"Sony Restrictions Block Lost Soul Aside on Steam in Over 130 Countries"

The highly anticipated game, Lost Soul Aside, is set to launch with a significant caveat: it will be region-locked for over 130 countries on Steam. This decision has sparked frustration among PC gamers, many of whom are now reconsidering their decision to purchase the game. Dive in to learn more about the region lock and insights from the game's director.

Players Frustrated with Lost Soul Aside Being Region-Locked

Lost Soul Aside, developed by UltiZero Games, will face region-locking at its launch due to Sony's ongoing restrictions on PlayStation-published games. According to data from SteamDB, the game will be unavailable in over 130 countries, specifically those not supported by the PlayStation Network (PSN).

Curiously, Lost Soul Aside does not require players to have a PSN account to play. However, the region-locking means that the game will not even appear on Steam in these unsupported regions. To circumvent this, players would need to create a new Steam account in a country that supports PSN, which adds an unnecessary layer of complexity. This move is particularly baffling given PlayStation's recent decision to remove PSN requirements for their PC titles. As a result, PC gamers are voicing their discontent across social media and forums, with many opting not to purchase the game due to these restrictions.

Lost Soul Aside Will Blend Fantasy Elements With Realistic Visuals

Since its announcement in 2016, Lost Soul Aside has been noted for its unique blend of fantasy elements and realistic visuals. In an IGN interview on February 20, 2025, UltiZero Games CEO Yang Bing discussed the game's consistent style and inspirations.

Bing emphasized that the game's visual and combat style has remained true to its initial concept, showcasing high-speed, flashy action. He elaborated, "So this is something that we have been sticking to for all these years. During this development process, we, of course, continued to see some new and excellent works, which maybe we got some influence through, [on] our thought along the way. So from the beginning, this personal trailer gradually evolved into a more mature and well-run version, I should say."

Bing also highlighted the influence of Final Fantasy 15 on the game, particularly in the design of the protagonist, Kaser. Kaser's character design combines cartoonish elements with realistic textures for his skin, hair, and clothing, exemplifying the game's approach to blending reality and fantasy.

Influences From Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry

Lost Soul Aside draws inspiration from several renowned Japanese games, including Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. In an interview with Famitsu on February 20, 2025, Bing explained how these influences are integrated into various aspects of the game.

The design of Kaser, the protagonist, is heavily influenced by Final Fantasy. Bing noted, "I had a designer design the clothes for the main character, and I wanted to combine realistic and fantasy elements, just like in FF. After the clothes are designed, they are actually made and reproduced in the game. By doing so, we thought that the players would feel as if it actually existed, and that the main character, Kazel, would also feel as a bloody, realistic character."

Regarding combat and pace, Bing highlighted the influences of Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry, emphasizing the game's focus on flashy abilities and fast-paced action. He stated, "We're also constantly improving and refining the combat system, maintaining a sense of speed in combat while also adding a certain amount of depth. Players can develop their own style, and even if they are not good at sequential moves, they can use various systems to achieve high performance and make the game go smoothly."

Lost Soul Aside is scheduled for release on May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed information on this exciting title!