Guard Crush Games, the talented developers behind Streets of Rage 4, have teamed up once again with publisher Dotemu for a new beat-'em-up experience. This time, they're introducing Dotemu's first original IP, named Absolum, featuring stunning hand-drawn animations crafted by Supamonks and an immersive soundtrack composed by the renowned Gareth Coker. With such a powerhouse of talent, Absolum is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world, as evidenced by my extensive hands-on session with the game.

Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG designed to offer deep replayability. It features branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and challenging bosses, all set within a beautifully crafted fantasy world. During my playthrough, I explored the game with two distinct classes: the sturdy, dwarf-like Karl and the agile, ranger-like Galandra. The gameplay involves battling evil creatures, destroying environments in hopes of finding health-replenishing items like carrots, exploring buildings for treasure or facing ambushes, and tackling bosses with formidable health bars. The cycle of death and rebirth is core to the game, enhancing its replay value. Additionally, while I didn't have the chance to experience it, Absolum supports two-player same-screen co-op.

For those who fondly remember the two-player beat-'em-up games of the 1980s and early '90s, such as Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience. The game's Saturday morning cartoon-style art and animation evoke those memories, while its two-button combat system, though simple, allows for varied attacks against different foes. The roguelite mechanics modernize the genre, adding layers of strategy and replayability.

As you progress in Absolum, you'll encounter both hidden and visible power-ups. These include equippable active weapons or spells activated by triggers and face buttons, and passive items that reside in your inventory. Each run introduces randomized items, adding a risk-reward element to your choices. For example, during one run, I picked up two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% but reduced my health by the same percentage, making for a thrilling yet risky gameplay experience. Fortunately, you can drop any item at any time if the trade-offs become too burdensome.

Absolum - First Screenshots

10 Images

True to its roguelite nature, upon death in Absolum, you return to a realm with a shop where you can spend in-game currency on items or power-ups for future runs. This feature, though not fully implemented in the early build I played, promises to add depth to the game's strategy.

My encounter with the first major boss, a mammoth troll wielding a giant mace and summoning smaller goblins, was intense. Although I couldn't capture footage of this encounter, I can share images of another formidable boss. The potential for two-player co-op, a hallmark of classic beat-'em-ups, would undoubtedly enhance the experience by splitting the boss's attention and adding to the fun that these games are known for.

With its captivating art style, engaging animation, traditional side-scrolling gameplay, and the innovative roguelite loop, Absolum showcases immense potential. Coupled with the developer's proven track record in the genre, the game is on track to be a significant addition to the beat-'em-up category. For fans mourning the decline of couch co-op games, Absolum promises to be a refreshing revival. As development continues, I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined build, and my optimism for Absolum's success remains high.