Absolum

About Absolum

Absolum is an action RPG with side-scrolling beat ‘em up roots from DotEmu, released October 9, 2025, on PS4, PS5, PC, and Switch. It merges arcade-style combat with roguelite mechanics, set in the fractured fantasy world of Talamh. After a magical disaster, rebels led by Uchawi battle the tyrannical Sun King Azra. The game blends fast melee and magic attacks with procedurally generated maps, letting you fight solo or with a friend. It’s a love letter to 80s arcade brawlers with modern twists like permadeath and skill progression.

Gameplay

Each run throws you into side-scrolling levels packed with waves of enemies. Combat focuses on combo-based melee and elemental magic, with tight controls that let you dodge, parry, and unleash flashy finishers. Procedural layouts keep things fresh, ruins, forests, and Azra’s fortresses shift each playthrough. Multiplayer adds a chaotic layer: two players share a health pool but can synergize attacks, like one stunning enemies while the other strikes. Between runs, you tweak your build with earned points, balancing aggression and defense. The rogue-lite structure means starting over if you die, but unlocked upgrades carry over.

What Players Think

Absolum holds a 84% completion rate on PC, with 62% finishing in under 20 hours. Average playtime is 14 hours, though 15% hit 50+ hours chasing 100 achievements. Community moods lean energetic and motivated, players praise the “snappy combat” and “lovable rogue-lite elements.” Critics at GameSpot called it “a blast for fans of old-school brawlers,” while PC Gamer noted “the co-op is chaotic but rewarding.” Reviews highlight the $39.99 price as fair for the replayability, though some wish for deeper story progression.

PlayPile's Take

Absolum is a punchy, replayable romp best for fans of brawlers and roguelites. The $39.99 price and 100 achievements justify it for multiplayer fun or solo runs. It lacks a large story, but the combat and co-op make it a solid pick for short sessions. If you crave tight mechanics over depth, this one’s worth a spin.

Storyline

Talamh has been shattered by a magical cataclysm caused by ambitious wizards, leaving magic mistrusted by the common folk. Sun King Azra took advantage of this panic, enslaving wizards through his Crimson Order and placing loyal princes to rule over the conquered realms. As Azra’s forces claim more and more lands, the high enchantress Uchawi and a small group of rebels rise from the shadows, wielding forbidden magic to challenge his oppressive regime and defy his absolute magic power.