Have you ever wondered what would happen if Super Meat Boy took on a more child-friendly, less meaty/bloody approach? Yes, one could argue that it would become something like Celeste, but I’m not talking about that one here. Enter Sir Lovelot, a Meat Boy-esque game with Disney feelings, all smashed together in a fantasy love triangle (* 40).
Sir Lovelot
Presented by the hand of the Pixel. lu, Sir Lovelot offers a platform title that asks the player a lot of precision and persistence. Although it is not a very complicated game in its essence, there are definitely moments of frustration. As its name implies, our good sir has a crush on every single damsel, so time for some polyamorous shenanigans. The player’s goal is to reach the end of each level. For this, it is necessary first to capture a flower to deliver to your loved one that it’s waiting for you. And I’m not only talking about the metaphorical flower here. Between jumping over gaps with spikes, shooting at enemies, or swimming, the action is more than a lot.
Secrets!
Next to reaching the end of the level, it’s also possible to capture a whole range of other objects and even discover secret locations. However, to obtain the maximum score, it is necessary to take certain points into account. First, finish the level with less than X lives lost. Often and if you are really a persistent player, it is possible to restart the level, which is often the most suitable option. When you feel like you captured the essence of the level, it’s time to find gems, rings, lollipops, and ducks with golden eggs. Yes, kwakwak, instead of toktok (at least, according to my daughter). The whole ambiance of this game is enveloped in charm. Even the damsel herself is reminiscent of the Rapunzel story, or for the youngest, the Disney movie “Entangled” where the character has her long blond hair. In this case, the damsel will change her hair color since it’s not always the same one waiting for her knight at the end of the level (hence the 40-times-love triangle).
Sir Lovelot features a total of 40 levels, each with its own charm and artistic feels. Next to the changing worlds, the difficulty ramps up with each passing level – and combined with new enemies, the concept stays fresh. Sure, there are some points of criticism. It’s impossible to fire while walking, a shame since this makes the run-and-gun feels of certain competitors like a missed chance. There is a lot of competition in this world, and I’m not sure if two/three hours of gameplay (fun, but not for its replayability) can keep up with the platforming violence already out there on the Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, to conclude! Sir Lovelot is a fun and quirky platformer with a fresh take on the whole ‘Super Meat Boy’ concept. With its low price point and easy to learn, hard to master concept (but not as hard a Super Meat Boy, Celeste, and the such), it might be a good starting point for people unfamiliar with the genre. If you want a more in-depth game, then this might not be the title you’re looking for.
