A New Challenger Appears: ‘Absolum’ Continues to Impress Ahead of October Launch

The venerable beat-’em-up genre has found a new standard-bearer in Absolum, a new title from the acclaimed teams at Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks. With a confirmed release date of October 9, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, a new wave of previews and a recent demo have solidified the game’s reputation as a genre-redefining “rogue ’em up.” The game is a bold blend of classic side-scrolling action with modern roguelite elements, a unique fusion that is a testament to the developers’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a beat-’em-up. From its stunning art style to its deep, rewarding combat, Absolum is poised to be one of the most exciting new games of the year.

A Modern Beat-‘Em-Up With a Roguelite Twist

What sets Absolum apart from its predecessors is its innovative use of roguelite mechanics. While the game features a series of hand-crafted stages with branching paths, the core of the game is its “run-based” progression. Much like a game like Hades, players will enter each run with a choice of four unique characters and a number of temporary power-ups that will shape their playstyle. These power-ups, known as “Rituals,” take the form of elemental crystals that can be bound to your character. These boons can augment your basic attacks with fire damage, chain lightning, or even spawn tornadoes that launch enemies into the air. This brilliant new system ensures that every run feels fresh and exciting, as the unique combinations of power-ups and abilities will force players to craft new strategies on the fly. The game’s developers, who have been very open about their process, have confirmed that the game will feature an “endless replayability,” and it is a clear sign that they are building a game that will have a long and a powerful legacy.

A Deep and Rewarding Combat System

While the roguelite elements are a major part of the game’s appeal, the core of Absolum is its deep and rewarding combat. The game’s two-button system, a combination of light and heavy attacks, is simple to learn but incredibly difficult to master. The combat is described as “Souls-like,” a comparison that is a testament to the game’s challenging and mechanically complex design. The game features a number of unique defensive moves, including a “Clash” system that allows you to parry an enemy’s attack and a “perfect dodge” that can turn the tide of a battle. The game also features a number of new, unique moves for each of its four characters, including:

Galandra, the necromancer: A warrior who wields a colossal sword and uses necromantic powers to dispatch her enemies.

Karl, the dwarf: A master of close-range brawls who uses his bare fists and an ancestral blunderbuss.

Brome, the wizard: A new character revealed at Gamescom, who uses his staff for melee combos and ranged spellcasting.

Cider, the rogue: A nimble and acrobatic skirmisher who is in search of answers among the scattered fragments of their soul.

Each character feels distinct and unique, a clear sign that the developers have put a great deal of time and effort into creating a game that is not just a collection of different moves but is a collection of different playstyles. The game’s bosses are also a highlight, with a number of challenging and unique fights that will test your skills and your ability to adapt to new situations.

The Art of the Brawler

Finally, the game is a visual masterpiece. The art style, which is a mix of hand-drawn art and cutting-edge animation, is a perfect fit for a game that is a tribute to the classics. The character designs are unique and full of personality, and the backgrounds are beautifully rendered, creating a world that feels both fantastical and alive. The game also features a number of unique, non-combat encounters, from a questing system that will allow you to help out new characters to a number of secret areas and side-quests that will provide a new level of depth and replayability. With its unique blend of a classic genre and modern roguelite elements, Absolum is poised to be a game that will not only please fans of the genre but will also attract a new generation of players. The game is a true hidden gem, and it is a new reason to be excited about the future of the beat-’em-up genre.