"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 an exciting new venture. This time, they're bringing us Dotemu's first original IP, a beat-'em-up titled Absolum, featuring stunning hand-drawn animations from Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack by the renowned Gareth Coker. With such a powerhouse team, Absolum is poised to make a significant impact, as my hour-long hands-on session suggests.

Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that promises deep replayability with branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and challenging bosses. My experience confirms its engaging nature. This fantasy adventure boasts multiple player classes, including the sturdy dwarf-like Karl and the agile ranger-esque Galandra, allowing you to battle evil creatures, destroy environments to uncover health-replenishing items like carrots, explore buildings for treasure or ambushes, and face off against bosses with formidable health bars. Though I didn't experience it firsthand, the game also supports two-player same-screen co-op.

As someone who cherishes memories of classic two-player beat-'em-ups from the '80s and early '90s arcades, as well as titles like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum struck a nostalgic chord. The game's Saturday morning cartoon-inspired art and animation enhance this feeling. It features a simple yet effective two-button combat system that allows for varied attacks depending on the opponent. The roguelite element modernizes the experience, adding both depth and considerable replay value.

Throughout your journey, you'll encounter both hidden and obvious power-ups. Some are active weapons or spells activated by triggers and face buttons, while others are passive items in your inventory. These items randomize each run, adding a risk-reward dynamic. For example, I once picked up two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% but reduced my health by the same percentage, resulting in a perilously small health bar but quicker enemy dispatch. Fortunately, you can drop any unwanted item at any time.

Absolum - First Screenshots

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As a roguelite, upon death, you return to a realm with a shop where you can spend in-game currency on items or power-ups for your next run. This feature was not fully operational in the early build I played, leaving item quality to chance.

Absolum showcases immense potential and a strong likelihood of success. My encounter with the first major boss—a mammoth troll wielding a giant mace and summoning smaller goblins—highlighted the game's challenge. While I didn't experience two-player co-op, I can imagine how it would enhance the gameplay, particularly in boss fights. The nostalgia, art style, animation, classic side-scrolling action, and roguelite mechanics, combined with the developers' expertise in the genre, make Absolum a promising title. For those missing couch co-op experiences, Absolum promises to be a refreshing addition. I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined build as development continues, and my optimism for this game is high.