Lost Soul Aside's Steam Release Frustrates Gamers Due to Sony's Geo-Restrictions
UltiZero Games' highly anticipated action RPG, Lost Soul Aside, is facing significant backlash from PC gamers due to its region-locking on Steam. The game will be inaccessible in over 130 countries at launch, a restriction attributed to limitations imposed by Sony, the game's publisher. This decision has sparked outrage among potential players, many of whom are choosing to boycott the game as a result.
Over 130 Countries Locked Out
According to SteamDB data, the affected countries lack support from the PlayStation Network (PSN). While Lost Soul Aside doesn't require a PSN account to play, the region lock prevents the game from even appearing on Steam in these unsupported regions. This means players in these areas must resort to creating alternative Steam accounts registered in PSN-supported countries—a cumbersome workaround that many find unacceptable, especially given PlayStation's recent removal of PSN requirements for its PC titles. The inconsistency is a major source of frustration for the gaming community.
A Blend of Fantasy and Realism
Since its initial reveal in 2016, Lost Soul Aside has captivated audiences with its unique blend of fantasy elements and realistic visuals. In a recent interview with IGN (February 20, 2025), UltiZero Games CEO Yang Bing discussed the game's stylistic evolution, emphasizing the consistent commitment to this hybrid aesthetic, including the fast-paced and visually striking combat. He highlighted the influence of other titles on their design process, while maintaining the core vision established in the 2016 trailer.
Influences from Gaming Giants
In a separate interview with Famitsu (February 20, 2025), Bing further elaborated on the game's influences, citing Final Fantasy, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry as key inspirations. He detailed how Final Fantasy's influence is particularly evident in the design of the protagonist, Kaser, emphasizing the fusion of realistic and fantastical elements in his appearance. The fast-paced, stylish combat system, on the other hand, draws inspiration from Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, and Devil May Cry.
Lost Soul Aside is slated for release on May 30, 2025, for PlayStation 5 and PC. However, the controversial region lock significantly impacts its accessibility and potential success on the PC platform.
