Lost Soul Aside's Steam release will be region-locked for over 130 countries, sparking frustration among PC gamers and impacting sales. Read on to learn more about this region lock and recent interviews with the game's director.
Lost Soul Aside: Region Locked in 130+ Countries at Launch
Player Backlash Over Region Lock
UltiZero Games' Lost Soul Aside will launch with a significant region lock, frustrating many players. SteamDB data reveals the game's unavailability in over 130 countries, all unsupported by the PlayStation Network (PSN). While Lost Soul Aside doesn't require a PSN account to play, this region lock prevents the game from appearing on Steam in these unsupported PSN regions. Players wishing to access the game must create a Steam account in a PSN-supported country—a cumbersome workaround. This decision is particularly baffling given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles. The resulting player outrage on social media and forums is substantial, with many choosing to boycott the game due to this restrictive policy.
Blending Fantasy and Realism in Lost Soul Aside
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 artistic vision and consistent style. The core aesthetic, including the fast-paced, flashy combat, remains true to the original 2016 promotional video. Bing stated, "This is something we've stuck to for years. Of course, we've seen excellent new works during development, which influenced our thinking, but the original vision evolved into a more mature and refined version."
Bing cited Final Fantasy XV as a key influence, noting the similar blend of reality and fantasy. He highlighted protagonist Kaser's design, which juxtaposes cartoonish features with realistic textures for skin, hair, and clothing.
Influences from Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry
Lost Soul Aside's development drew inspiration from several popular Japanese games, including Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry. In a February 20, 2025 interview with Famitsu, Bing detailed these influences. He noted that Kaser's design is heavily influenced by the Final Fantasy series, aiming to combine realistic and fantasy elements in his clothing and appearance to create a believable, grounded character. Regarding combat, Bing cited Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry as inspirations for the game's fast-paced, flashy, and deeply customizable combat system, allowing players to develop their own unique fighting styles.
Lost Soul Aside releases May 30, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and PC. Stay tuned for further updates!
