Lost Soul Aside has been on gamers’ radar for years, mostly because of its incredible origin story. What started as a solo developer project by Yang Bin eventually grew into a full release under the Sony China Hero Project, with UltiZero Games behind the wheel and Sony Interactive Entertainment publishing it worldwide. That Cinderella-like backstory already made this game special long before we ever picked up a controller. But now that it’s finally here on PS5 and PC, the big question is: does it live up to the hype, or is it just another flashy hack-and-slash?
First Impressions – A Feast for the Eyes
Booting up Lost Soul Aside is like stepping into a playable anime mixed with modern fantasy. Environments range from snowy ruins to alien wastelands, each beautifully detailed and drenched in atmosphere. The game’s visual presentation is one of its strongest assets. On PS5, the detail pops — from the crisp textures to particle-heavy effects when enemies are sliced apart in battle. At first glance, it feels like a big-budget AAA game despite its humble origins.
Unfortunately, PC players don’t always get that same pristine experience. Reports of stuttering, frame dips, and long loading times make the PC version less reliable, particularly for a game where combat demands precision. On PS5, however, the game runs much smoother and avoids most of those headaches.
Combat – Where the Game Truly Shines
If you’ve played Devil May Cry, Ninja Gaiden, or even Final Fantasy XVI, you’ll immediately feel at home here. Combat is fast, fluid, and stylish, with the ability to switch weapons on the fly mid-combo. The protagonist’s companion, a dragon-like creature, doubles as both a gameplay mechanic and a narrative partner. Together, they unleash devastating combos and cinematic special attacks that make every fight a spectacle.
Combat depth is where Lost Soul Aside earns its stripes. Juggling enemies, dodging with perfect timing, and chaining weapon abilities feels incredibly rewarding. Boss fights in particular showcase the best of what the system has to offer — massive, multi-phase duels that push your reflexes to the limit. Even when the story fails to grip you, the combat keeps pulling you back.
Storytelling – The Weakest Link
Unfortunately, once the adrenaline from the battles settles, you’re left with a narrative that doesn’t quite hold up. The premise — saving your sister while fending off interdimensional invaders — isn’t bad on paper, but it’s delivered in such a predictable, cookie-cutter fashion that it never builds emotional weight. Characters often feel underdeveloped, dialogue leans into cliché territory, and the pacing can be uneven.
There are glimpses of something more meaningful buried within — especially in the bond between the protagonist and his draconic companion — but these moments are fleeting. Anyone looking for a story as compelling as the combat will likely walk away disappointed.
Level Design & Exploration
Visually, levels are breathtaking. Traversing across frozen landscapes, dark temples, and crumbling cities feels epic. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find that the design is surprisingly linear. Exploration is often more of a guided tour than an open adventure, with little incentive to veer off the main path. Platforming segments attempt to mix things up, but sometimes feel clunky and interrupt the flow rather than enhancing it.
Performance & Technical Issues
As mentioned earlier, performance varies heavily by platform. On PS5, the experience is generally smooth, but some minor frame drops and camera oddities still pop up. On PC, however, players have reported frequent stuttering, input lag, and inconsistent frame pacing. For a game built around quick reaction times, this is a big problem. Unless patches roll out quickly, the PS5 version is the definitive way to play.
Inclusivity & Representation
While Lost Soul Aside doesn’t make inclusivity a core focus, it does bring in design elements that appeal to a global audience. The cast is rooted in Asian design sensibilities, blending modern fantasy with anime aesthetics. However, there’s little diversity in the playable characters or narrative themes, which feels like a missed opportunity to broaden its appeal. That said, its focus on delivering stylish combat for all players at least makes it accessible from a gameplay standpoint.
Final Verdict
Lost Soul Aside is a game of extremes. On one hand, it delivers some of the best hack-and-slash combat this generation, easily rivalling genre heavyweights. On the other hand, it stumbles with its underwhelming story, linear exploration, and technical hiccups on PC. If you’re here for fast, flashy combat and jaw-dropping visuals, it’s worth your time — especially on PS5. If you’re looking for rich storytelling and flawless polish, you may want to wait for a sale or future updates.
Lost Soul Aside Trailer
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Game code was purchased for us to review.
As always, I reviewed the game, and I had my partner help me with a written version.
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