Immortals of Aveum

Immortals of Aveum is an intense first-person shooter set in a richly imagined fantasy world where players wield powerful magic alongside firearms in explosive combat. Developed by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts, this 2023 release drops players into a visually stunning realm where they must harness arcane abilities and advanced weaponry to overcome otherworldly threats and unravel the mysteries of Aveum.

Immortals of Aveum: Review

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of first-person shooters, Immortals of Aveum stands out as a bold experiment—a game that replaces bullets with magic, blending the adrenaline of combat with the wonder of fantasy. Developed by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts, this title arrived in 2023 with a promise to redefine the genre. But did it deliver on that promise? This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, critical reception, and legacy to determine whether Immortals of Aveum is a fleeting spark or a lasting flame in gaming history.

Development History & Context

Ascendant Studios, founded by veterans of Dead Space and Call of Duty, set out to create a fresh, single-player experience that would stand out in an era dominated by multiplayer titles. Immortals of Aveum was their inaugural project, announced at The Game Awards 2022 under EA’s EA Originals program. The studio aimed to balance fun and challenge, crafting a strong story and memorable characters. The game was built using Unreal Engine 5, making it one of the first non-Epic-published titles to fully utilize the engine’s features, including Nanite micro-geometry, ray-traced Lumen lighting, and virtual shadowmaps.

The development process was not without its challenges. The game was delayed from its original July 2023 release date to late August, a decision that placed it in direct competition with Armored Core VI and Starfield. This timing, combined with the game’s high development and marketing costs (estimated at $85 million and $40 million, respectively), set the stage for a challenging launch. Despite these hurdles, the studio’s vision was clear: to create a world where magic is as integral to the environment as the air its inhabitants breathe.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Immortals of Aveum is set in the world of Aveum, a land divided by the Everwar—a centuries-long conflict over the control of magic. The game follows Jak, an Unforeseen, a rare individual who manifests magical abilities later in life. After a traumatic event, Jak is recruited by the Grand Magnus Kirkan to join the Order of the Immortals, an elite group of battlemages defending Lucium, the last kingdom resisting the tyrannical Rasharn.

The narrative is rich with themes of power, destiny, and the cost of war. Jak’s journey is one of self-discovery and growth, as he grapples with his newfound abilities and the responsibilities they entail. The story is punctuated by twists and turns, including the revelation that Sandrakk, the antagonist, is collaborating with Kirkan to travel to the Shrouded Realm and kill the Pentacade, the ancient beings who created the Fonts anchoring magic to Aveum. The game’s exploration of these themes is both timely and timeless, resonating with contemporary issues of conflict and environmental degradation.

The characters are equally compelling. Jak’s growth from a street thief to a powerful Triarch Magnus is well-paced, and his relationships with Kirkan, Zendara, and Devyn add depth to the story. The dialogue, while occasionally humorous, strikes a balance between levity and gravitas, making the characters feel relatable and engaging.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Immortals of Aveum is a first-person magic shooter, replacing traditional firearms with spells. Players wield three types of magic: red (short-range, high-damage spells), blue (long-range, precise spells), and green (rapid-fire, crowd-control spells). Each type of magic has its own set of Strike, Fury, Control, Augment, and Dominion spells, allowing for a high degree of customization and strategic depth.

The combat system is both intuitive and challenging. Players must manage multiple cooldowns, switch between sigils (equipment that enhances spells), and utilize environmental hazards to gain an advantage. The game’s difficulty scales well, offering a satisfying challenge for both casual and hardcore players. The inclusion of a talent tree with over 80 nodes further enhances the gameplay, allowing players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.

The user interface is clean and functional, providing essential information without cluttering the screen. The game’s controls are responsive, with smooth movement and precise aiming. However, some players may find the initial learning curve steep, as the game introduces a multitude of mechanics early on.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Aveum is a world of stark contrasts, where ancient magic coexists with advanced technology. The game’s arcanepunk aesthetic is both visually stunning and immersive, with environments ranging from lush forests to sprawling cities and treacherous caves. The use of Unreal Engine 5 allows for detailed textures, dynamic lighting, and realistic physics, creating a world that feels alive.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a score that blends orchestral and electronic elements to create a unique atmosphere. The voice acting is top-notch, with performances that bring the characters to life. The game’s sound effects are crisp and impactful, enhancing the immersion and adding to the overall experience.

Reception & Legacy

Immortals of Aveum received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its combat, world-building, and presentation while criticizing its narrative, technical issues, and loot system. The game’s Metacritic scores reflect this divide, with the Xbox Series X version receiving “generally favorable” reviews (76) and the PC and PS5 versions receiving “mixed or average” reviews (65 and 69, respectively).

Despite its mixed reception, Immortals of Aveum has developed a cult following. Its unique blend of fantasy and FPS mechanics has resonated with players seeking something different in the genre. The game’s influence can be seen in subsequent titles that have experimented with similar concepts, and its legacy continues to grow as new players discover its charms.

Conclusion

Immortals of Aveum is a game of ambition and innovation, a bold experiment that successfully blends fantasy and first-person shooter mechanics. While it may not have achieved the commercial success its developers hoped for, its impact on the genre is undeniable. The game’s strengths—its combat, world-building, and presentation—outweigh its weaknesses, making it a memorable entry in the FPS landscape.

In the end, Immortals of Aveum is more than just a game; it’s a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring appeal of magic. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, shooters, or simply great gameplay, Immortals of Aveum is a title worth experiencing. It may not be perfect, but it is undeniably unique, and that alone makes it a standout in video game history.