Absolum Review: The Next-Gen Co-op Brawler Redefined in a Must-Play Roguelike

The gaming landscape of 2025 has seen a massive surge in innovative genre fusions, yet few titles have managed to execute this combination with the sheer polish and replayability of Absolum. Developed by the veterans at Guard Crush Games and Supamonks, and published by the renowned Dotemu, this “rogue ’em up” has officially hit the market, merging the visceral satisfaction of classic beat ’em up arcade action with the deep, evolving structure of a modern roguelite. Released on October 9, 2025, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5, Absolum is not just a throwback; it’s a confident, forward-looking design that redefines its lineage.

For years, the beat ’em up genre, while beloved, struggled with the problem of longevity. Absolum provides the definitive answer by integrating a run-based structure. Each journey into the besieged fantasy world of Talamh under the tyranny of Sun King Azra is a unique experience. This brilliant design choice, which we deem a high-value innovation, ensures that even after a challenging defeat—and there will be many—the call for “one more run” is immediate and compelling. The developers themselves noted the intention was to make a game where the character progresses alongside the player’s skill, eliminating the frustration of purely old-school difficulty.

Combat and Progression: A Masterclass in Fluid Action and RPG Mechanics

The core of Absolum’s appeal lies in its combat. It’s fast, fluid, and wonderfully complex without ever feeling overwhelming. The animations are crisp, the hitboxes are tight, and every punch, kick, and special attack carries a significant, satisfying impact. This is further enhanced by several key mechanics:

• Combo “Cash-Out” System: A standout feature that allows players to convert their combo meter mid-fight into a devastating, strategic finisher. This elevates simple button-mashing to a tactical decision.
• Responsive Parry System: Successfully deflecting incoming attacks leaves enemies vulnerable, adding a layer of high-skill defense and counter-attack that is critical against the game’s challenging bosses.
• Magical Arcanas: Each of the four distinct heroes can channel supernatural powers. These magical abilities introduce a strategic layer, enabling screen-clearing effects or powerful single-target damage, effectively shifting the tide of battle.

The integration of deep RPG progression systems is where the roguelike element truly shines. On each run, players discover new “Rituals” or powerful, temporary buffs, such as elemental magic or stat boosts. More importantly, permanent character upgrades and new combat abilities are unlocked using earned XP over multiple runs, giving a persistent sense of growing power that softens the blow of permadeath. This meta-progression is crucial for accessibility, inviting both veteran brawler fans and newcomers to the genre.

The Co-op Experience: Rallying the Rebellion Online and Locally

A true beat ’em up tradition, Absolum’s co-op multiplayer is arguably where the game hits its zenith. Supporting two-player local and online co-op, the experience is described as “chaotic” but in the best possible way. The synergy between the four playable characters—Galandra, the versatile swordswoman; Karl, the tanky dwarf; Cider, the agile rogue; and Brome, the frog mage—is paramount.

The dynamic of two players coordinating different build styles—perhaps Karl’s close-range strength paired with Brome’s ranged spells—adds immense depth and replay value. This co-op focus is a key driver in the multiplayer gaming market, offering a fresh, strategic alternative to typical session-based games.

Available Heroes and Playstyles:

• Galandra: Balanced, sword-clad fighter with necromantic powers. High precision.
• Karl: The sturdy dwarf. Excels at close-range strength and ranged firepower.
• Cider: Enigmatic fusion of human and construct. Focuses on agility and rapid strikes.
• Brome: The magically gifted Mowlai (humanoid frog). Dominates from afar with powerful spells.

World Design and Audio-Visuals: A Fantasy Tapestry Worth Exploring

Absolum is a feast for the eyes and ears. The game boasts a distinct, bold cartoon style with incredible hand-drawn visuals that stand out in the crowded market. Each location, from the burning towns of Talamh to the majestic mines of Grandery, is masterfully crafted, giving the world a beautiful and dark atmosphere. The visuals are not merely aesthetic; the clarity in animation and character silhouettes is crucial for the game’s fast-paced, sometimes overwhelming combat scenarios.

Accompanying the visuals is a star-studded original soundtrack from composer Gareth Coker (known for the Ori series and Halo Infinite), with guest tracks from legends like Yuka Kitamura (Dark Souls, Elden Ring) and Mick Gordon (Doom Eternal). This orchestral, cinematic score ensures that every beat of the journey feels epic and high-stakes.

Environmental and Narrative Design:

• The world of Talamh is an intricate tapestry of secrets and branching paths, offering high replayability.
• Players encounter diverse enemy types—from goblins to lizard soldiers—each requiring a distinct combat approach.
• The overarching narrative, while simple—a battle to retake magic from the tyrant Sun King Azra—serves as a strong foundation for the run-based structure.

Final Verdict: A New Benchmark for the Beat ‘Em Up and Roguelite Genres

Absolum isn’t just a great beat ’em up; it’s one of the best action games of 2025. It successfully melds the core tenets of two classic genres, creating an experience that is at once deeply nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The tight, skillful combat, coupled with the endlessly compelling roguelike loop of metaprogression, ensures that players will find themselves logging dozens of hours. While a minor initial grind may deter some, the momentum quickly builds, making the game impossible to put down.

If you are looking for a top-rated co-op experience with a satisfying skill ceiling, a rewarding progression path, and world-class presentation, Absolum is a critical purchase. It is a genuine “rogue ’em up” that sets a new, premium gaming benchmark for the genre. This title is not merely surviving in a crowded field; it is dominating it.

Absolum is available on: PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The developers have stated an Xbox version is not currently planned for this title due to development prioritization.