Absolum: Stunning Roguelite from Streets of Rage 4 Creators

Guard Crush Games, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, is teaming up once again with publisher 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 deep replayability. It delivers on that promise. 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 wielding a sword. Gameplay involves battling fantastical creatures, smashing environments (hoping for health-restoring 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 thrilling run. Two-player same-screen co-op is also planned.

As a fan of classic arcade beat-'em-ups and games like *Golden Axe*, *Absolum* felt instantly familiar. Its Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic and relatively simple yet effective two-button combat system are nostalgic yet fresh. The roguelite elements add a modern twist, boosting replayability significantly.

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Power-ups, both active and passive, add another layer to the gameplay. These randomly appear in each run, creating a risk-reward system. I found myself experimenting with power-ups that boosted damage at the cost of health. The ability to drop unwanted items adds a strategic element.

Absolum - First Screenshots

10 Images

The roguelite nature means death is a stepping stone to improvement. A shop between runs allows you to spend earned currency on upgrades for subsequent playthroughs. In the preview build, this shop wasn't fully functional, but its potential is clear.

My first major boss encounter was challenging, particularly without access to the shop's upgrades. (I unfortunately don't have footage of that fight, but I can show you another boss encounter later on.) The experience highlighted the importance of two-player co-op, which would undoubtedly make boss battles more manageable and more fun.

Despite some minor unfinished elements, Absolum shows immense promise. The art style, animation, classic beat-'em-up gameplay, and roguelite loop combine to create a compelling experience. The developers' proven track record further strengthens my optimism. If you're yearning for great couch co-op, Absolum might just be the answer. I eagerly anticipate playing a more polished version.