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

Guard Crush Games, the developers behind the acclaimed *Streets of Rage 4*, are teaming up once again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new beat-'em-up project. This collaboration marks Dotemu's first venture into original IP territory, titled *Absolum*, which boasts stunning hand-drawn animations crafted by Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack composed by the renowned Gareth Coker. Given the impressive talent involved, my hour-long hands-on experience with *Absolum* suggests that this game is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world.

*Absolum* is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that promises deep replayability through branching paths, diverse quests, unique characters, and formidable bosses. My time with the game confirmed its engaging nature. It's a visually striking fantasy adventure where players can choose from various classes—I experimented with the sturdy, dwarf-like Karl and the agile, ranger-like Galandra. The gameplay involves battling evil creatures, demolishing environments in search of health-replenishing items like carrots, exploring buildings for treasure or ambushes, facing off against bosses with massive health bars, and starting anew upon defeat. Additionally, *Absolum* supports two-player co-op, though I couldn't test this feature during my session.

As someone who cherishes memories of classic two-player beat-'em-ups from the 1980s and early 1990s arcades, as well as gems like *Golden Axe* on the Sega Genesis, *Absolum* evokes a nostalgic yet refreshing vibe, thanks to its Saturday morning cartoon-inspired art and animation. The combat system, while straightforward with two buttons, offers enough depth to mix up attacks based on the enemy you're facing. The roguelite aspect adds a modern twist, enhancing replayability and keeping the gameplay fresh.

Throughout your journey in *Absolum*, you'll encounter both hidden and obvious power-ups. Some are active weapons or spells that you can equip and use by pulling a trigger and pressing a face button, while others are passive items stored in your inventory. These power-ups randomize with each run, introducing a risk-reward dynamic that can influence your strategy. For example, during one of my early runs, I equipped two orbs that increased my damage output by 20% each, but at the cost of 20% of my health. This significantly reduced my health bar but allowed me to swiftly defeat enemies. Fortunately, the game allows you to discard any unwanted items at any time, giving you control over your build.

Absolum - First Screenshots

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As a roguelite, *Absolum* resets your progress upon death, sending you back 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's clear that the quality of items and power-ups will vary with each attempt.

My encounter with the first major boss—a mammoth troll wielding a gigantic mace and summoning smaller goblins—was particularly challenging. The goblins would leap onto my character, biting away like piranhas. Unfortunately, I couldn't capture footage of this battle, but I can share images of another formidable boss. I'm eager to try the two-player co-op mode, as it would split the boss's attention and enhance the experience, much like the classic beat-'em-ups that shine in multiplayer.

With its captivating art style, fluid animation, traditional side-scrolling beat-'em-up mechanics, and engaging roguelite loop, coupled with the developers' expertise in the genre, *Absolum* holds immense promise. For those who miss the era of couch co-op games, *Absolum* could be a welcome revival. I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined version as development continues, and my optimism for this game remains high.