A New Reign of Beat 'Em Up Excellence
If you miss the golden era of fantasy arcade brawlers but crave the endless replayability of modern roguelites, Absolum is the answer to your prayers. Developed by the masterminds behind some of the genre's biggest recent hits, this side-scroller delivers an adrenaline-fueled revolution.
Absolum is a game that plunges you into Talamh, a beautifully shattered world where you lead a desperate rebellion against the tyrannical Sun King Azra. Wielding forbidden magic, you and a roster of outcast heroes must fight to shatter his oppressive, anti-wizard regime and reclaim freedom for the realm.
The heart of Absolum lies in its top-of-the-class combat system. Mixing rapid combo chains with explosive spellcasting, the gameplay demands precise timing and strategic adaptation. Every run feels incredibly distinct due to unpredictable encounters, branching paths, and rare items that drastically alter your playstyle. Whether you are swinging Galandra’s colossal necromantic sword or blasting foes with Karl’s blunderbuss, the action remains relentlessly satisfying.
Unleashing chaotic combos in Talamh
However, the experience is not flawless. While the combat thrives on couch or online co-op, players should note that local multiplayer strictly requires external controllers. This minor accessibility barrier can frustrate PC players looking for quick, plug-and-play local sessions without extra hardware. Additionally, the mid-range combat can occasionally feel a bit awkward and clunky. For instance, Karl’s short reach forces you into a specific close-range loop that might feel limiting.
The game is a stunning achievement, pairing Supamonks' jaw-dropping animation with a star-studded soundtrack by Gareth Coker and Mick Gordon. Yet, the narrative sometimes struggles to keep pace with this grandeur. The intricate tapestry of Talamh boasts deep lore, but the story beats can feel slightly disjointed between runs. Important plot elements and character motivations occasionally get buried beneath the frantic roguelite pacing, leaving lore enthusiasts wanting a bit more.
Final verdict
Absolum successfully captures the magic of classic arcade hits while injecting a fresh, addictive roguelite loop. Despite a few narrative hiccups and minor controller requirements, its phenomenal combat, stunning presentation, and stellar soundtrack make it an absolute must-play for genre fans. It is a thrilling, high-energy ride that will keep you coming back for just one more run, proving that classic brawlers still have a bright future.
Pros
- Masterful combat system blending physical combos with magic counters
- Gorgeous art style and animation from the talented Supamonks team
- Incredible soundtrack collaboration featuring industry giants like Gareth Coker
- Highly replayable roguelite structure with diverse, unique playable heroes
Cons
- External controllers are mandatory for local multiplayer setup
- Mid-range combat occasionally feels awkward for certain characters
- Narrative progression can feel disjointed due to roguelite pacing
