The creators of *Streets of Rage 4*, Guard Crush Games, are teaming up once again with publisher Dotemu for an all-new beat-’em-up experience. This time around, it’s Dotemu’s very first original IP—*Absolum*. The game features stunning hand-drawn animation by Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack composed by award-winning game composer Gareth Coker. With such a talented team behind it, this unproven title is already showing serious promise.
During my hour-long hands-on session with *Absolum*, I was thoroughly impressed. Described by the developers as a roguelite side-scrolling beat-’em-up action-RPG built for deep replayability, the game delivers on every front. It offers branching paths, quests, unlockable characters, and intense boss battles—all wrapped in a beautifully illustrated fantasy world. Players can choose from multiple classes; I had the chance to play as the tanky dwarf-like Karl and the agile sword-wielding ranger Galandra. The gameplay loop involves slicing through enemies, smashing destructible environments (often in search of health pickups), exploring optional interiors, and taking down massive bosses before inevitably dying and starting all over again. And for those who enjoy local co-op, two-player couch play is also supported.
For fans of classic arcade beat-’em-ups like *Golden Axe* or late-'80s/early-'90s Sega Genesis titles, *Absolum* feels nostalgically familiar yet refreshingly modern. Its Saturday-morning-cartoon aesthetic and fluid animations bring charm and personality to every scene. Combat is simple but satisfying, featuring a two-button system that allows players to adapt their approach based on enemy types. The roguelite mechanics add depth and variety, ensuring each run feels unique and rewarding.
As you progress through levels, you’ll uncover both obvious and hidden power-ups. Some are active abilities triggered via button combinations, while others provide passive boosts. These items vary between runs, offering a dynamic risk-reward system. During one run, I picked up two damage-boost orbs that gave me +20% attack at the cost of -20% max health each time. That made for a high-risk, high-reward scenario—my health bar was dangerously thin, but I tore through enemies faster than ever. Fortunately, if a power-up proves too risky, you can discard it anytime from your inventory.
Absolum – First Screenshots
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Since this is a roguelite, death isn’t the end—it’s just another beginning. Upon respawning, you return to a hub realm featuring a shop where you can spend accumulated currency to enhance future runs. Unfortunately, the shop wasn’t fully functional in the early build I played, which meant item drops were entirely random. Still, even without access to permanent upgrades, the core gameplay loop felt compelling and rewarding.
From its gorgeous visuals and fluid combat to its addictive roguelite progression and co-op potential, *Absolum* has all the makings of a standout title. While there’s still work to be done, the foundation is incredibly strong. For anyone who misses the days of gathering around a TV with a friend and pounding through arcade-style brawlers, *Absolum* could very well become the next must-have co-op experience. I’m eager to see how it evolves—but right now, I’m already confident it’s going to be something special.
