Guard Crush Games, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, teams up once again with publisher Dotemu for a new beat-'em-up—this time, Dotemu's first original IP: Absolum. Boasting stunning hand-drawn animation by Supamonks and a soundtrack composed by the acclaimed Gareth Coker, Absolum packs a punch even in its early stages.
My hands-on experience confirmed the developers' promise of "deep replayability." Absolum is a gorgeous, fantasy-themed roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up RPG brimming with branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and challenging bosses. I played as Karl, a tanky dwarf-like character, and Galandra, a nimble ranger-type, battling monstrous creatures, smashing environments in search of health-restoring items, and navigating treacherous dungeons. The thrill of battling gargantuan bosses, followed by the inevitable death and subsequent restart, fuels the addictive roguelite loop. Two-player same-screen co-op is also promised, though I couldn't test it during my playthrough.
The game evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic arcade beat-'em-ups from the 80s and 90s, thanks to its Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic and simple yet effective two-button combat system. This familiar foundation is enhanced by the modern roguelite elements, adding both a strategic edge and significant replayability. AnswerSee ResultsThroughout the game, you'll encounter a variety of power-ups—some active, others passive—which add depth and variability to each playthrough. The risk-reward system inherent in some power-ups forces strategic choices; for instance, I opted for damage boosts at the cost of health, creating intense but exhilarating gameplay. Items can be discarded if needed, offering flexibility in adapting to your playstyle.Absolum - First Screenshots
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The roguelite nature means death is inevitable, leading you to a shop where you can purchase upgrades for future runs. While this feature was incomplete in the preview build, it promises to further enhance the replayability.
My early encounters, particularly with a challenging troll boss (unrecorded, sadly), highlighted the need for strategic resource management. The potential for two-player co-op would significantly alter boss battles, adding a dynamic layer to the experience.
Absolum's blend of classic beat-'em-up gameplay, a modern roguelite structure, and exceptional art and audio make it incredibly promising. The potential for engaging couch co-op further solidifies its appeal. I'm eagerly anticipating a more polished version and am highly optimistic about its future.
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