Dotemu, the renowned developer of beat-’em-ups such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Streets of Rage 4, is now introducing a new title that deviates from its usual approach. This time, instead of reviving a classic franchise, Dotemu is opting for an original intellectual property. Absolum is a fantasy-themed beat-’em-up being co-developed by Guard Crush Games and Supamonk, offering a fresh take on the genre.

The game promises to retain the core beat-’em-up mechanics that Dotemu has perfected over the years, while introducing some exciting new elements. The developer highlights the inclusion of “branching paths to explore,” which draws inspiration from classic games like Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse. Additionally, Absolum will feature roguelike mechanics, earning it the term “rogue-’em-up.” Although the specifics of these mechanics are still under wraps, they are expected to add a new layer of depth to the gameplay.

Absolum will offer both solo campaign and co-op modes, with support for local and online play. Players will have the option to choose from four unique fantasy-themed characters, each with their own abilities. The game’s animation is also noteworthy, with vibrant and detailed visuals. Absolum is slated for release on Switch, PlayStation, and PC later this year, and can be found on Steam.

Despite venturing into new territory with Absolum, Dotemu has not abandoned its efforts to revive classic games for modern audiences. The company is also publishing Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, a title set during the events of the original NES game, ensuring that fans of classic beat-’em-ups will have something to look forward to as well.