Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4, have teamed up once again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new project. This time, they're introducing Dotemu's first original IP, named Absolum, which promises a fresh take on the beat-'em-up genre. With stunning hand-drawn animations crafted by Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack by renowned composer Gareth Coker, Absolum brings together an impressive lineup of talent. After spending an hour with the game, it's clear that this ambitious project is poised to make a significant impact.
Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that emphasizes "deep replayability with branching paths to explore, quests, characters, and challenging bosses," according to the developers. My hands-on experience confirmed these features, showcasing a beautifully designed fantasy world. Players can choose from various classes, such as the sturdy Karl, reminiscent of a dwarf, and the agile Galandra, akin to a ranger with a sword. The gameplay involves battling evil creatures, smashing environments in hopes of uncovering health-replenishing items like carrots, exploring buildings for treasure or ambushes, and facing off against bosses with massive health bars. The cycle of death and rebirth adds to the game's replayability, and although I didn't get to try it, Absolum supports two-player same-screen co-op.
For those of us who grew up playing two-player beat-'em-ups in the arcades of the '80s and early '90s, or classics like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum feels delightfully familiar. Its art style evokes the charm of Saturday morning cartoons, while the combat system, though simple, offers enough depth to keep players engaged. With two buttons for attacks, players can mix up their strategies based on the enemy at hand. The roguelite element introduces a modern twist, enhancing the game's replayability and keeping it fresh with every playthrough.
AnswerSee ResultsThroughout your journey in Absolum, you'll encounter various power-ups, both hidden and obvious. Some are active weapons or spells that you can equip and activate using triggers and face buttons, while others are passive items in your inventory. These items randomize with each run, adding an element of unpredictability and strategy. For example, during one run, I acquired two orbs that boosted my damage output by 20% but reduced my health by the same amount, resulting in a risky yet rewarding gameplay experience. Fortunately, the game allows you to drop any item from your inventory at any time, giving you control over the trade-offs.
Absolum - First Screenshots
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As a roguelite, Absolum features a shop in the realm you return to after death, where you can spend in-game currency on items or power-ups for subsequent runs. Although this feature was not fully implemented in the early build I played, it promises to add another layer of strategy and progression to the game.
Facing my first major boss, a mammoth troll wielding a gigantic mace and summoning smaller goblins, proved challenging due to the inability to spend gold between runs. The experience left me eager to try the two-player co-op mode, which I believe would enhance the gameplay significantly, especially in boss fights where splitting the enemy's attention could be crucial. The nostalgia of classic beat-'em-ups shines brightest in co-op mode, and Absolum seems poised to deliver on this front.
With its captivating art style, smooth animations, classic side-scrolling beat-'em-up action, and engaging roguelite mechanics, Absolum has the potential to be a standout title in its genre. Coupled with the developers' experience and the promise of couch co-op, this game could help revive the joy of local multiplayer experiences. I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined version as development continues, and I remain optimistic about its future success.
