Boyfriend Dungeon, developed by Kitfox Games, offers a quirky and refreshing blend of dungeon crawling and dating sim elements. At first glance, it might seem like an odd pairing: wielding weapons to slay monsters while also forging romantic connections with those very weapons. But this unusual combination turns out to be the game’s greatest strength, delivering a unique experience that explores both literal and emotional battles.
A Blend of Genres
At its core, Boyfriend Dungeon is an action role-playing game (ARPG) combined with a visual novel-style dating sim. The game takes place in Verona Beach, a fictional coastal town where your character, new to town and new to dating, is encouraged by a cousin to get out there and explore both romance and the local monster-filled “dunj.” The twist? The weapons you use in battle are also people—each with their own distinct personalities, backgrounds, and romantic potential.
This fusion of combat and courtship is surprisingly seamless. As you delve into dungeons (which represent your character’s anxieties and fears), you become closer to the weapon-people you fight with. The deeper your bond, the more powerful the weapon becomes in combat, creating a satisfying gameplay loop that rewards both narrative engagement and mechanical skill.
Characters with Charm
The heart of Boyfriend Dungeon lies in its characters. From the suave and confident Isaac (a sharp-witted businessman who transforms into a rapier) to the cuddly and adorable cat Pocket (yes, a literal cat who becomes brass knuckles), the diversity in personalities, backgrounds, and sexualities is impressive.
The game makes a strong effort to be inclusive, offering romantic options regardless of gender and including characters who identify across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Whether you’re romancing the fashion-forward Valeria (dagger), the dreamy K-pop idol Seven (laser saber), or just vibing with non-romantic options like Pocket, Boyfriend Dungeon caters to a broad range of preferences without feeling tokenistic or forced.
Each character arc feels distinct and often touches on meaningful emotional themes such as self-identity, boundaries, insecurity, and emotional growth. The writing is sharp and occasionally humorous, with moments of heartfelt sincerity that elevate the dating sim experience beyond surface-level flings.
Combat and Exploration
Dungeon crawling in Boyfriend Dungeon is relatively straightforward but satisfying. The dungeons (or “dunjs”) are procedurally generated, with a variety of enemy types and environmental hazards. Combat is real-time, with light and heavy attacks, dodging, and special abilities unique to each weapon-person.
While not the most complex ARPG mechanics on the market, the combat is fluid and fun, especially when paired with the narrative context of battling personal demons. The link between emotional intimacy and combat performance adds a layer of meaning that standard RPGs often lack.
That said, the dungeon segments can feel repetitive after a while, and some players might wish for more variety or challenge. Still, as a gameplay vehicle to support character progression and storytelling, the system works well.
Visuals, Music, and Style
Visually, Boyfriend Dungeon is colorful and stylish. The character art in the visual novel segments is striking and well-animated, while the dungeon sections adopt a top-down isometric view with simplified, clean graphics. The soundtrack complements the tone beautifully, especially in the dating segments where smooth jazz and ambient tunes add to the atmosphere.
One standout aspect is the game’s self-awareness. Boyfriend Dungeon doesn’t take itself too seriously, often poking fun at genre tropes while still delivering emotional weight when it matters. This tonal balance makes it both approachable and engaging.
Final Thoughts
Boyfriend Dungeon isn’t trying to be a hardcore RPG or the most complex dating sim. Instead, it carves its own path by blending genres in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. Its shorter length and some repetitive dungeon design may be drawbacks for some, but the emotional core, charming characters, and thoughtful writing make it a memorable experience.
Whether you’re in it for the romance, the combat, or both, Boyfriend Dungeon is a game worth unsheathing your heart for.
