Lovish on Nintendo Switch: Labs Works Delivers Retro Dungeon Crawling with Absurdist Romance
On February 5, 2026, Nintendo Switch users can embrace a uniquely comedic twist on classic dungeon-crawling with the release of Lovish.
Developed by Labs Works and published by Dangen Entertainment, Lovish injects NES-era nostalgia with irreverent humor, heartfelt insecurity, and unpredictably zany events, making it a standout addition to the Switch eShop’s ever-expanding library of indie action games. At its core, Lovish is a top-down pixel action-adventure that tasks players with guiding Sir Solomon, a self-doubting knight, on a mission to rescue Princess Tsuna from the enigmatic Devil Lord.
But as Labs Works’s founder explained in pre-release materials, Lovish is anything but a typical hero’s journey.
The game draws on emotional complexity for comedic effect: Solomon is so riddled with fear that his beloved might prefer one of his companions, he abandons his loyal party to singlehandedly storm the villain’s lair.
In a clear nod to the emotional stakes, Labs Works notes that, “Solomon’s courage is matched only by his insecurity – and it’s that vulnerability driving both the story and gameplay.” The journey unfolds across more than 50 compact arena-style rooms, each crafted as a concise puzzle-box challenge.
Players must clear enemies, collect items, and survive hazards, all within tightly designed spaces that reward quick thinking and efficient movement.
This level structure eliminates wandering and maintains a fast, engaging tempo.
The quest for hidden crowns in each room further incentivizes mastery, as players scavenge every nook and cranny, enhancing replay value through clever collectible placement. Lovish’s item system introduces a steady stream of variety.
Coins gathered in levels or through post-stage random events can be spent at the in-game shop, unlocking everything from practical ability upgrades to delightfully frivolous enhancements.
Whether gaining new powers or stumbling upon joke items, players are constantly reminded that the game balances its retro challenge with a playful tone.
The developers emphasize accessibility too; controls maintain an authentic 8-bit punch, with crisp movement and immediate attacks crucial in the confined battle arenas.
While jumping may initially feel light, players quickly adapt, especially when platforming precision determines survival. Arguably, what truly defines Lovish is its embrace of chaotic, event-driven storytelling.
After most levels, randomized scenes unfold—ranging from finding rare items or battling peculiar foes to meeting one of over a hundred eccentric NPCs or triggering outright absurd global events.
This system ensures no two playthroughs feel predictable, injecting new surprises and comedic flourishes at every turn. Lovish’s presentation is another highlight.
The pixel art visuals are vibrant and detailed, oozing personality, while the energetic soundtrack—composed by Matt Kap, best known for Astalon: Tears of the Earth—evokes classic action platformers while lending the adventure its own unique energy. By boldly blending replayable, bite-sized action with offbeat humor and emotional subtext, Lovish stands out as a love letter to classic gaming, but with a distinctively modern, irreverent heart.
Labs Works and Dangen Entertainment have crafted a game that celebrates both nostalgia and novelty—a testament to the continued innovation thriving on Nintendo Switch. Lovish launches February 5, 2026, on Nintendo Switch.
For players interested in a fast-paced, endlessly surprising indie experience infused with personality, it’s a title well worth adding to the eShop wishlist.
Developed by Labs Works and published by Dangen Entertainment, Lovish injects NES-era nostalgia with irreverent humor, heartfelt insecurity, and unpredictably zany events, making it a standout addition to the Switch eShop’s ever-expanding library of indie action games. At its core, Lovish is a top-down pixel action-adventure that tasks players with guiding Sir Solomon, a self-doubting knight, on a mission to rescue Princess Tsuna from the enigmatic Devil Lord.
But as Labs Works’s founder explained in pre-release materials, Lovish is anything but a typical hero’s journey.
The game draws on emotional complexity for comedic effect: Solomon is so riddled with fear that his beloved might prefer one of his companions, he abandons his loyal party to singlehandedly storm the villain’s lair.
In a clear nod to the emotional stakes, Labs Works notes that, “Solomon’s courage is matched only by his insecurity – and it’s that vulnerability driving both the story and gameplay.” The journey unfolds across more than 50 compact arena-style rooms, each crafted as a concise puzzle-box challenge.
Players must clear enemies, collect items, and survive hazards, all within tightly designed spaces that reward quick thinking and efficient movement.
This level structure eliminates wandering and maintains a fast, engaging tempo.
The quest for hidden crowns in each room further incentivizes mastery, as players scavenge every nook and cranny, enhancing replay value through clever collectible placement. Lovish’s item system introduces a steady stream of variety.
Coins gathered in levels or through post-stage random events can be spent at the in-game shop, unlocking everything from practical ability upgrades to delightfully frivolous enhancements.
Whether gaining new powers or stumbling upon joke items, players are constantly reminded that the game balances its retro challenge with a playful tone.
The developers emphasize accessibility too; controls maintain an authentic 8-bit punch, with crisp movement and immediate attacks crucial in the confined battle arenas.
While jumping may initially feel light, players quickly adapt, especially when platforming precision determines survival. Arguably, what truly defines Lovish is its embrace of chaotic, event-driven storytelling.
After most levels, randomized scenes unfold—ranging from finding rare items or battling peculiar foes to meeting one of over a hundred eccentric NPCs or triggering outright absurd global events.
This system ensures no two playthroughs feel predictable, injecting new surprises and comedic flourishes at every turn. Lovish’s presentation is another highlight.
The pixel art visuals are vibrant and detailed, oozing personality, while the energetic soundtrack—composed by Matt Kap, best known for Astalon: Tears of the Earth—evokes classic action platformers while lending the adventure its own unique energy. By boldly blending replayable, bite-sized action with offbeat humor and emotional subtext, Lovish stands out as a love letter to classic gaming, but with a distinctively modern, irreverent heart.
Labs Works and Dangen Entertainment have crafted a game that celebrates both nostalgia and novelty—a testament to the continued innovation thriving on Nintendo Switch. Lovish launches February 5, 2026, on Nintendo Switch.
For players interested in a fast-paced, endlessly surprising indie experience infused with personality, it’s a title well worth adding to the eShop wishlist.
