While Lies of P is by no means a graphically demanding game, mostly thanks to how well the game was originally optimized across a variety of configurations, it still stands to be one of the most beautifully released games in the Soulsborne genre.
The game looks stunning, which is, of course, mainly due to the art direction here, but even things like reflections, particle effects, and lighting all come together to create a remarkably cohesive visual presentation. It’s essentially the closest we’ll get to a “next-gen” Bloodborne, both in terms of gameplay and the atmospheric gothic horror it so masterfully portrays.
So when I heard it was coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, of course I got really excited to see how Round 8 Studio and Neowiz would deliver that very same experience on a platform mainly built for the go. I had no reason to be concerned that the port would be botched, but it did come with the understanding that I would have to accept compromises to play on said platform. That’s been the life of a Nintendo fan, though with the Nintendo Switch 2, it seems Nintendo finally made a platform that could, at the very least, offer players an expansive catalog of third-party titles without the worry of being left out. It’s not to say that doesn’t happen, but as each day goes by, more and more AAA titles are starting to make their way to the Switch 2, proving that the console is more than capable, only if the developer is willing to put in the time.
Again, it comes with compromises, but as we’ve seen with titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil, and, most recently, Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Rebirth, these technical trade-offs have shifted from being dealbreakers to impressive showcases of optimization. Which brings us to Lies of P for the Nintendo Switch 2. It was a title already praised for its level of optimization, but even so, having it run this smoothly in the palm of your hand is a massive achievement.
It may not be completely perfect, but the compromises made to experience this masterpiece on the go are well worth having. So let’s take a look at what the Switch 2 version of Lies of P has to offer.
Truth of [P]erformance
Now a year old, the Switch 2 has proven itself to be a very capable system. Certainly much more capable than we all were expecting a year back, with titles such as Final Fantasy and Resident Evil highlighting what a powerhouse it truly can be. But despite receiving flagship titles from third-party publishers, it still comes with the caveat that these versions have.
This typically means lower performance, lower resolution, and lower in-game graphical settings. These are the drawbacks that Switch 2 owners know all too well. But all things considered, this is essentially a handheld console, and the ability to take these titles on the go more than makes up for its shortcomings.
I’m always fascinated by the idea of bringing a game to a platform, and seeing how a developer works around those limitations. In the case of Lies of P, Round 8 Studio and NEOWIZ have managed to deliver a rather exceptional port, depending on your preference.
First, let’s take a look at the available modes. In dock, you get quality-centered, balanced, and performance-centered options, whereas handheld, you get either quality-centered or performance-centered options, with another performance option arriving at release. Apparently it’ll add 60 FPS to handheld mode, which, to be honest, leaves me a bit puzzled, since the handheld performance mode already feels like it’s hitting that mark pretty well. I could be mistaking the current performance mode for 45 FPS, but if that’s the case, this might just be the smoothest I’ve ever seen 45 FPS run.
While I originally played Lies of P on the PC (everything cranked to max) and on the PS5 Pro, it’s clear that the Switch 2 version has the expected shortcomings: performance and visual fidelity. But it’s not a platform set to compete with those versions; rather, it’s one capable of delivering an experience that captures the game’s core essence on the go.
When you strip away the high-frame-rate fluidity, the ray-trace reflections, and the sharp image resolution of a high-end PC or a PS5 Pro, what you’re left with is the mechanical heart of the experience: the tight parry windows, the tense atmosphere, and the intricate level design. The triumph of a port like this isn’t in matching the visual spectacle, but in optimizing the engine enough so that the downscaled textures, reduced particle effects, and reduced framerates don’t compromise the gameplay loop that made Lies of P so compelling in the first place.
Of course, this comes with asking Nintendo fans to make a compromise, but even so, what Neowiz and Round 8 Studio have done to get this game running on the Switch 2 is exceptionally amazing.
For modes, the game has three on-dock and handheld modes: Quality, Balance, and Performance. I will say that Quality mode is one mode you should probably avoid while playing in handheld, because the 30 FPS difference is very noticeable. On dock, it’s actually my preferred mode, and the graphic fidelity feels pretty far up there, if not close to the PS5 base, only at a lower frame rate. I actually couldn’t believe how good Lie of P looked in this mode.
But even so, for a fast-paced soulsborne, I stuck with the balance and performance modes, which feel so damn good in both handheld and docked modes.
There Are No Strings on Me
Whether you’re an old player returning to Krat, or a new one who never got to experience it the first time around, Lies of P: Definitive Edition on the Switch 2 is an excellent way to experience this masterpiece of a title. It comes with compromises, but at the same time, also proves just how much of a powerhouse the Switch 2 can be. It’s an experience that I recommend everyone play at least once, regardless of which platform, though Nintendo fans worried about this being a “bad” port can rest easy knowing that Round 8 and Neowiz have knocked it out of the park, making for one of the best Switch 2 ports to arrive on the platform thus far.
- Beautiful visuals and performance (balance and performance mode) on the Switch 2
- Fantastic gameplay that draws heavy from the Souls genre while carving its own identity.
- The world is as close as we are going to get to a “Bloodborne 2”
- Excellent story, with plenty of lore to find in the world of Krat.
Verdict
9/10
The Switch 2 port of Lies of P is easily one of the best ports we’ve seen on the platform thus far, allowing a new generation of players to enjoy one of the best Souls-clones out there.
- Quality mode is pretty rough on handheld
Lies of P review code was provided by the publisher. You can read MP1st’s review and scoring policy right here.
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James Lara
A gamer at heart, James has been working for MP1st for the last decade to do exactly what he loves, writing about video games and having fun doing it. Growing up in the 90’s gaming has been in his DNA since the days of NES. One day he hopes to develop his own game.
