IGN recently published a review of the highly-anticipated game Absolum, a beat ‘em up title that has been generating a lot of buzz in the gaming community. The review's headline, "An excellent beat ‘em up let down by a roguelite structure that doesn’t serve it," immediately sets the tone for what players can expect from this unique title. Let's delve deeper into IGN's review and explore the strengths and weaknesses of Absolum.



Gameplay


In terms of gameplay, Absolum offers a satisfying beat ‘em up experience that is both challenging and engaging. Players take on the role of a powerful warrior tasked with battling hordes of enemies in a variety of dynamic environments. The combat system is fluid and responsive, allowing for seamless combos and strategic maneuvers.


However, IGN notes that the game's roguelite structure can hinder the overall experience. The randomly generated levels and permadeath mechanics can lead to frustrating moments where progress feels lost or reset. This aspect of Absolum may not appeal to all players, especially those who prefer a more linear progression system.



Graphics and Sound


Visually, Absolum shines with its stunning art style and vibrant character designs. The environments are beautifully rendered, creating an immersive world for players to explore. The sound design also deserves praise, with impactful sound effects and a dynamic soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.


That being said, IGN points out that the visuals and sound design, while impressive, may not be enough to distract players from the inherent flaws in the game's structure. The roguelite elements can sometimes detract from the immersive experience that Absolum is trying to create.



Character Development


One of the highlights of Absolum is its robust character development system, which allows players to customize their warrior with a variety of abilities and upgrades. Each playthrough offers new opportunities to experiment with different builds and strategies, adding depth to the gameplay experience.


However, IGN mentions that the roguelite structure can limit the impact of player choices, as progress is often reset with each new run. This can lead to a sense of repetition and lack of meaningful progression, ultimately diminishing the satisfaction of character development in Absolum.



Replay Value


With its procedurally generated levels and permadeath mechanics, Absolum offers a high degree of replay value for players looking for a challenge. Each playthrough presents unique obstacles and opportunities for growth, encouraging multiple attempts to conquer the game's formidable foes.


Despite this, IGN warns that the roguelite nature of Absolum may not appeal to everyone, as the repetitive nature of starting over from scratch can become tiresome for some players. The lack of a more structured progression system may limit the long-term appeal of the game for certain audiences.



Multiplayer Experience


Absolum also features a multiplayer mode that allows players to team up with friends and take on the game's challenges together. Co-op play adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the experience, as players work together to overcome the game's toughest obstacles.


However, IGN cautions that the multiplayer experience in Absolum may be hindered by the roguelite structure, as progress in co-op play is tied to individual player progression. This can lead to disparities in power levels and challenges, potentially creating imbalance and frustration among players.



Final Verdict


In conclusion, Absolum is a visually stunning and mechanically solid beat ‘em up game that is let down by its roguelite structure. While the combat, character development, and multiplayer aspects of the game show great potential, the repetitive nature of the gameplay and lack of meaningful progression may deter some players from fully enjoying the experience.


Despite its flaws, Absolum offers moments of exhilarating action and strategic depth that can appeal to fans of the beat ‘em up genre. Whether or not the roguelite elements are a dealbreaker will ultimately depend on individual player preferences and tolerance for the game's unique design choices.

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