10 Electrifying Games Like Absolum for Action Platformer Fanatics

Absolum. The name alone conjures images of blistering-fast combat, intricate level design, and a relentless challenge that keeps players on the edge of their seats. If you’ve conquered Absolum and are now searching for that next adrenaline rush, that next meticulously crafted experience that will test your reflexes and strategic thinking, look no further. We’ve delved deep into the gaming landscape to unearth ten titles that capture the spirit of Absolum, delivering a similar blend of exhilarating action, demanding platforming, and captivating worlds. Each game on this list offers a unique twist on the formula, ensuring there’s something for every discerning action platformer aficionado.

1. Katana ZERO: A Neo-Noir Masterpiece of Time Manipulation and Precise Combat

Katana ZERO stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Absolum in terms of its demanding gameplay and stylish presentation. This neo-noir action platformer places you in the role of a katana-wielding assassin with the power to manipulate time, allowing you to predict and react to enemy attacks with superhuman precision.

Key Features Mirroring Absolum’s Excellence

• One-Hit Kills: Like Absolum, Katana ZERO embraces a high-stakes combat system where both you and your enemies can be felled with a single blow, emphasizing strategic positioning and calculated aggression.
• Time Manipulation Mechanics: The ability to slow down time, deflect bullets, and rewind mistakes adds a layer of tactical depth that complements the game’s fast-paced action.
• Intriguing Narrative: Beyond the adrenaline-pumping combat, Katana ZERO boasts a compelling story filled with morally ambiguous choices and psychological intrigue, enriching the overall experience.

The game’s pixelated aesthetic doesn’t detract from the brutal beauty of its combat, and the synthwave soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s dark and atmospheric world. If you appreciated Absolum’s demanding yet rewarding gameplay loop, Katana ZERO is an absolute must-play.

2. Dead Cells: A Roguelite Metroidvania Symphony of Combat and Exploration

Dead Cells seamlessly blends the addictive nature of roguelite games with the exploration and progression mechanics of Metroidvanias, resulting in a truly unique and captivating experience. The fluid combat, diverse weapon options, and intricate level design echo many of the qualities that make Absolum so engaging.

Elements That Resonate with Absolum Fans

• Fast-Paced Combat: Dead Cells features a similarly relentless combat system to Absolum, requiring quick reflexes and strategic weapon usage to overcome hordes of enemies.
• Procedural Generation: While Absolum’s levels are meticulously handcrafted, Dead Cells utilizes procedural generation to ensure each playthrough is fresh and unpredictable, adding significant replayability.
• Permanent Upgrades and Progression: As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock permanent upgrades and new abilities that enhance your character’s capabilities, allowing you to tackle increasingly challenging areas.

The sheer variety of weapons and abilities in Dead Cells, coupled with its challenging difficulty and rewarding progression system, makes it a worthy successor to the Absolum throne. Be prepared to die, learn, and adapt as you navigate the ever-changing corridors of this captivating roguelite masterpiece.

3. Blasphemous: A Gothic Horror Epic with Brutal Combat and Haunting Atmosphere

Blasphemous plunges players into a dark and unforgiving world inspired by Spanish folklore and religious iconography. Its brutal combat, challenging platforming, and haunting atmosphere create an experience that is both captivating and unsettling.

Drawing Parallels with Absolum’s Core Strengths

• Demanding Difficulty: Blasphemous offers a similar level of challenge to Absolum, requiring precise timing and strategic thinking to overcome its formidable enemies and intricate traps.
• Punishing Combat: The game features a brutal combat system where every encounter is a test of skill and patience. Mastering the timing of your attacks and parries is crucial for survival.
• Rich Lore and Atmosphere: Blasphemous boasts a deeply atmospheric world filled with cryptic lore and unsettling imagery, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

The game’s pixel art style is meticulously detailed, capturing the grim beauty of its world and the grotesque nature of its enemies. If you appreciate Absolum’s uncompromising difficulty and dark aesthetic, Blasphemous is a game you won’t want to miss.

4. Cyber Shadow: A Love Letter to Classic 8-Bit Action Platformers

Cyber Shadow is a retro-inspired action platformer that pays homage to the classic 8-bit games of the NES era. Its challenging gameplay, precise controls, and nostalgic aesthetic will appeal to fans of Absolum who appreciate a good old-school challenge.

Echoes of Absolum in its Design

• Precision Platforming: Cyber Shadow demands precise platforming skills, requiring you to navigate treacherous environments filled with deadly traps and obstacles.
• Challenging Boss Battles: The game features a series of challenging boss battles that will test your reflexes and strategic thinking.
• Nostalgic Aesthetic: Cyber Shadow’s 8-bit graphics and chiptune soundtrack evoke a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of gaming.

While the game’s presentation is decidedly retro, its gameplay is anything but outdated. Cyber Shadow offers a challenging and rewarding experience that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

5. The Messenger: A Genre-Bending Adventure with Ninja Action and Witty Humor

The Messenger starts as a classic 8-bit ninja platformer but gradually evolves into something much more. Its clever time-travel mechanics, witty humor, and surprisingly deep story make it a truly unique and memorable experience.

