Lost Soul Aside's Steam Release Frustrates Gamers Due to Sony's Region Lock
UltiZero Games' highly anticipated action RPG, Lost Soul Aside, faces significant backlash due to a region lock impacting its Steam release. The game will be inaccessible in over 130 countries, a restriction attributed to limitations imposed by Sony, the game's publisher.
This decision has sparked outrage among PC gamers. While Lost Soul Aside doesn't require a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, the region lock prevents the game from appearing on Steam in countries without PSN support. Workarounds, such as creating a Steam account in a PSN-supported region, are proving unsatisfactory and inconvenient for many potential players. The frustration is amplified by Sony's recent removal of PSN requirements for other PC titles, making this restriction seem arbitrary and unfair. Social media is ablaze with complaints, with many gamers choosing to boycott the game as a result.
A Blend of Fantasy and Realism
Lost Soul Aside, first announced in 2016, uniquely blends fantasy elements with realistic visuals. In interviews with IGN and Famitsu (February 20, 2025), CEO Yang Bing discussed the game's design philosophy and influences. The game's style, including its fast-paced, flashy combat, remains consistent with its initial 2016 reveal. Bing cites influences from titles like Final Fantasy XV, emphasizing the protagonist Kaser's design as a key example of this blend of realistic textures and stylized features.
Multiple Gaming Influences
The game's development has drawn inspiration from several popular Japanese titles. Beyond Final Fantasy, Yang Bing highlighted the influence of Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry on the combat system, noting the emphasis on speed, flashy abilities, and depth of gameplay. Players will be able to develop their own combat styles, regardless of their skill level with complex combos.
Lost Soul Aside launches on May 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PC. However, the region lock significantly limits its accessibility, leaving many potential players feeling disenfranchised.
