Sometimes, when you focus on the core of what you’re really trying to make, you end up creating a diamond whose best quality is how it defines what a true diamond should look like. Sir Lovelot is just that: A retro-styled 2D pixel art platformer, developed by Pixel Games, so true to its definition that you cannot help but appreciate it for what it is. The game doesn’t feature any groundbreaking mechanics or cutting-edge graphical processes, but instead gives you a picturesque representation of its genre.
Story
The story behind Sir Lovelot is a simple one that gives your little knight a reason to hop from level to level. Sir Lovelot is a man on a quest for love. He travels from level to level jumping over obstacles, slaying monsters, and finding secret passageways in order to woo the Rapunzel-haired maiden of that particular stage. He seems to have some trouble holding on to these maidens, as for whatever reason, the very next morning he is flung from their castle and must travel to the next lovely lady in order to try his luck with her. Maybe he’s not tall enough for their liking. Maybe they don’t offer him the wealth and majesty he expects from a damsel princess. Or maybe it’s not the women he’s chasing at all, but the journey itself and the friends he makes along the way. Whatever the reason, Sir Lovelot’s quest takes him across several levels, giving players a solid few hours of platforming heaven.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Each arcade-styled level increases in difficulty as you traverse through the gameworld. The stages start out small with simple jumps, spike traps, and the occasional monster that you must overcome in order to find the White Flower and gift it to the level’s maiden. Along the way, you have the option to collect gold coins as well as find the hidden Goose with the Golden Egg. The more you collect, in as few lives as possible, the better your final score for the level.
The controls are tight and responsive as you jump, double-jump, air-dash, wall climb, and shoot your way through each level. There are destructible lanterns and other items that will hide some coins, as well as false-walls, floors, and ceilings that reveal secret pathways to the hidden geese. Each time you die, you instantly respawn at the beginning of the room you died in, able to continue immediately where you left off. While you have an infinite number of lives, if you die too many times, you won’t qualify for a perfect 100% for that level.
Aesthetics & Sound
Sir Lovelot boasts a simple art style reminiscent of old-school arcade games and a straightforward Background music that compliments the aesthetic. The pixel art is easy on the eyes and its cartoonish visuals lend themselves to an easy-to-love title that anyone can pick up and enjoy. The levels are colorful, the enemies are varied, and the overworld reminds me of the classic Super Mario games from the SNES era. Also, at under a Gigabyte in total memory, framerates are smooth as butter. It is a simple recipe for an exquisite experience and I have nothing negative to critique.
Just as Sir Lovelot easily finds himself head over heels, this title is equally as enchanting as the ladies he chases after. The game is easy to learn, but just precise enough to require skill and concentration to succeed. It also offers many avenues for players to find enjoyment as they swoon the many maidens of the land. With these features in place, Sir Lovelot is a haven for completionists who strive to uncover secrets and 100% games, as well as speedrunners who are able to record their times as they blaze from princess to princess. Developer Pixel.lu has created the simplest of beauties, and I hope you get to enjoy the short excursion through Sir Lovelot as much as I have.
Check Out the Sir Lovelot Trailer:
For more information, please head over to the Microsoft Store.
Xbox One Review
As the (self-proclaimed) King of Casuals, I'm always seeking out new titles to play and experience across all platforms. Eventually, I have ambitions to take the many different styles of this medium to create titles that will wow the masses in fresh, innovative ways.
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