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 features branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and challenging bosses. I played as Karl, a tanky dwarf-like character, and Galandra, a nimble ranger-type, battling fantastical creatures, smashing environments in search of health pickups, exploring buildings for treasure, and facing off against massive bosses. Death is inevitable, but the roguelite loop keeps you coming back for more. 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*, thanks to its Saturday morning cartoon-style visuals and a simple yet effective two-button combat system. The roguelite elements add a modern twist, enhancing both the challenge and replayability. AnswerSee ResultsPower-ups, both active and passive, add strategic depth. These items randomize each run, creating a risk-reward system. I experimented with damage-boosting orbs at the cost of health. The ability to drop unwanted items adds a layer of tactical decision-making.
Absolum - First Screenshots
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The roguelite nature means death leads to a shop where you can purchase upgrades for your next run. In the build I played, this feature was still under development.
My early encounters, especially with the first major boss (a mammoth troll summoning goblins), highlighted the challenge and the potential for thrilling co-op gameplay. The boss fights alone are worth the price of admission.
With its art style, animation, classic gameplay, and roguelite loop, Absolum shows immense promise. It's a strong contender for those craving couch co-op experiences. I'm eagerly anticipating future builds.
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