[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fMyhIhZndkg3UEm0aZYv0P5caNqTxlfy2BukksgNJwX4":3},{"game":4,"reviews":20},{"id":5,"name":6,"summary":7,"cover_image":8,"header_image":9,"release_date":10,"created_at":11,"updated_at":12,"igdb_id":13,"slug":14,"is_published":15,"trailer_url":16,"category":17,"avg_score":18,"steam_app_id":19},212192,"Absolum","Crafted with passion by the dream team that redefined side-scrolling beat 'em ups, Absolum mixes top-of-the-class combat action with modern roguelite elements, bringing all the vibes of the fantasy arcade hits of the past into an immersive adventure set in the original world of Talamh.","212192\u002Fco9hyx_webp","212192\u002Fscvm8d_webp","2025-10-09","2025-03-17T07:57:37.832031-04:00","2026-07-22T13:36:43.812305-04:00",334239,"absolum",true,"https:\u002F\u002Fyoutu.be\u002FYvI172bkKDk",0,86.61,1904480,[21,52,74,99,137,158,185,210,233,255,282,308,331,354,376,409,429,455,477,502,526,546,577,599,622,652,674,698,722,744],{"id":22,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":23,"author":24,"original_score":32,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":34,"review_date":26,"summary":35,"created_at":36,"updated_at":36,"author_id":25,"last_edited_at":12,"outlet":37},910291,47,{"id":25,"bio":26,"name":27,"avg_score":28,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":29,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":30,"claim_token":26,"article_count":31,"claimed_by_user_id":26},5095,null,"Matt Buckley",81.59574468085107,"2025-01-28T16:49:48.136358-05:00","2026-06-18T16:03:55.109692-04:00",48,"9\u002F10",90,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamepressure.com\u002Feditorials\u002Freviews\u002Fabsolum-review-how-i-learned-to-love-a-co-op-beat-em-up-roguelike\u002Fza7a2","For years, I’ve thought of the beat ‘em up genre as something meant for arcades. A repetitive action experience meant to be played in short bursts. There are pros and cons to this approach, but it’s on me for thinking that was the only way.","2025-10-10T07:05:59.797138-04:00",{"id":23,"logo":38,"name":39,"slug":40,"tags":41,"bluesky":26,"twitter":42,"youtube":43,"facebook":40,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":44,"website_url":45,"score_format":46,"average_score":47,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":50,"editor_in_chief_email":51,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002Fgamepressure-logo.jpg","GamePressure","gamepressure","[  \n  'corporate_owned',\n  'online_media',\n  'ingestion_pending'\n  ]","gamepressurecom","UCCH7BcvTqvbIvX6aaJs0p3g","Visit Gamepressure for the latest gaming news, best game guides on the web, and editorials with a perspective.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamepressure.com\u002F","10",79,"UTC","2025-07-04T09:28:49.429906","maciej.bogusz@webedia-group.com","maciej.pawlikowski@webedia-group.com",{"id":53,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":54,"author":55,"original_score":62,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":63,"review_date":64,"summary":65,"created_at":66,"updated_at":66,"author_id":56,"last_edited_at":66,"outlet":67},2236095,158,{"id":56,"bio":26,"name":57,"avg_score":58,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":59,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":60,"claim_token":26,"article_count":61,"claimed_by_user_id":26},17838,"Rachel Poli",66.85483870967742,"2026-03-21T12:18:59.834276-04:00","2026-03-21T12:32:50.031743-04:00",187,"9","https:\u002F\u002Fpurenintendo.com\u002Freview-absolum-nintendo-switch-2\u002F","2025-12-31","Absolum is a roguelite beat ‘em up developed by Supamonks and DotEmu and published by DotEmu. With multiple characters to choose from, local and online co-op,","2026-03-21T12:19:08.249956-04:00",{"id":54,"logo":68,"name":69,"slug":70,"tags":26,"bluesky":26,"twitter":26,"youtube":26,"facebook":26,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":26,"website_url":71,"score_format":46,"average_score":72,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":73,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FPurenintendo.jpeg","Pure Nintendo","pure-nintendo","https:\u002F\u002Fpurenintendo.com",75,"2026-03-21T11:55:13.677161",{"id":75,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":76,"author":77,"original_score":84,"normalized_score":85,"review_url":86,"review_date":87,"summary":88,"created_at":89,"updated_at":89,"author_id":78,"last_edited_at":90,"outlet":91},1080209,138,{"id":78,"bio":26,"name":79,"avg_score":80,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":81,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":82,"claim_token":26,"article_count":83,"claimed_by_user_id":26},8951,"Oliver Shellding",70.79225352112677,"2025-03-25T16:26:57.881347-04:00","2026-07-16T12:22:46.75632-04:00",286,"8",80,"https:\u002F\u002Fwaytoomany.games\u002F2025\u002F10\u002F27\u002Freview-absolum\u002F","2025-10-27","The resurgence of the beat-em-up in the last few years is so damn refreshing for adolescent me. Even though the graphics, techniques and boss difficulties have improved a lot since Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time, there’s still the core idea of raging on a group of baddies (or one big bad) with people by your side. I think we all applaud the design and power of Shredder’s Revenge for bringing the genre back into the limelight, and Dotemu was at the helm there as they are now...","2025-10-27T20:37:52.643423-04:00","2025-10-29T10:07:52.158358-04:00",{"id":76,"logo":92,"name":93,"slug":94,"tags":26,"bluesky":26,"twitter":93,"youtube":95,"facebook":96,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":97,"website_url":98,"score_format":46,"average_score":72,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FWayTooManyGames.png","WayTooManyGames","way-too-many-games","@WayTooManyGames","waytoomanygames","We play the good, the bad, and the so bad it's good. ","https:\u002F\u002Fwaytoomany.games\u002F",{"id":100,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":101,"author":102,"original_score":84,"normalized_score":85,"review_url":110,"review_date":111,"summary":112,"created_at":113,"updated_at":113,"author_id":103,"last_edited_at":113,"outlet":114},905997,49,{"id":103,"bio":26,"name":104,"avg_score":105,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":106,"profile_id":107,"updated_at":108,"claim_token":26,"article_count":109,"claimed_by_user_id":107},5519,"Bobby Pashalidis",80.11904761904762,"2025-01-31T10:04:33.817377-05:00","e0262d1e-705c-462f-ad20-2d5caecd5f0c","2026-07-21T10:01:15.043975-04:00",84,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consolecreatures.com\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","2025-10-10","Part