Absolum
News, coverage and analysis tracking Absolum across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Saros Doesn’t Like Being a Roguelike, So Why Is It One?
Saros, the spiritual successor to Housemarque's roguelike hit Returnal, is criticized for shunning its predecessor's genre conventions in an effort to be more approachable. Despite technically featuring roguelike elements like randomized loot and levels, the game is seen as hollowed out due to stunted build variety and a lack of interlocking systems. This departure from its roguelike roots, while aiming for broader appeal, results in a discordant experience that undermines both its gameplay and narrative potential.
Nintendo pre-order updates – May 3, 2026 –
Nintendo has provided pre-order updates for various games and amiibo across North America, Canada, and the UK, with release dates spanning from April 2026 through November 2026, and some titles listed as TBA 2026. The list includes new releases, collector's editions, and books, with retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop mentioned for pre-orders.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – May 2, 2026 – nothing is stopping Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of May 2, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. New download-only titles like Elementallis and Monster Crown: Sin Eater also made appearances in the top 30.
Nintendo pre-order updates – April 26, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders game and amiibo, more
Nintendo has provided updates on upcoming pre-orders for various games and amiibo, including Splatoon Raiders and its associated figures. The list details new releases and collector's editions available across North America, Europe, and the UK for the Nintendo Switch and PC.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – April 25, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream wins again
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of April 25, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate follow in second and third place respectively, indicating a stable sales landscape.
So Videogames Episode 484: Breaking News
Episode 484 of the So Videogames Podcast features host Brad reviewing several games including Let Them Come: Onslaught, Let Them Come, Absolum, The Occultist, Lucky Tower, and Pragmata. The episode also includes listener feedback and mailbag questions.
Nintendo pre-order updates – April 19, 2026 – Rhythm Heaven Groove and more
This article provides a comprehensive list of Nintendo products available for pre-order across various retailers in the United States, Canada, and the UK. It details release dates, editions, and participating stores for a wide range of upcoming games and amiibo.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – April 18, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches on top
The Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of April 18, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot after its official launch. Several other popular titles like Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and various Pokémon games also feature prominently in the rankings.
Dotemu hosting Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch sale with lowest prices ever for Absolum, Streets of Rage 4, and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, more
Publisher Dotemu is hosting a sale on the Nintendo Switch, featuring significant discounts on titles such as Absolum, Streets of Rage 4, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge. These lowest-ever prices are available until April 30, 2026, with Absolum also slated for a Nintendo Switch 2 version later this year.
69 Switch 1 & 2 Games To Check Out In Nintendo's 'Spotlight Sale' (North America)
Nintendo is holding a 'Spotlight Sale' on its North American eShop, featuring discounts on numerous Nintendo Switch games until April 29th. The sale includes titles that received a 9/10 or higher review score, along with other highlighted picks.
Last Chance To Grab These 69 Switch 1 & 2 Games In Nintendo's 'Spotlight Sale' (North America)
Nintendo is holding a 'Spotlight Sale' on the North American eShop, featuring discounts on numerous Nintendo Switch games. The sale ends on April 29th, offering a chance to purchase titles that received high scores or are otherwise recommended. This guide highlights some of the best deals available.
Nintendo pre-order updates – April 12, 2026 – Elden Ring, Shenmue 3 Enhanced, more
This article provides a comprehensive list of video games currently available for pre-order across various Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Release dates and retailers are specified for titles such as Elden Ring, Shenmue 3 Enhanced, and many others, spanning different genres and release windows throughout 2026.
Playruo raises €2.1 million to become the leading platform for testing and sharing video games via streaming
Playruo, a cloud gaming solution for video game studios and publishers, has secured €2.1 million in funding led by Kameha Ventures and Blast Club. This investment will accelerate the commercialization of its services, which include instant game playtests, QA, press previews, and playable demos accessible via streaming. The company also announced a strategic partnership with PulluP Entertainment to streamline testing phases for titles published by Focus Entertainment and Dotemu.
Absolum Brings Its Unique Brand of Beat ‘Em Up Action to Switch 2 in Q3 2026
Absolum, a beat 'em up with roguelite elements developed by Guard Crush Games, is set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in Q3 2026. The game, which previously launched on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, features four distinct characters and a deep combat system. A physical edition is available for preorder through Silver Lining Direct.
Fantastic Fantasy Roguelike Absolum Is Getting The Full Physical Treatment On Switch 2
Silver Lining Interactive has announced a physical release for the fantasy roguelike Absolum on Nintendo Switch 2, available for pre-order now with expected shipping in Q3 2026. The full game will be on the cartridge, unlike the previous Nintendo Switch release. The game received a 9/10 review for its blend of arcade, role-playing, and roguelike elements.
THE REVOLUTION GOES NEXT-GEN: ABSOLUM COMES TO NINTENDO SWITCH 2 ON PHYSICAL
Silver Lining Interactive, in collaboration with Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks, has announced that the roguelite beat 'em up Absolum will receive a full-cartridge physical release on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. Pre-orders are now open for the new physical edition, while limited stock of the original Absolum Special Edition for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch remains available.
Absolum coming to Nintendo Switch 2
Absolum is set to release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in Q3 2026 with a physical cartridge version. The game, already available on the original Nintendo Switch, combines beat 'em up combat with roguelite elements in the fantasy world of Talamh. Developed by Dotemu, Guard Crush, and Supamonks, it features multiple playable characters and a story about overthrowing an oppressive regime.
Absolum Confirmed for Switch 2 Physical Release as Full Cartridge
Dotemu and Guard Crush Games announced that Absolum will receive a physical release for the Nintendo Switch 2, available as a full cartridge for $49.99 in Q3 2026. The beat 'em up game features arcade-style combat, roguelite elements, and an original score by Gareth Coker, Mick Gordon, and Yuka Kitamura. Absolum has already sold over 500,000 units across its current platforms.
Absolum coming to Switch 2
Publisher Dotemu, alongside developers Guard Crush Games and Supamonks, announced that the arcade-style beat 'em up Absolum will be released on the Nintendo Switch. Further details regarding the release date were not provided.
What happens when story serves art direction in Absolum - Narrative Notebook #2
This article explores how the narrative in Absolum serves its art direction, prompting players to engage with the environment for gameplay purposes. Developers Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Supamonks use environmental storytelling and quests that direct players to specific locations without UI navigation, encouraging close observation of visuals. This contrasts with games like Hades II, where narrative and art are less directly tied to moment-to-moment gameplay mechanics.
