While I’ve been a big fan of the beat ‘em up genre since the very early days, I’ll admit that outside of the arcades where they were great for getting you and your friends to keep pumping in quarters, they’ve struggled a bit to find their way since. Sure, they can still be a blast to play solo, with friends locally, or sometimes with others online, but there always feels like a lack of permanence to them. Even in the case of the game I’d consider to be the best possible example of the classic version of the genre, Streets of Rage 4 couldn’t quite shake that issue even with all of its unlockable characters, assorted goodies, and alternative modes.

Perhaps it’s appropriate that the team that made that game so special is the one that has now shown the genre the way forward, and that’s by adding roguelike elements, in their new masterpiece called Absolum. It’s somehow both a celebration of some of the best elements of the past, blending together great core gameplay, plenty of weapons to pick up and throw, and a variety of mounts that you can ride, but then backing that up with a deep and diverse bag of gear and perks that will help to ensure every run feels pretty well unique.

You’ll start out by picking your character, and the 4 to choose from each have their own distinctive feel. What’s great is that they are all absolutely viable for getting the job done, at least once you’ve gotten the feel for the game’s flow and some meta progression unlocks under your belt to help out. The breadth of these perks and items really do make for diverse and some incredibly powerful builds when you can get some synergy going. Throwable weapons spawning when you complete a specific move paired with higher damage from them can make for a lot of fun. Some extra moves in your arsenal together with a higher rate of mana collection can give you fearsome chained attacks that will brutalize even tougher opponents. If you’ve got enough gold you can also hire mercenaries to help out, and with enough of them plus a perk or two in their direction, you can get your mob together to curb stomp the competition.

In terms of the depth of play, the team behind the game is also way ahead of you. Multiple branching paths, hidden secrets lurking just about everywhere potentially (but different each run), loads of bosses, and a surprise just when you thought you’d beaten the game (get ready, there’s even more!) all help to prolong the fun. While you can choose to button mash to some degree, given that many perks are triggered by dodging or deflecting enemy attacks, it’s also surprising how much technique there is in the game… and that’s before discovering combos that are possible when you throw certain perks into the mix. Better yet, rather than feeling obligated to return and grind through another run, the game is one of those that will make you stay up later, give up meals, or alienate your friends and family for just “one more try”. The fact that each character feels both viable and quite different just piles onto that sensation, and that’s all before even getting into co-op or online play as well.

For everyone who has never tended to be able to get into beat ‘em ups, lapsed fans who are tired of the pretty temporary fun of them, or simply people who are on the lookout for great games… this is one of those that demands a hard look. Even if you’re new to the genre, or to roguelikes, and find it all to be just a little too brutal, the game will hook you up with the ability to tune up or down your damage or the damage done to you. Want to go ham playing as an invincible god? Knock yourself out! Need just a little tweak to help you get into your groove? You can adjust what you want as much as you want without penalty, and enjoy the game at your own pace. Given the fact that this has managed to maintain the incredibly high standard of quality Streets of Rage 4 set previously, as well as reinventing the genre in a way that feels like it represents the path forward, I can’t see how it isn’t a serious contender for indie game of the year.