Absolum Review: A Challenging Roguelite Beat ‘Em Up on Nintendo Switch 2
Absolum is a vigorous addition to the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup, bringing a fresh take on the roguelite beat ‘em up genre.
Developed by Supamonks in collaboration with publisher DotEmu, this title has rapidly garnered attention for its engaging cooperative gameplay, diverse character selection, and dynamic progression mechanics.
Since its debut, Absolum has appealed to fans seeking both single-player and cooperative experiences, leveraging the versatile hardware capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2. Set in a world thrown into chaos by a magical catastrophe, Absolum tasks players with overthrowing the tyrannical Sun King Azra.
This antagonist has seized control amid widespread panic, exploiting the mistakes of wizards whose failed magic caused a cataclysm.
Players must band together—either solo or in local and online co-op modes—to challenge Azra's oppressive reign across a series of procedurally challenging levels.
The story introduces a dramatic backstory, supported by a light tutorial phase that eases newcomers into gameplay basics such as movement and combat. At the start, players choose between two primary characters, Galandra the Elf and Karl the Dwarf, each offering unique combat styles and abilities.
Through continued play and progression, two additional characters—Brome and Cider—can be unlocked, expanding strategic options.
While Absolum currently offers two-player co-op, this design choice emphasizes character progression and strategic collaboration, as noted by the development team at Supamonks. In a recent statement provided to Nintendo Direct, DotEmu highlighted the replay value of Absolum.
"Each run presents a fresh challenge, and our upgrade system ensures that players are always able to advance and experiment with new strategies," the publisher explained.
The core gameplay loop emphasizes run-based progression: players defeat enemies to collect gemstones, which can be exchanged for permanent upgrades such as increased health or enhanced attacks at The Hearth—the game's central hub.
Dying is not the end, but an opportunity to return stronger, equipped with new abilities for the next attempt. Absolum’s in-game currency, earned through combat, can be spent at checkpoints within levels after overcoming bosses.
These stops offer temporary upgrades and the option to recruit NPC allies, further augmenting player strategies for upcoming challenges.
The game features a blend of linear and branching paths across four distinct lands, each dominated by unique boss encounters that demand skillful timing and adaptability. A noteworthy feature of Absolum is its dynamic difficulty adjustment.
Players can pause the game at any time to tweak settings, altering both incoming and outgoing damage between increments of 100% and 0%.
This flexible system enables players to lower the challenge when stuck or ramp it up for an added test, greatly increasing accessibility and replayability.
As described by DotEmu, "Absolum empowers gamers to tailor their experience, making it accessible for newcomers and rewarding for veterans alike." On the gameplay front, Absolum upholds the core appeal of beat ‘em ups: fast-paced combat, satisfying combos, and moments of intense action.
While some may find the combat feedback and depth perception take some adjustment, the overall experience remains fluid and engaging.
The game’s stylish visuals and distinct character animations add to its vibrant presentation, though preferences may vary regarding the fighting cadence. Ultimately, Absolum stands out as a well-rounded roguelite for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering significant content and high replay value.
With its blend of cooperative gameplay, unlockable upgrades, challenging bosses, and accessible difficulty adjustments, Absolum is a compelling choice for fans of the beat ‘em up genre.
Its strong foundation ensures players will find themselves returning for just one more run, time and time again.
Developed by Supamonks in collaboration with publisher DotEmu, this title has rapidly garnered attention for its engaging cooperative gameplay, diverse character selection, and dynamic progression mechanics.
Since its debut, Absolum has appealed to fans seeking both single-player and cooperative experiences, leveraging the versatile hardware capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2. Set in a world thrown into chaos by a magical catastrophe, Absolum tasks players with overthrowing the tyrannical Sun King Azra.
This antagonist has seized control amid widespread panic, exploiting the mistakes of wizards whose failed magic caused a cataclysm.
Players must band together—either solo or in local and online co-op modes—to challenge Azra's oppressive reign across a series of procedurally challenging levels.
The story introduces a dramatic backstory, supported by a light tutorial phase that eases newcomers into gameplay basics such as movement and combat. At the start, players choose between two primary characters, Galandra the Elf and Karl the Dwarf, each offering unique combat styles and abilities.
Through continued play and progression, two additional characters—Brome and Cider—can be unlocked, expanding strategic options.
While Absolum currently offers two-player co-op, this design choice emphasizes character progression and strategic collaboration, as noted by the development team at Supamonks. In a recent statement provided to Nintendo Direct, DotEmu highlighted the replay value of Absolum.
"Each run presents a fresh challenge, and our upgrade system ensures that players are always able to advance and experiment with new strategies," the publisher explained.
The core gameplay loop emphasizes run-based progression: players defeat enemies to collect gemstones, which can be exchanged for permanent upgrades such as increased health or enhanced attacks at The Hearth—the game's central hub.
Dying is not the end, but an opportunity to return stronger, equipped with new abilities for the next attempt. Absolum’s in-game currency, earned through combat, can be spent at checkpoints within levels after overcoming bosses.
These stops offer temporary upgrades and the option to recruit NPC allies, further augmenting player strategies for upcoming challenges.
The game features a blend of linear and branching paths across four distinct lands, each dominated by unique boss encounters that demand skillful timing and adaptability. A noteworthy feature of Absolum is its dynamic difficulty adjustment.
Players can pause the game at any time to tweak settings, altering both incoming and outgoing damage between increments of 100% and 0%.
This flexible system enables players to lower the challenge when stuck or ramp it up for an added test, greatly increasing accessibility and replayability.
As described by DotEmu, "Absolum empowers gamers to tailor their experience, making it accessible for newcomers and rewarding for veterans alike." On the gameplay front, Absolum upholds the core appeal of beat ‘em ups: fast-paced combat, satisfying combos, and moments of intense action.
While some may find the combat feedback and depth perception take some adjustment, the overall experience remains fluid and engaging.
The game’s stylish visuals and distinct character animations add to its vibrant presentation, though preferences may vary regarding the fighting cadence. Ultimately, Absolum stands out as a well-rounded roguelite for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering significant content and high replay value.
With its blend of cooperative gameplay, unlockable upgrades, challenging bosses, and accessible difficulty adjustments, Absolum is a compelling choice for fans of the beat ‘em up genre.
Its strong foundation ensures players will find themselves returning for just one more run, time and time again.
