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Absolum is a fantasy beat ’em up structured around repeatable runs: players fight through branching routes, take on quests and bosses, and build toward later attempts with persistent upgrades. That combination gives the game a clear hook, but the available evidence supports a sourced overview rather than a firsthand verdict: the publisher describes its systems, while independent reviews offer critical perspectives. This review separates those claims and explains what to check before choosing an edition.
What is Absolum?
Absolum is an original game published by Dotemu and co-developed by Dotemu, Guard Crush Games and Supamonks. Dotemu calls it a run-based fantasy adventure set in Talamh, built around beat-’em-up combat and a cast of four rebels. The publisher describes the characters as having distinct skill sets, personalities and motivations, rather than presenting them as interchangeable fighters. Dotemu’s release announcement and its original announcement establish those details.
Dotemu presented Absolum as its first original IP when it announced the game on March 4, 2025. It released on October 9, 2025, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, according to the publisher and the official Steam and PlayStation Store listings.
How do the runs and progression work?
The central structure is a sequence of attempts through a fantasy world. Dotemu says routes branch, and runs can include quests, challenging bosses and unlockable items. The publisher also highlights permanent warrior upgrades: progress is not limited to what a player finds during a single attempt, because some upgrades persist into later runs. The release announcement describes these elements, but does not provide a complete breakdown of upgrade costs, unlock conditions or how much progression carries over.
#1 Best Overall
- STAGES AND SIDE MISSIONS - Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers consists of nine thrilling stages. You'll brawl through shopping malls, slums, subways, and laboratories, each packed with enemies eager to take you down. But that's not all; the adventure is also packed with exciting side missions to keep you on your toes. As you progress through the story, unlock more playable characters to master. Plus, Rushing Beat X supports epic two-player co-op, so grab a friend and double the fun!
- STRATEGIC BRAWLING - With easy-to-control auto combos, even beginners can enjoy the exhilarating action! Create your own combos with counterattacks, follow-up attacks, and attacks using weapons you have picked up along the way. Dashing or jumping will cancel most actions, adding a layer of strategy to your brawls.
- THE RAGE GAUGE - The classic rage gauge rises as you land attacks or endure them. When the gauge reaches MAX, the player enters rage mode. In addition to increased offensive and defensive abilities, the decisive move 'Beat Rush' can also be activated. It's a power rush like nothing else. Use your righteous anger to defeat evil!
- FOOD - At the Tuff E Nuff kitchen car, which also serves as a checkpoint during stages, you can combine various food items. Creating combo meals with three types of food increases healing potential and may even grant special effects. Whether you're attacking or eating, combos are the way to go! You don’t need to eat the food right away either. You can take it with you, so you’ll always have a nourishing meal in your back pocket, ready to give you an extra energy boost when you need it.
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That loop puts two kinds of decisions together: moment-to-moment fighting and longer-term choices about where to go and how to develop a character. GamesRadar describes a run-based pattern of fighting through challenging environments, choosing upgrades and spending banked resources on subsequent attempts. Its review and PC Gamer’s review provide independent critical context on the combat systems and presentation. Those are reviewers’ assessments; they should not be mistaken for a claim of firsthand play in this article.
What do reviews say about the combat and presentation?
The core appeal is the meeting of classic side-scrolling brawling and run-based structure. GamesRadar frames the pairing as a strong fit, while PC Gamer discusses the game’s combat depth and visual presentation. Together, those reviews make the “stunning” label a defensible critical impression to investigate, not an objective specification or a guarantee that every player will respond to the art and combat in the same way.
Rank #2
- Officially Licensed Double Dragon Tee: Licensed artwork from the 1987 arcade beat em up, featuring twin martial artists Billy and Jimmy Lee in the games box art showdown scene, arm to arm over a blade
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For a prospective player, the important question is whether the additional layers—branching paths, character-specific abilities and permanent upgrades—make repeated fights feel meaningfully different. The publisher’s materials establish that these systems are present; the reviews offer opinions on how effectively they work. The sources cited here do not establish a single universal verdict, nor do they support a first-person assessment of combat feel.
Which platforms and multiplayer options are listed?
The publisher announced PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PS5 versions, and Steam’s listing specifies single-player, online co-op, shared/split-screen co-op and cross-platform multiplayer. These are Steam-listed features; check the store page for the platform and version you plan to use rather than assuming every mode is available identically everywhere.
Rank #3
- Fight through 7 stages of arcade-inspired action! Choose between 4 playable characters. Execute combos and specials with deep hand-to-hand combat mechanics.
- Pick up weapons like pipes, bats, knives, firearms, oil drums, chainsaws and more! Clear the screen with special attacks by upgradeable mercenary backup.
- Battle it out solo or with friends in local co-op. Command a wolf companion or unleash him and watch the carnage!
- Get in the mood for mayhem with a soundtrack by Daniel Lindholm. English voice and text.
Nintendo’s US store separately lists Absolum — Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. That listing advertises local Gameshare, along with platform-specific visual and performance claims. Store features can differ by edition, platform or update, so consult the relevant regional storefront for the current details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is different about the Switch 2 edition?
Nintendo’s official Switch 2 Edition listing claims 60 fps, improved resolution and local Gameshare. These are Nintendo’s product-page claims for that edition, not independent performance measurements; they should not be generalized to the original Switch or the PC and PlayStation versions.
Rank #4
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Dotemu’s September 10, 2025 release notice gave a launch price of $24.99. That is historical launch pricing, not a verified current price. Check the live store in your region for today’s price, sales and edition availability. Dotemu’s game page links to regional store options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Officially Licensed River City Ransom: Features the classic 1989 logo from the beat em up video game, the third Kunio-kun title, where Alex and Ryan cross town battling rival gangs to rescue Cyndi
- Classic Fit for Fans: A unisex crewneck tee with a regular, relaxed fit for men and women. For old-school gamers, NES collectors, or anyone who grew up grinding through 8-bit brawlers
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Who is Absolum for?
- Consider it if you want a beat ’em up with more than a fixed sequence of levels, and you are interested in branching routes, repeat attempts and progression that persists between runs.
- Look closely at the reviews if combat feel, challenge and visual style are the deciding factors; those are matters of critical judgment, not features a store listing can settle.
- Verify your setup first if you need a particular co-op mode, cross-platform play, local sharing feature or Switch 2 performance target. The cited listings attach those details to specific platforms and editions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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