Lovish, developed by LABS Works and published by DANGEN Entertainment, is an outrageous 8-bit-styled action-adventure game that launched on PS5 on February 5, 2026. This bite-sized retro platformer throws you into the chaotic shoes of Sir Solomon as he dashes through over 50 single-screen rooms across seven worlds, battling foes, grabbing items, and aiming for the exit, all in a hilariously twisted take on classic NES adventures.
The story kicks off with a classic setup. Sir Solomon, a lovesick knight obsessed with the beautiful Princess Tsuna, ditches his "Saviors of Light" companions at Castle Cornelius to solo-rescue her from the evil Devil Lord's castle. But it quickly spirals into absurdity, poking fun at RPG tropes with Solomon's questionable decisions like getting eaten by mimics or tripping wizards all while randomized events between rooms deliver hundreds of wacky outcomes, from turn-based battles to bizarre comedy sketches.
The characters in the game steal the show with over 100 quirky designs (some by manga legend Ryusuke Mita of Dragon Half fame) populating the world, from literal jerks and "AI-generated art" monsters to the princess herself, whose "rescue" might not go as Solomon dreams.
The Gameplay ...
Gameplay shines with tight, old-school mechanics featuring simple controls for running, jumping, slashing, and magic spells emphasize precise positioning, timing, and one-hit-death tension in each compact room. Multiple objectives per stage like collecting items or crowns unlock secrets, alternate paths, and endings, while post-room randomized events add RPG-lite variety and replayability. Light puzzles, enemy patterns, and escalating hazards keep things fresh without bloat, perfect for short bursts or speedruns.
The Presentation ...
Presentation nails the 8-bit homage with gorgeous, hand-drawn pixel art that bursts with color and personality including vibrant rooms packed with detail and animated comic-style cutscenes that feel like Saturday morning cartoons. The soundtrack, a 25+ track chiptune masterpiece by Matt Kap (Castle in the Darkness), delivers soaring melodies and punchy beats that amp up every jump and slash.
The Verdict ...
Lovish is a riot! It is insanely fun in its chaotic precision, with sky-high replay value from secrets, crowns, speedrunning, and endless random events, plus a brutally fair challenge that ramps up without frustration. It's best suited for NES retro fans, platformer purists, and anyone craving short, skill-honed indie gems with humor and heart. Grab it if you love Shovel Knight or precise pixel action.
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