Absolum [REVIEW] – A Roguelite Beat-’Em-Up Masterpiece

The 2D beat ’em up genre has been punching its way back into the nostalgia spotlight over the last few years with its old-school gameplay loop, but Absolum offers a full-blown modernised evolution of the long-established formula. It’s not only one of the most stylish brawlers that I’ve played, but it’s also one of the smartest, bringing with it a thrilling blend of classic arcade action and roguelite experimentation that makes every run through the game feel like a new discovery… it’s simply brilliant.

Check out some screenshots down below:

The story of Absolum unfolds in Talamh, a land enslaved under the rule of Sun King Azra, who has banned all magic. You take on the role of one of four characters – the swordfighter Galandra, the dwarven bruiser Karl, the lightning-fast rogue Cider, and arcane frog wizard Brome – on a mission to reclaim the realm’s power, with their use of magic allowing them to fight  through Azra’s forces. The premise is a straightforward fantasy setup for the most part, but with the lore expanding with conversations between characters that reveal hidden motives, moral ambiguity, and shifting alliances, there’s always a drip-feed of new info to keep players invested in their plight.

Based upon its core gameplay loop alone, Absolum is a top-tier side-scrolling beat ‘em up – it feels great to play, it looks stunning, and it gets all of the basics right. However, its true quality comes with just how deep its mechanics are, with the game not relying on button-mashing alone for players to succeed on their journey, but making the most of all the tricks they have up their sleeve.

For one, it borrows more ideas from fighting games than a lot traditional beat ‘em ups, with the likes of dodge counters, slick combos, clashes, and aerial juggles adding a sense of rhythm to combat that also brings with it a balance where waiting for the right moment to strike is just as important as all-out aggression. It helps make combat feels weighty yet fluid, and whilst it’s possible to unleash a string of attacks to try and overwhelm foes, smarter players can read enemy behaviour and set them up into little traps. It might sound complex, but everything flows together so perfectly in-game that it feels both intuitive and natural. The four heroes bring different strategies to combat too, whether that’s when keeping enemies at bay with Galandra’s precise sword slashes, executing juggles by laying up foes with Karl’s brutal uppercuts, overwhelming enemies with Cider’s swift attacks that maintain quick-paced combos, or using Brome’s magic at range to keep foes at a distance. It ensures combat always feels fantastic, and with multiple ways to approach each mob of enemies or challenging boss fight, the thrill of battle never disappears.

“Absolum is absolutely brilliant, with its adventure offering a stunning blend of exciting combat, rewarding roguelite progression, and gorgeous visuals.”

What makes Absolum feel particularly special is how the robust combat mechanics work so well within the game’s roguelite framework. Each run through Talamh reshuffles routes, rewards, and encounters, offering new challenges and discoveries each time you play. You’ll choose between branching paths that can lead to different regions, secret bosses, or even new allies, and with no two runs ever unfolding the same way, there’s a real sense of flexibility to the structure that keeps the experience endlessly engaging and unpredictable. You typically know what you get with most beat ‘em ups these days, but Absolum rips up the rulebook and gives you an adventure that is constantly refreshing.

The roguelite elements help make Absolum feel super addictive, and as you fight through stages, you’ll collect Rituals (elemental upgrades tied to fire, water, wind, and earth) that enhance or transform your moves. These stack together to form wildly different builds: one run might turn you into a whirling storm of lightning, while another lets you freeze and shatter enemies in brutal succession… there’s an element of unpredictability to it that sees your capabilities evolve in varying ways.

And when you die and start over? Those powers disappear, but don’t worry, Absolum ensures every playthrough matters, with players able to earn and spend crystals to permanently unlock upgrades, enhance Ritual effects, or add new moves to their repertoire. It’s a finely tuned balance that ensures that failures don’t set you back too much (and there will be failures, believe me), with the game having that addictive ‘one more run’ loop that’s incredibly difficult to walk away from.

Check out some screenshots down below:

What makes that ‘one more run’ all the more tantalising is that branching paths in the game don’t just alter the scenery, but reshape the rhythm of the game. They might lead to shortcuts, powerful relics, or tougher mini-bosses guarding rare loot, whilst other times they’ll completely change how events play out from previous playthroughs. There’s an organic sense of discovery and choice that genuinely makes Absolum’s world feel like a dynamic and evolving landscape as opposed to just a set of static levels, and even after hours of play, it’ll still find ways to surprise you. It’s something that can be rare in both roguelites and the beat ‘em up genre, so the fact that Absolum manages to pull it off so perfectly is a real credit to just how good the game is.

And as exhilarating as Absolum is playing solo, it reaches another level in co-op. Both local and online multiplayer options are available to players, and it’s pure chaotic joy to play through the adventure with a friend. Co-ordinating combos, covering each other during boss fights, or pulling off synchronized finishers feels phenomenal, whilst the shared momentum of the roguelite loop where there’s a constant sense of progression makes every session feel unpredictable, worthwhile, and, most importantly, a ton of fun. It’s one of the most enjoyable co-op experiences I’ve had in a while, and with the game continually changing between runs, it’s one that I can see myself coming back to for a long, long time.

The game is phenomenal to play then, but the cherry on top comes with its visuals, which are simply breathtaking. The hand-drawn art radiates character, with characters expressive, environments rich in detail, and everything around you bursting with stylish colour that helps bring the world to life. Each environment feels unique and alive, whilst the combat animations are crisp and fluid, with every swing, spell, and explosion rendered in sharp clarity that ensure that Absolum stands out as one of the best looking beat ‘em up out there.

Developer: Supamonks
Publisher: Dotemu
Platform(s): PC (Reviewed), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S
Website: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1904480/Absolum/