The high-octane action game scene needed a shot in the arm, and luckily, 2025 delivered a one-two punch with two exciting releases: the highly anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4 and the recently launched Lost Soul Aside.
While *Lost Soul Aside* might not be sweeping up awards, it’s undeniably a blast to play. The combat system is surprisingly intricate, with Kaiser consistently gaining fresh attacks and powers to experiment with. Plus, the diverse weapon selection and a multitude of challenging boss encounters offer plenty of reasons to dive deep and explore different strategies.
However, *Lost Soul Aside* stands on the shoulders of giants. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it executes its core mechanics quite well. So, let’s explore a lineup of games that share a similar vibe to *Lost Soul Aside*, spanning various genres.
10
WET
Action First, Everything Else Second
*WET* is a forgotten gem from the era of edgy 2000s gaming, a title that embraces over-the-top action with a tongue-in-cheek attitude. Heavily inspired by movies like *Kill Bill*, it delivers the adrenaline-pumping experience that the franchise’s games arguably lacked.
Similar to *Lost Soul Aside*, *WET* prioritizes intense combat over a compelling narrative. While the story might occasionally stumble and venture into questionable territory, the sheer joy of stylishly blasting through waves of enemies overshadows these shortcomings. A retro-style visual filter further enhances the experience, making the entire game feel like a lost Robert Rodriguez film.
Though not as mechanically deep as some of the other games on this list, *WET* distinguishes itself as one of the few character action titles to feature a female lead, a relative rarity at the time of its release, earning it recognition here.
9
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Bloody Delight
The stealth release of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black in January 2025 immediately reminded players why it holds such a special place in gaming history. It’s simply an incredibly fun, gory adventure. Taking on the role of the legendary Ryu Hayabusa, players wield a diverse arsenal of weapons to conquer countless enemies.
Even though it originally debuted in 2008, the combat system still feels remarkably fresh and engaging. The swordplay is exceptional, and the enemy AI is relentlessly aggressive, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The boss battles are consistently inventive, and are some of the most enjoyable encounters in gaming.
With high expectations surrounding the upcoming *Ninja Gaiden 4*, here’s hoping that the franchise can recapture the magic that made *Ninja Gaiden 2 Black* an all-time classic.
8
Bayonetta
Anime in Action
If *Devil May Cry* is a brother, Bayonetta is the series’ sister, which might make it a cousin to *Lost Soul Aside*? However you consider it, the insane, over-the-top action in *Lost Soul Aside* clearly takes inspiration from *Bayonetta*, and for good reason: it’s one of the greatest action games ever created.
The plot is a semi-serious exploration of angels, demons, and witches, but the real draw is the combat. *Bayonetta* feels endlessly stylish and entertaining, and most importantly, incredibly fun to play. You’ll be attacking enemies with your hair, breakdancing while wielding guns on your feet – and that’s just scratching the surface of your capabilities.
If you can embrace the game’s over-the-top tone, you’ll find endless enjoyment in this title and its sequels, although be prepared for a good challenge.
7
Final Fantasy 16
Another Promise of Unfulfilled Potential
*Lost Soul Aside* had ambitions of being the definitive new-gen *Final Fantasy*, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations. While glimpses of brilliance shone through, the execution was ultimately lacking.
Enter Final Fantasy 16, which offers full-throttle character action gameplay within a sprawling, high-budget RPG. The combat styles of Kaiser and Clive share remarkable similarities, particularly regarding transformations, swordplay, and general maneuvers. While *Final Fantasy 16* may not consistently reach the same combat intensity as *Lost Soul Aside*, it compensates in many other facets.
The game features outstanding voice acting, visually stunning graphics, and epic boss battles that are simply unforgettable. It also boasts a compelling narrative, but its primary flaw lies in the underwhelming exploration and lack of meaningful challenges.
6
NieR: Automata
Fight For The Future
NieR: Automata is a legendary action RPG, and its combat mechanics are arguably some of the best in the genre. Its character action-style gameplay appealed to a wider audience.
It also has one of the greatest stories in video game history, and its characters have achieved iconic status. The combat system, however, shares significant similarities with *Lost Soul Aside*. Players have access to an extensive move set that continually expands. Your Pod serves a similar function to Arena in *Lost Soul Aside*, granting various abilities and attacks throughout the game.
Furthermore, the game features spectacular boss battles, and multiple playthroughs provide compelling reasons to uncover the story’s true ending. 2B and Kaiser even share similar aesthetics during combat. Weapon weight also stands out as another well-executed aspect in both games.
The Cyborg Ninja Fantasy
Metal Gear Rising casts *Metal Gear*’s Raiden as a cyborg ninja, where stealth is no longer viable. And it doesn’t need to be, because he’s heavily armed with a cybernetic sword, rocket launchers, and more as you battle cyborg soldiers, mechs, helicopters, and even politicians in an utterly insane adventure.
The custom cutting system, where players can slice enemies into tiny pieces at will, is a major attraction. Doing so also grants a health boost, making it a worthwhile endeavor.
The game also features outstanding boss fights, pitting you against some of the most ridiculous and over-the-top villains in the *Metal Gear* series. If you crave the nonstop slashing mayhem offered by *Lost Soul Aside*, *Metal Gear Rising* is an ideal replacement.
4
God Hand
The Misunderstood Wunderkind
If I had to describe *Lost Soul Aside* in three words, I’d say: big, stupid, fun. You know what else fits that description? God Hand. It’s a title where the story is secondary to the intense action, which has yet to be surpassed in the realm of melee-focused combat games. Initially, the controls might feel awkward, but remember, we’re talking about the PS2 era, where control schemes were often subpar.
Once you get past that hurdle, the game is endlessly engaging. The game provides a massive arsenal of moves, using environmental destruction and anime-inspired physics to send enemies flying into the stratosphere.
*God Hand* is brutally challenging, but the combat is so deep and ripe for experimentation that you’ll never be bored. You’ll constantly crave the next opportunity to test your skills on a new set of enemies.
Its twisted humor may not resonate with everyone, but if you can let loose for a while, you’ll be experiencing one of the most underrated games of the past.