roguelike and all beat 'em up, Absolum is confident in its skin, and it shows. The world of Talamh was created with thoughtfulness and feels like a character of its own volition. You've got an interesting premise that lets you explore a pretty incredible place, and it's filled with dangers, treasures, and a whole lot of enemies to defeat. Without a doubt, if there's one beat 'em up this year that's got the rizz, it's Absolum.","2025-10-09T20:16:33.990895-04:00",{"id":101,"logo":115,"name":116,"slug":117,"tags":118,"bluesky":119,"twitter":120,"youtube":121,"facebook":122,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":123,"description":124,"website_url":125,"score_format":46,"average_score":126,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":127,"stats_updated_at":128,"headquarters_city":129,"news_editor_email":130,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":131,"reviews_this_month":132,"active_authors_count":133,"headquarters_country":134,"reviews_editor_email":130,"editor_in_chief_email":130,"published_authors_count":135,"published_reviews_count":136},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FConsole-Creatures-Logo.jpg","Console Creatures","console-creatures","[  \n  'independent',\n  'online_media',\n  'ingestion_pending'\n  ]","consolecreatures.com","ConsoleCreature","Consolecreatures","RealConsoleCreatures","2025-01-19T16:37:55-05:00","Console Creatures is one of Canada’s leading independent media outlets focusing video games & technology.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.consolecreatures.com\u002F",81,"2026-06-24","2026-06-30T23:24:46.145581","Toronto","bobby@consolecreatures.com","26a21b36-7015-4631-810d-f519430e6d4a",5,4,"Canada",6,129,{"id":138,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":139,"author":140,"original_score":147,"normalized_score":85,"review_url":148,"review_date":10,"summary":149,"created_at":150,"updated_at":150,"author_id":141,"last_edited_at":150,"outlet":151},2235717,157,{"id":141,"bio":26,"name":142,"avg_score":143,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":144,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":145,"claim_token":26,"article_count":146,"claimed_by_user_id":26},17835,"Ali Haider",72.01298701298701,"2026-03-21T12:00:01.654458-04:00","2026-07-11T21:50:55.489981-04:00",154,"8.0","https:\u002F\u002Ftwistedvoxel.com\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","Absolum brilliantly merges the slick, progression-driven feel of Hades with satisfying, visually stunning beat 'em up combat, offering a feature-rich co-op experience.","2026-03-21T12:12:22.323862-04:00",{"id":139,"logo":152,"name":153,"slug":154,"tags":26,"bluesky":26,"twitter":26,"youtube":26,"facebook":26,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":26,"website_url":155,"score_format":46,"average_score":156,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":157,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002Ftwistedvoxel.jpg","Twisted Voxel","twiseted-voxel","https:\u002F\u002Ftwistedvoxel.com\u002F",74,"2026-03-21T11:49:29.179995",{"id":159,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":160,"author":161,"original_score":168,"normalized_score":169,"review_url":170,"review_date":10,"summary":171,"created_at":172,"updated_at":172,"author_id":162,"last_edited_at":173,"outlet":174},905339,33,{"id":162,"bio":26,"name":163,"avg_score":164,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":165,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":166,"claim_token":26,"article_count":167,"claimed_by_user_id":26},15567,"Alexander Lataillade-Nguyen",82.5,"2025-08-12T17:55:12.473493-04:00","2026-04-28T00:39:04.580499-04:00",12,"9.5\u002F10",95,"https:\u002F\u002Fmp1st.com\u002Freviews\u002Fabsolum-review-a-dark-world-that-pulls-you-in","You might have caught MP1st’s preview of Absolum about a month ago, and since then we’ve had the chance to go hands-on with the full version of the game. What started as an intriguing roguelite from Guard Crush, Supamonks, and Dotemu has shaped into something much more refined, polished, and punishing in the best possible way.","2025-10-09T18:38:57.03204-04:00","2025-10-10T19:38:57.392408-04:00",{"id":160,"logo":175,"name":176,"slug":177,"tags":118,"bluesky":178,"twitter":179,"youtube":180,"facebook":181,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":182,"website_url":183,"score_format":46,"average_score":85,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":184,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":184,"editor_in_chief_email":184,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FMP1st-Logo.jpg","MP1ST","mp1st","mp1st.bsky.social","MPFirst","MP1stTV","MP1st","Your #1 source for breaking news, reports, game updates and patches, and more! We focus on only the games and not the drama.","https:\u002F\u002Fmp1st.com\u002F","Alex@mp1st.com",{"id":186,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":187,"author":188,"original_score":32,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":195,"review_date":10,"summary":196,"created_at":197,"updated_at":197,"author_id":189,"last_edited_at":197,"outlet":198},901289,27,{"id":189,"bio":26,"name":190,"avg_score":191,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":192,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":193,"claim_token":26,"article_count":194,"claimed_by_user_id":26},3920,"Richard Seagrave",72.29946524064171,"2025-01-17T06:36:14.881474-05:00","2026-07-16T13:11:19.148455-04:00",1314,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamespew.com\u002F2025\u002F10\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","With its stunning visuals, beautiful soundtrack and gratifying gameplay, Absolum will draw you in from the outset. And thanks to its roguelike elements it has plenty of longevity and depth. One of the best games of 2025, this is a must-play whether you're a fan of beat 'em ups or roguelikes.","2025-10-09T09:04:02.625521-04:00",{"id":187,"logo":199,"name":200,"slug":201,"tags":202,"bluesky":203,"twitter":201,"youtube":204,"facebook":205,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":206,"website_url":207,"score_format":46,"average_score":72,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":208,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":209,"reviews_editor_email":208,"editor_in_chief_email":208,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FGameSpew-Logo.jpg","GameSpew","gamespew","[  \n  'independent',\n  'women_led',\n  'online_media'\n  ]","gamespew.com","UChqYxsfGxsXwrZ76wm7_bWQ","officialgamespew","Your independent site for gaming news, reviews, features, guides and more. For gamers, by gamers.