"Absolum: A Stunning Roguelite by Streets of Rage 4 Developers"

Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4, have teamed up once again with publisher Dotemu to bring us a new beat-'em-up experience. This project, named Absolum, marks Dotemu's first venture into original IPs, featuring stunning hand-drawn animations by Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack crafted by the acclaimed composer Gareth Coker. With such a talented team at the helm, Absolum is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world.

Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG designed to offer deep replayability. The game boasts branching paths, diverse quests, a variety of characters, and formidable bosses, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough. During my hands-on session, I explored the rich fantasy world of Absolum, experimenting with different player classes such as the sturdy, dwarf-like Karl and the agile, ranger-esque Galandra. Players will engage in combat with evil creatures, destroy environments in hopes of uncovering health-replenishing items like carrots, explore buildings for treasure, and face off against bosses with daunting health bars. Although I didn't get to try it, the game also supports two-player same-screen co-op, promising even more engaging gameplay.

For those of us who cherish memories of classic two-player beat-'em-ups from the 1980s and early '90s arcades, as well as iconic titles like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum strikes a nostalgic chord. Its Saturday morning cartoon-style art and animation evoke a sense of familiarity, while the combat system, though simple with two buttons, offers enough depth to keep battles engaging. The roguelite mechanics bring a modern twist, enhancing replayability and adding a fresh layer of challenge.

Throughout the game, players will uncover various power-ups, ranging from active weapons and spells to passive enhancements. These items, which can be equipped or discarded at any time, add a strategic element to each run, as not all power-ups are beneficial. For instance, I once equipped two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% each but reduced my health by the same percentage, resulting in a risky but exhilarating playstyle.

Absolum - First Screenshots

10 Images

As a roguelite, Absolum resets upon death, sending players back to a realm with a shop where in-game currency can be spent on items or power-ups for subsequent runs. Although this feature was not fully implemented in the build I played, it promises to add another layer of strategy and progression.

One memorable challenge was facing the first major boss, a colossal troll wielding a massive mace and summoning smaller goblins to attack. The absence of two-player co-op in my playthrough made this fight particularly tough, as I longed for the shared experience that classic beat-'em-ups are known for. The potential for two-player gameplay, combined with the game's art style, animation, and engaging roguelite mechanics, positions Absolum as a promising title with significant potential.

For fans mourning the decline of couch co-op games, Absolum offers a beacon of hope. As development progresses, I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined build. For now, my optimism for Absolum remains high, and I'm excited to see how this game evolves.