When Guard Crush Games and Dotemu collaborated on Streets of Rage 4, they set a new standard for modern beat ’em ups. With Absolum, developed alongside Supamonks and Gamirror Games, that same team now takes the genre into new territory – one infused with roguelite progression, branching paths, and a high fantasy setting that feels both familiar and fresh. Published by Dotemu and Gamirror Games, this PlayStation 5 version is a robust evolution of the side-scrolling formula, blending arcade immediacy with long-term replayability.
At first glance, Absolum looks like a straightforward fantasy brawler. Players step into the world of Talamh, a realm broken by the hubris of wizards and ruled by the tyrannical Sun King Azra. A small band of outcasts rises to fight his Crimson Order using forbidden magic – a setup that recalls classic tales of rebellion but quickly grows richer through lore-filled dialogues and environmental storytelling. Though the premise itself is conventional, the depth comes from the world’s factions, ruins, and myths rather than lengthy exposition. The game’s tone balances high fantasy gravitas with pulpy energy, offering a narrative backdrop that feels just right for the action-focused pacing.
Where Absolum truly shines is in its combat design. The foundation is classic: light and heavy attacks, dodges, aerial juggles, and grabs that flow into combos with gratifying weight and precision. Yet each of the four main heroes – the swordswoman Galandra, the dwarven brawler Karl, the spellcasting prodigy Brome, and the mysterious skirmisher Cider – brings distinct rhythm and tactics to the mix. The game’s arcane system builds on this further: each fighter can equip two of several unlockable “arcane arts,” ranging from explosive shockwaves to vampiric or necrotic abilities that change your approach in every run. Combat rewards timing and adaptability, particularly through parries and well-timed dodges that stun opponents, and the satisfaction of juggling multiple enemies mid-air remains a highlight.
The roguelite structure adds surprising depth without alienating fans of straightforward brawlers. Every run unfolds differently, with shifting level layouts, enemy compositions, and random modifiers that force you to evolve your strategy. Defeat doesn’t just reset progress – it feeds into long-term growth through “fulgor points” that unlock new arcane powers, ritual perks, or permanent upgrades to health and stamina. Rituals, tied to elemental themes like fire or wind, offer tangible tactical variation, while permanent upgrades keep the grind satisfying rather than punishing. The game strikes a rare balance between challenge and fairness in that sense: you’ll die often, but each failure meaningfully strengthens your next attempt.
Technically, Absolum is as polished as its lineage suggests. Supamonks’ hand-drawn art direction infuses each environment with striking comic-book style – lush forests, molten forges, and spectral battlefields that feel alive with detail. Character animations are fluid and kinetic, rivaling the expressiveness of Streets of Rage 4, while effects like elemental bursts and spell distortions elevate the visual intensity. The screen can occasionally feel overcrowded during chaotic fights, but it rarely disrupts gameplay. Audio is equally impressive, pairing lush orchestral themes with choral crescendos and heavier industrial tones for boss fights while the English voice acting is also strong.
Performance on PS5 is consistently solid, maintaining a steady frame rate even in large-scale encounters. Load times are short, and both local and online co-op run smoothly. The two-player system introduces tactical layers – reviving fallen teammates under pressure becomes a small drama in itself – and an optional assist mode makes it accessible for less experienced players or family co-op. It’s a thoughtful inclusion that broadens the game’s audience without compromising difficulty for veterans.
The campaign’s structure – with branching paths, secret routes, and four major regions – ensures that replay value stays high. Even after finishing the main story, optional events, hidden bosses, and alternate endings encourage experimentation. It’s not terribly long with a playtime of just under ten hours, but those looking for another go or completionists can easily double or even triple that through replays.
Ultimately, Absolum is more than just a retro revival. It’s a bold reimagining of the beat ’em up as an evolving adventure – one that rewards mastery and curiosity in equal measure. Its combination of tight combat, roguelite progression, and painterly artistry makes it one of the year’s most accomplished genre entries. Minor crowding issues and occasional repetition don’t dull its impact, and for anyone who grew up with the likes of Golden Axe but wants something richer and more dynamic, Absolum delivers in full. It’s a triumph of style and substance – a brawler with soul.
Score: 9.0/10
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