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamespew.com","hello@gamespew.com","United Kingdom",{"id":211,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":126,"author":212,"original_score":218,"normalized_score":17,"review_url":219,"review_date":10,"summary":220,"created_at":221,"updated_at":221,"author_id":213,"last_edited_at":221,"outlet":222},901305,{"id":213,"bio":26,"name":214,"avg_score":215,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":216,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":217,"claim_token":26,"article_count":23,"claimed_by_user_id":26},4887,"Leo Faierman",77.24137931034483,"2025-01-26T13:16:29.142733-05:00","2026-06-23T02:59:03.993791-04:00","0","https:\u002F\u002Fscreenrant.com\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","An explosive tutorial introduces you to dark elf Galandra and her companion Karl, a stout warrior with a blunderbuss. Hounded by attackers, they arrive at Uchawi’s Hearth, a sanctuary in the land of Talamh home to the Root Sisters, a kind of protectorate witch coven hunted by the Sun King Azra. Fight through the early areas and you’ll soon conscript a frogperson mage named Brome and Cider, an amnesiac clockwork rogue. While their presentation implies some formal RPG class affiliation, all four are capable brawlers with different moves and unique Arcana abilities.","2025-10-09T09:05:58.168086-04:00",{"id":126,"logo":223,"name":224,"slug":225,"tags":226,"bluesky":26,"twitter":227,"youtube":228,"facebook":227,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":229,"website_url":230,"score_format":46,"average_score":231,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":232,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FScreen-Rant-Logo.jpg","Screen Rant","screen-rant","[  \n  'corporate_owned',\n  'online_media'\n  ]","screenrant","@ScreenRant","Screen Rant has grown into the largest source of breaking entertainment news and original features for movies, TV, comics, anime & gaming since 2003.","https:\u002F\u002Fscreenrant.com\u002F",76,"editorial@screenrant.com",{"id":234,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":235,"author":236,"original_score":62,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":243,"review_date":10,"summary":244,"created_at":245,"updated_at":245,"author_id":237,"last_edited_at":245,"outlet":246},901307,34,{"id":237,"bio":26,"name":238,"avg_score":239,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":240,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":241,"claim_token":26,"article_count":242,"claimed_by_user_id":26},1155,"Tom Massey",70.54054054054055,"2024-11-27T15:06:55.324902-05:00","2025-10-23T12:07:18.316782-04:00",37,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nintendolife.com\u002Freviews\u002Fnintendo-switch\u002Fabsolum","Absolum is an on-par experience to Dragon’s Crown, but a superior game in terms of its key metrics. Its combat, collectible augmentations, and planning are exceptionally well-formulated, ensuring no run is ever quite the same and its strategic options and play-styles are ever-deepening. It’s incredibly impressive in its reconstitution of arcade, role-playing, and roguelike formats, evolving them into something fresh and exciting. To that end, it’s one of the best of its kind, whatever that kind may be. If you don’t enjoy the idea of repetition and grind, you may not fall in love with its initial five hours, but the momentum for one-more-go becomes so compelling after a while that it’s impossible to relinquish the pad.","2025-10-09T09:06:52.342954-04:00",{"id":235,"logo":247,"name":248,"slug":249,"tags":250,"bluesky":251,"twitter":249,"youtube":252,"facebook":252,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":253,"website_url":254,"score_format":46,"average_score":72,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FNintendoLife-Logo.jpg","Nintendo Life","nintendo-life","[  \n  'independent',\n  'inactive',\n  'online_media'\n  ]","nintendolife.com","nintendolife","The latest Nintendo Switch news, reviews and videos. We are the most visited #Nintendo site in the world.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.nintendolife.com\u002F",{"id":256,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":257,"author":258,"original_score":265,"normalized_score":169,"review_url":266,"review_date":10,"summary":267,"created_at":268,"updated_at":268,"author_id":259,"last_edited_at":268,"outlet":269},901308,62,{"id":259,"bio":26,"name":260,"avg_score":261,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":262,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":263,"claim_token":26,"article_count":264,"claimed_by_user_id":26},3988,"Garri Bagdasarov",77.62886597938144,"2025-01-18T11:43:00.410922-05:00","2026-04-07T08:06:50.693285-04:00",97,"9.5","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psu.com\u002Freviews\u002Fabsolum-ps5-review\u002F","An absolute treat that kept me coming back for more. Absolum does a lot right, and it's all due to the hard work of DotEmu and Guard Crush's previous efforts. With incredible combat, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that packs so much variety, it's hard to imagine how DotEmu can top themselves after Absolum.","2025-10-09T09:07:04.503341-04:00",{"id":257,"logo":270,"name":271,"slug":272,"tags":226,"bluesky":26,"twitter":273,"youtube":26,"facebook":26,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":274,"website_url":275,"score_format":46,"average_score":276,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":277,"stats_updated_at":278,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":133,"active_authors_count":279,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":280,"published_reviews_count":281},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FPlaystation-Universe-Logo.jpg","Playstation Universe","playstation-universe","PSUdotcom","PS4, PSVR and PS5 news, reviews, previews, features, guides, podcasts & more from the largest independent PlayStation site in the world.