Lost Soul Aside Locked For 130+ Countries At Launch
The much-anticipated action RPG, Lost Soul Aside, developed by UltiZero Games, is set to launch with a significant caveat: it will be region-locked for over 130 countries on Steam. This decision stems from Sony's ongoing policy to limit the availability of PlayStation-published titles to regions where PlayStation Network (PSN) is supported. According to data from SteamDB, Lost Soul Aside will not be accessible in these regions, despite the game itself not requiring a PSN account.
This region lock means that Lost Soul Aside won’t even appear in the Steam store for players in unsupported countries. To circumvent this issue, players from these regions would need to create a new Steam account registered in a country that supports PSN, a move that has baffled and angered many PC gamers. This comes at a time when PlayStation has recently relaxed PSN requirements for other PC titles, making the restriction even more frustrating. The backlash has been swift, with many fans expressing their discontent on social media and forums, vowing not to purchase the game due to these restrictions.
Since its initial reveal in 2016, Lost Soul Aside has captivated fans with its unique style that seamlessly blends fantasy elements with realistic visuals. In an insightful interview with IGN on February 20, 2025, UltiZero Games CEO Yang Bing discussed the game’s enduring aesthetic and combat style. Bing emphasized that the game's high-speed, flashy combat has remained a core component since its first promotional video, evolving into a more refined and mature experience over the years.
Bing noted that while the game has been influenced by other works during its development, it has stayed true to its original vision. He highlighted the protagonist, Kaser, as an embodiment of the game's blend of cartoonish and realistic elements, drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy 15 to create a character that feels both fantastical and grounded.
Lost Soul Aside draws heavily from a variety of iconic Japanese games, including Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. In a detailed interview with Famitsu on February 20, 2025, Bing elaborated on how these influences have shaped different aspects of the game. He specifically mentioned that Kaser's design is deeply inspired by Final Fantasy, aiming to combine realistic and fantasy elements to create a character that feels both tangible and fantastical.
Regarding the game’s combat, Bing cited Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry as key influences, focusing on creating a fast-paced and flashy combat system. He explained that the team is committed to refining this system, ensuring it offers both speed and depth, allowing players to develop their own unique combat styles. Even those less adept at complex combos can leverage various systems to perform effectively and enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
Lost Soul Aside is slated for release on May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and insights on this exciting title.