"Absolum: Stunning Roguelite by Streets of Rage 4 Creators"

Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4, are teaming up once again with publisher Dotemu for a new beat-'em-up. This project, however, marks Dotemu's first original IP, named Absolum, and it's packed with talent. The game features stunning hand-drawn-style animations crafted by Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack composed by the acclaimed Gareth Coker. After spending an hour hands-on with Absolum, it's clear that this title is poised to quickly shed its "unproven" status.

Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that promises "deep replayability with branching paths to explore, quests, characters, and challenging bosses." My experience confirms this, showcasing a beautifully designed fantasy world with multiple player classes, including the sturdy, dwarf-like Karl and the agile, ranger-like Galandra. Players will fight evil creatures, destroy environments in hopes of finding health-replenishing items like carrots, explore buildings for treasure or ambushes, tackle bosses with massive health bars, and embrace the cycle of death and retry. Although I didn't get to experience it, the game also supports two-player same-screen co-op.

For those who cherish memories of classic two-player beat-'em-ups from the 1980s and early '90s arcades, as well as titles like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum strikes a nostalgic chord with its Saturday morning cartoon-style art and animation. The combat system, while simple with two buttons, offers enough depth to vary attacks based on the enemy you're facing. The roguelite mechanics add a modern twist, enhancing both the challenge and the replayability.

As you progress through Absolum, you'll encounter both hidden and visible power-ups. These can be active weapons or spells triggered by pulling a trigger and pressing a face button, or passive items that enhance your inventory. The randomization of these items from one run to the next introduces a risk-reward system that can significantly alter your strategy. For example, during one run, I picked up two orbs that increased my damage output by 20% but reduced my health by the same amount, creating a thrillingly risky gameplay experience. Fortunately, you can always drop unwanted items from your inventory.

Absolum - First Screenshots

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Being a roguelite, Absolum sends you back to a realm with a shop upon death, where you can spend in-game currency to purchase items or power-ups for future runs. Although this feature wasn't fully implemented in the early build I tested, it hints at the strategic depth awaiting players. My encounter with the first major boss—a mammoth troll wielding a giant mace and summoning smaller goblins—was challenging, especially without the ability to use my accumulated gold. I wish I could have experienced the two-player co-op mode, as it not only divides the boss's attention but also enhances the fun, a hallmark of classic beat-'em-ups.

With its engaging art style, animation, traditional side-scrolling beat-'em-up gameplay, and innovative roguelite loop, Absolum shows immense promise. The developer's experience in the genre further bolsters its potential. If you've missed the era of couch co-op games, Absolum looks set to revive that experience, at least temporarily. I'm eagerly anticipating a more refined version as development continues, but my initial impressions leave me highly optimistic about its future.