Absolver

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Ars Technica
    Aug 29, 2017
    Absolver trades in tutorials for mystique, but if you think you can climb the learning curve, you should try it.
  2. Eurogamer
    Aug 30, 2017
    A one-of-a-kind blend of blood-thumping martial arts, combo curation and grindy multiplayer set in a ravishing wasteland. [Recommended]
  3. Kotaku
    Aug 31, 2017
    Right now, much of Absolver might feel small, but it has plenty of room to grow. Its foundation is solid: a well-designed combat system in a distraction-free world. Whether you spend a handful of hours seeing the sights or days delving into meta-discussions on the best builds, Absolver’s fresh approach to hand-to-hand combat is a welcome addition to the pantheon of one-on-one fighters.
  5. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Aug 29, 2017
    I still like Absolver a lot, probably even more than I did before launch. Thanks to the myriad possible move and combo loadouts, along with the various weapons and classes, PvP is both challenging and full of unexpected comebacks and knife-edge duels, but it just doesn’t feel like a complete experience. Bugs, server issues, a small, dull open-world and the lack of modes is definitely holding it back.
  6. TheSixthAxis
    Aug 29, 2017
    With the game releasing today for PC and PS4, I’m very much looking forward to diving further into its fascinating combat and exploring the world that lies shrouded in mystery. There’s a great amount of depth here that will appeal to many, be they Destiny-like online action RPGs, fans of fighting games, or simply those looking for a cool new game from an unexpected quarter.
  7. Vice
    Aug 29, 2017
    Playing Absolver scratched an itch I didn't even know I had. It's similar enough to the things it takes inspiration from to make me comfortable, but different enough to keep me playing. Above all, it got me excited about the fighting game genre in a way I haven't been since the first time I played Super Smash Bros. or read about Thrill Kill. That alone is worth the price of admission.

Awards & Rankings

92
#92 Most Discussed PC Game of 2017
18
#18 Most Shared PC Game of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 101 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 101
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 101
  3. Negative: 31 out of 101
  1. charyou
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    I'm disappointed to see all the negative press this game is receiving. It seems like people blindly purchased the game without looking intoI'm disappointed to see all the negative press this game is receiving. It seems like people blindly purchased the game without looking into what it aimed to achieve. This is an excellent fighting game. Period. It has a fun over-world that acts as a training ground and lobby. It has a very intricate combat system. It has a beautiful art style. All animations are hand keyed. The price of the game is only $30. Think of it more as an indie fighting game, not a triple A release trying to clone dark souls as others have claimed.

    One reoccurring complaint I see is the difficulty of fighting multiple enemies. Yes, in the first hour or two it is difficult, but it teaches you positioning and stamina management. Afterwards it is fun to fight two enemies.

    Another complaint is region locking. While I can understand this being frustrating, remember that this is a tiny dev team without the budget to do state of the art matchmaking or pay for dedicated servers across the globe.

    The only complaint I understand is the AI not wanting to leave their designed area. It is annoying when they run back to their spawn area if you pull them too far away. I imagine this was done to prevent frame drops and other QA problems by not allowing NPCS to be pulled too far and have too many on screen. Again, the dev team is tiny. I would hope this and other small nitpicks will be address down the road.

    All in all I would highly recommend this game. Just don't blindly purchase it without looking into what it offers. Why would you do that with any game though?    … Full Review »
  2. jhuang
    Aug 30, 2017
    1
    Let's get one thing straight first, this is a fighting game meant for players online to fight each other; otherwise, a pvp game. For this toLet's get one thing straight first, this is a fighting game meant for players online to fight each other; otherwise, a pvp game. For this to be a proper fighting game, netcode issues are a big deal and they miserably failed in this aspect.

    The combat system and combat deck building is good, but what use is all this when playing the game turns into a frustrating experience where rather than fighting your opponent you're fighting with network issues.

    People outside America have lag issues and teleporting enemies during matches, this should never have been released outside america as a full release game and it is borderline false advertising to do so. It is not ok for devs to use paying customers as test dummies for their servers and netcode especially when they advertise the game as a full release. Did I mention these issues also persist in coop pve? A friend of mine who lives < 3km away from me and we still experience teleporting enemies when the other is the host; yes we tested both ways.

    This aspect makes the game literally, not figuratively, unplayable. Already ordered my refund, I advise everyone getting the same issue to do the same. And if you don't live in America, don't buy this.    … Full Review »
  3. Damian_roar
    Aug 30, 2017
    10
    Honest review here, from a person who doesn't like to stay in the box.
    Nowadays companies are blinded by reviewing the same type of games    Honest review here, from a person who doesn't like to stay in the box.
    Nowadays companies are blinded by reviewing the same type of games year after year, if its not COD or FIFA they give a thumbs down to a game.

    This game is all that For Honor tried to be, and WAY better, the customization of your combos, and a stats system that really works (i hate those games that have stats and administrate them on their own way on level up, why do you make a stat system if you wont leave their players change it?) its what drew me in.

    It is an original game, flawless, and it gives this great sensation when you engage your combos in a harmonic way, the sound of a well placed kick in the face ending your opponent, and a great connection on the pvps i had, even on the launch day, its something very hard to archieve on a game, and this game did it.

    If you liked dark souls, and enjoyed For honor but wanted it well made, this is your game, you're not going to regret it, plus the complexitity of the fighting system its very solid and will make great for a competitive game.

    Give it a try, and dont let the "money sucker reviewers" confuse you with their mixed reviews, they give low scores to games that are not fifa and cod anyways.    … Full Review »
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