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psu.com\u002F",78,"2025-07-16","2025-07-16T14:07:29.894888",9,46,486,{"id":283,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":284,"author":285,"original_score":292,"normalized_score":293,"review_url":294,"review_date":10,"summary":295,"created_at":296,"updated_at":296,"author_id":286,"last_edited_at":296,"outlet":297},901374,56,{"id":286,"bio":26,"name":287,"avg_score":288,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":289,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":290,"claim_token":26,"article_count":291,"claimed_by_user_id":26},5577,"Adrian Burrows",63.94904458598726,"2025-02-05T21:53:41.607259-05:00","2026-06-01T05:39:14.262346-04:00",159,"7",70,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thesixthaxis.com\u002F2025\u002F10\u002F09\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","Absolum may have its issues, but combat is definitely not one of them. This Rogue ‘em up by Dotemu, Guard Crush Games and Supamonks offers the best 2D side-scrolling fisticuffs I’ve ever experienced. Slick, responsive, kinetic, and satisfying, the combat in Absolum is utterly beguiling. If I could just have the walking and punching, and not all the roguelite stuff wrapped around it, then Absolum would be my perfect game. As it is, there is a whole lot of roguelite shenanigans, and they’re not always that successful.","2025-10-09T09:08:36.696406-04:00",{"id":284,"logo":298,"name":299,"slug":300,"tags":118,"bluesky":301,"twitter":299,"youtube":300,"facebook":299,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":302,"website_url":303,"score_format":46,"average_score":304,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":305,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":306,"editor_in_chief_email":307,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FTheSixthAxis-Logo.jpg","TheSixthAxis","thesixthaxis","thesixthaxis.bsky.social","All the latest videos gaming news, reviews, guides, and opinion.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thesixthaxis.com\u002F",73,"aran@thesixthaxis.com","dom@thesixthaxis.com","teflon@thesixthaxis.com",{"id":309,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":304,"author":310,"original_score":265,"normalized_score":169,"review_url":317,"review_date":10,"summary":318,"created_at":319,"updated_at":319,"author_id":311,"last_edited_at":319,"outlet":320},901420,{"id":311,"bio":26,"name":312,"avg_score":313,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":314,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":315,"claim_token":26,"article_count":316,"claimed_by_user_id":26},4200,"Julio La Pine",86.3157894736842,"2025-01-22T08:10:22.52136-05:00","2026-04-13T11:08:44.747389-04:00",134,"https:\u002F\u002Fthenerdstash.com\u002Fabsolum-review-a-magical-beating\u002F","Absolum combines two iconic genres to create the first rogue 'em up, which ends up being one of the most addictive and unique gaming experiences of the year.","2025-10-09T09:08:43.994197-04:00",{"id":304,"logo":321,"name":322,"slug":323,"tags":226,"bluesky":26,"twitter":324,"youtube":26,"facebook":324,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":26,"website_url":325,"score_format":46,"average_score":326,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":327,"news_editor_email":328,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":329,"reviews_editor_email":328,"editor_in_chief_email":330,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FThe-Nerd-Stash-Logo.png","The Nerd Stash","the-nerd-stash","thenerdstash","https:\u002F\u002Fthenerdstash.com\u002F",83,"Ashland","editorial@thenerdstash.com","United 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heaven.","2025-10-09T09:08:52.029737-04:00",{"id":333,"logo":346,"name":347,"slug":348,"tags":226,"bluesky":349,"twitter":347,"youtube":348,"facebook":347,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":350,"website_url":351,"score_format":46,"average_score":352,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":353,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FGameSpot-Logo.jpg","GameSpot","gamespot","gamespot.com","GameSpot is the world's leading source for PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS Vita, Wii, PC, 3DS, and DS video game news, reviews, previews, trailers, walkthroughs, and more.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamespot.com",71,"thussain@fandom.com",{"id":355,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":356,"author":357,"original_score":363,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":364,"review_date":10,"summary":365,"created_at":366,"updated_at":366,"author_id":358,"last_edited_at":366,"outlet":367},901435,59,{"id":358,"bio":26,"name":359,"avg_score":360,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":361,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":362,"claim_token":26,"article_count":101,"claimed_by_user_id":26},5622,"Jeremy Duff",79.42857142857143,"2025-02-06T09:05:22.876842-05:00","2025-11-06T03:08:58.588386-05:00","9.0\u002F10","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gamingnexus.com\u002FArticle\u002F16280\u002FAbsolum\u002F","A fast-paced blend of beat 'em up and rogue-like mechanics, Absolum starts off simple but evolves to reveal surprising depth and experience that will keep you come back for just one more run.","2025-10-09T09:09:02.602779-04:00",{"id":356,"logo":368,"name":369,"slug":370,"tags":118,"bluesky":26,"twitter":371,"youtube":26,"facebook":372,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":373,"website_url":374,"score_format":46,"average_score":126,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":375,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FGaming-Nexus-Logo.jpg","Gaming Nexus","gaming-nexus","GamingNexus","gamingnexus","Established in 1997, Gaming Nexus is an ad-free site, writing honest video game reviews and covering industry news.","https:\u002F\u002Fgamingnexus.com\u002F","ehauter@gamingnexus.com",{"id":377,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":378,"author":379,"original_score":387,"normalized_score":388,"review_url":389,"review_date":10,"summary":390,"created_at":391,"updated_at":391,"author_id":380,"last_edited_at":391,"outlet":392},901452,128,{"id":380,"bio":26,"name":381,"avg_score":382,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":383,"profile_id":384,"updated_at":385,"claim_token":26,"article_count":386,"claimed_by_user_id":384},6612,"Keith Mitchell",83.24335664335665,"2025-02-25T12:07:06.905886-05:00","74045164-a89a-4fc6-8734-4c898579e747","2026-05-21T14:39:50.327722-04:00",144,"5.0\u002F5",100,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theouterhaven.net\u002Fabsolum-review-pc\u002F","Absolum blends the best of 2D beat ’em ups and roguelike design into a loop that’s challenging, unpredictable, and downright addictive. It doesn’t reinvent either genre, but its tight combat, branching paths, and stunning presentation make it a must-play for fans of both. Despite being Dotemu’s first original IP, you’d never know it. This is a masterclass in design that kept me hooked, even as it repeatedly kicked my teeth in.","2025-10-09T09:09:26.124927-04:00",{"id":378,"logo":393,"name":394,"slug":395,"tags":26,"bluesky":396,"twitter":397,"youtube":398,"facebook":399,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":400,"website_url":401,"score_format":402,"average_score":47,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":403,"stats_updated_at":404,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":405,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":406,"active_authors_count":407,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":405,"editor_in_chief_email":405,"published_authors_count":284,"published_reviews_count":408},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FThe-Outerhaven-Logo.jpeg","The OuterHaven","the-outerhaven","theouterhaven.net","TheOuterHaven","","Theouterhaven","http:\u002F\u002FTheouterhaven.net is an independent media outlet bringing you brutally honest coverage of video games, anime, manga.