Absolum Turns Classic Beat-‘Em-Up into a Roguelite — Brilliant Combat, Slow-Burn Progression

Absolum is a new 2D beat-’em-up from Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks that blends classic arcade brawling with roguelite progression. It puts four heroes into the fantasy world of Talamh, asks players to learn patterns, and then layers persistent unlocks on top of repeatable runs.

1. Overview
2. Combat and characters
3. Roguelite systems
4. Level design and progression
5. Availability and review notes
6. Verdict

Overview

Absolum is a retro-inspired beat-’em-up that leans into high-fantasy themes, and it is explicitly influenced by Capcom’s Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara. The story frames a quest to topple the Sun King Azra in the realm of Talamh. Players choose from four distinct heroes; the game supports solo play or local co-op for up to two players. Visually, it favors an illustrated, comic-book look and a strict 2D plane rather than 3D arenas.

Combat and characters

The combat mixes classic brawler mechanics with layers that reward timing and aerial control. For example, the game has punish attacks (hits landed during an enemy’s attack recovery) and aerial maneuvers that let skilled players extend combos. Each hero has a distinct feel: Galandra is a sword-wielding elf, while Brome is a frog wizard who uses tongue lashes and staff strikes. Moreover, the game offers special abilities and elemental magic sets that change how you approach fights, although many early spells mainly augment basic moves rather than overhaul a character’s playstyle.

Roguelite systems

Absolum adopts a run-based roguelite structure. Each attempt sends you through a series of connected screens, and runs are expected to end in failure early on. Consequently, the game adds persistent progression: multiple currencies, permanent upgrades, and unlockable magic sets that expand build options over time. Spells come in elemental families — fire, lightning, wind, etc. — and passive trinkets offer stat buffs. However, progression is gradual, and players will often find the most interesting synergies only after many hours of unlocking rarer trinkets and augments. For instance, later builds can enable turret-thorn setups and fast mana regeneration that let you juggle bosses from a distance.

Level design and progression

Instead of procedural generation, Absolum uses fixed, hand-drawn biomes and gives players multiple paths through each area. As a result, runs vary according to which route you choose: a beach path, a mine, or a ghostly manor can all appear in the same first region depending on your choices. This design aims to inject variety into a static level set, and it also supports hidden routes and quests that require returning to specific paths. Still, players may see the same illustrated screens multiple times, and the early game can feel repetitive until more progression opens up.

Availability and review notes

Absolum is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC. The game was reviewed on Windows PC using a prerelease download code provided by Dotemu. The title combines elements that will appeal to fans of both classic arcades and modern run-based games, though its pacing and unlock curve are important factors to consider before jumping in.

Verdict

In short, Absolum successfully reproduces the feel of a retro brawler while adding roguelite progression on top. It nails the fundamentals of two-dimensional combat and offers distinctive character designs, but the early progression can be slow and some elemental powers feel one-dimensional at first. Ultimately, it is an inventive fusion: you’ll find moments of mechanical satisfaction early, and broader buildcrafting only after extended play.