Streets of Rage 4 developer Guard Crush Games is teaming up once again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new beat-’em-up. This time, they're introducing Dotemu's first original IP, titled Absolum, featuring stunning hand-drawn-style animation crafted by Supamonks and an enchanting soundtrack by acclaimed video game composer Gareth Coker. With such a talented team behind it, Absolum is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world, and my hour-long hands-on session suggests it won't remain unproven for long.
Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-’em-up action-RPG designed for deep replayability, boasting branching paths, quests, characters, and challenging bosses. My experience confirmed the game's immersive fantasy setting, allowing me to explore different player classes like the sturdy, dwarf-like Karl and the agile, ranger-esque sword-wielder Galandra. Players can expect to battle evil creatures, smash environments in search of health-replenishing items, explore buildings for treasure or ambushes, and face off against bosses with formidable health bars. Although I didn't get to try it, Absolum also supports two-player same-screen co-op.
For fans of classic two-player beat-’em-ups from the '80s and early '90s arcades, 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 relatively simple with two buttons, offers depth by allowing players to mix attacks based on the enemy. The roguelite elements modernize the experience, adding replayability and keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
AnswerSee ResultsThroughout your journey in Absolum, you'll encounter both hidden and obvious power-ups. These can be active weapons or spells, triggered by pulling a trigger and hitting a corresponding face button, or passive items that enhance your inventory. Each run features randomized items, introducing a risk-reward system that influences your strategy. For instance, during one run, I equipped two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% each, but at the cost of 20% of my health, resulting in a precarious health bar. Fortunately, you can discard any item at any time if the trade-offs aren't worth it.
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. Although this feature wasn't fully implemented in the early build I played, it adds an element of strategy to each new attempt.
Absolum's art style, animation, classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up gameplay, and roguelite loop, combined with the developer's expertise in the genre, give it immense potential. The game is likely to reignite the love for couch co-op gaming, offering a delightful experience for those who miss the camaraderie of two-player mode. As development progresses, I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined version of Absolum, but for now, my optimism remains high.
