The developers behind Streets of Rage 4 return with Absolum, a title that builds upon the classic beat ’em up formula to deliver a phenomenal experience, though one somewhat marred by its insistence on incorporating roguelike elements.
This type of mechanic has become increasingly common, as many studios attempt to add it to extend replayability even when it sometimes serves to mask a lack of content. However, Absolum doesn’t suffer from scarcity at all. At its core, it’s a beat ’em up packed with content more so than many others in the genre.
The game features a vast world with diverse environments and a design clearly inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. Its art style blends traditional animation, hand-drawn illustrations, and touches of stop motion, resulting in a unique visual identity. The characters brim with charm and personality: players can choose from four distinct heroes a magical toad, a swift knight, a tanky dwarf, and a versatile thief each offering different playstyles and abilities.
Enemies are well-crafted, supported by witty dialogue that enriches Absolum’s world. The story takes place in the kingdom of Talamh, where a dark sorcerer has seized control, and the heroes must join forces to defeat him. While the plot begins simply, it evolves in surprising and engaging ways.
Gameplay retains the classic beat ’em up structure: you move from left to right, fighting waves of enemies until reaching a boss before advancing to the next stage. However, the roguelike aspect proves to be the game’s biggest flaw. What might work in other titles becomes frustrating here, as losing hours of progress after a single defeat can be discouraging. In a genre that demands precision in positioning, spacing, and combat flow, the heavy penalties of roguelike design feel excessive.
Absolum is a visually striking game with memorable characters and a solid combat system, but its attempt to merge beat ’em up action with roguelike mechanics ultimately weakens the overall experience.
Final Score: 4/5
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