Lost Soul Aside's Steam release faces significant geographical restrictions, impacting player access in over 130 countries. This decision, attributed to Sony's limitations on PlayStation-published games, has sparked considerable player frustration and impacted sales. This article explores the region lock and its consequences.
Lost Soul Aside's Restricted Availability
SteamDB data reveals Lost Soul Aside's unavailability in over 130 countries due to PlayStation Network (PSN) support limitations. While the game doesn't require a PSN account, the region lock prevents its appearance on Steam in unsupported PSN regions. This necessitates players in affected regions to create alternative Steam accounts registered in PSN-supported countries, a cumbersome workaround. This move is particularly puzzling given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles. The ensuing backlash on social media highlights widespread player discontent, with many choosing to boycott the game.
Blending Fantasy and Realism in Lost Soul Aside
Since its 2016 announcement, 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, confirmed the consistent artistic vision, emphasizing the retention of the high-speed, flashy combat style. The game's evolution, he explained, involved refining the initial concept into a more polished and mature product while acknowledging influences from other contemporary titles.
Bing cited Final Fantasy XV as a key influence, noting the similar fusion of realistic and fantastical elements, particularly evident in the protagonist Kaser's design—a blend of cartoonish features and realistic textures.
Influences from Gaming Giants
Lost Soul Aside draws inspiration from several prominent Japanese action titles: Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. In a February 20, 2025 Famitsu interview, Bing detailed these influences. He highlighted Final Fantasy's impact on Kaser's design, emphasizing the integration of realistic and fantasy elements in his clothing and overall appearance. The fast-paced, stylish combat system, on the other hand, reflects the influences of Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry, offering players a dynamic and customizable combat experience.
Lost Soul Aside launches on May 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PC. Stay tuned for further updates!
