Lost Soul Aside Review: A Stunning Fusion of Final Fantasy and Devil May Cry
▼ Summary
– Lost Soul Aside features phenomenal combat with a heavy emphasis on combos, reminiscent of Devil May Cry, and allows seamless switching between four weapons.
– The game suffers from significant performance issues on PC, including frequent stutters, framerate drops, and lag even during menu navigation.
– Its story starts with political intrigue but quickly becomes a generic save-the-world plot with obvious twists, failing to maintain engagement.
– Visually, the game impresses with hyper-realistic anime-style graphics and breathtaking environments, though levels can feel somewhat linear.
– The combat is enhanced by Voidrax-infused special attacks and a straightforward upgrade system, adding strategic depth and customization options.
Lost Soul Aside delivers a visually spectacular action experience that masterfully blends the high-octane combat of Devil May Cry with the cinematic grandeur of Final Fantasy. While its battle system shines with fluid weapon-switching and satisfying combos, the game struggles with a generic narrative and significant performance issues on PC, particularly during intense moments. The journey of protagonist Kaser and his dragon-like companion Arena offers moments of charm, but technical shortcomings often disrupt the flow of this otherwise promising adventure.
The story follows Kaser as he joins the resistance group Glimmer to fight against an empire and otherworldly monsters known as Voidrax. Though the premise initially hints at political intrigue, it quickly shifts into a conventional save-the-world plot. Predictable twists and underdeveloped characters make it difficult to remain invested, even when personal stakes are introduced. Fortunately, the dynamic between Kaser and Arena provides a welcome emotional anchor, with their evolving relationship offering some of the game’s most engaging moments outside of combat.
Where Lost Soul Aside truly excels is in its combat design. Players can switch between four distinct weapons, a sword, greatsword, spear, and scythe, each with unique combo potential and upgrade paths. The skill tree system is intuitive, allowing for meaningful progression and customization. Unlocking all of Kaser’s weapons transforms battles into a dazzling spectacle, with seamless transitions between movesets creating a sense of mastery and control. Arena’s special abilities, such as Breath Barrage and Lifeforce Bestower, add strategic variety, encouraging players to experiment with synergies between attacks and support skills.
Weapon accessories further deepen the combat, offering modifiers like damage boosts or health regeneration on critical hits. These elements, while subtle at first, accumulate into impactful build-crafting opportunities that reward thoughtful loadout choices.
Visually, the game is a triumph. Its hyper-realistic anime aesthetic echoes the best of Final Fantasy, with diverse and breathtaking environments that range from lush forests to alien dimensions. Exploration is encouraged through hidden chests and optional combat trials known as Dispersed Dimensions, which offer valuable rewards for overcoming specific challenges.
Unfortunately, persistent performance issues on PC undermine these strengths. Frequent stutters, frame rate drops, and input lag disrupt the fast-paced action, making precise movement and timing a constant struggle. These problems are especially noticeable during particle-heavy encounters and platforming sections, where awkward jumping mechanics already pose a challenge. Menu navigation is also hampered by noticeable delays, pulling players out of the experience.
Platforming segments feel unpolished, with inconsistent jump arcs and unsatisfying landing feedback. These sections often lead to frustration, particularly when missed jumps result in significant backtracking.
Despite its flaws, Lost Soul Aside remains a compelling pick for fans of character action games. Its combat system is refined, dynamic, and deeply rewarding, standing tall among its inspirations. However, those seeking a gripping narrative or a smooth technical experience may want to wait for performance patches before diving in.
The game includes limited accessibility options, such as colorblind mode settings and adjustable camera sensitivity, though these are fewer than what is typically offered in similar titles. For players willing to overlook its narrative and technical shortcomings, Lost Soul Aside offers a thrilling, visually rich action journey that honors its influences while carving out its own identity.
(Source: Tech Radar)
