Lost Soul Aside Review

After years of anticipation, Lost Soul Aside has finally arrived, marking a significant milestone in the recent wave of Chinese-developed video games such as Black Myth: Wukong and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers.

Initially announced in 2014 by a solo developer, Bing Yang, the project quickly gained momentum after catching Sony’s attention, leading to funding and the eventual formation of Ultizero Games. Now, after a long development journey and several delays, Lost Soul Aside is ready to take center stage.

But does it live up to the hype?

Devil May Cry meets Final Fantasy

Lost Soul Aside is a visually striking action-adventure RPG that blends fast-paced combat with platforming and light puzzle elements. Drawing inspiration from titles like Devil May Cry and Final Fantasy, the game features Kaser, the protagonist who can make use of a variety of weapons including swords and greatswords, each offering distinct attack styles.

Players can mix light and heavy attacks into fluid combos and earn skill points to unlock new abilities, rewarding those who choose to master the game’s system of perfect dodges and blocks. While the combat can become repetitive, the variety in weapon mechanics and the satisfaction of executing high-risk maneuvers keep the gameplay engaging.

Fans of action-heavy titles such as Bayonetta and Nier: Automata will find Lost Soul Aside very familiar. The game offers a robust menu system for upgrading skills, crafting items, customizing gear, and tweaking character appearance, all accessible from the main Save Point.

Lost Soul Aside places players in a world on the brink of destruction at the hands of the soul-stealing Voidrax and their leader Aramon. Kaser, a member of the rebel faction GLIMMER, is thrust into the conflict not only as a warrior but also as a brother with personal stakes, to save not just the world but also his sister Louisa.

He’s joined by Arena, a Voidrax who has turned against his own kind and fused with Kaser to provide combat support. Alongside allies like Selene, Zana, Queen Seleria, and her daughter Liana, Kaser is joined by many allies and acquaintances who seem to have been ripped right from the pages of a Final Fantasy book, bringing along the look and flair of characters like Noctis.

Despite its premise, Lost Soul Aside’s story isn’t groundbreaking in the slightest. It follows a familiar save-the-world arc that, while serviceable, lacks emotional depth and originality. Attempts at humor and drama are present but often fall flat, leaving characters feeling underdeveloped and forgettable by the end.

Eye Candy is Strong

Visually, Lost Soul Aside is stunning. The game’s environments, ranging from vast ruins to surreal dimensions, are grand in scale and beautifully rendered. Water effects and lighting are generally impressive, though some graphical inconsistencies, like blocky ripples, take away from the immersion.

Character designs are outstanding, but the lack of expressive facial animations is extremely bothersome. Kaser often appears emotionless, even in pivotal scenes, and supporting characters suffer from similar stiffness, which really takes the player out of the immersion. Ironically, the NPC at the Save Point displays more emotive range than the main cast, highlighting a missed opportunity in character animation.

On the cinematic front, Lost Soul Aside once again impresses. Combat sequences and cutscenes are stylish, with Kaser moving through battles that would remind you of characters like Cloud and Dante. Boss designs are equally creative, with standout enemies like the Emperor and rival Victor showcasing impressive visual effects. Arena, the floating dragon companion, adds another layer of flair by transforming into wings, platforms, and weapons, while Victor’s golden swords evoke comparisons to Devil May Cry’s Vergil.

In the audio department, Lost Soul Aside delivers a mixed bag. The orchestral score is fitting for the game’s dramatic tone, especially during boss encounters. However, the English voice acting is inconsistent, ranging from flat line readings to overly theatrical performances that really do not fit the mood or delivery. Arena’s performance is a highlight, but overall, the dialogue lacks polish, and frequent one-liners during combat can become grating, making the Japanese or Chinese voice tracks a preferable alternative.

Verdict: Wait for it…

Lost Soul Aside is a competent and visually striking title that features a solid combat system inspired by titles such as Devil May Cry. Its gameplay mechanics offer fluid and engaging battles, while the visual presentation delivers impressive character designs and expansive environments that elevate the overall appeal.

However, its story ultimately falls short of leaving a lasting impression. The plot suffers from a lack of emotional depth and is marred by inconsistent voice acting and a script that fails to hook the players.

Lost Soul Aside is not without merit, but it struggles to set itself apart in a crowded genre. For players seeking a new action-adventure experience, waiting for it might be sound advice.

*Lost Soul Aside was reviewed on a PS5 with a review code provided by the publisher.