"Absolum: Stunning Roguelite by Streets of Rage 4 Creators"

Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4, have teamed up once again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new project. This time, Dotemu is introducing its first original IP, named Absolum, which features stunning hand-drawn animations by Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack by renowned composer Gareth Coker. With such a talented team, Absolum is poised to make a significant impact on the gaming scene, and my hands-on experience suggests it won't stay unproven for long.

Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that promises "deep replayability with branching paths to explore, quests, characters, and challenging bosses." From my hour-long session, I can confirm it delivers on these promises. The game is a visually appealing fantasy adventure with various player classes. I had the chance to play as the sturdy, tank-like Karl and the agile, ranger-esque Galandra. Players will find themselves battling evil creatures, destroying environments in search of health-replenishing items like carrots, exploring buildings for treasure or ambushes, confronting bosses with massive health bars, and experiencing the cycle of death and rebirth. Additionally, though I didn't try it, Absolum supports two-player same-screen co-op.

For those who cherish memories of classic two-player beat-'em-ups from the '80s and '90s arcades, as well as games like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum strikes a nostalgic chord. The game's Saturday morning cartoon-style art and animation contribute to this feeling, while its two-button combat system, though simple, allows for varied attacks against different foes. The roguelite mechanics add a modern twist, enhancing replayability and keeping the gameplay fresh.

As you progress through Absolum, you'll encounter both hidden and obvious power-ups. Some are equippable active weapons or spells that require a trigger pull and a face button press to activate, while others are passive items stored in your inventory. These items vary with each run, adding an element of randomness. Players must weigh the risk and reward of each power-up; for example, I once equipped two orbs that increased my damage output by 20% at the cost of 20% of my health, significantly reducing my health bar but allowing me to quickly defeat enemies. Items can be discarded at any time if their drawbacks become too burdensome.

Absolum - First Screenshots

10 Images

As a roguelite, Absolum ensures that upon death, players return to a realm with a shop where they can spend in-game currency on items or power-ups for their next run. In the early build I played, this feature was not fully implemented, leaving the quality of items and power-ups to chance with each new attempt.

Facing a formidable first major boss—a mammoth troll wielding a giant mace and summoning smaller goblins that would leap and bite like piranhas—I found the challenge intensified without the ability to spend gold between runs. Although I couldn't capture footage of this boss, I can share images of another, equally daunting adversary. The potential for two-player co-op, which would split the boss's attention and enhance the classic beat-'em-up experience, is something I'm eager to explore. These games are at their best when played with a friend, and Absolum promises to deliver on this front.

With its captivating art style, engaging animation, classic side-scrolling beat-'em-up gameplay, and the innovative roguelite loop, Absolum boasts significant potential. Coupled with Guard Crush Games' experience in the genre, there's a strong likelihood that Absolum will succeed. For those missing the camaraderie of couch co-op, Absolum could be a refreshing revival. I eagerly anticipate playing more polished versions as development continues, and my optimism for this game remains high.