"Absolum: Stunning Roguelite by Streets of Rage 4 Creators"

Guard Crush Games, the developers behind Streets of Rage 4, have teamed up once again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new beat-'em-up venture. This time, however, they're diving into Dotemu's first original IP, aptly named Absolum. With breathtaking hand-drawn animations crafted by Supamonks and an enthralling soundtrack composed by the acclaimed Gareth Coker, Absolum is bringing together a powerhouse of talent. After spending an hour hands-on with the game, it's clear that this ambitious project is poised to make waves in the gaming world.

Absolum is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that promises "deep replayability with branching paths to explore, quests, characters, and challenging bosses." During my playthrough, I experienced the game's vibrant fantasy world firsthand, taking on the roles of both the robust dwarf-like Karl and the agile, ranger-like Galandra. The gameplay involves battling evil creatures, smashing through environments in hopes of discovering health-replenishing items like carrots, venturing into buildings to raid treasure chests or fend off goblin ambushes, and confronting bosses with daunting health bars. The cycle of death and rebirth adds to the game's roguelite charm, and though I didn't get to experience it, the game also supports two-player same-screen co-op.

As someone who cherishes memories of classic two-player beat-'em-ups from the '80s and early '90s arcades, as well as titles like Golden Axe on the Sega Genesis, Absolum struck a nostalgic chord with its Saturday morning cartoon-style visuals and animations. The combat system, while not overly complex, offers a satisfying depth with its two-button mechanics, allowing players to adapt their strategy based on the enemies they face. The integration of roguelite elements adds a modern twist, enhancing replayability and giving the game a fresh feel.

Throughout the game, players will encounter both hidden and obvious power-ups, which can be equippable active weapons or spells, activated using triggers and face buttons, or passive items that remain in your inventory. These power-ups randomize with each new run, introducing a risk-reward system that can significantly alter your strategy. For instance, in one run, I acquired two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% but at the cost of reducing my health by the same percentage. This left me with a dangerously low health bar, but the ability to quickly dispatch enemies was a thrilling trade-off. Fortunately, the game allows you to discard any unwanted items at any time, giving you control over your loadout.

Absolum - First Screenshots

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True to its roguelite nature, upon dying, players return to a realm featuring a shop where in-game currency can be spent on items or power-ups for the next run. While this feature wasn't fully operational in the early build I played, it hints at a deeper layer of strategy and progression. During my session, I faced a formidable first major boss—a mammoth troll wielding a gigantic mace and summoning smaller goblins. These creatures would leap onto you, gnawing at your face like piranhas. I longed to experience the two-player co-op mode, which could have split the boss's attention and enhanced the gameplay, as beat-'em-ups are traditionally at their best in multiplayer.

Absolum's captivating art style, animation, classic side-scrolling beat-'em-up mechanics, and roguelite loop, combined with the developers' proven track record in this genre, suggest a game brimming with potential. If you've been missing the magic of couch co-op games, Absolum might just be the title to reignite that spark. As development progresses, I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined version, but for now, my optimism for Absolum's success remains high.