Guard Crush Games, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, is teaming up once again with Dotemu for a new beat-’em-up. This time, it’s Dotemu's first original IP: Absolum. Boasting stunning hand-drawn animation by Supamonks and a killer soundtrack by Gareth Coker, Absolum is shaping up to be something special. My hands-on experience confirmed this.
Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-’em-up action-RPG built for endless replayability. The game features branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and challenging bosses. I played as Karl, a tanky dwarf-like character, and Galandra, a nimble ranger-type. Gameplay involves battling fantasy creatures, smashing environments in search of health pickups, exploring buildings for treasure, and facing epic boss battles. Death is inevitable, but it’s part of the fun, sending you back for another run. Two-player co-op is also planned.
The game evokes a nostalgic feeling reminiscent of classic arcade beat-’em-ups and titles like *Golden Axe*. The simple yet effective two-button combat system allows for strategic attacks, while the roguelite elements add a modern twist and substantial replayability. AnswerSee ResultsPower-ups, both active and passive, add another layer of strategy. These randomize with each run, creating a risk-reward system. You can even drop unwanted items. The in-game shop, where you spend earned currency to buy upgrades between runs, wasn't fully functional in my preview build.Absolum - First Screenshots
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The roguelite nature means death is a stepping stone to improvement. Boss battles are challenging, and I particularly struggled with the first major boss (a mammoth troll summoning goblins). Two-player co-op would undoubtedly enhance the experience.
Despite the unfinished shop in the preview build, Absolum shows immense potential. The art style, animation, gameplay, and roguelite loop, combined with the developers’ proven track record, create a promising formula. The game is poised to revitalize couch co-op, and I eagerly anticipate playing a more polished version.
