Absolum is the latest of DotEmu’s retro-inspired beat ‘em ups to pop up, but don’t take it for face value as it’s much more than a nostalgia-fueled trip. For as tired as anything with “rogue” in the genre might sound to you at this point, Absolum is an exception to the rule of making tired runs over and over until you succeed for the simple fact that it’s a co-op brawler, and those, in essence, had those elements present already to begin with, they just weren’t called roguelites or roguelikes.
This one not only puts you in control of some flexible and extremely responsive characters, but has you exploring huge maps and facing ever-increasing challenges as you unlock more skills, powers, and new heroes along the way. When you fail, and you will, much like your run-of-the-mill brawler, you’ll have to start from the beginning again. Different from the rest, though, is how you’re able to make your fighter better between every run by investing in them using the currency you picked up and brought back to your base.
The game is full of personality starting with its story, a fantasy-fueled tale that introduces us to a world where magic used to be top dog until it caused a cataclysm that wiped out almost all life. It was banished and those who wield it were cast out and imprisoned. When Absolum begins, you’re part of a group formed by only two magic users but your posse grows the more you play, and each is as different to play as their visages.
You’re able to join up with a friend either locally or online and the seemlessness of how that is implemented in the game makes it an incredibly enjoyable experience, much akin to the one found in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, thanks to how easy it all is. Pun aside, it really does feel like magic how it all works in a world where that’s still a hurdle for a lot of developers.
Speaking of developers, it’s important to give props to them when it comes to Absolum’s overall gameplay. It’s a side-scroller with lots of punch that doesn’t make you feel like a peepsqueak but a badass right from the very beginning, something that only improves and improves the further you get in. There are combos to discover and implement, along with powers to grow stronger, and it’s all so well implemented that it makes it a joy to keep coming back for more. The trio behind the game, Supamonks, Guard Crush, and DotEmu themselves deserve all the praise they’ll get after Absolum is finally released for how malleable they’ve made this game and how much of a joy it is to circle around the roster and give everyone a go as they’re so fun and unique to play as.
Absolum is, without a doubt, an absolute achievement in the multitude of genres that can be attributed to it. It’s easily one of the most playable beat ‘em ups that I’ve played in quite a while, and for as much as I’m in conflict with the rogues, this is one that makes me fear how addicted I can get to it if I’m not careful. Safe to say, Absolum is among 2025’s best releases, no doubt.
