Absolum: Roguelite from Streets of Rage 4 Team

Guard Crush Games (creators of Streets of Rage 4) has teamed up with Dotemu again, this time for Dotemu's first original IP - Absolum. Featuring stunning hand-drawn animation from Supamonks and original music by award-winning composer Gareth Coker, Absolum promises to make waves despite being an untested property. Based on my hour-long hands-on preview, this roguelite brawler won't stay under the radar for long.

A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take on Beat-em-ups

Absolum combines classic side-scrolling beat-em-up action with modern roguelite elements. Designed for "deep replayability," the game offers branching paths, quests, multiple character classes, and challenging boss encounters. During my demo, I experienced:

• A beautifully animated fantasy world filled with destructible environments
• Two distinct playable classes: the tanky Karl and agile swordfighter Galandra
• Satisfying environmental destruction that sometimes reveals health pickups
• Tense boss battles featuring screen-filling adversaries
• The option for two-player couch co-op (though I didn't get to test this)

The game evokes nostalgic memories of 90s arcade classics while introducing modern mechanics. The combat system uses smartly designed two-button combos that allow for varied approaches to different enemies. But Absolum truly stands apart thanks to its roguelite elements that ensure no two runs play exactly alike.

Roguelite Innovation Meets Classic Action

The progressive damage system creates compelling risk/reward scenarios:

• Randomized power-ups and equipment between runs
• Both temporary boosts and permanent upgrades available
• The option to drop undesirable items mid-run
• A shop system (currently being refined) to spend earned currency between attempts

During one memorable run, I equipped two powerful damage-boosting orbs - but at the cost of 40% of my max health. This created thrilling high-stakes gameplay where enemies died quickly but could eliminate me just as fast.

Absolum - First Screenshots

10 Images

Promising Early Impressions

The game shows tremendous potential despite being early in development:

• Engaging combat that rewards skill and strategy
• Beautiful animation reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons
• Satisfying loot and progression systems
• True couch co-op that recaptures arcade magic

A particularly challenging boss battle against a massive troll demonstrated Absolum's potential while highlighting areas needing polish. The creature summoned minions that attacked relentlessly - precisely the type of encounter that would shine in co-op mode.

With Guard Crush's pedigree and Dotemu's publishing expertise, Absolum appears poised to deliver an exceptional beat-em-up experience. For fans of classic couch co-op games, this could be the title that revives the genre's glory days.