Lost Soul Aside's Steam release will be region-locked, excluding access for over 130 countries, sparking significant frustration among PC gamers. This article delves into the reasons behind this region lock and explores recent interviews with the game's director.
Lost Soul Aside: Locked Out of 130+ Countries at Launch
Player Backlash Over Region Lock
UltiZero Games' Lost Soul Aside will launch with a region lock, impacting players due to Sony's ongoing restrictions on PlayStation-published game availability. SteamDB data reveals the game's inaccessibility in over 130 countries lacking PlayStation Network (PSN) support.
While Lost Soul Aside doesn't require a PSN account, the region lock prevents the game's appearance on Steam in these unsupported regions. Players wanting to experience the game must create a new Steam account in a PSN-supported country—a confusing requirement given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles. This decision has ignited widespread anger among PC gamers, leading to many expressing their frustration online and choosing not to purchase the game.
A Blend of Fantasy and Realism
Since its 2016 announcement, Lost Soul Aside has maintained its unique blend of fantasy and realistic visuals. In a February 20, 2025 IGN interview, UltiZero Games CEO Yang Bing discussed the game's inspiration and artistic direction.
Bing confirmed the game's consistent style since its initial 2016 trailer, including its signature high-speed, flashy combat. He explained the evolution of the game's vision: "We've stuck to this vision for years. Naturally, we've seen excellent new works during development, influencing our thinking. The initial trailer has matured into a more polished and refined version."
Bing previously cited Final Fantasy XV as an influence, noting the game's similar blend of reality and fantasy. He highlighted protagonist Kaser as an example, showcasing cartoonish features alongside realistic skin, hair, and clothing textures.
Influences from Gaming Giants
Lost Soul Aside draws inspiration from various popular Japanese titles, including Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. In a February 20, 2025 Famitsu interview, Bing detailed these influences and their impact on the game's design.
He noted the significant influence of the Final Fantasy series on Kaser's design: "Our designer created the main character's clothing, aiming for a blend of realism and fantasy, much like in Final Fantasy. The clothes were then modeled and recreated in-game to give players a sense of realism and make Kazel feel like a tangible, believable character."
Regarding combat, Bing cited Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry as influences for the game's flashy abilities and fast-paced action. He added: "We're constantly refining the combat system, balancing speed and depth. Players can develop their own style, and even without mastering complex combos, they can utilize various systems to achieve high performance."
Lost Soul Aside is slated for release on May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. For the latest updates, check out our related article!
