The Tactical Soul System is the heart of Aria of Sorrow's gameplay. Soma can absorb the souls of defeated enemies, granting him their abilities. There are four types of souls:
- Bullet Souls (Red): Activated with the L button. These are offensive abilities, ranging from projectiles to close-range attacks. Only one Bullet Soul can be equipped at a time.
- Guardian Souls (Blue): Activated with the R button. These are defensive or utility abilities, such as summoning familiars, transforming, or creating shields. Only one Guardian Soul can be equipped at a time.
- Enchant Souls (Yellow): These souls provide passive stat boosts or permanent effects. They are always active once equipped. Only one Enchant Soul can be equipped at a time.
- Ability Souls (Silver): These souls grant permanent movement or traversal abilities, such as the Double Jump or Slide. Once acquired, they are always active and do not need to be equipped.
Experiment with different soul combinations to find a playstyle that suits you. Some souls are essential for progression, allowing you to reach new areas or overcome specific obstacles. The drop rate for souls can be low, so be prepared to farm certain enemies if you're looking for a particular ability.