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.theouterhaven.net\u002F","5","2026-02-17","2026-02-18T13:36:24.504381","Keith@theouterhaven.net",11,8,609,{"id":410,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":411,"author":412,"original_score":398,"normalized_score":17,"review_url":418,"review_date":10,"summary":419,"created_at":420,"updated_at":420,"author_id":413,"last_edited_at":420,"outlet":421},901456,13,{"id":413,"bio":26,"name":414,"avg_score":72,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":415,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":416,"claim_token":26,"article_count":417,"claimed_by_user_id":26},15545,"Shane Limbaugh","2025-08-05T09:31:17.057353-04:00","2026-06-09T09:10:48.138421-04:00",18,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dualshockers.com\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","Absolum is a game that will be remembered not only for its incredible scenery but also for its fantastic gameplay. From the very first moments, it's clear that Absolum is something special and unique. A mix of powerful mechanics and expert game design will make players leave every session wanting more. Absolum will undoubtedly make a name for itself as one of the greatest games of the year. Whether it's with a friend or solo, beating up hordes of enemies has never been so much fun.","2025-10-09T09:09:44.694621-04:00",{"id":411,"logo":422,"name":423,"slug":424,"tags":41,"bluesky":425,"twitter":423,"youtube":426,"facebook":423,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":26,"website_url":427,"score_format":46,"average_score":231,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":428,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FDualshockers-logo.jpg","DualShockers","dualshockers","dualshockers.bsky.social","Dualshockers","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.dualshockers.com"," editorial@dualshockers.com",{"id":430,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":431,"author":432,"original_score":439,"normalized_score":440,"review_url":441,"review_date":10,"summary":442,"created_at":443,"updated_at":443,"author_id":433,"last_edited_at":444,"outlet":445},901457,112,{"id":433,"bio":26,"name":434,"avg_score":435,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":436,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":437,"claim_token":26,"article_count":438,"claimed_by_user_id":26},5684,"Mick Fraser",76.91176470588235,"2025-02-06T11:19:00.119191-05:00","2026-07-15T10:12:45.703877-04:00",102,"8.5",85,"https:\u002F\u002Flootlevelchill.com\u002Freviews\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","Absolum is a confident side-scroller with satisfying, punchy combat and a good spread of characters and skills","2025-10-09T09:09:50.999406-04:00","2025-10-20T11:39:48.612873-04:00",{"id":431,"logo":446,"name":447,"slug":448,"tags":449,"bluesky":450,"twitter":451,"youtube":452,"facebook":26,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":453,"website_url":454,"score_format":46,"average_score":126,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FLootLevelChill-Logo.jpg","Loot Level Chill","loot-level-chill","[  \n  'independent',\n  'online_media'\n  ]","https:\u002F\u002Fbsky.app\u002Fprofile\u002Flootlevelchill.bsky.social","https:\u002F\u002Fx.com\u002FLootLevelChill","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002F@lootlevelchillyt","A channel about video games from a group of friends and industry veterans. Podcast, reviews, tips and guides, laughs, and shorts. ","https:\u002F\u002Flootlevelchill.com\u002F",{"id":456,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":457,"author":458,"original_score":84,"normalized_score":85,"review_url":465,"review_date":10,"summary":466,"created_at":467,"updated_at":467,"author_id":459,"last_edited_at":468,"outlet":469},901261,63,{"id":459,"bio":26,"name":460,"avg_score":461,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":462,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":463,"claim_token":26,"article_count":464,"claimed_by_user_id":26},4080,"Robert Ramsey",74.23423423423424,"2025-01-19T09:41:04.102225-05:00","2026-06-17T08:03:54.864427-04:00",222,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pushsquare.com\u002Freviews\u002Fps5\u002Fabsolum","Roguelike games are everywhere these days, to the point where you're actually surprised when the latest indie release isn't peddling death as a progression mechanic.","2025-10-09T09:03:48.668466-04:00","2025-11-28T08:33:46.777862-05:00",{"id":457,"logo":470,"name":471,"slug":472,"tags":449,"bluesky":473,"twitter":474,"youtube":474,"facebook":474,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":475,"website_url":476,"score_format":46,"average_score":352,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FPush-Square-Logo.jpg","Push Square","push-square","pushsquare.com","pushsquare","All the very latest PS5 \u002F PSVR2 \u002F PlayStation Plus \u002F PS4 news, reviews and features. Do you Push Square?","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pushsquare.com\u002F",{"id":478,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":479,"author":480,"original_score":265,"normalized_score":169,"review_url":486,"review_date":10,"summary":487,"created_at":488,"updated_at":488,"author_id":481,"last_edited_at":488,"outlet":489},901519,2,{"id":481,"bio":26,"name":482,"avg_score":483,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":484,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":485,"claim_token":26,"article_count":156,"claimed_by_user_id":26},197,"Zubi Khan",80.97222222222223,"2024-10-09T12:40:02.570993-04:00","2026-05-20T12:05:42.971766-04:00","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cgmagonline.com\u002Freview\u002Fgame\u002Fabsolum-pc-review\u002F","Absolum is a standout melding of genres and one of the best roguelikes of the year, making it a multiplayer must-play.","2025-10-09T09:35:31.966119-04:00",{"id":479,"logo":490,"name":491,"slug":492,"tags":493,"bluesky":494,"twitter":495,"youtube":496,"facebook":497,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":498,"description":499,"website_url":500,"score_format":46,"average_score":85,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":501,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":134,"reviews_editor_email":501,"editor_in_chief_email":501,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FCGMagazine-Logo.jpg","CGMagazine","cgmagazine","[  \n  'independent',\n  'online_media',\n  'magazine'\n  ]","cgmagazine.bsky.social","CGMagonline\n","channelcgm","ComicsGamingmagazine","2025-01-02T18:13:37.433-05:00","CGMagazine helps build the conversation by looking at the culture and art of comics and gaming with insightful reviews, interviews, articles and editorials.