Astalon: Tears of the Earth may initially present itself as a conventional 8-bit platformer, yet it stands out as one of the most compelling modern metroidvanias. The game captivates players with its class-based combat and exploration mechanics, revealing a wealth of secrets that keep the experience fresh and engaging. For pixel art aficionados, it is nothing short of a visual delight. If metroidvanias are your passion, this title deserves your attention.
The year 2021 marked a significant milestone for the metroidvania genre, with notable releases such as Axiom Verge 2 and Ender Lilies. However, Astalon: Tears of the Earth eclipsed them all, showcasing the remarkable talent of its creators, LABS Works. Following the success of this underrated gem, the team has been diligently working on their next project, Lovish, which was initially slated for release last year.
Lovish: A New Adventure Awaits
Unlike its predecessor, Lovish shifts away from the metroidvania format to embrace a single-screen platformer style. This new title combines straightforward combat reminiscent of Astalon with intricate puzzles, promising a unique gameplay experience. The pixel art, crafted by Kap, may not reach the elaborate heights of titles like Blasphemous, but its distinctive chunky, high-contrast aesthetic is instantly recognizable to fans of his previous works, including 1001 Spikes.
After a long wait, Lovish is set to launch on Steam on February 5. A free demo is currently available, and players are encouraged to give it a try to experience the charm and creativity that LABS Works has poured into this project.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of what Lovish has to offer, the release date trailer is available for viewing:
Lovish – Release Date Trailer | Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series XS, PC – YouTube
Watch On
<section class="newsletter-formtop-bar”>
<section class="newsletter-formmain-section” readability=”28″>Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
