Absolum

Absolum is a standout 2D beat 'em up roguelite that successfully blends tight, satisfying combat with rich roguelike progression and a beautifully crafted world. Players praise its responsive gameplay mechanics, diverse character movesets, and strategic depth that allow for varied builds and styles. The game features multiple branching paths, quests, and secrets, which keep each run fresh and engaging. The art style is hand-drawn and vibrant, complemented by an outstanding soundtrack featuring contributions from notable composers, enhancing immersion.

Co-op play, both local and online with rollback netcode, is highly enjoyable, adding a social dimension to the experience. While the story is serviceable and less ambitious than some roguelites like Hades, it is well-integrated with gameplay and worldbuilding. Some players noted repetition in map design and a few pacing issues, but overall, the game is polished, accessible, and rewarding for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

Highlights

Players widely praise the fluid and responsive combat system that balances accessibility with depth, including parries, dodges, and combo chaining. The distinctive art style and detailed animations create a visually striking experience, while the soundtrack by acclaimed composers adds emotional weight and atmosphere. The roguelite elements, such as branching paths, build variety, and meta-progression, provide strong replayability. The inclusion of both local and online co-op with robust rollback netcode enhances the gameplay experience. Fans also appreciate the worldbuilding and subtle narrative integration, which enrich the overall adventure.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a somewhat limited number of playable characters and character color options, which some players wish to see expanded in future updates or DLC. The roguelite progression can feel inconsistent or luck-dependent due to RNG in build options and locked moves behind boss fights or boons. A few players mention repetition in map layouts and pacing issues with quest tracking, as well as occasional bugs or glitches. Some find the difficulty curve punishing at times and note minor mechanical frustrations such as input timing during parries or build variety limitations. The story and voice acting, while competent, are seen as less engaging compared to genre leaders like Hades.