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.cgmagonline.com","bfrye@cgmagonline.com",{"id":503,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":504,"author":505,"original_score":292,"normalized_score":293,"review_url":513,"review_date":10,"summary":514,"created_at":515,"updated_at":515,"author_id":506,"last_edited_at":516,"outlet":517},901295,69,{"id":506,"bio":26,"name":507,"avg_score":508,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":509,"profile_id":510,"updated_at":511,"claim_token":26,"article_count":512,"claimed_by_user_id":510},2763,"Will Borger",73.31896551724138,"2024-12-04T06:43:50.079383-05:00","2fb17ef5-eae6-4eaa-96b9-e937f4c563f5","2026-03-31T16:09:16.741912-04:00",116,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ign.com\u002Farticles\u002Fabsolum-review","Absolum is an excellent beat ‘em up let down by a roguelite structure that doesn’t serve it.","2025-10-09T09:04:55.709158-04:00","2025-10-22T09:35:08.655565-04:00",{"id":504,"logo":518,"name":519,"slug":520,"tags":226,"bluesky":521,"twitter":519,"youtube":522,"facebook":519,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":523,"website_url":524,"score_format":46,"average_score":231,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":525,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":329,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FIGN-logo.jpg","IGN","ign","ign.com","@IGN","We're all about video games, movies, TV, and comics!","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.ign.com\u002F","Los Angeles",{"id":527,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":528,"author":529,"original_score":84,"normalized_score":85,"review_url":535,"review_date":10,"summary":536,"created_at":533,"updated_at":533,"author_id":530,"last_edited_at":533,"outlet":537},1016977,61,{"id":530,"bio":26,"name":531,"avg_score":440,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":532,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":533,"claim_token":26,"article_count":534,"claimed_by_user_id":26},3101,"Ben Williams","2024-12-05T11:27:14.137632-05:00","2025-10-21T10:06:27.482917-04:00",17,"https:\u002F\u002Fmetro.co.uk\u002F2025\u002F10\u002F09\u002Fabsolum-review-dotemu-goes-rogue-newest-beat-em-up-24381790\u002F","A fun roguelike beat ’em-up that manages to expand the genre beyond its arcade roots, with relatively deep combat, excellent animation, and four very different playable characters.",{"id":528,"logo":538,"name":539,"slug":540,"tags":226,"bluesky":26,"twitter":541,"youtube":542,"facebook":543,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":544,"website_url":545,"score_format":46,"average_score":504,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FGameCentral-Logo.jpg","Metro GameCentral","metro-gamecentral","GameCentral","@GameCentralMetro","GamecentralMetro","The home of Metro's gaming news, features and reviews!","https:\u002F\u002Fmetro.co.uk\u002Fentertainment\u002Fgaming\u002F",{"id":547,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":548,"author":549,"original_score":62,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":557,"review_date":10,"summary":558,"created_at":559,"updated_at":559,"author_id":550,"last_edited_at":559,"outlet":560},901737,38,{"id":550,"bio":26,"name":551,"avg_score":552,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":553,"profile_id":554,"updated_at":555,"claim_token":26,"article_count":556,"claimed_by_user_id":554},4702,"Charles Hartford",75.77669902912622,"2025-01-24T11:06:09.307235-05:00","e9d7b708-dbbc-40b8-90d7-494a6eb51228","2026-05-20T11:33:55.071314-04:00",103,"https:\u002F\u002Fbutwhytho.net\u002F2025\u002F10\u002Fabsolum-review-rougelite\u002F","Absolum delivers a truly special roguelite experience. By reining in some of the random elements, it’s able to create a smooth-running story that allows those with less than infinite time an experience they can enjoy.","2025-10-09T10:07:27.110359-04:00",{"id":548,"logo":561,"name":562,"slug":563,"tags":564,"bluesky":565,"twitter":566,"youtube":567,"facebook":566,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":568,"website_url":569,"score_format":46,"average_score":47,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":570,"stats_updated_at":571,"headquarters_city":572,"news_editor_email":573,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":133,"active_authors_count":574,"headquarters_country":329,"reviews_editor_email":575,"editor_in_chief_email":575,"published_authors_count":242,"published_reviews_count":576},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FBut-Why-Tho-Logo.jpg","But Why Tho","but-why-tho","[  \n  'independent',\n  'women_led',\n  'minority_led',\n  'online_media',\n  'ingestion_pending'\n  ]","butwhytho.net","ButWhyThoPC","@ButWhyThoPC","Independent media outlet covering video games, film, TV, and anime.","https:\u002F\u002Fbutwhytho.net\u002F","2026-07-15","2026-07-22T13:43:54.18814","Texas","matt@butwhytho.net",3,"kate@butwhythopodcast.com",818,{"id":578,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":326,"author":579,"original_score":584,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":585,"review_date":10,"summary":586,"created_at":587,"updated_at":587,"author_id":257,"last_edited_at":587,"outlet":588},1017191,{"id":257,"bio":26,"name":580,"avg_score":581,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":582,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":583,"claim_token":26,"article_count":47,"claimed_by_user_id":26},"George Foster",77.46835443037975,"2024-10-07T17:06:51.206826-04:00","2026-06-11T12:06:11.554507-04:00","4.5","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thegamer.com\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","Absolum isn’t for the weak-hearted, but its excellent beat 'em up mechanics and unique roguelite structure make it one of the genre’s best games.","2025-10-21T10:36:13.272685-04:00",{"id":326,"logo":589,"name":590,"slug":591,"tags":592,"bluesky":26,"twitter":593,"youtube":594,"facebook":595,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":596,"website_url":597,"score_format":402,"average_score":156,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":598,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FTheGamer-Logo.png","TheGamer","thegamer","[  \n  'corporate_owned',\n  'women_led',\n  'online_media'\n  ]","thegamerwebsite","@TheGamerVideos","thegamercom","TheGamer is a digital publication founded in 2017. Our gaming experts specialize in creating in-depth game guides, breaking gaming news, and opinion pieces.