorothy, potentially in a world as rich and bizarre as Oz, opens up a wealth of creative possibilities. The juxtaposition of the whimsical and the macabre could result in a setting that feels fresh yet familiar, appealing to both fans of the original Wizard of Oz and newcomers drawn to Lies of P’s darker aesthetic.

The red shoes, the reference to Dorothy, and the open-world elements all suggest that the sequel may not only build upon the mechanics of the first game but also delve into a more expansive and narrative-driven experience. Whether this means players will explore an Oz-like world filled with dungeons and hidden secrets, or simply enjoy more open and varied environments, remains to be seen. However, the potential for a richly detailed world inspired by one of literature’s most famous settings is certainly exciting.

Final Thoughts

As we wait for official details, the prospect of an open-world Lies of P sequel, infused with the dark charm of The Wizard of Oz, is enough to stir the imagination. Neowiz’s willingness to explore new gameplay mechanics while staying true to the soul of their original creation suggests that whatever comes next will be worth the wait. With the industry’s current trend towards expansive, interconnected worlds, the next chapter in Lies of P could very well be the studio’s most ambitious project yet. As always, time will tell, but fans of the original have every reason to be excited about what’s on the horizon.

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