Guard Crush Games, the studio behind Streets of Rage 4, teams up once again with publisher Dotemu for a new beat-'em-up: Dotemu's first original IP, Absolum. Boasting stunning hand-drawn animation by Supamonks and a soundtrack composed by the acclaimed Gareth Coker, Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling action-RPG promising deep replayability.
My hands-on experience confirmed this. Absolum is a visually captivating fantasy adventure featuring multiple playable characters, each with unique strengths. I played as Karl, a tanky dwarf-like character, and Galandra, a nimble ranger-type wielding a sword. Gameplay involves battling fantastical creatures, smashing environments in search of health-restoring items, exploring buildings for treasure, and facing challenging bosses. Death is inevitable, leading to a rewarding loop of improvement and exploration. Two-player co-op is also planned, though I didn't get to try it in this preview.
The game evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic arcade beat-'em-ups and titles like *Golden Axe*, thanks to its charming animation style and straightforward yet engaging two-button combat. The roguelite elements add a modern twist, enhancing replayability significantly. AnswerSee ResultsPlayers discover both active and passive power-ups, adding strategic depth and variability to each playthrough. The risk-reward system encourages experimentation, as some power-ups offer significant advantages at the cost of health. Items can be dropped if needed.Absolum - First Screenshots
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The roguelite structure includes a shop where players can spend in-game currency to purchase items between runs (this feature was still under development in my preview).
My experience with a challenging boss fight highlighted the game's potential. While I lacked footage of the first boss, a later, more formidable boss encounter showcased the intense gameplay. The two-player co-op mode promises to further enhance the experience, offering strategic advantages and cooperative fun.
Overall, Absolum's art style, animation, classic beat-'em-up gameplay, and roguelite loop, combined with the developers' proven track record, suggest a highly promising title. The potential for engaging couch co-op is particularly exciting. I eagerly anticipate playing a more polished version as development continues.
