Absolum Reviews
Absolum transforms the roguelike formula through its beat-em-up combat, branching choices, and hand-drawn world that rewards mastery and curiosity.
Absolum is an excellent beat ‘em up let down by a roguelite structure that doesn’t serve it.
So Absolum is ultimately a beat 'em up with a bit more depth and progression than we've seen before in this style of game that has been so resistant to change since it was born in the arcades. Absolum lacks the extensive variance of a true roguelike, but delivers enough intricacy to push the genre into a more interesting space than it's ever occupied.
Even when the Lizard King laughed off my attacks for the fourth time in a row and had me inventing new swear words, the stacked challenge was never enough to stop me from sinking even more time into Talamh. Absolum’s effort to push its tried and true genre further is an absolute win, my new favourite of the bunch, and the biggest thing for beat ‘em ups since Streets of Rage 4 single-handedly brought them back.
This feels like it belongs firmly in 2025 – and it's good enough to have you wondering what other bygone genres would benefit from similarly thoughtful, lavish treatment.
Absolum is a game I’ve wanted to play since I was a kid. We get simple, approachable brawling battles, high production values in art and music, and a richly imagined fantasy world, all wrapped around a narrative that makes replay and progression worth coming back to advance again and again. It’s not a game that is going to change anyone’s opinions about the genre, but it is a brilliant implementation of a very old formula into something that feels modern, deeply replayable, and unmistakably fun.
Infusing a classic beat-'em-up structure with a modern roguelike loop is a match made in heaven.
Absolum aims to be a modern beat'em up with roguelite elements in its gameplay.
Absolum is an on-par experience to Dragon's Crown, but a superior game in terms of its key metrics. Its combat, collectible augmentations, and planning are exceptionally well-formulated, ensuring no run is ever quite the same and its strategic options and play-styles are ever-deepening. It's incredibly impressive in its reconstitution of arcade, role-playing, and roguelike formats, evolving them into something fresh and exciting.To that end, it's one of the best of its kind, whatever that kind may be. If you don't enjoy the idea of repetition and grind, you may not fall in love with its initial five hours, but the momentum for one-more-go becomes so compelling after a while that it's impossible to relinquish the pad.
Absolum is a game that will be remembered not only for its incredible scenery but also for its fantastic gameplay. From the very first moments, it's clear that Absolum is something special and unique. A mix of powerful mechanics and expert game design will make players leave every session wanting more. Absolum will undoubtedly make a name for itself as one of the greatest games of the year. Whether it's with a friend or solo, beating up hordes of enemies has never been so much fun.
Absolum blends nostalgic, arcade beat 'em up gameplay with addictive progression, a charming Saturday morning cartoon-like aesthetic, and a cool storyline and setting to create the latest and greatest triumphant evolution of the roguelike genre.
Absolum is one of the most polished and varied beat 'em ups of all time, which is saying something. Its progression system keeps you playing. It's among the elite in 2025.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If I could have Absolum without the roguelite elements – and admittedly, a few less glitches – then I would have my ideal 2D side-scrolling beat 'em up, the best I've ever played. As it is, the roguelite structure and its inconsistent delivery unfortunately lowers the overall experience. It's still a very enjoyable game, even with these issues, but this was so close to being a classic of the genre.
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Absolum is a gorgeous build-crafting roguelite beat 'em up.
Those are big boots to fill. And while Absolum might not quite reach the godly level of Supergiant’s roguelite classic, it’s attempted stab at coming incredibly close is both deadly and effective.
Absolum enters the crowded roguelike space with a refreshing and appealing art style and classic-feeling beat-em-up mechanics. Playable solo or in 2-person co-op, each of Absolum’s characters caters to a very specific playstyle, and it’s fun to switch between them. Although character progression is a little slow, and the movement mechanics occasionally frustrate, Absolum should appeal to fans of engaging action adventures, roguelikes, and brawlers. Absolum has something for almost everyone.
I can't stop playing this game! Great as a beat'em up, great as a roguelite, Absolum is just wonderful as a combination of the two genres. The cherry on top – but maybe is the foundation below – is a glorious lore and a brilliant narration that will keep you wanting more.
Review in Italian | Read full review
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An absolute treat that kept me coming back for more. Absolum does a lot right, and it's all due to the hard work of DotEmu and Guard Crush's previous efforts. With incredible combat, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that packs so much variety, it's hard to imagine how DotEmu can top themselves after Absolum.