Absolum: Stunning Roguelite by Streets of Rage 4 Developers

Streets of Rage 4 developer Guard Crush Games is teaming up once again with publisher Dotemu for an all-new beat-’em-up experience. This time, it’s Dotemu’s very first original IP—*Absolum*. The game brings together stunning hand-drawn animation from Supamonks and a captivating musical score crafted by renowned composer Gareth Coker. With such a powerhouse lineup behind it, *Absolum* may be untested, but based on my recent hands-on preview, it won’t stay that way for long.

A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Roguelite Beat-’em-up

*Absolum* blends the classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up formula with roguelite mechanics to create a dynamic action-RPG built for deep replayability. Players will explore branching paths, take on quests, unlock new characters, and battle intense bosses—all while enjoying fast-paced combat and destructible environments. From what I experienced during my playthrough, the game already feels tight and engaging.

During my session, I got to try out two distinct classes: Karl, a tanky dwarf-like fighter, and Galandra, a nimble sword-wielding ranger. Each character offers a unique approach to combat, and the variety doesn’t stop there. You’ll fight through hordes of enemies, smash scenery in hopes of uncovering health pickups, enter buildings for treasure chests or ambushes, and eventually face off against massive bosses. And just like in classic roguelites, you’ll die—often—but each run gives you a chance to learn, adapt, and improve.

Co-op Fun & Replay Value

One of the highlights of *Absolum* is its local two-player co-op mode. Although I wasn’t able to test it myself, playing alongside a friend promises to not only make boss fights more manageable but also recapture that classic arcade-style couch co-op magic. It’s this kind of shared gameplay experience that made games like Golden Axe and Streets of Rage so memorable—and *Absolum* looks ready to carry that torch forward.

Modern Combat Meets Retro Vibes

For fans of retro gaming, *Absolum* will feel instantly familiar yet refreshingly modern. Its Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic, combined with fluid animations and nostalgic visuals, creates a vibrant fantasy world that pops off the screen. The combat system, while relatively simple with just two main buttons, still offers enough depth to keep encounters engaging. You’ll mix attacks, dodge strikes, and adapt your strategy depending on enemy types.

The roguelite structure adds a compelling twist. Each run introduces randomized power-ups, weapons, and passive abilities. Some offer pure benefits, while others come with trade-offs. During one run, I found two orbs that gave me +20% damage—but at the cost of -20% max health each. That meant taking down enemies faster, but surviving felt like walking a razor’s edge. Fortunately, if you ever regret a pickup, you can drop it anytime and move on.

Post-Death Progression

As expected from a roguelite, dying resets your journey—but not entirely. Upon returning to the realm hub, you can spend earned currency in the shop to unlock permanent upgrades or better gear for future runs. Unfortunately, this feature wasn’t fully implemented in the build I played, making each new attempt feel more like a gamble than a calculated progression path.

Boss Fights That Challenge Your Skills

My first major boss was a towering troll wielding a colossal mace. He could summon goblins that would leap onto me and chip away at my health like piranhas. It was brutal—but fun. Later, I encountered what looked like an even tougher adversary, further reinforcing how intense and satisfying these showdowns can be. While I missed capturing footage of that first beast, the challenge itself spoke volumes about the game’s potential.

Final Thoughts on Absolum

With its beautiful art direction, smooth animations, classic gameplay infused with roguelite mechanics, and a development team steeped in genre expertise, *Absolum* has everything it needs to become a standout title. Whether you're a fan of old-school beat-’em-ups or looking for your next roguelite fix, this is definitely one to watch. For those who miss the days of couch co-op and arcade-style brawling, *Absolum* could be the game that brings that joy back into your living room.