This roguelike side-scrolling beat ’em up is my early pick for the best demo in Steam Next Fest – Destructoid

The latest and most exciting title from the maker of several modernized retro titles is taking a swing at its first original game, and judging from my playtime with it, it may be a banger.

Publisher and dev Dotemu has done an exceptional job in “modernizing classic gameplay” with titles like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Streets of Rage 4, but Absolum is its first-ever original IP. And after playing the demo early ahead of its arrival during Steam Next Fest, I’m all aboard the hype train.

I must admit, I am a sucker for a classic beat ’em up. Growing up with classics like Battletoads and my personal favorite, Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage, this is definitely my sweet spot (MARVEL Cosmic Invasion from Dotemu is another one I’m greatly looking forward to this year), so I’m slightly biased.

Absolum, co-developed by Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks, takes that classic side-scrolling fighter gameplay and adds roguelike elements to create something very fun. And it’s all wrapped in a charming, animated 2D art style. The demo features three playable characters named Galandra, Karl, and Cider, all bringing their own uniqueness to the table via personality and moveset.

During one run, I gained boons like the ability to deal burn damage and a built-up tornado-like wind debuff with my basic attack. I was also able to hire a mercenary character to assist me, so by the end of my run, I torched the boss with ease. But as is the case with roguelikes, you could get something totally different each time as you play through randomized runs to advance the story, a la Hades.

“Battle as one of three distinctly powerful warriors in Absolum while exploring an enthralling original world, where the use of magic is banished by an oppressive tyrant,” its description reads. “The land’s only hope for a bright future lies with a defiant band of rebels aided by a mysterious, mythical mentor’s forbidden magic.”

Each character has their own attack style and unlockable abilities that you gain access to with each run, of which just one is available in the demo. There’s a light attack, a strong attack, an interchangeable powerful third attack, and you can sprint, dodge, and parry. It’s simple but fun, and it’s got me fiending for more, and I’m excited to dive back in once the game releases.

It can be played solo and in two player co-op, both online and offline, evoking the memories of days past when I had friends and could tag team awesome beat ’em up games like this with them. Absolum definitely evokes some fun, nostalgic feelings, but it feels new enough to be a different kind of exciting, as well.

Absolum is due to launch in 2025 for PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, and the demo is available now during Steam Next Fest.