If 2024 and Black Myth Wu Kong have demonstrated that China is not to be underestimated in the video game industry, it will be especially evident in 2025 how Xi Jinping’s country continues to make its mark. With support from PlayStation and its long-standing China Hero Project, large-scale games are poised to flood the market this year. Titles like Phantom Blade Zero, Where Winds Meet, The Perceiver, Wuchang Fallen Feathers, Lost Soul Aside, and Tides of Annihilation all hold promise and intrigue. Specifically, today’s video focuses on Lost Soul Aside, which revealed its release date during a State of Play event ten days ago. The game’s creator is Yang Bing, now 35 years old, who developed the game independently before PlayStation took an interest in it. Today, we will discuss him and showcase nearly 20 minutes of gameplay that blends elements of Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, Ninja Gaiden, with a touch of Final Fantasy XV on amphetamines.
CRITICAL: Only translation of the paragraph above to English.
Due to his young age, Yang Bing was raised with numerous contemporary games. When asked about the influences that shaped Lost Soul Aside, he mentioned being drawn to fast-paced games with extensive visual effects. Observers of his game often note similarities in gameplay to Devil May Cry or Ninja Gaiden, characterized by speed and fluid movement. The comparison to Final Fantasy is also evident; Kazer, the protagonist of Lost Soul Aside, bears a resemblance to Noctis from FF XV. However, Lost Soul Aside distinguishes itself through its rapid pace, which can be too quick for some players, potentially triggering visual discomfort similar to epilepsy due to the fast on-screen action. In terms of combat mechanics, the game includes light and heavy attacks that are chargeable to unleash more spectacular strikes. Kazer has options to jump, dodge, and block. The objective is to execute a variety of combos both in the air and on the ground, with enemies being knocked down for follow-up finishing moves.
Unlike “Devil May Cry,” launching an enemy in “Lost Soul Aside” is accomplished by holding the light attack button, without needing to lock onto the enemy. This aspect bears a strong resemblance to “Final Fantasy XV,” as it means that certain situations are automatically managed by the game. If you are too far from your enemy and attempt an attack, Kazer will dash toward the enemy to close the distance or perform ranged attacks to inflict damage. The aim is to provide a simple and accessible gameplay experience, always maintaining the characteristic speed of the game. By the way, regarding finishing moves, they can be triggered after an enemy has taken damage; simply press Square + X to execute this maneuver, which does not defeat the adversary but deals significant damage instead. This is particularly useful against bosses to stagger them more quickly. There’s also the Outburst mechanic, allowing Kazer to enter a brief cinematic sequence by holding R2, thereby increasing the power of his next attack. Given that our hero can choose from multiple weapons, attacks vary accordingly; with a two-handed sword, for instance, the range, recoil, and power of attacks are extended, and another enchanted two-handed sword follows his movements, enabling two strikes. Of course, like any “Devil May Cry” game worth its reputation, “Lost Soul Aside” is governed by a power gauge, and when it peaks, you gain access to even more powerful attacks.
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Another important detail is that Kazer is often accompanied by an entity named Arena, which has the ability to transform. This entity can function as a large sword but also serve as a hoverboard, allowing Kazer to move more quickly. Combining attacks with this transformation into a hoverboard adds a whimsical element reminiscent of Devil May Cry. Activating Arena is done using the L2 button, and it grants access to three magic spells, each with different effects that can be adapted to various situations.
There are several interesting mechanics in “Lost Soul Aside,” which may not be as complex as the gameplay found in titles such as Devil May Cry or Bayonetta but will still offer fun and accessible fast-paced, spectacular combat. Yang Bing has promised a frame rate of 60fps on PS5 standard, underscoring his commitment to maintaining flawless fluidity in his game. It remains to be seen how well the game will perform over time, whether the gameplay evolves, if the story is engaging, and if the bosses present adequate challenges, but with Sony’s involvement and a release date set for May 30, 2025, only two months away, these concerns may soon be addressed.
For those eager to delve deeper into the fast-paced world of “Lost Soul Aside,” be sure to check out Marcus Thompson’s latest piece on how Ultizero Games is leveraging NVIDIA’s RTX technology to enhance visual effects and performance. Published just last month, this insightful article offers a closer look at the game’s development progress since its ChinaJoy 2023 appearance. With an impressive array of gameplay footage showcasing Yang Bing’s creation in action, it’s clear why Sony saw potential in bringing “Lost Soul Aside” to PS5 alongside PC. Dive into the details Lost Soul Aside: Chinese Devil May Cry to Utilize NVIDIA’s RTX Performance, 20 Minutes of Gameplay and explore how this promising game continues to captivate audiences around the world!