The Timeless Brilliance of the Immortals: A Review of Aveum

Review: Immortals of Aveum

A fun magical FPS, but it fails to cast any new spells

In the world of gaming, the first-person shooter (FPS) genre has seen numerous iterations and innovations over the years. From games set in futuristic worlds to those grounded in historical conflicts, players have been treated to a wide range of experiences. Enter Immortals of Aveum, a fantasy shooter that attempts to blend spellcasting with guns, offering a unique twist on the genre. While the game succeeds in delivering engaging shooting mechanics and visually stunning particle effects, it falls short in terms of originality and storytelling.

Developed by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts, Immortals of Aveum was released on August 3, 2023, and is available on PC for £50/$60. The game replaces traditional firearms with spells that closely resemble guns, offering players a novel playstyle. It features three colored slots for sigils, which serve as the game’s equivalent of guns. The red sigils are designed for close combat, green for rapid-fire, and blue for distant shots. New sigils are frequently introduced, allowing players to experiment and find their preferred playstyle.

One of the game’s highlights is its spell-casting mechanics. Immortals of Aveum excels in delivering visually impressive spells that offer a satisfying sense of impact. The game allows players to unleash a variety of spells, including throwable javelins and powerful area-of-effect attacks. These spells add a layer of depth to the gameplay, creating chaotic and thrilling battles. The inclusion of “furies,” which are powerful abilities that draw from a finite mana pool, further enhances the combat experience. The game encourages players to utilize these abilities, as health and mana crystals are plentiful.

Shortcomings in originality and storytelling

While Immortals of Aveum manages to be enjoyable in terms of gameplay, its lack of originality becomes apparent. The game borrows heavily from other popular FPS titles, resulting in a nagging sense of déjà vu throughout the experience. Elements reminiscent of Overwatch and other fantasy shooters can be found throughout the game. This lack of originality prevents Immortals of Aveum from forging its own identity and leaves players desiring something truly innovative.

Additionally, the game’s storytelling falls short of expectations. The protagonist, Jak, is portrayed as a wisecracking character in the vein of typical Marvel heroes. The story itself follows a predictable fantasy narrative, complete with tired tropes and a twist that can be seen from miles away. The dialogue is filled with relentless quips and dull exposition, which may prove exhausting for players seeking a more immersive and engaging narrative. The overuse of potty-mouthed language further detracts from the overall experience.

Furthermore, the game’s art direction, while visually appealing, lacks inspiration. Immortals of Aveum features a robust suite of visual settings to tinker with, but its overall aesthetic fails to leave a lasting impression. The game’s world feels derivative, lacking the unique visual identity that could have set it apart.

Recommendation

Despite its shortcomings, Immortals of Aveum manages to deliver an entertaining and visually impressive FPS experience. The engaging shooting mechanics and satisfying spellcasting mechanics provide moments of excitement and chaos. Players who value gameplay over originality or storytelling will likely find enjoyment in this game.

However, for those seeking a truly innovative and captivating FPS experience, Immortals of Aveum falls short. Its lack of new ideas and reliance on familiar tropes prevent it from standing out in a saturated genre. Players looking for a more immersive and original story may be left wanting.

In conclusion, while Immortals of Aveum may not cast any new spells in the FPS genre, it still manages to offer some fun and engaging gameplay. It serves as a reminder of the importance of innovation and originality in gaming, and leaves players hoping for more daring and groundbreaking experiences in the future.