Dotemu and Guard Crush Games, known for their modern takes on brawlers like Streets of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, have revealed a new playable fighter for their upcoming rogue ‘em up, Absolum.
The new character, Cider, was revealed in a new gameplay trailer ahead of the game’s first public demo, set to launch during Steam Next Fest from June 9–16, 2025. Which kind of stinks for me, as I’ll be covering the Summer Game Fest, and won’t be able to partake in the Absolum demo until I get back.
Developed in collaboration with Supamonks (Rabbids Invasion: Mission to Mars), Absolum blends the retro brawler formula with modern roguelite progression and a rich fantasy setting. Absolum will be released on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in 2025. You can wishlist the game now on Steam.
Meet Cider: Bandit-Turned-Brawler
This showcase is about the reveal of the latest character to be added to the roster: Cider, a mysterious blend of human and construct, rebuilt from the brink of death by a shadowy puppeteer. Her unique fighting style combines her rogue upbringing with deadly precision—expect aerial kicks, dual handaxes, and an extendable arm that brings mechanical mayhem to Absolum’s bestiary.
You can check out Cider’s moveset in action in the new trailer here:
Steam Next Fest Demo: What to Expect
Players can get their first hands-on with Absolum during Steam Next Fest, where a feature-rich demo will be available. Here’s what’s included:
- Three Playable Characters: Step into the boots of Cider, the sword-wielding Galandra, or Karl, a tank-like dwarf. Each fighter brings a distinct combat style to the battlefield.
- Unlockable Abilities: Earn XP to boost stats and unlock new powers like elemental spells, letting you customize your perfect brawler build.
- Expansive Exploration: Navigate the mountainous coastal region of Grandery, a land fractured by greed and war between goblins, dwarves, and humans.
- Optional Quests: Engage in side missions to uncover more lore, loot, and secrets.
- Boss Battle with the Underking: Challenge a massive, flame-wielding titan armed with a deadly pickaxe in a fight that’ll test your combat mastery.
A Rich, Rebellious World
Set in the world of Talamh, Absolum weaves a dark tale of rebellion, power, and forbidden magic. After a catastrophic magical event, the tyrannical Sun King Azra wages war to dominate all remaining magic, executing any wizard who resists. The last hope for Talamh rests in the hands of a defiant band of warriors led by a mythical figure known as Uchawi and the enigmatic Root Sisters.
As players push back against Azra’s regime, they’ll uncover secrets behind his ever-growing power, take down twisted monsters, and bend ancient spells to their will. This world is deeply influenced by classic brawlers like Golden Axe and Chronicles of Mystara, but reimagined for modern sensibilities with permanent upgrades, replayable runs, and strategic depth.
Visual Flair and Musical Firepower
The hand-crafted animation is a collaboration with Supamonks, giving Absolum a distinctive visual identity that stands out in the genre. The combat blends tight melee action with spellcasting, counters, and upgradable skills that reward both reflexes and planning.
Backing this brawler’s epic scale is a powerhouse soundtrack composed by Gareth Coker (Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Halo Infinite, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown), with contributions from industry legends including Mick Gordon (DOOM Eternal), Yuka Kitamura (Elden Ring), and Motoi Sakuraba (Eiyuden Chronicle).
