When people first see Lost Soul Aside, it’s hard not to compare it to a soulslike. The gloomy atmosphere, towering bosses, and dark fantasy flair all suggest it might fit that mold. However, once you look closer at how it actually plays, the picture shifts. Instead of following the deliberate, punishing formula that defines the genre, Ultizero Games’ long-in-the-making project takes a more action-focused route.
That doesn’t mean the comparison is completely off-base. Soulslike DNA does run through parts of Lost Soul Aside, but it’s mixed with influences from hack-and-slash action titles and even like Final Fantasy. In practice, it’s more of a genre hybrid than a straight-up Souls clone.
Does Lost Soul Aside Fall Into the Soulslike Genre?
No, Lost Soul Aside doesn’t fit the soulslike category. Soulslike games thrive on slower, tactical combat, stamina management, and a sense of constant risk versus reward. Lost Soul Aside, on the other hand, throws players into breakneck combat where combos, aerial attacks, and flashy magic abilities take the spotlight, which somewhat resembles Devil May Cry. The energy is less about patience and punishment, and more about precision and style.
Another place where Lost Soul Aside diverges from the soulslike playbook is its world layout. Soulslikes are known for their dense, interconnected environments that loop back on themselves. Lost Soul Aside instead goes for expansive but linear levels, designed to highlight combat intensity rather than exploration complexity. It’s a different kind of structure, one that prioritizes forward momentum instead of maze-like discovery.
What Makes Lost Soul Aside Feel Soulslike?
There are still clear nods to the genre that fans will recognize. The game is built around challenging boss fights, the kind that demand precise reactions and an eye for attack patterns. The level of difficulty isn’t toned down either as victories will feel earned rather than handed out. These encounters, combined with the overall darker fantasy setting, are what give it that soulslike flavor.
All in all, Lost Soul Aside may carry the aesthetic and boss battles that soulslike fans love, but it doesn’t commit to the genre’s slower, methodical pacing. Instead, it mixes those influences with the fluidity of hack-and-slash combat and the spectacle of Final Fantasy. That blend sets it apart, making it more of a high-energy action RPG than a punishing soulslike.
