Lost Soul Aside's Steam release faces significant geographical restrictions, impacting access for over 130 countries. This region lock, attributed to Sony's limitations on PlayStation-published titles, has sparked considerable player frustration and impacted sales.
Lost Soul Aside's Global Accessibility Issues
UltiZero Games' action RPG, Lost Soul Aside, launches with a frustrating region lock, mirroring Sony's ongoing restrictions on PlayStation game distribution. SteamDB data reveals the game's unavailability in over 130 countries lacking PlayStation Network (PSN) support.
While PSN account access isn't mandatory for gameplay, the region lock prevents the game's appearance on Steam in unsupported regions. Players seeking access must create alternative Steam accounts in PSN-supported countries, a cumbersome workaround. This is particularly perplexing given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles. The resulting backlash on social media highlights widespread player dissatisfaction, with many choosing to boycott the game due to this limitation.
Lost Soul Aside: A Blend of Fantasy and Realism
Since its 2016 unveiling, Lost Soul Aside has maintained its unique blend of fantasy elements and realistic visuals. UltiZero Games CEO Yang Bing, in a February 20, 2025 IGN interview, discussed the game's enduring artistic vision.
The core style and high-speed, flashy combat remain consistent with the initial 2016 promotional material. Bing explained the evolution, stating, "We've stayed true to our vision. Naturally, we've been influenced by other excellent works throughout development, shaping our approach. The initial trailer has matured into a more refined and polished product."
Bing previously cited Final Fantasy XV as a key influence, mirroring its blend of realism and fantasy. This is evident in protagonist Kaser's design, combining cartoonish features with realistic textures for skin, hair, and clothing.
Influences from Gaming Giants: Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, and More
Lost Soul Aside draws inspiration from several iconic Japanese titles, including Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. Yang Bing, in a February 20, 2025 Famitsu interview, detailed these influences.
Kaser's design reflects the strongest Final Fantasy influence, with a focus on merging realistic and fantastical elements in his attire. Yang stated, "Our designer crafted his clothing, aiming for a blend of realism and fantasy, similar to Final Fantasy. The in-game reproduction aims for a tangible feel, making Kazel a believable, grounded character."
The fast-paced, stylish combat system draws inspiration from Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. Yang emphasized the game's evolving combat mechanics, stating, "We're continuously refining the system, balancing speed and depth. Players can develop unique styles, and even without mastering complex combos, various systems allow for effective gameplay."
Lost Soul Aside releases May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. For further updates, refer to our related article.
