Guard Crush Games, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, teams up once again with publisher Dotemu for a new beat-'em-up—this time, 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. Multiple player classes—I played as the tanky dwarf-like Karl and the agile ranger Galandra—offer diverse gameplay. You'll battle fantastical creatures, smash environments, search for health-restoring items, explore buildings, open treasure chests, fight challenging bosses, and, inevitably, die—then repeat! Two-player same-screen co-op is also planned.
The game evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic arcade beat-'em-ups and titles like *Golden Axe*. The simple yet effective two-button combat system allows for strategic attacks. The roguelite elements add modern depth and replayability. AnswerSee ResultsPower-ups, both active and passive, add strategic depth. These randomize with each run, creating a risk-reward system. You can drop unwanted items. The in-game shop, while not fully functional in the preview build, promises to enhance replayability between runs.
Absolum - First Screenshots
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The roguelite loop, combined with the art style, animation, and classic beat-'em-up gameplay, makes Absolum incredibly promising. The potential for engaging couch co-op further enhances its appeal. While the preview build had some unfinished elements, the overall experience was highly optimistic. I eagerly await a more polished version.
