Key Takeaways
1. Dotemu and Guard Crush revived the Streets of Rage series with a successful fourth game in 2020, selling over 2.5 million copies and releasing a DLC expansion, Mr.X Nightmare.
2. The team also launched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge in 2022, which featured two DLC expansions and was well-received in the beat-em-up genre.
3. They are developing a new dark fantasy beat-em-up called Absolum, set in a unique realm called Talmah, featuring roguelite elements and a fresh storyline.
4. Players will choose from four distinct characters, each with unique abilities, as they battle against a sun king’s army in a visually stunning 2D animated world.
5. The game includes skill-based combat mechanics with combo chains and rare items, complemented by a soundtrack from renowned composers, and is expected to release in late 2025.
Dotemu and Guard Crush brought new life to Sega’s Streets of Rage series with the release of a fourth game in 2020. This arcade-style beat-em-up was well-received, managing to sell over 2.5 million copies by 2021. Additionally, it introduced a downloadable content expansion called Mr.X Nightmare in the same year.
Exciting New Ventures
In addition to Streets of Rage, Dotemu also released Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge in 2022, which was another hit in the beat-em-up genre. This title received two popular DLC expansions, Dimension Shellshock and Radical Reptiles. Now, the team is gearing up to showcase their combat skills once more.
A Fresh Concept
Dotemu and Guard Crush have partnered with the French animation studio Supamonks to develop a stunning new dark fantasy beat-em-up that incorporates roguelite features. Unlike their previous titles, Absolum is a fresh intellectual property that takes elements from the genre and mixes them with roguelite elements.
Set in Talmah, a unique dark fantasy realm devastated by a cataclysm instigated by wizards, the game features a world where ordinary people have grown to mistrust magic. This mistrust has allowed a cruel sun king to enslave wizards and dominate the lands.
Rebel Forces Rise
The story follows a powerful enchantress who leads a small band of rebels against the king’s relentless army to dismantle his wicked reign. Players can choose from one of four outcasts: Galandra, a necromancer armed with a massive sword; Karl, the last free dwarf of Talmah who fights with his fists and a blunderbuss; Brome, a gifted wizard; and Cider, a quick skirmisher.
The game previews showcase breathtaking 2D animation and art, combined with exhilarating action. Developers have indicated that players will encounter multiple pathways and new random events each time they restart.
Combat and Strategy
Similar to Streets of Rage 4, the game will feature combo chains that enable players to connect their moves and magical powers. Players can also discover and utilize rare items to gain an edge. The combat mechanics “require skill and timing,” encouraging players to try out different strategies with every playthrough.
The soundtrack is crafted by Gareth Coker, known for his work on the Ori series, Halo Infinite, and Prince of Persia. It also features collaborations with talented composers like Yuka Kitamura from Dark Souls and Elden Ring, Mick Gordon from Doom Eternal and Atomic Heart, among others.
Currently, there is no official release date for the game, but it is anticipated to debut in late 2025.
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