Lost Soul Aside (PS5) review: A decade in the making, flashes of brilliance, some stumbles

After over ten years of development, Lost Soul Aside has finally made its debut on PS5 and PC, and the results are a blend of excitement and disappointment. Initially showcased in 2016 as a visual marvel, the game offers exhilarating combat but also highlights the hurdles faced by indie projects transitioning to full-fledged releases. In this action-packed adventure, players step into the shoes of Kaser, a member of the resistance group GLIMMER, battling against a tyrannical empire. The plot thickens when an alien entity known as the Voidrax crashes an imperial parade, leading to chaos and the abduction of Kaser's sister, Louisa. After falling into a hidden laboratory, Kaser encounters a fragment of a dragon-like entity named Lord Arena, bonding with him to gain newfound powers. The primary mission is clear: rescue Louisa's soul and save humanity. Although the narrative showcases ambition, it often follows a predictable structure, with characters relying on familiar fantasy tropes. Conversations with Arena possess a certain charm, yet many story moments feel anticipated and the writing occasionally falters. Dialogue and cutscenes evoke a light anime style—earnest yet sometimes exaggerated. The game operates on Unreal Engine 4, which, in an era where many are migrating to Unreal Engine 5, may feel somewhat outdated. Nevertheless, the environments are visually impressive, featuring lush biomes, grand temples, high-tech labs, and ancient ruins. The lighting, color palette, and overall art design shine, occasionally overshadowing the game's technical limitations. On PS5, the performance is mostly stable, with combat running smoothly, though players may encounter minor stutters during exploration or in menus. The English voice acting can occasionally seem stiff, and some animations lack polish, but these issues seldom disrupt immersion, particularly during cutscenes. Combat is where Lost Soul Aside truly excels. The action is sharp and engaging, with Kaser wielding an array of weapons, including swords, scythes, and greatswords, while Lord Arena empowers him with superhuman abilities. Players can unlock flashy skills and combos, including a special move called Burst Pursuit. The combat pacing significantly ramps up after a few hours, allowing for more diverse styles. The dodge mechanic stands out, as enemy attacks glow blue before they land, rewarding timely dodges—especially crucial during boss encounters. Boss battles vary in scale and challenge, requiring players to recognize patterns, dodge skillfully, and utilize their abilities wisely. While some bosses can become invulnerable for extended periods, leading to frustration, the combat often feels reminiscent of iconic titles like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta: flashy, fluid, and satisfying. However, certain encounters can feel repetitive, with enemies lacking a sense of weight, which diminishes the thrill of combat. World design features beautifully crafted levels, though they can be linear. Some hidden pathways lead to challenge zones or treasure, offering a refreshing change from combat. However, platforming plays a more significant role than anticipated, with jumping mechanics that can feel light and floaty. Many platforming segments prove frustrating due to imprecise jumps and camera issues, leading to repeated attempts at sections after miscalculating distances or slipping off ledges. Save points and checkpoints can be sparse, with some areas leaving players far from their last point of salvation, exacerbating the challenge when running low on healing items. Lost Soul Aside incorporates RPG elements, such as skill trees, weapon upgrades, and loot, though these systems remain relatively straightforward. Loot offers minor stat enhancements, while skill unlocks provide cooldown reductions or new moves. The upgrade system is effective without being overly complex, making combat feel subtly different with each enhancement—quicker dodges or more dynamic powers. These upgrades motivate players without overwhelming them. In conclusion, Lost Soul Aside emerges as a homage to spectacle-driven ARPGs, featuring breathtaking moments, creative weapon dynamics, and combat that rewards skill and finesse. While it grapples with significant issues—shallow storytelling, inconsistent technical polish, and frustrating platforming—it remains an admirable debut for Ultizero Games. The thrilling combat experience is compelling enough to warrant the investment for fans of the genre. With future patches and support, this title has the potential to cultivate a dedicated following.