After a long and challenging journey, the highly anticipated Lost Soul Aside is finally set for release. The brainchild of Chinese developer Yang Bing, this game began its journey back in 2014 with a basic prototype using off-the-shelf assets. It was in 2016 that Bing revealed the game to the world with a teaser trailer, catching the attention of Sony. They backed his vision through their “China Hero Project,” allowing him to establish Ultizero Games. Now, after a decade of dedication, the game is slated to launch at the end of May 2025, allowing gamers worldwide to experience what has been a labor of love.
Beyond its remarkable development story, Lost Soul Aside also promises to be a visual and gameplay marvel. The storyline follows the warrior Kaser and his dragon companion, Arena. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to rescue Kaser’s sister and save their world from an otherworldly menace. Their journey will take them across various dimensions where they must master the game’s sleek action-driven combat. This narrative shares a similar vibe with the latest Final Fantasy 16, which might excite fans of the genre.
The roots of Lost Soul Aside and its connection to Final Fantasy are intriguing. The action RPG landscape has been significantly shaped by iconic titles like Devil May Cry and the Final Fantasy series. Originally, the Final Fantasy franchise stuck to traditional turn-based gameplay, but the evolution toward action-packed experiences became evident over the years. Thanks to the success of games like Final Fantasy Versus 13, which transformed into the universally acclaimed Final Fantasy 15, game developers have ventured into creating more dynamic combat systems.
Lost Soul Aside is another reflection of this trend, admittedly inspired by the marketing of Final Fantasy Versus 13. The main character, Kaser, bears a resemblance to Noctis, drawing a clearer connection to the series. Yet, while there are echoes of familiar gameplay from Final Fantasy 15, Lost Soul Aside carves out its identity and even shows parallels with Final Fantasy 16.
Analyzing the gameplay isn’t comprehensive yet, but Lost Soul Aside appears to share not just combat style but also RPG elements with FF16. Kaser showcases impressive melee, ranged, and movement abilities akin to Clive Rosfield, the protagonist of FF16. Despite the trailers focusing heavily on battle sequences, the game is structured as an action RPG, which means players can expect in-depth exploration and equipment management segments, reminiscent of FF16’s mission layout and its balance between exploration and intense action sequences.
In terms of scale, the game seems ambitious, featuring intense boss battles that mirrors the grandeur seen in Final Fantasy 16’s epic Eikon encounters. For an indie project just transitioned to a larger scale, matching FF16’s cinematic experiences is a tall order. However, Lost Soul Aside exudes confidence and panache, drawing potential fans already captivated by the aesthetic and thematic elements reminiscent of FF16. For those smitten by Final Fantasy 16’s appeal, giving Lost Soul Aside a chance might just prove rewarding.
