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

Guard Crush Games, the developers behind the acclaimed *Streets of Rage 4*, are teaming up once again with publisher Dotemu for an exciting new venture. This time, they're diving into Dotemu's first original IP, *Absolum*, which boasts stunning hand-drawn animations from Supamonks and a captivating soundtrack by the renowned Gareth Coker. With such a powerhouse team, it's clear that *Absolum* is poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world. My extensive hands-on session with the game only confirmed its promising potential.

*Absolum* is a roguelite side-scrolling beat-'em-up action-RPG that promises deep replayability through branching paths, quests, diverse characters, and formidable bosses. During my playthrough, I experienced this firsthand with characters like the robust Karl, reminiscent of a dwarf, and the agile, sword-wielding Galandra. The game offers a rich fantasy setting where you battle evil creatures, smash environments in hopes of uncovering health-restoring items, explore buildings for treasure or face sudden ambushes, and confront bosses with massive health bars. The cycle of death and rebirth is central to the roguelite experience, and although I didn't get to try it, *Absolum* also supports two-player co-op on the same screen.

For those of us who cherish memories of classic arcade beat-'em-ups from the '80s and early '90s, as well as titles like *Golden Axe* on the Sega Genesis, *Absolum* strikes a nostalgic chord with its Saturday morning cartoon-inspired art and animation. The combat system, while simple with two buttons, offers enough depth to keep engagements varied and engaging based on the enemies you face. The integration of roguelite mechanics brings a modern twist, enhancing replayability and adding a fresh layer of challenge and strategy.

Throughout your journey in *Absolum*, you'll encounter both hidden and obvious power-ups, ranging from active weapons or spells to passive inventory items. These items vary with each run, introducing a risk-reward system that can significantly alter your gameplay strategy. For example, in one of my runs, I picked up two orbs that boosted my damage by 20% but at the cost of 20% of my health, leading to a thrilling yet precarious gameplay experience. Fortunately, you have the option to drop any unwanted item from your inventory at any time, allowing you to adapt your strategy as needed.

Absolum - First Screenshots

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As a roguelite, *Absolum* ensures that upon death, you return to a realm with a shop where you can spend in-game currency to enhance your next run. Although this feature was not fully implemented in the build I tested, it promises to add another layer of strategy and progression. Facing a formidable boss like the mammoth troll, who swung a gigantic mace and summoned biting goblins, was a testament to the game's challenging nature. I couldn't help but imagine how much more enjoyable and manageable the boss fights would be in two-player co-op, a feature that could truly elevate the *Absolum* experience given the genre's tradition of shining in multiplayer.

With its captivating art style, engaging animations, classic side-scrolling beat-'em-up gameplay, and the innovative roguelite loop, *Absolum* holds immense potential. The developers' expertise in this genre further bolsters my confidence in its success. For fans mourning the decline of couch co-op games, *Absolum* promises to be a refreshing revival. As development continues, I eagerly anticipate playing a more refined version, but for now, my optimism for *Absolum* remains high.