Absolum Review – A Sleeper Hit

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I think roguelikes work best when combined with genres already built around replayability. Games like Balatro (with poker) and Hades (an action game) succeed because they took existing games designed for multiple playthroughs and then added features like increasing power-ups and consistent progression to the typical ‘play-die-repeat’ loop. It’s a natural fit when the core gameplay already encourages repeated attempts.

I’m really enjoying Absolum! It’s a modern take on those classic beat-’em-ups from the early days of video games – you know, the ones you fed quarters to at the arcade. Those games were designed to be super replayable, but also pretty tough, to keep you coming back for more. Honestly, that difficulty really works with the roguelike elements in Absolum. It just *feels* right, and it makes the game incredibly fun to play again and again. I can’t get enough of it!

It’s no surprise that Absolum feels like a classic beat-’em-up – it’s made by the same team behind Streets of Rage 4! However, instead of fighting crime in a modern city, Absolum takes place in a fantasy world inspired by games like Golden Axe. The story is set in Talamh, a land where magic has been banned after a major disaster. The Sun King Azra rules harshly, ironically using magic himself to control those who still practice it. You play as a group of rebel wizards fighting to overthrow the Sun King, and you’re brought back to life after each attempt by the powerful Root Mother Uchawi, allowing you to reach his tower and challenge his rule.

The story follows a familiar setup – a small group of rebels fighting against a powerful, controlling government. However, the author truly shines in the details. The world feels richly imagined, with a complex culture and a unique take on magic. Magic isn’t easily explained; characters acknowledge its mysterious and almost unknowable nature, and the way they speak about it reflects their limited understanding. This contrast is especially striking when compared to the technologically advanced, controlled magic used by the opposing forces. While the rebels see magic as a natural force to be unleashed, their enemies want to harness and control it. This creates a sense of danger, suggesting that the rebels aren’t necessarily the ‘good guys’ and that their actions could have unforeseen consequences.

Honestly, the art style is a huge part of what makes Absolum so good. It really captures this feeling of fighting against a cold, metallic world with the raw beauty of nature. It’s like a constant struggle, and it *looks* amazing. The characters and enemies move really smoothly, and sometimes their animations are just funny. But the environments are where it really shines – everything’s covered in fall colors and you can almost feel the wood grain. The whole game just *feels* autumnal, you know? It’s got this vibe of things changing, of something mysterious hidden in nature and the passing of time. It’s really captivating.

Let me tell you, this isn’t some peaceful walking simulator. It’s a straight-up beat-’em-up, and I spent most of my time punching things! Each area I traveled through on the way to Azra’s tower felt totally different – different people, different enemies, even different things I could ride. I had a home base set up in this starting forest overrun with goblins, so I got *really* good at taking them down. As I moved on, things got even wilder – lizardmen, animated plants, skeletons, and tons of imperial soldiers kept me busy. Basically, I was constantly fighting my way forward!

The combat is incredibly well-designed, offering a level of precision you’d find in a dedicated fighting game. It’s much more than just repeatedly pressing the attack button. The game rewards skillful play and variety in your attacks, and you’ll need to dodge or block enemy attacks to truly succeed and handle groups of enemies. As you improve your character, you can unlock upgrades that boost your ability to counter attacks or dodge perfectly, making it worth the effort to master all the combat skills.

The game offers a classic set of character types. At the start of Absolum, you can choose between Galandra, a balanced swordfighter, and Karl, a tough fighter who uses a blunderbuss. As you progress through Talamh, you’ll meet and team up with two more characters: Cider, who’s quick and has mechanical parts, and Brome, a wizard who attacks from a distance. I thought I’d mainly play as Brome, since I usually like fragile but powerful characters, but I ended up preferring Cider. Her fast movement felt really natural, and I loved her funny, overconfident lines.

As you explore the world of Talamh, you’ll find lots of optional quests to complete. Some can be finished in a single playthrough, but usually, characters will guide you towards new areas and discoveries. These discoveries can lead to more paths, valuable rewards, and even new allies who return to your base to help you on future runs. The game makes it easy to understand where to go – you can usually tell which path, high or low, will take you where you need to be. Beyond these quests, there are also unexpected surprises around every corner. The game gently encourages you to explore, ensuring that each run feels fresh and new. Even after many hours of playing, I was still finding new things, and even after finishing the main game, there was still plenty left to uncover.

As you run, you’ll collect gold to purchase equipment and crystals to unlock new skills at camp. But the most valuable finds are Rituals – powerful enhancements that add magical effects to your abilities and let you combine them in creative ways. For example, you might leave a trail of fire when you dash, build up an electric charge that explodes, create a mini-tornado to lift enemies, or even summon an undead army to fight by your side.

Each playthrough offers a unique combination of abilities, and you’re sure to discover some that really suit your style. I especially loved the Bramble build, which let me throw powerful daggers and create defenses made of rose thorns. Combining this with Cider’s speed made for amazing moments – quickly dodging enemies and then launching daggers into the crowd. You’ll also experiment with mixing different abilities together. As you progress, you’ll unlock ways to combine larger Rituals, like summoning a fiery tornado. Some of these powerful Rituals require completing side quests or advancing the story, encouraging you to explore everything the game has to offer.

After each attempt, Mother Uchawi brings you back to life and calculates your Radiance – that’s how you earn experience. You use Radiance and any crystals you collected to permanently improve your abilities. Then you start a new run, maybe trying different routes to complete side quests, until you finally defeat the Sun King and continue the adventure.

Playing Absolum is a pure delight. I found it hard to stop playing, and even a little frustrating when real life demanded my attention. It brilliantly connects to the roots of classic gaming, creating a truly fresh and exciting experience. It feels like Absolum has redefined the beat-’em-up genre, and I doubt things will ever be quite the same.

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2025-10-09 16:11