Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4, are teaming up once again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new project. This time, they're bringing us Dotemu's first original IP, aptly named Absolum. This beat-'em-up features stunning hand-drawn animation courtesy of Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack composed by the renowned Gareth Coker. With such a talented team behind it, Absolum is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world. My hands-on experience with the game for an hour has left me thoroughly impressed and eager to see its full potential realized.
Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that promises deep replayability. It boasts branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and challenging bosses. During my playthrough, I sampled two distinct classes: the sturdy, tank-like Karl and the agile, ranger-inspired Galandra. The game immerses you in a beautiful fantasy world where you combat evil creatures, destroy environments in hopes of uncovering health-restoring pickups like carrots, explore buildings for treasure chests or ambushes, face off against bosses with daunting health bars, and then start anew upon defeat. Although I didn't get to try it, Absolum also supports two-player same-screen co-op, adding an extra layer of excitement.
For fans of classic arcade games and titles like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum evokes a comforting sense of nostalgia. Its Saturday morning cartoon-style art and animation are instantly appealing, and the combat system, though simple with two buttons, offers enough depth to keep players engaged. The roguelite mechanics bring a modern twist, ensuring a high level of replayability and keeping the game fresh with each run.
AnswerSee ResultsThroughout your journey in Absolum, you'll encounter various power-ups, some active and some passive, that can be equipped or added to your inventory. These power-ups randomize with each run, introducing a risk-reward dynamic. For example, in one of my runs, I equipped two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% each but reduced my health by the same percentage, resulting in a critically small health bar. The ability to drop unwanted items at any time adds strategic depth to the gameplay.
Absolum - First Screenshots
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As a roguelite, Absolum features a shop in the realm you return to after death, where you can spend in-game currency to enhance your next run. However, in the early build I played, this feature wasn't fully operational, leaving my item and power-up acquisitions to chance.
My encounter with the first major boss, a mammoth troll wielding a gigantic mace and summoning goblin minions, was particularly challenging. Although I couldn't capture footage of this battle, I can share images of another formidable boss. The absence of two-player co-op in my session was notable, as this mode could have divided the boss's attention and heightened the game's enjoyment, a hallmark of classic beat-'em-ups.
With its captivating art style, engaging animation, traditional side-scrolling beat-'em-up gameplay, and innovative roguelite elements, Absolum holds immense promise. Coupled with the developers' expertise in the genre, the game has a strong likelihood of success. For those mourning the decline of couch co-op experiences, Absolum offers a refreshing return to form. I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined version as development continues, and my optimism for this game remains high.
