Lost Soul Aside Review: A Stunning Yet Flawed Action RPG Journey
Lost Soul Aside, a passion project turned full-fledged action RPG by Ultizero Games and backed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has finally landed after years of anticipation. Inspired by titles like Devil May Cry and Final Fantasy, it promises fast-paced combat, a gripping story, and breathtaking visuals. But does it deliver? This review breaks down the game into three key areas: gameplay, story, and visuals and performance.
Gameplay: Fast-Paced and Thrilling, but Not Perfect
The core of Lost Soul Aside is its combat, heavily inspired by Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. Protagonist Kazer wields an arsenal of weapons—swords, spears, and ranged options—while his dragon-like companion, Nathan, adds elemental attacks like fire and ice. The combo system is a highlight, rewarding precise timing and creative attack chains. Boss battles stand out, featuring massive, multi-phase enemies that test your reflexes and strategy.
However, the gameplay has flaws. The difficulty curve is inconsistent, with some fights feeling brutally tough and others surprisingly easy. The camera can be problematic in confined spaces, occasionally obscuring enemies and leading to cheap hits. The skill tree, while deep, is overwhelming for new players, with progression paths that lack clear guidance. Despite these issues, the combat remains engaging and satisfying for action RPG fans.
Story: Ambitious but Uneven
The narrative centers on Kazer, a soldier fused with Nathan, a symbiotic dragon-like entity, as they navigate a war-torn world of political intrigue and supernatural threats. Themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption drive the story, with some genuinely emotional moments. The codex entries offer rich lore for dedicated players, fleshing out the world’s history.
That said, the story struggles with pacing and clarity. The main plot is compelling but bogged down by convoluted subplots. Side characters, like the rebel leader Aria, have potential but feel underdeveloped, with vague motivations. Dialogue ranges from heartfelt to clichéd, and the reliance on exposition can make the narrative hard to follow for casual players.
Visuals and Performance: A Technical Marvel with Minor Hiccups
Lost Soul Aside is a visual stunner, powered by Unreal Engine. Its environments, blending cyberpunk cities with fantastical landscapes, are breathtaking, and character models for Kazer and Nathan are meticulously detailed with fluid animations. The soundtrack, a mix of orchestral and electronic tracks, enhances the atmosphere, with solid voice acting for the main cast, though secondary characters can feel flat.
Technically, the game performs well on modern consoles and PCs, with smooth frame rates and short load times, especially on PS5 and high-end PCs. Minor bugs are rare but present, and the lack of robust accessibility options—like adjustable difficulty or customizable controls—is a notable oversight. Replayability is decent, with a 15-20 hour campaign, New Game+ mode, and challenge arenas adding extra content.
Final Verdict of Lost Soul Aside Review
Lost Soul Aside is an impressive debut that shines in its combat, visuals, and ambition but stumbles with an uneven story and gameplay inconsistencies. It’s a must-play for action RPG fans, though it falls short of perfection.
Lost Soul Aside Review Score: 8/10
Ultizero Games has crafted a promising foundation, and with polish, their next title could be a genre-defining masterpiece.
