Immortals of Aveum, the freshman endeavor of Ascendant Studios, is nothing short of ambitious. While many modern games trod down tried-and-tested routes, Ascendant chose to introduce us to a vivid world where bullets are replaced with magic, charging headfirst into the frontiers of the first-person shooter genre.
From its onset, Immortals captures the attention with a cinematic flair, reminiscent of big blockbuster movies that leave the heart racing and a smile lingering. It’s an audacious blend of adrenaline-fueled combat mechanics, where each spell cast is akin to a vibrant firework across the battlefield.
This magic-themed shooter stands as an impressive fusion of intense combat, puzzle-solving, and intricate platforming, strung together by a linear, yet captivating, narrative. Players willing to wander from the main storyline will find rewarding secrets awaiting their discovery.
EA’s decision to invest in this title was an astute one. There’s an undeniable charisma in Immortals, presumably because of its refreshing spin on FPS combat, combined with a richly woven fantasy story that’s bursting with lore and engaging characters. The game feels like a visually arresting spectacle, constantly pushing boundaries to defy expectations.
With such a strong debut, one can only wonder what feats Ascendant Studios will achieve next given more time and experience.
Yet, in every monumental effort, there are pitfalls. Immortals’ narrative, while engaging, sometimes felt like it was trying to incorporate too many elements at once. At times, it seemed like the developers were juggling a lot of fantastic ideas without fully realizing them. For instance, the game starts slowly, but its latter parts burst with energy and engagement, suggesting that with a bit more refinement, this title could’ve reached further greatness. In some ways, this mirrors Jak’s journey in the game – the Immortal Triarch Magnus – who, while intriguing, sometimes felt clichéd in his dialogue.
This dichotomy of innovation and convention persists even in the gameplay. The magic-based combat, though a novel touch, can sometimes be obscured by a deluge of colorful effects. Immortals seems to struggle in identifying where magic stops being just a reimagined gun and starts becoming a truly unique gameplay feature. Some mechanics, like the introduction of Furies, while exciting, also reveal limitations in the game’s design.
Regardless of these shortcomings, Immortals remains a commendable effort. It strikes a balance between the shooters of yesteryears and today’s narrative-driven FPS experiences. It dares to harmonize heart-pounding action with depth as it reflects the challenges inherent to the fusion of these genres. The game rests in an intricate nexus of FPS dynamics, bearing both the marks of inspiration from classics and the scars of its own daring innovations.
For many, Immortals of Aveum will be an experience worth diving into, especially for those seeking a distinct twist on familiar formulas. The game rests in the delicate balance of being fantastic yet forgettable, engaging yet clichéd. Its greatest asset is its brave attempt at reimagining, even if not everything hits the mark. As the dust settles, we’re left with an experience that’s solid and, in many moments, exceptional. But one can’t help but wonder: with a touch more refinement, could Immortals have been not just a good game, but a legendary one? Only time, and perhaps a sequel, will tell.
If nothing else, those looking for something else to play in an industry that tries to pull you in different directions with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Resident Evil 4, Street Fighter 6, Final Fantasy 16, Diablo 4, and Baldur’s Gate 3 all coming out within months of each other, might find something wortwhile in Immortals of Aveum.
At the moment, Immortals of Aveum is available to play on the Xbox Series S/X, PC, and the PlayStation 5. Although its high requirements on the PC ruffled feathers, it appears that its launch on the consoles have gone relatively smoothly.
