Fight as the outcast heroes of Talamh in a fierce battle to retake magic from Sun King Azra’s grasp in Absolum, an original roguelite beat ‘em up by Dotemu.
RPG Gamers summaryAbsolum, the newest title from the creators of several hallmark side-scrolling beat ‘em ups, offers an inviting mix of action-filled combat sequences married with the unpredictability of roguelite play. Drawing inspiration from classic arcade games but wrapped within an entirely unique world setting, Absolum looks to take a fresh approach to the well-loved games of yesteryears.
Set in the magical universe of Talamh, the game’s story is laden with magic and conspiracy. The world is reeling from a crisis triggered by the ambitions of powerful wizards, leading to distrust towards magic within the general populace. The crafty Sun King Azra exploits this unease, establishing dominance over wizards through his Crimson Order and installing loyal princes to govern the lands he has annexed.
With Azra’s grip further tightening, the game follows the logline of Uchawi, a high enchantress, and a handful of rebels as they utilize forbidden magic to rise against the corrupt regime. The narrative gives extra emphasis on the outliers of Talamh, each having a distinct fighting style that adds different combat dimensions to the gameplay.
Players experience the cataclysmic tale through the viewpoints of an array of characters, including Galandra, a ferocious warrior from Yeldrim who wheels a colossal sword imbued with necromantic powers. Karl, the last free dwarf of Talamh, is another character, specializing in close-range melees using his trusty blunderbuss and sheer strength. As the story progresses, players are also introduced to two additional characters, Brome, a wizard magician, and the elusive Cider, in their mission to overthrow the Sun King.
Absolum is a product of Dotemu and Guard Crush’s expertise in beat ‘em ups and Supamonks’ mastery in art and animation. It promises to deliver a thrilling gaming experience with its fast-paced action, multiple-branch pathways, and nonrepeating encounters, guaranteeing something new to look forward to in each new playthrough.
The game highlights intense encounters with Azra’s guard, utilizing nimble combos and spellcasting capabilities. Moreover, the game offers both single-player mode and co-op play, where players can act solo or team up with a friend in battling against Azra’s forces.
Lastly, the world of Talamh is highly detailed, filled with hidden truths and deceit. Each player’s journey is underscored by a powerful original soundtrack, which includes work from Gareth Coker, known for Ori, Halo Infinite, and Prince of Persia, and collaborations with renowned game music artists like Yuka Kitamura and Mick Gordon.
In summary, Absolum looks set to deliver a creative blend of new and nostalgic gaming elements, with a captivating narrative and promising combat system. However, only time will tell if it can truly live up to its lofty aims.
