Soul Sacrifice[a] is an action role-playing video game developed by Marvelous AQL and Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Vita.

[1][2] The core mechanic of the game is the ability to sacrifice parts of the character's body or items to create devastating attacks.

The book, named Librom, is a collection of stories that describe past fights between monsters and the powerful sorcerer.

The abilities ("sacrifices") are part of this customization, which allows the game to have roles such as tank, ranged caster or melee DPS.

The game features four-player cooperative play and the ability to sacrifice party members to destroy powerful foes.

However, sacrificed players can no longer be healed and enter a spectator type mode in which they can continue to watch the fight.

Instead, broken offerings need to be repaired using Lacrima (Librom's tears), a type of in game currency which is awarded for clearing stages.

Soul Sacrifice was released worldwide throughout 2013 on March 7 in Japan, April 30 in North America, May 2 in Australia, and May 3 in Europe.

[6] Most reviewers concurred that the game has addictive gameplay and a very detailed combat system, but lamented the poorly-programmed AI allies and repetitive level designs and enemies.

"[23] Toronto Sun gave it a favorable review and called it "a must-buy if you already own a Vita, and with its release there's never been a better moment to pick one up.

"[24] Digital Spy similarly gave it four stars out of five and called it "one of the deepest and most interesting games available for Sony's handheld.

"[21] The Escapist likewise gave it four stars out of five and stated, "While the game is a little limited by the platform, the underlying mechanics will capture a certain style of player.

It's an enjoyable experience that gets better as you get stronger, and may be a good title for a lot of Vita owners to get back into the handheld.

"[25] Slant Magazine gave it three-and-a-half stars out of five and called it "a game that's most arresting when experienced alone, its grim story one of intensifying emptiness and detachment.

Regardless of its irregular pratfalls, there's something to be said for a title this dark that excels primarily in short bursts rather than prolonged, daylight-avoiding tests of mental pertinacity.

"[26] The Digital Fix likewise gave it seven out of ten and said that the game "can stand on its own feet proudly, but it’s the potential of the birth of a franchise that should get gamers everywhere smiling into their Mountain Dew.

"[27] Edge gave it a score of six out of ten and called it "a brave game that dares to weaken players in one way as it empowers them in another.