Love is lovely, isn’t it? This game is the work of Fred Wood, an indie developed who launched this in 2008! So, this is an early example of indie gaming.

It’s also a classic example of how indie games take retro concepts and make them minimalistic and fun. As this is a great little title that doesn’t break the bank, but does pack in a lot of sidescrolling fun.

Retro Minimalism Meets LOVE

If you’re intrigued by this one you can get it on PC or Nintendo Switch.

LOVE reminds us of VVVVVV (2010) in its retro aesthetic. Maybe Fred Wood didn’t know much about SEO back in 2008, but calling your game LOVE isn’t the best idea.

It’s made researching and finding out about the game hard going!

Anyway, what we’ll say is this is a charming and good fun little platformer. There’s a plot to go with it where you take control of fiveEight, who wakes up and finds out everyone in his world has been replaced by machinery. Dang.

Off you into your retro world to find out what the ruddy heck is going on.

It’s old-school platforming at its most old-school, with linear level structures and a checkpoint system to clear. You can run, jump, and navigate your way around the stages with 100 lives across 20 levels. Here’s how it looks!

LOVE is a classic example of early indie games finding their stride. There are some fun little concepts in here to keep you busy.

It’s tough, too! One of those die and repeat type games where you learn from errors and keep improving.

Of course, it’s a short game (which is why it’s so cheap). But there’s a lot to enjoy here, with fun levels, a bit of a challenge, and an chillout score kind of deal going on.

The game was remade in 2014 and called Love+, which is the version that arrived on the Switch in 2019. More levels were added to the experience with the update, including a bonus level based on World 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. (1985), which is kind of cool.

It’s a fun little distraction of a game and one that won’t take up too much of your time. A thumbs up from us!