Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4, have teamed up again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new beat-’em-up. This time, it's Dotemu's first original IP, named Absolum, featuring stunning hand-drawn animations by Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack by renowned composer Gareth Coker. Despite being an unproven project, my hands-on experience suggests it won't remain unproven for long.
Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-’em-up action-RPG that promises deep replayability with branching paths, quests, characters, and challenging bosses. My session confirmed the game's beauty and its diverse player classes, from the sturdy, dwarf-like Karl to the agile, ranger-like Galandra. Players will engage in combat with evil creatures, smash environments for health-replenishing pickups, explore buildings for treasure or ambushes, and face off against bosses with formidable health bars. The game supports two-player same-screen co-op, enhancing the experience further.
For those who cherish memories of classic two-player beat-’em-ups from the 1980s and early '90s arcades, as well as games like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience. Its Saturday morning cartoon-style art and animation, combined with a simple yet effective two-button combat system, bring back that familiar feel. The roguelite elements introduce modern replayability, making each playthrough unique and engaging.
AnswerSee ResultsThroughout the game, players will encounter both hidden and obvious power-ups. These can be active weapons or spells, activated by triggers and face buttons, or passive items stored in your inventory. The randomization of items from one run to the next adds a layer of strategy, with some power-ups presenting risk-reward trade-offs. For instance, I once equipped two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% but reduced my health by the same percentage, resulting in a thrilling yet risky gameplay experience. Fortunately, players can drop any item at any time if the trade-off becomes too challenging.
Absolum - First Screenshots
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As a roguelite, upon death, players return to a realm with a shop where in-game currency can be spent on items or power-ups for the next run. Although this feature was not fully implemented in the early build I tested, it promises to enhance the strategic depth of the game.
Absolum's potential is undeniable, bolstered by its captivating art style, engaging animations, classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up gameplay, and the innovative roguelite loop. The developer's expertise in the genre further fuels my optimism. For fans yearning for the return of couch co-op games, Absolum could be a significant addition. I eagerly await a more polished build as development continues, and my initial experience leaves me highly optimistic about its future.
