The Absolum gameplay trailer dropped recently, and it’s already creating waves in the gaming community. This isn’t just another beat ’em up – Dotemu has crafted something that blends classic arcade brawling with modern roguelike elements in ways we haven’t seen before.
What Makes Absolum Stand Out
Absolum takes the beloved formula from games like Streets of Rage 4 and injects it with fresh ideas. The gameplay trailer shows off a fantasy world called Talamh where four unlikely heroes band together to take down the tyrannical Sun King Azra. What caught my attention immediately was how seamlessly the game blends traditional beat ’em up action with meaningful progression systems.
The developers at Guard Crush Games and Supamonks have created something that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Each run through the game’s branching pathways offers different experiences, making every playthrough feel fresh and exciting.
Meet the Four Heroes
The Absolum gameplay trailer introduces us to four distinct characters, each with their own combat style and backstory:
- Galandra – An agile elven swordswoman who excels at close-range combat with swift blade techniques
- Karl – A sturdy dwarf who brings heavy firepower and tank-like durability to any fight
- Cider – An enigmatic rogue with acrobatic abilities and stealth-based attacks
- Brome – A magical Mowlaï (humanoid frog) who wields powerful spells and can levitate
What impressed me most was how each character feels genuinely different to play. The trailer shows Brome using his staff for both melee combos and ranged spellcasting, while Karl provides that satisfying heavy-hitter experience that beat ’em up fans love.
Roguelike Elements That Actually Matter
Here’s where Absolum gets interesting. Unlike many games that slap “roguelike” onto their description without much thought, this game integrates the mechanics meaningfully. The Absolum gameplay features permanent character upgrades that persist between runs, giving you a real sense of progression even when you fail.
The meta progression system lets you unlock new items, quests, and warrior upgrades as you explore different paths through the world. This means your 10th playthrough will offer options and strategies that weren’t available during your first attempt.
Co-op Gaming Done Right
One thing the trailer emphasizes is the cooperative gameplay options. Absolum supports both local and online co-op for two players, which feels perfect for this type of game. There’s something magical about playing a beat ’em up with a friend, and the developers clearly understand this.
The trailer shows how both players can choose different characters and playstyles, creating dynamic combat scenarios where a tank-like Karl can protect a more fragile spellcaster like Brome while they unleash devastating magical attacks.
Visual Style and Animation Quality
What really sets Absolum apart is its stunning hand-drawn animation. Supamonks, known for their animation work, has created visuals that flow seamlessly from cinematic cutscenes to actual gameplay. The painterly backgrounds and character animations give the game a distinctive look that stands out in a crowded market.
Every frame of the gameplay trailer showcases the attention to detail in character animations, spell effects, and environmental design. This level of polish is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Dotemu after their success with Streets of Rage 4.
Release Information and Platforms
Mark your calendars for October 9, 2025 – that’s when Absolum launches across multiple platforms. You’ll be able to play on PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The cross-platform availability means pretty much everyone can experience this game regardless of their preferred gaming setup.
The developers have also confirmed that a demo is available on Steam, so you can try before you buy. Based on early player feedback, this demo has already won over many skeptics who weren’t sure about the roguelike elements in a beat ’em up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Absolum release?
Absolum launches on October 9, 2025, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Can you play Absolum solo?
Yes, Absolum is fully playable as a single-player experience, though it also supports two-player local and online co-op.
How many characters are playable in Absolum?
There are four playable characters: Galandra (elven swordsman), Karl (dwarf warrior), Cider (rogue), and Brome (frog wizard).
What platforms will Absolum be available on?
Absolum will release on PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Is there a demo available for Absolum?
Yes, a demo is currently available on Steam for players who want to try the game before purchase.
Who developed Absolum?
Absolum is developed by Guard Crush Games and Supamonks, with Dotemu serving as publisher and co-developer.
What genre is Absolum?
Absolum is a roguelike beat ’em up that combines classic brawling action with modern progression mechanics.
Final Thoughts
The Absolum gameplay trailer has me genuinely excited for what could be one of the best beat ’em ups in years. By taking proven mechanics from successful games like Hades and Streets of Rage 4, then blending them with original ideas and stunning hand-drawn animation, Dotemu has created something that feels both familiar and fresh.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or someone looking for a great entry point into beat ’em up games, Absolum looks like it has something for everyone. The October 9 release date can’t come soon enough.