Lovish Review: A Nostalgic 8-Bit Platformer with Modern Twists

Welcome to The Playfield, a weekly column where Garrett Martin and Elijah Gonzalez explore the games they’re playing, from video games to pinball to tabletop titles. This week’s guest contributor is Moises Taveras.

In this edition, we dive into Lovish, a platformer that pays homage to the straightforward fun of 8-bit gaming without the frustration of losing progress on a single mistake.

Lovish: A Modern Take on Classic 8-Bit Platformers

Lovish is a 2D platformer framed as a light parody of the 8-bit era. You play as Sir Solomon, a sanctimonious turd on a mission to “rescue” a princess from the Devil Lord—though she appears to be content with her demonic boyfriend. The game’s humor is hit-or-miss, and its protagonist is intentionally insufferable, but it nails the most important aspect: it’s a blast to hack and slash through cartoonish villains.

The game’s core appeal lies in its microlevels, which start simple but escalate quickly with traps, dancing clowns, and boss fights requiring strategy. The controls are minimal—jump and slash—but you’ll unlock new abilities that add depth to your movement and combat. This blend of traditional platforming and Super Meat Boy-style pacing lets you either savor the sights or tear through levels at a rapid clip.

For those who prefer a slower pace, Lovish offers pacifism challenges and hidden treasures. Alternatively, you can complete the entire game in an afternoon. The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S.

"Lovish nails the most important part of games from this era: it’s a blast to hack and slash through cartoon bad guys." — Elijah Gonzalez

Dosa Divas: A Darkly Humorous RPG with Complex Family Dynamics

Dosa Divas, the latest RPG from Outlerloop Games, stands out for its unflinching portrayal of a dysfunctional family. Unlike typical RPG protagonists, Samara and Amani are as flawed as their sister-turned-villain, Lina, who has plunged their homeland into culinary chaos.

The game is available on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S.