Absolum Preview: A Stunning Rogue ‘Em Up Ready to Revive the Arcade Glory Days

Absolum, an upcoming roguelite beat ‘em up from Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks, is shaping up to be a visually stunning love letter to classic arcade brawlers, with a few tricks up its sleeve. Set to launch on October 9th for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, this title caught our attention with its striking trailer in a recent Nintendo Direct. After diving into the details and gathering some early impressions, we're even more excited. Here are some of the reasons why Absolum could be a standout release this Fall..

A Visual Feast of Hand-Drawn Goodness

One of the first things that grabs you about Absolum is its incredible hand-drawn art style. Every frame feels like it’s been ripped from a high-quality animated film, with lush, detailed environments and character designs that pop with personality. From the majestic mines of Grandery to the verdant forests of Jaroba, the world of Talamh is a visual spectacle. The animation, crafted by Supamonks, brings a fluidity and expressiveness that elevates every punch, slash, and spell. Whether it’s Galandra’s colossal sword swings or Brome’s hovering movement, the game’s aesthetic is a masterclass in marrying art with action, making every moment a treat for the eyes.

Classic Beat ‘Em Up Meets Roguelite Innovation

The gameplay in Absolum is intriguing, pairing a classic arcade beat-em-up with roguelite elements. It channels the raw, satisfying combat of genre pioneers while weaving in modern roguelite mechanics for endless replayability. Players control one of four rebels, Galandra, Karl, Cider, or Brome, battling through the shattered world of Talamh against Sun King Azra’s oppressive regime. The core combat is fast-paced, demanding skillful timing for combos, magical counters, and dodges. But what sets Absolum apart is its roguelite twist: randomized level layouts, unlockable “Rituals” (passive abilities), and “Inspirations” (active skills) that reset on death, pushing you to adapt strategies each run. This blend keeps the action fresh, challenging players to master both reflexes and build-crafting. This is a really great twist on the classic arcade beat-em up formula because you won't necessarily be able to memorize every level to achieve success. Very cool stuff.

Co-Op Chaos with Four Unique Heroes

Absolum shines as a co-op game, with four distinct characters, each with their own strengths. Galandra, an elf wielding a massive sword and necromantic powers, is a powerhouse of precision and fury. Karl, a dwarf, combines brute force with an enchanted weapon called Beste, crushing foes like an avalanche. Cider, a human-construct hybrid, dances through combat with high-flying kicks and an extendable arm, perfect for agile players. Brome, a frog-man wizard, levitates and casts spells, offering ranged and area-of-effect attacks. The game supports two-player cooperative multiplayer, making it a blast to team up and combine these unique move-sets. Whether you’re chaining combos or covering each other’s weaknesses, the co-op dynamic adds depth and encourages teamwork to take down your foes.

A Nod to Classics Like Golden Axe

The game’s trailer screams nostalgia, calling back to classics of the genre like Golden Axe. From its fantasy setting to the visceral thrill of mowing down waves of enemies, Absolum captures the arcade spirit of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The world of Talamh, fractured by a magical cataclysm, evokes the epic, sword-and-sorcery vibe of Golden Axe, but with a modern polish. The trailer showcases rapid combo chains, spellcasting, and cool boss battles. It’s a perfect mix of retro vibes and contemporary design, appealing to both old-school fans and newcomers.

A Soundtrack That Soars

Absolum’s music sounds like a treat, with a recent trailer highlighting themes performed by a live orchestra. Composed by Gareth Coker (Ori, Halo Infinite) with contributions from Yuka Kitamura (Dark Souls, Elden Ring) and Mick Gordon (Doom Eternal), the soundtrack is a powerhouse. The orchestral performance adds a cinematic grandeur, perfectly matching the game’s lush visuals and intense battles. From sweeping exploration themes to heart-pounding combat tracks, the music immerses you in Talamh’s world, making every fight feel like a climactic showdown.

Final Thoughts

Absolum is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of beat ‘em ups and roguelites alike. Its jaw-dropping hand-drawn art, innovative gameplay blend, robust co-op, nostalgic roots, and stellar soundtrack make it a promising addition to the genre. The free Steam demo, available now, offers a taste of its “Rogue ‘Em Up” formula, complete with three playable fighters, unlockable advantages, and a great boss fight. If you’re itching for a fresh take on arcade action, Absolum is one to wishlist, or maybe even pre-order for your favorite console, so you can be there on launch day.

Absolum for Nintendo Switch - $39.99 at Amazon

Absolum launches October 9, 2025, on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Check out the official site at https://playabsolum.com/ for more details and stay in touch with us at GameMinr.com for all the latest as we get closer to launch.