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.thegamer.com\u002F","editorial@thegamer.com",{"id":600,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":601,"author":602,"original_score":341,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":609,"review_date":10,"summary":610,"created_at":611,"updated_at":611,"author_id":603,"last_edited_at":611,"outlet":612},902563,29,{"id":603,"bio":26,"name":604,"avg_score":605,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":606,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":607,"claim_token":26,"article_count":608,"claimed_by_user_id":26},3043,"Ravi Sinha",72.08333333333333,"2024-12-05T09:02:20.841402-05:00","2026-06-08T06:35:34.243615-04:00",264,"https:\u002F\u002Fgamingbolt.com\u002Fabsolum-review-absolute-beat-em-up-cinema","Absolum is absolutely recommended for beat 'em up fans thanks to the pedigree of its developers. It's also a surprisingly deep rogue-lite with a well-developed world, bolstered all the more by its incredible presentation.","2025-10-09T12:05:38.700406-04:00",{"id":601,"logo":613,"name":614,"slug":615,"tags":41,"bluesky":26,"twitter":616,"youtube":617,"facebook":618,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":619,"website_url":620,"score_format":46,"average_score":72,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":621,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FGaming%20Bolt%20Logo.png","GamingBolt","gamingbolt","GamingBoltTweet","GamingBoltLive","gamingbolt.official","We are one of the most frequently updated sources of gaming news on the internet. We cover everything from gaming consoles to handhelds.","https:\u002F\u002Fgamingbolt.com","admin@gamingbolt.com",{"id":623,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":624,"author":625,"original_score":632,"normalized_score":72,"review_url":633,"review_date":10,"summary":634,"created_at":635,"updated_at":635,"author_id":626,"last_edited_at":636,"outlet":637},902579,130,{"id":626,"bio":26,"name":627,"avg_score":628,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":629,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":630,"claim_token":26,"article_count":631,"claimed_by_user_id":26},7742,"Jack Zustiak",73.57142857142857,"2025-03-15T20:39:29.684758-04:00","2025-12-13T15:07:31.988186-05:00",21,"75","https:\u002F\u002Fgamingtrend.com\u002Freviews\u002Fabsolum-review-the-pros-and-cons-of-immortality\u002F","Absolum aims for immortality with its roguelike systems and progression systems. While its attempts at eternal life shine in its world map and strong combat design, its attempts to force you to keep coming back fall flat.","2025-10-09T12:07:34.213883-04:00","2025-10-21T20:37:32.480383-04:00",{"id":624,"logo":638,"name":639,"slug":640,"tags":26,"bluesky":641,"twitter":639,"youtube":642,"facebook":639,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":643,"website_url":644,"score_format":645,"average_score":47,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":646,"stats_updated_at":647,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":648,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":132,"active_authors_count":407,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":649,"editor_in_chief_email":650,"published_authors_count":72,"published_reviews_count":651},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FGamingTrend-Logo.jpg","GamingTrend","gamingtrend","gamingtrend.com","@GamingTrendVideos","From the table to the screen, and everything in between!","https:\u002F\u002Fgamingtrend.com","100","2025-07-14","2025-07-16T19:33:01.762266","news@gamingtrend.com","reviews@gamingtrend.com","rburke@gamingtrend.com",805,{"id":653,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":293,"author":654,"original_score":62,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":661,"review_date":10,"summary":662,"created_at":659,"updated_at":659,"author_id":655,"last_edited_at":659,"outlet":663},969612,{"id":655,"bio":26,"name":656,"avg_score":657,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":658,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":659,"claim_token":26,"article_count":660,"claimed_by_user_id":26},3156,"Nick Tan",72.5,"2024-12-06T06:13:53.669438-05:00","2025-10-16T11:38:55.260481-04:00",26,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.shacknews.com\u002Farticle\u002F146270\u002Fabsolum-review-score","Showcasing the expertise of developer Guard Crush Games and publisher Dotemu in the beat-’em-up genre, Absolum is an impressive fantasy side-scrolling brawler with a roguelike twist. Both companies were a part of the team behind Streets of Rage 4, and Dotemu has been responsible for publishing other successful revivals like TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. But this time around, instead of creating a game for an existing license or franchise, they have decided to push the envelope by pursuing an original game. And on that front, Absolum is a creative and technical powerhouse that pushes the genre forward.",{"id":293,"logo":664,"name":665,"slug":666,"tags":41,"bluesky":26,"twitter":666,"youtube":667,"facebook":666,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":668,"website_url":669,"score_format":46,"average_score":231,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":670,"news_editor_email":671,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":329,"reviews_editor_email":672,"editor_in_chief_email":673,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FShackNews-Logo.jpg","ShackNews","shacknews","Shacknewsgames","Gaming News on the Cutting Edge of Technology.