Lost Soul Aside Review: A Homegrown Alternative to Final Fantasy and Devil May Cry
Lost Soul Aside, a long-anticipated action-adventure game, has finally made its debut as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. Originally gaining attention in 2016 for its stunning visuals and dynamic combat, the game has evolved over nine years. While it delivers exhilarating battles and breathtaking landscapes, some players may find its narrative lacking depth and its performance on PC disappointing.
The story of Lost Soul Aside centers around Kaser, a young man who joins a resistance group named Glimmer to fight against an oppressive empire. Initially, the plot appears promising, hinting at political intrigue and personal stakes. However, it quickly shifts into a more generic quest to save the world from interdimensional monsters known as Voidrax, led by their commander, Aramon. The narrative’s predictability diminishes engagement, especially when Kaser’s sister, Louisa, becomes a victim of the Voidrax. Despite these shortcomings, Kaser’s partnership with Arena, a dragon-shaped Voidrax, adds a layer of enjoyment to the journey. Their interactions provide moments of levity and depth, making the exploration of various biomes more engaging.
Dynamic Gameplay Mechanics
Lost Soul Aside shines in its gameplay, drawing comparisons to the beloved Devil May Cry series. The real-time action combat emphasizes combos, allowing players to switch seamlessly between Kaser’s four weapon types: sword, greatsword, spear, and scythe. This fluidity enhances the combat experience, making battles feel satisfying and dynamic. Although the pace of unlocking the spear and scythe may be slow, the first half of the game offers ample opportunities for combo execution with the sword and greatsword.
The game features a skill tree for each weapon, providing players with various upgrades and follow-up attacks. This straightforward system keeps the gameplay engaging and helps bridge the gap between weapon unlocks. Additionally, Kaser can harness Voidrax-infused special attacks with Arena, introducing strategic elements to combat. Players can equip up to three special abilities, each offering unique advantages. For instance, Breath Barrage summons floating heads that attack enemies, while Lifeforce Bestower heals Kaser when he remains within range. These mechanics add depth and encourage experimentation, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Visuals and Performance Issues
Visually, Lost Soul Aside impresses with its hyper-realistic anime style reminiscent of the Final Fantasy franchise. The diverse biomes and environments are stunning, inviting players to explore and discover hidden treasures. Special combat trials, known as Dispersed Dimensions, offer additional challenges and rewards, encouraging players to engage with the game beyond the main storyline.
However, the PC version suffers from significant performance issues, including frequent stutters and frame rate drops. These technical problems detract from the fast-paced nature of the game, making it frustrating to navigate both combat and platforming segments. For example, during specific challenges where players can only damage enemies with Arena’s attacks, the game may slow down considerably, hindering performance and enjoyment. Additionally, the platforming mechanics can feel awkward, with inconsistent jumping ranges leading to missed jumps and frustrating setbacks.
Final Thoughts on Lost Soul Aside
While Lost Soul Aside excels in delivering thrilling gameplay and impressive visuals, its narrative shortcomings and technical performance issues leave much to be desired. The combat mechanics are undoubtedly the game’s strongest aspect, providing players with a satisfying and dynamic experience. However, the lack of a compelling story and the frustrating performance on PC may deter some players. Ultimately, Lost Soul Aside offers a glimpse of potential but falls short of fully realizing it, leaving players to ponder what could have been.
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