Absolum Delivers a Fresh Take on Roguelike Beat ’em Ups

Absolum, the latest entry in the crowded roguelike genre, presents an engaging blend of action and adventure that stands out for its art style and gameplay mechanics. Released in March 2024, the game invites players into a vibrant world inspired by classic 2D side-scrolling beat-’em-ups while incorporating a roguelike progression system. This unique combination offers both a nostalgic experience and a fresh take for gamers looking for something original.

Genre Fusion with a Distinctive Art Style

At its core, Absolum is a hybrid of various genres, seamlessly merging beat-’em-up gameplay with roguelike elements and an action-adventure narrative. The game succeeds in maintaining cohesion through well-integrated mechanics that enhance the overall experience. The art direction is particularly noteworthy, featuring a hand-painted cartoon aesthetic that is both colorful and detailed. Environments such as castles, forests, and seashores enrich the gameplay, providing players with a visually appealing backdrop.

The combat mechanics are visually striking, with impressive effects for explosions and spells that keep players engaged during battles. Accompanying the graphics is a soundtrack that evokes a classic medieval adventure, although it may become repetitive during extended play sessions. The game also features robust voice acting, giving each character a distinct personality and contributing to the light-hearted tone of the narrative.

Combat Mechanics and Replayability

Combat in Absolum offers an exciting yet occasionally frustrating experience. The game employs a traditional side-scrolling layout, where enemy placement and character movement can sometimes lead to confusion. Players might find attacks missing their targets due to imprecise positioning, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. Despite these challenges, the combat remains engaging, with a variety of enemy types and attack patterns that keep players on their toes.

As a roguelite, Absolum allows players to retain resources such as money, experience points, and materials upon failing a run. These resources can be used to enhance skills and spells, making future attempts more manageable. The randomized enemy placement and loot system ensures that each gameplay session feels unique, although players may notice a lack of variety in enemy types over time.

The game begins with two characters: Karl, a dwarf skilled in brawling and projectile attacks, and Galandra, an adept sword fighter. Additional heroes, including a ranged magic user named Brome and an acrobatic rogue called Cider, offer diverse gameplay options. While players may develop preferences for specific characters, a consistent leveling system across heroes encourages experimentation.

Absolum’s approach to the roguelike genre showcases a balance between repetition and reward. Each area is designed to be relatively short, offering players ample opportunities to collect loot and uncover secrets. However, as players progress, they may begin to feel that encounters grow increasingly similar, which could diminish the excitement of repeated runs.

Overall, Absolum enters the market as a visually striking title with classic beat-’em-up mechanics. Whether played solo or in a two-player cooperative mode, the game caters to various playstyles, making it an appealing choice for fans of action-adventure games. Although character progression can be slow and movement mechanics may frustrate at times, Absolum provides an engaging experience that should resonate with a wide audience.

In conclusion, Absolum offers something for nearly every gamer, blending a unique art style with classic gameplay elements. With its charming characters and engaging mechanics, it stands as a noteworthy addition to the roguelike genre.

Note: A PC code was provided by the publisher for this review.