Lost Soul Aside's Steam Release Frustrates Gamers Due to Sony's Region Lock
UltiZero Games' highly anticipated action RPG, Lost Soul Aside, is facing significant backlash from PC gamers due to a region lock impacting over 130 countries. This restriction, stemming from limitations imposed by Sony, prevents the game from appearing on Steam in regions unsupported by the PlayStation Network (PSN), despite not requiring a PSN account for gameplay.
This baffling decision, particularly given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles, has ignited widespread frustration among potential players. Many are expressing their anger on social media and forums, with numerous individuals choosing to boycott the game due to this accessibility barrier. Workarounds, such as creating a Steam account in a PSN-supported region, are proving inconvenient and unwelcome.
A Blend of Fantasy and Realism
Since its initial reveal in 2016, Lost Soul Aside has captivated audiences with its unique blend of fantasy elements and realistic visuals. In interviews with IGN and Famitsu (both February 20, 2025), CEO Yang Bing discussed the game's artistic vision and influences. The core style, characterized by high-speed, flashy combat, remains consistent with the original 2016 trailer, though refined and matured throughout development.
Inspiration from Gaming Giants
Bing highlighted the influence of several iconic titles. Final Fantasy 15's fusion of reality and fantasy heavily impacted the design of protagonist Kaser, particularly his clothing, which blends cartoonish features with realistic textures. The fast-paced, stylish combat draws inspiration from Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry, offering players a deep and customizable combat system that caters to various playstyles.
Lost Soul Aside launches May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. The region lock, however, casts a significant shadow over its PC release, leaving many potential players feeling excluded and disappointed.
