Absolum is a side-scrolling roguelike beat ’em up set in the war-torn fantasy world of Talamh, where evil forces led by king Azra grip the land in darkness. Released as part of the ID@Xbox program, this indie triumph proves that arcade-style combat still has teeth when paired with modern roguelite progression. The game’s core hook is deceptively simple: die repeatedly, unlock permanent upgrades, and come back stronger. But the execution is where Absolum separates itself from the crowded roguelike genre.
Key Takeaways
- Four playable characters with distinct combat styles deliver varied playstyles across runs
- Permanent stat upgrades and branching pathways create meaningful progression despite roguelike randomness
- Local and online co-op extends replayability beyond solo grinding
- Disney-quality animation and fast-paced action make each run feel fresh
- Difficulty adjusts downward via dip switches, lowering the barrier for players seeking accessibility
Combat That Actually Rewards Skill in a Side-Scrolling Roguelike Beat ‘Em Up
The side-scrolling roguelike beat ’em up formula lives or dies on combat feel, and Absolum nails it. Developed by Dotemu and Guard Crush, the game delivers the kinetic punch of classic arcade brawlers with layers of tactical depth. Each character—whether mage, fighter, or the delightfully absurd floating frog—handles differently, forcing you to adapt your approach run to run. The combat system includes ultra attacks that charge once per run, special attacks with swappable loadouts, and multiple damage types that encourage experimentation. Comparisons to Hades are inevitable, but Absolum charts its own course by doubling down on the beat ’em up identity rather than diluting it with roguelike bloat.
What separates this side-scrolling roguelike beat ’em up from its peers is the resource management baked into combat. Special attacks come with stat bonuses tied to your loadout, meaning your choice of abilities shapes not just your damage output but your survivability. Boss encounters, particularly the final confrontation against Azra, can feel punishing—sometimes the king simply erases you on sight in certain runs—but that cruelty is the point. It forces you to learn patterns, respect the arena, and value the upgrades that let you survive longer.
Progression That Doesn’t Feel Like Forced Grind
Roguelites often hide weak game design behind the excuse of replayability. Absolum sidesteps this trap with meaningful permanent upgrades that feel like rewards rather than chores. Stat buffs, extra lives, improved item drops—these aren’t just number tweaks. They’re the difference between a run where you barely scrape by and one where you feel genuinely powerful. The branching pathways through Talamh’s maps add another layer of agency; you’re not running the same gauntlet every time.
Healing, however, exposes a weakness. Food drops from breakables and chests are entirely luck-based, which can turn a promising run into a frustrating slog if the RNG gods ignore you. In a genre already saturated with randomness, luck-based healing feels like an unnecessary friction point. You’ll find yourself grinding specific difficulty settings not because the challenge excites you, but because you need the upgrades to survive the higher tiers.
Visuals and Presentation That Stand Out
Supamonks’ art direction elevates Absolum above the typical indie roguelike aesthetic. The animation quality rivals major studio releases, with fluid character movement and expressive enemy designs that make combat encounters feel alive. The fantasy world of Talamh, ravaged by magical cataclysm, provides a cohesive visual theme that ties together the gameplay loop. Fast-paced action pairs with this polish, creating runs that feel snappy and responsive rather than sluggish.
Co-op and Platform Flexibility
Absolum supports both local and online co-op, a feature that extends the game’s lifespan significantly. Playing alongside another person transforms the roguelike grind into a shared experience, and the combat design accommodates multiple characters without feeling bloated. The game launched on PC (Steam, app ID 1904480), Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation, giving players options regardless of their preferred platform. At £20, the price point feels fair for the content depth and replayability on offer.
Is Absolum worth playing if I’ve already sunk time into Hades?
Yes. While both are roguelikes with character-driven progression, Absolum prioritizes beat ’em up combat over narrative. If you’re craving arcade action with roguelite bones rather than story-driven dungeon crawling, Absolum delivers. The four distinct characters and co-op support also offer experiences Hades doesn’t replicate.
How long does a typical run of Absolum take?
Runs vary widely depending on difficulty and your skill level. The game can be completed in a few hours on the lowest difficulty setting, but optimizing builds and tackling higher challenges will stretch sessions considerably. Most players report 25+ hours of engaging gameplay before the core loop loses its grip.
Does Absolum require online multiplayer to be fun?
Not at all. The solo experience is complete and well-balanced. Co-op is an enhancement for those who want shared progression, but the single-player roguelike loop stands on its own merits.
Absolum proves that the side-scrolling roguelike beat ’em up formula still resonates when developers respect both halves of the equation. The combat demands skill, the progression rewards dedication, and the presentation doesn’t cut corners. Yes, you’ll die more times than you can count. But unlike many roguelikes that hide mediocre design behind randomness, Absolum makes each death feel like a step forward rather than a setback.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: Windows Central
