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 Sony's limitations on PlayStation-published titles, prevents the game from appearing on Steam in unsupported PSN regions, despite not requiring a PSN account for gameplay.
The situation has sparked outrage among players, who are expressing their frustration online and choosing to boycott the game. Workarounds, such as creating a Steam account in a supported region, are proving unsatisfactory. This move is particularly perplexing given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles.
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 consistent artistic vision and its influences. The protagonist, Kaser, exemplifies this blend, featuring stylized features contrasted with realistic textures.
Influences from Gaming Giants
The game's development has drawn inspiration from several iconic titles. Final Fantasy's influence is evident in Kaser's design, while the fast-paced, stylish combat takes cues from Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. Yang Bing highlighted the commitment to refining the combat system, offering depth and accessibility for players of varying skill levels.
Release and Future Updates
Lost Soul Aside launches May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. The region lock controversy, however, casts a shadow over its release, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by players in accessing games due to publisher restrictions. Further updates and potential resolutions to this issue are eagerly awaited.