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.shacknews.com\u002F","Canton, OH","tj.denzer@shacknews.com","bill.lavoy@shacknews.com","asif.khan@shacknews.com",{"id":675,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":676,"author":677,"original_score":62,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":684,"review_date":10,"summary":685,"created_at":686,"updated_at":686,"author_id":678,"last_edited_at":687,"outlet":688},1220569,141,{"id":678,"bio":26,"name":679,"avg_score":680,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":681,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":682,"claim_token":26,"article_count":683,"claimed_by_user_id":26},9056,"Matt Miller",79.30932203389831,"2025-03-25T21:19:09.250401-04:00","2026-05-27T00:08:20.871589-04:00",118,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gameinformer.com\u002Freview\u002Fabsolum\u002Fthe-sweet-spot","While the brawler genre is most commonly remembered for scenes of vigilante street fighters beating up gang members or superheroes unleashing their powers, another long-established legacy includes a decidedly more fantastical backdrop, where wizards and warriors battle their way across a scrolling screen, mount fire-breathing dragons, and fling out spells. If that flavor has always appealed to you, I’ve got good news: Your long quest is finally over – Absolum is the platonic form of this ...","2025-11-11T09:38:20.337646-05:00","2025-11-26T13:08:20.935372-05:00",{"id":676,"logo":689,"name":690,"slug":691,"tags":26,"bluesky":26,"twitter":692,"youtube":693,"facebook":694,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":695,"website_url":696,"score_format":46,"average_score":47,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":697,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":329,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002Fgameinformer.jpg","Game Informer","gameinformer","GameInformer","@gameinformer","officialgameinformer","Over 30 years celebrating the best of games in print and online.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.gameinformer.com\u002F","Minneapolis",{"id":699,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":700,"author":701,"original_score":708,"normalized_score":709,"review_url":710,"review_date":10,"summary":711,"created_at":712,"updated_at":712,"author_id":702,"last_edited_at":712,"outlet":713},933722,7,{"id":702,"bio":26,"name":703,"avg_score":704,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":705,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":706,"claim_token":26,"article_count":707,"claimed_by_user_id":26},3658,"Mark Steighner",77.71495327102804,"2025-01-15T13:18:47.982723-05:00","2026-07-14T10:01:06.216258-04:00",214,"82",82,"https:\u002F\u002Fcogconnected.com\u002Freview\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","Absolum enters the crowded roguelike space with a refreshing and appealing art style and classic-feeling beat-em-up mechanics. Playable solo or in 2-person co-op, each of Absolum’s characters caters to a very specific playstyle, and it’s fun to switch between them. Although character progression is a little slow, and the movement mechanics occasionally frustrate, Absolum should appeal to fans of engaging action adventures, roguelikes, and brawlers. Absolum has something for almost everyone.","2025-10-12T17:34:08.721682-04:00",{"id":700,"logo":714,"name":715,"slug":716,"tags":449,"bluesky":398,"twitter":717,"youtube":718,"facebook":717,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":719,"website_url":720,"score_format":645,"average_score":340,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":721,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":134,"reviews_editor_email":721,"editor_in_chief_email":721,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002Fcog-connected-logo.png","COGConnected","cogconnected","COGconnected","GameCanadian","COGconnected is your source for PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, Nintendo Switch video games with News, Reviews, Videos, Cosplays and Top Lists.","https:\u002F\u002Fcogconnected.com","trevor@cogconnected.com",{"id":723,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":724,"author":725,"original_score":731,"normalized_score":326,"review_url":732,"review_date":10,"summary":733,"created_at":730,"updated_at":730,"author_id":726,"last_edited_at":730,"outlet":734},936302,35,{"id":726,"bio":26,"name":727,"avg_score":728,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":729,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":730,"claim_token":26,"article_count":167,"claimed_by_user_id":26},1203,"Evan Lahti",78.58333333333333,"2024-11-27T15:17:56.753617-05:00","2025-10-13T00:04:30.887269-04:00","83","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pcgamer.com\u002Fgames\u002Faction\u002Fabsolum-review\u002F","A fantastic roguelite beat 'em up in a gorgeous fantasy setting.",{"id":724,"logo":735,"name":736,"slug":737,"tags":41,"bluesky":738,"twitter":739,"youtube":739,"facebook":740,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":741,"website_url":742,"score_format":645,"average_score":231,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":49,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":743,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002FPCGamer-Logo.jpg","PC Gamer","pc-gamer","pcgamer.com","pcgamer","pcgamermagazine","The global authority on PC games.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.pcgamer.com\u002F","editors@pcgamer.com",{"id":745,"game_id":5,"outlet_id":746,"author":747,"original_score":62,"normalized_score":33,"review_url":754,"review_date":10,"summary":755,"created_at":751,"updated_at":751,"author_id":748,"last_edited_at":751,"outlet":756},2235050,156,{"id":748,"bio":26,"name":749,"avg_score":750,"outlet_id":26,"created_at":751,"profile_id":26,"updated_at":752,"claim_token":26,"article_count":753,"claimed_by_user_id":26},17821,"Matthew Powers",78.91304347826087,"2026-03-21T11:01:09.148636-04:00","2026-03-21T11:01:17.798303-04:00",23,"https:\u002F\u002Fnintendowire.com\u002Freviews\u002Fabsolum\u002F","The beat-em-up genre tends to stay in its lane. Its tried-and-true arcade format has rarely been deviated from or added onto. There have been some recent",{"id":746,"logo":757,"name":758,"slug":759,"tags":26,"bluesky":26,"twitter":26,"youtube":26,"facebook":26,"mastodon":26,"muckrack":26,"claimed_at":26,"description":26,"website_url":760,"score_format":46,"average_score":326,"default_timezone":48,"last_review_date":26,"stats_updated_at":761,"headquarters_city":26,"news_editor_email":26,"platforms_covered":26,"claimed_by_user_id":26,"reviews_this_month":17,"active_authors_count":17,"headquarters_country":26,"reviews_editor_email":26,"editor_in_chief_email":26,"published_authors_count":17,"published_reviews_count":17},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.criticdb.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fv1\u002Fobject\u002Fpublic\u002Favatars\u002FOutlets\u002Fnintendowire.jpg","Nintendo Wire","nintendo-wire","https:\u002F\u002Fnintendowire.com\u002F","2026-03-21T10:50:31.225495"]