Lies of P: A Soulslike Phenomenon That Redefined V
Lies of P and its Overture DLC became Soulslike titans; actors reveal the craft behind their beloved roles.
You know that feeling when a game comes out of nowhere and just grabs you by the collar? That was Lies of P for me. Back in 2023, I remember seeing the trailer and thinking, ‘Another Pinocchio-inspired Soulslike? Sure, why not.’ But then I played it, and wow. It wasn’t just another clone; it had soul—pun intended. Fast forward to 2026, and the game, along with its DLC Overture, has cemented itself as a titan in the genre. And recently, I had the chance to chat with four of the actors who brought this world to life: Aliona Baranova (Veronique), Alix Wilton Regan (Lea), Rasmus Hardiker (Gemini), and Joseph Balderrama (Arlecchino). Let me tell you, it was a ride.
When Lies of P first launched, it was a gamble. A new IP from a relatively unknown studio, Neowiz, and a dark twist on a children’s tale. But the buzz was immediate. Steam player counts climbed for five straight days, and critics couldn’t stop praising its tight combat and haunting atmosphere. It became the most beloved non-FromSoftware Soulslike, and its DLC, Overture, which dropped in 2025, smashed records within hours. An 85 on Metacritic? That’s top-tier. And the actors? They saw it coming.
The Phenomenon That Is Lies Of P
“I’m never normally sure if something is going to be successful,” Rasmus Hardiker admits, “but I had so much fun doing this, I could tell it was going to be a really good game.” Joseph Balderrama echoes that: “It felt like the whole package. The creative team was so good: the visuals, the sound, all of it. Everyone was just at the races with it.” That kind of confidence is infectious, and it’s why Aliona Baranova and Alix Wilton Regan jumped at the chance to join the DLC. “I don’t really say no to many auditions,” Baranova laughs, “but this one was a no-brainer.” Wilton Regan, a veteran of Mass Effect and Dragon Age, was equally hooked. “She was described as tough on the outside, soft on the inside, but what I loved was she was called a lazy genius,” she says. “I was like, ‘I’ve got this.’ Well, I’m lazy, and a mild genius.”
Baranova actually auditioned for Wilton Regan’s role first, losing out to the more experienced actor, before finding Veronique. “I just remember thinking, ‘Wow, what an incredible character.’ I haven’t had a chance to play someone like that. And her scenes are so intense. You can’t go half-hearted. I knew I had to really commit, and sound like I’m 6’6”. I think I’m believably that tall," she jokes. The character descriptions were detailed, with rich histories and psychology, which helped the actors “learn to love the character.” But that depth can be a double-edged sword. “You can’t distill two pages of notes,” Wilton Regan says. “You have to cherry-pick your moments, constantly adapt and refocus your energy.”
Getting Into Character
The preparation for video game acting is unique. Often, scripts arrive the day of recording, or the day before at the earliest. For Balderrama, that’s freeing. “I’ve got a new habit with TV and film where I don’t look at the script until the week before. That’s what make-up is for.” Hardiker takes it further: “I prefer not even having the script and just going in the booth on the day. You’ll only ever have one chance to do that. I’m reacting as I’m learning what’s happening—that’s about as real as it gets.” Baranova, however, admits she has “a lot to learn” from the others, but she has a secret weapon at home: her partner, Jennifer English (Baldur’s Gate 3, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33). “If you had someone at home who was known for brilliant performances, you would be silly not to ask them. I definitely did that for Veronique.”
For Baranova, the jump from Baldur’s Gate 3 NPCs to a 6’6" warrior was jarring. “On Baldur’s Gate, I played a comic relief squirrel for 40 minutes. This was the most physical role I’ve ever done. I lost my voice afterwards, as you can imagine.” Wilton Regan, on the other hand, is no stranger to strong leading women—she’s voiced the Female Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Alt Cunningham in Cyberpunk 2077, and Aya in Assassin’s Creed Origins. But Lea offered something new: "They wanted a lot of rage from me, a lot of very deep, primal emotion. That’s what I like to explore as an actor. That’s kind of what I get