Absolum's Debut: A Retro-Infused Quest with Modern Combat Innovations

This fresh release from a smaller studio has captured attention with impressive early sales and a blend of classic gameplay with innovative design. The response shows that there is still strong support for traditional side-scrolling combat games.

Absolum, developed by Dotemu along with Guard Crush and Supamonks, reached over 200,000 copies sold in its first week. The launch has been celebrated by both critics and longtime fans who appreciate the revival of a beloved genre.

Set against a fantastical backdrop where an oppressive ruler casts a dark shadow over the land, players choose from four distinct heroes on a quest to challenge his dominion. The game offers engaging combination moves and a roguelike progression that refines the player's skills with every playthrough. Although its sales do not compare to blockbuster figures seen in some major titles, its achievements are particularly noteworthy given the debut nature of this new intellectual property.

The niche status of classic side-scrolling combat games makes these launch figures even more remarkable. Enthusiasm around the game was evident at a recent industry event where one of its prominent figures shared insights about the development process and future prospects.

• Accessible on PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC
• Up to now, no official announcement has been made regarding an Xbox version