Absolver: A Deep Dive into the Forgotten Art of Combat
Experience the forgotten realm of Absolver, where martial arts mastery meets mystical adventure. Through its complex combat system and hauntingly beautiful world, this hidden gem offers a unique journey - despite its flaws. Join me as I explore what makes this game both fascinating and frustrating.
TL;DR:
By Josh Bailey | 2tonwaffle.com
Hey there, waffle lovers! Josh here with another deep dive into my ever-expanding Steam library. Today, we're taking a look at Absolver, a martial arts action RPG that's been sitting in my collection thanks to one of those countless Humble Bundle purchases we all make. You know the ones – where you buy dozens of games and then forget about them? Well, it's time to dust this one off and see what it's all about.
The First Steps
From the moment you wake up in the Plains of Adal, you're immediately struck by the game's unique visual style. It's not trying to compete with modern photo-realistic titles, and honestly, that works in its favor. The art direction reminds me of a watercolor painting come to life, with muted tones and stylized architecture that creates a distinct atmosphere.
As someone who streams these first-impression experiences regularly, I have to say that Absolver's world design immediately caught my attention. The verticality of the environment is something special – we're not just talking about a flat map with some hills. We're looking at intricate layers of stairs, bridges, and platforms that interweave to create a genuinely three-dimensional space to explore.
Combat: The Heart and Soul
Let's talk about what makes Absolver truly unique: its combat system. Now, I'll be honest – I'm not usually the best at fighting games, and the first few encounters had me button-mashing like a rookie. But as I spent more time with it, I began to understand that this isn't your typical hack-and-slash affair.
The combat is built around stances, timing, and reading your opponent. Each fight feels like a chess match, where you're trying to predict your opponent's next move while setting up your own combinations. It's complex, and yeah, it can be frustrating at first, but there's something incredibly satisfying when you start to get the hang of it.
One interesting mechanic is the way you learn new moves. Instead of just unlocking them through leveling up, you actually have to defend against attacks successfully to learn them. It's a clever system that encourages you to engage with different opponents and play defensively sometimes, rather than just rushing in swinging.
The World and Its Mysteries
Here's where things get a bit complicated. The world of Absolver is fascinating, but it's also frustratingly mysterious. You're dropped into this broken-down civilization with minimal explanation, wearing a mask (which apparently prevents "full death" – thanks for that tidbit, community!), and told to defeat some marked ones to progress.
The lack of direct storytelling isn't necessarily a bad thing – games like Dark Souls have proven that environmental storytelling can be incredibly effective. However, Absolver feels like it's holding back too much. I found myself wanting just a bit more context, more bread crumbs to follow. The world clearly has a rich history, but after two hours of play, I still felt like I was scratching the surface.
Technical Aspects and Gameplay Elements
Running the game on Linux through Proton (yeah, I'm one of those guys), I unfortunately missed out on the multiplayer aspects. However, the single-player experience runs smoothly, with no significant technical issues to report. The sound design deserves special mention – each area has its own ambient music that perfectly complements the atmosphere without being intrusive.
The progression system is interesting, with attributes to upgrade and equipment to find. Speaking of equipment, there's something satisfying about finding new gear, even if it's just "noble pants" that offer minimal protection but look fancy. The sword combat, when you finally get your hands on one, adds another layer to the fighting system, though the fact that they break adds an interesting strategic element.
What Works Well:
- Deeply engaging combat system that rewards patience and skill
- Beautiful, unique art style that sets it apart from other games
- Impressive world design with meaningful vertical exploration
- Solid sound design and atmospheric music
- Interesting gear and progression systems
What Could Be Better:
- Limited early-game guidance and map access
- Underdeveloped storytelling and lore
- Tutorial could be more comprehensive
- Some mechanics aren't well explained
The Community Aspect
While I couldn't experience it firsthand, it's worth noting that Absolver was designed with multiplayer in mind. The game apparently supports up to three players in a zone, adding an unpredictable element to exploration. However, I've learned that the community has dwindled over time, partly due to toxic behavior – a unfortunate reality for many fighting games.
The Legacy
It's interesting to note that the developers, Sloclap, went on to create Sifu, which shows how the ideas and combat concepts from Absolver evolved. While Absolver might not have achieved mainstream success, its influence on combat-focused games is evident.
Final Thoughts
After two hours with Absolver, I'm left with a sense of what could have been. There's so much to admire here – the combat system is deep and rewarding, the world is beautifully crafted, and the progression systems are solid. But it also feels like a game that needed just a bit more time in the oven to reach its full potential.
For players willing to invest the time to learn its intricacies, Absolver offers a unique and rewarding experience. The combat system alone is worth the price of admission if you're into deep, technical fighting games. However, if you're looking for a more accessible action RPG with a clear narrative, you might want to look elsewhere.
The Waffle Rating
After careful consideration, I'm giving Absolver 3 out of 5 waffles. It's a solid experience that does many things right but falls just short of greatness. The combination of unique combat mechanics, beautiful art direction, and interesting world design makes it worth trying, especially if you can grab it on sale.
Remember, folks, sometimes the games gathering dust in our Steam libraries can surprise us. This one certainly did, even if it didn't quite reach the heights it was aiming for.
Until next time, keep gaming and keep those waffles toasty!
-Josh
[Note: This review is based on a two-hour first impression stream on 2tonwaffle.com. Your experience may vary, especially regarding multiplayer features.]
FAQ:
Q1: Do I need to play online to enjoy Absolver?
A: No, the game can be played entirely solo, though multiplayer adds an extra dimension to the experience.
Q2: How long does it take to master the combat system?
A: Expect 5-10 hours to grasp basics, but dozens of hours to truly master the complex combat mechanics.
Q3: Is there character customization?
A: Yes, but it's limited to basic appearance options and equipment choices that affect both aesthetics and stats.
Q4: Can I play this game on Linux?
A: Yes, through Steam's Proton, though multiplayer features may be limited.
Q5: Are there different fighting styles?
A: Yes, there are three initial combat styles (Forsaken, Kahlt, and Windfall), each with unique mechanics.
Q6: How does the weapon system work?
A: Weapons like swords can be found throughout the world but break with use, adding a strategic element to combat.
Q7: Is there a New Game+ mode?
A: No, but the game focuses on continuous progression and mastery through combat trials and PvP.
Q8: Can I create my own combat school?
A: Yes, after reaching combat trials level 50, you can create a school to share your combat style.
Q9: Does the game have DLC?
A: Yes, but development has ceased, so what's available now is all there will be.
Q10: How large is the game world?
A: While not massive by open-world standards, the intricate vertical design makes it feel substantial and complex to navigate.
