Within the haunting, mechanized world of Lies of P, players are often drawn not only to the intense combat and intricate mechanics, but also to the many collectibles that deepen the lore and atmosphere. Among these, the Fascination Record stands out as a particularly engaging and mysterious item. More than just an audio log, it embodies the game’s themes of identity, memory, and illusion. As players uncover the Fascination Record, they don’t just receive a collectible they unlock a layer of storytelling that enriches the dark narrative that Lies of P is known for.
What Is the Fascination Record?
An Audio Fragment of the Past
The Fascination Record is one of the many collectible records scattered throughout Lies of P. These records are more than mere background music they act as echoes from the past, remnants of a society that once thrived before the fall into madness and puppet rebellion. When acquired and played, each record provides a haunting melody or spoken piece that can stir emotional responses in both the player and characters around them.
In particular, the Fascination Record has a powerful effect on Hotel Krat, the central safe hub in the game. Playing this record alters the atmosphere subtly, influencing not just background music but also interactions with certain NPCs who may react to its presence. It can even affect narrative progression in unexpected ways.
How to Find the Fascination Record
Location and Prerequisites
The Fascination Record is not available early in the game. Players must progress through multiple chapters and meet specific requirements before gaining access to it. Typically, the record becomes available after completing a mid-to-late-game boss or unlocking a hidden area tied to the lore of the city and its citizens.
Steps to locate the Fascination Record may include:
- Unlocking side rooms in Krat Central Station or Grand Exhibition
- Defeating a specific puppet or mutated enemy guarding a rare item
- Solving environmental puzzles related to music or sound
- Acquiring a special key or artifact from a side quest NPC
Due to the record’s unique nature, many players may miss it entirely on their first playthrough if they’re not paying close attention to the world’s subtle clues.
Visual and World Design Clues
To guide players, Lies of P incorporates clever environmental storytelling. Posters, gramophones, and sheet music can be found near the record’s location. These not only help build the aesthetic but also act as breadcrumbs leading to the Fascination Record’s hiding place.
Significance of the Record
Lore Implications
Unlike some collectibles that serve only gameplay purposes, the Fascination Record is steeped in meaning. The music or narrative captured on this record ties directly to the emotional core of the game’s world. It may relate to the character of Sophia, or to past human-puppet relationships before the collapse. The exact interpretation varies depending on which side quests the player has completed and how much of the lore they’ve pieced together.
Listening to the Fascination Record can unlock new dialogue options with NPCs, especially those closely tied to the record’s content. Some may recall forgotten memories, while others may become emotionally vulnerable for the first time. These interactions help humanize the characters and emphasize the contrast between mechanical obedience and genuine emotion central themes in Lies of P.
Impact on Atmosphere
After placing the Fascination Record in Hotel Krat’s gramophone, the ambient environment changes. The haunting melody introduces a somber, reflective tone that enhances the emotional weight of the story. It serves as a moment of calm between battles, allowing players to pause and reflect on their journey.
Gameplay Benefits and Interactions
Unlocking Additional Content
While the Fascination Record is primarily a narrative device, it may also lead to tangible gameplay rewards. After unlocking it:
- Players may receive special rewards like upgrade materials or rare Ergo
- New side quests may become available in Hotel Krat
- The record may trigger a new cutscene or hidden dialogue
Some theories suggest that collecting all records, including Fascination, can influence the ending the player receives. While not confirmed directly, this encourages deeper exploration and replayability.
Emotional Resonance and Player Choice
What makes the Fascination Record unique is the way it ties emotion to gameplay. Rather than being a static item, its presence influences choice, mood, and perception. Players who take time to absorb its message may find themselves making different decisions later in the game choices that may impact the fates of key characters or even the protagonist himself.
Fascination Record and Themes of Identity
Mirroring Pinocchio’s Journey
At its core, Lies of P is a twisted take on the classic Pinocchio tale. As the puppet protagonist strives to become human, he grapples with questions of identity, emotion, and free will. The Fascination Record fits neatly into this theme, representing a lost fragment of human culture something the protagonist seeks to understand and connect with.
Listening to the record, particularly in moments of solitude, gives players a glimpse into what was lost and what might be regained. It’s a quiet rebellion against the mechanical void that has overtaken Krat, reminding players that humanity once flourished, and perhaps could again.
Symbolism of Music in Lies of P
Music, in the context of Lies of P, serves as a symbol of memory and soul. The Fascination Record becomes more than a tune it is a heartbeat in a lifeless world. This makes the decision to seek and play it a statement: that beauty and meaning still matter, even amidst destruction.
Tips for Collectors
Don’t Rush the Game
Many players focused solely on combat and leveling up may overlook the game’s deeper layers. To find items like the Fascination Record, slow exploration is key. Talk to every NPC, revisit older areas after major story events, and read all item descriptions. Details that seem irrelevant often turn out to be major hints.
Use Audio Cues
Some areas in Lies of P use faint background music to hint at nearby records. If you notice a distant melody in an otherwise quiet zone, take time to search every corner. This subtle design element encourages attentive play and rewards curiosity.
Track Record Locations
Keeping a journal of discovered records, their locations, and related lore will help piece together their full significance. If aiming for 100% completion or specific endings, this method is invaluable.
The Fascination Record in Lies of P stands as one of the most profound and immersive collectibles in the game. It encapsulates the haunting beauty of a world struggling to remember what it means to be alive. More than just an object, it serves as a mirror reflecting the emotional journey of the player and the protagonist. Through music, memory, and meaning, the Fascination Record reminds us that even in the darkest corners of Krat, the soul of humanity still lingers waiting to be heard.