Dotemu announced today that the highly anticipated fantasy beat-'em-up, Absolum, will officially launch on October 9. This announcement follows a recent preview event where the gaming press had the opportunity to experience a new playable character and zone. As a fan eagerly awaiting this title, I didn't have a chance to play Absolum when it was first unveiled in March. However, after diving into the latest demo over the weekend, my excitement for the final version has skyrocketed. I believe this game could very well be a surprise contender for Game of the Year for many players.
Traditionally, I have not been drawn to beat-'em-ups due to their lack of depth, but Absolum addresses this concern by incorporating elements from modern roguelikes, with a clear inspiration from Supergiant's acclaimed title, Hades. Each gameplay session begins with selecting a Ritual for your character, similar to the Boons in Hades. These Rituals enhance your character’s abilities with unique properties. For instance, during my second playthrough, I activated a Ritual that caused throwable rose daggers to spawn whenever I executed a perfectly timed dodge. This feature allowed me to take down formidable enemies from a distance effectively.
As players progress through Absolum, they will encounter additional Rituals, some of which synergize with one another, reminiscent of the Duo Boons in Hades. Coupled with the game's Arcana system, which permits the selection of up to two special attacks for your character, Absolum offers impressive combat variety. The gameplay feels engaging and avoids the typical button-mashing experience commonly found in the genre. The combat mechanics are very Souls-like, requiring players to adopt different strategies for various enemies. It's crucial to focus on dodging attacks, as healing items are sparse within the game.
To balance the scarcity of healing items, Absolum provides multiple ways to avoid damage. Players can sidestep attacks, dash into enemies to block them, or perform a Skill attack called a Clash. Timing is essential; successfully executing these maneuvers can lead to punishing counterattacks against enemies. Among these options, Clashes serve as the game's version of parries and are the most challenging to execute. However, they can significantly turn the tide in boss fights by deflecting devastating attacks.
During the preview, Dotemu allowed players to explore the full roster of four unique characters. Over five hours of gameplay, I found the most enjoyment playing as Galandra, a necromantic warrior wielding a massive sword that would impress even Guts fans. Each character in Absolum feels distinct, enhancing the overall experience. For example, Brome, a mage-like character who was not featured in the recent Steam Next Fest demo, focuses on controlling the battlefield with powerful beams and is humorously represented as a frog.
The new zone, Jaroba, introduced fresh challenges that kept the gameplay dynamic. Enemies in this area utilized more complex attack patterns, making dodging and countering a thrilling experience as I adapted to the evolving combat mechanics of Absolum.
With its innovative gameplay, strategic combat mechanics, and unique characters, Absolum promises to deliver an exciting experience for both beat-'em-up enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The game's release on October 9 is highly anticipated, and I am eager to see how it performs in the gaming community. Mark your calendars and prepare for an adventure that could redefine the genre!
