Absolum Is a Gorgeous Roguelite from the Makers of Streets of Rage 4

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 promises a captivating experience. My hands-on time confirmed this potential.

Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-’em-up action-RPG built for deep replayability. Featuring branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and challenging bosses, it delivers a gorgeous fantasy adventure. I played as Karl, a tanky dwarf-like character, and Galandra, a nimble ranger-type, battling creatures, smashing environments, searching for health-restoring items, and facing formidable bosses. The game also offers two-player same-screen co-op (which I unfortunately didn't get to try).

Evoking nostalgic memories of classic arcade and console beat-’em-ups like *Golden Axe*, *Absolum* blends familiar elements with modern roguelite mechanics. The simple yet effective two-button combat system allows for strategic attacks, while the roguelite elements enhance replayability.

What is your favorite modern beat-'em-up? -----------------------------------------

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Players discover both active and passive power-ups, adding strategic depth and replayability. The risk-reward system inherent in these power-ups significantly impacts gameplay strategy. For example, I acquired damage-boosting orbs at the cost of health, creating a thrilling, high-risk, high-reward experience. The ability to drop unwanted items adds a layer of control.

Absolum - First Screenshots

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The roguelite structure means death isn't the end; instead, it leads to a shop where players can purchase upgrades for subsequent runs. In my playthrough, this shop wasn't fully implemented, leaving item acquisition to chance.

Despite this, Absolum shows immense promise. The challenging boss encounters, coupled with the art style, animation, and gameplay, create a compelling experience. The lack of two-player co-op in my preview build was a minor disappointment, but its inclusion promises to elevate the game further. The combination of classic beat-’em-up action and modern roguelite mechanics, along with the developers’ proven track record, makes Absolum a highly anticipated title. I eagerly await playing a more polished version.