Similarities to Absolum’s Engaging Gameplay

• Tight Platforming: The Messenger demands precise platforming skills, requiring you to master your character’s movement and abilities to overcome challenging obstacles.
• Fast-Paced Combat: The game features a fast-paced combat system that rewards skillful play and strategic thinking.
• Unexpected Twists and Turns: The Messenger is full of surprises, constantly subverting expectations and keeping you guessing.

The game’s transition from 8-bit to 16-bit graphics is a clever twist that adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay. If you appreciate Absolum’s challenging gameplay and intricate level design, The Messenger is a game that will surprise and delight you.

6. Guacamelee! 2: A Lucha Libre Metroidvania with Colorful Visuals and Hilarious Story

Guacamelee! 2 is a vibrant and hilarious Metroidvania that puts you in the role of a luchador on a quest to save the Mexiverse. Its colorful visuals, fluid combat, and charming story make it a truly enjoyable experience.

Resonating Elements with Absolum’s Appeal

• Fluid Combat System: Guacamelee! 2 features a satisfying combat system that allows you to chain together combos and perform devastating special moves.
• Exploration and Progression: The game encourages exploration, rewarding you with new abilities and upgrades that allow you to access previously inaccessible areas.
• Cooperative Gameplay: Guacamelee! 2 supports local cooperative gameplay, allowing you and a friend to team up and tackle the game’s challenges together.

The game’s vibrant art style and quirky humor are a refreshing change of pace from the often-grim atmosphere of other action platformers. If you’re looking for a challenging yet lighthearted experience, Guacamelee! 2 is a perfect choice.

7. Axiom Verge: A Metroidvania Masterpiece with a Focus on Exploration and Glitching

Axiom Verge is a Metroidvania game that pays homage to the classic games of the genre while also introducing its own unique twists. Its focus on exploration, glitching mechanics, and atmospheric world make it a standout title.

Shared Qualities with Absolum’s Excellence

• Exploration-Driven Gameplay: Axiom Verge encourages exploration, rewarding you with new weapons, abilities, and secrets as you delve deeper into its mysterious world.
• Unique Glitching Mechanics: The game features a unique glitching mechanic that allows you to manipulate the environment and uncover hidden pathways.
• Atmospheric World: Axiom Verge boasts a hauntingly beautiful world filled with strange creatures and ancient technology.

The game’s retro-inspired graphics and synthesized soundtrack create a sense of nostalgia while also feeling fresh and modern. If you appreciate Absolum’s challenging gameplay and intricate level design, Axiom Verge is a game that will captivate you.

8. Hollow Knight: A Vast and Atmospheric Metroidvania with Challenging Combat

Hollow Knight is a sprawling Metroidvania game set in the decaying kingdom of Hallownest. Its challenging combat, intricate level design, and haunting atmosphere have earned it widespread acclaim.

Features Mirroring Absolum’s Strengths

• Demanding Combat: Hollow Knight features a challenging combat system that requires precise timing and strategic thinking.
• Exploration and Discovery: The game encourages exploration, rewarding you with new abilities, items, and secrets as you navigate its vast and interconnected world.
• Rich Lore and Atmosphere: Hollow Knight boasts a deeply atmospheric world filled with cryptic lore and memorable characters.

The game’s hand-drawn art style is stunning, bringing the world of Hallownest to life in breathtaking detail. If you appreciate Absolum’s challenging gameplay and dark aesthetic, Hollow Knight is a game you absolutely need to experience.

9. Celeste: A Heartfelt Platformer with Demanding Challenges and a Moving Story

Celeste is a deceptively simple platformer that tackles complex themes of mental health and self-acceptance. Its demanding challenges, precise controls, and moving story make it a truly unforgettable experience.

Aspects Aligned with Absolum’s Intensity

• Punishing Difficulty: Celeste is known for its punishing difficulty, requiring you to master its precise controls and overcome incredibly challenging obstacles.
• Tight Platforming: The game demands pixel-perfect platforming, requiring you to time your jumps and dashes with precision.
• Emotional Narrative: Beyond its challenging gameplay, Celeste boasts a deeply emotional story that resonates with players on a personal level.

The game’s simple yet effective art style and catchy soundtrack perfectly complement its challenging gameplay and heartfelt story. If you appreciate Absolum’s demanding gameplay and rewarding sense of accomplishment, Celeste is a game that will stay with you long after you finish it.

10. Furi: A Boss-Rush Spectacle with Stylish Visuals and Intense Action

Furi is a unique action game that focuses exclusively on boss battles. Its stylish visuals, intense action, and pulse-pounding soundtrack create a truly exhilarating experience.

Qualities That Resonate with Absolum Admirers

• Challenging Boss Battles: Furi is all about boss battles, each of which requires you to master different combat mechanics and strategies.
• Fast-Paced Combat: The game features a fast-paced combat system that blends sword fighting with ranged attacks.
• Stylish Visuals and Soundtrack: Furi boasts a striking visual style and a pulsating electronic soundtrack that perfectly complements its intense action.

The game’s focus on boss battles may not appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy a challenging and rewarding combat experience, Furi is a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.