As I delved into the world of “Immortals of Aveum,” a creation by the emerging talents at Ascendant Studios under the “EA Originals” umbrella, I found myself embarking on a unique gaming experience. This title is part of a lineage that EA has birthed remarkable games like “Wild Hearts,” “Lost In Random (check out my review HERE),” and the acclaimed “It Takes Two,” showcasing the potential of up-and-coming developers. Taking on the role of Jak, a local thief in the midst of turmoil, I was instantly drawn into the narrative as the relentless tide of The Ever War swept over Jak’s home town. Given the fateful choice to join the elite order of battlemages known as the Immortals, Jak’s transformation from an initially unlikeable and inept protagonist into a formidable warrior was a journey I was wholeheartedly invested in. His gradual growth and underlying charismatic charm turned me from a skeptic to a staunch supporter.
Drawing parallels to a game I reviewed last year, “Ghostwire: Tokyo (read HERE),” “Immortals of Aveum” redefines the first-person shooter genre by weaving spellcasting into its core mechanics. While “Ghostwire” executed this concept masterfully, “Aveum” elevates the experience to an unprecedented level. The game introduces three distinct spell categories, each identified by a specific hue – Blue, Green, and Red – with each color representing a unique form of attack magic. The beauty lies in the strategic assignment of these spells to various controller buttons, fostering the discovery of satisfying attack combinations. Beyond combat, these three spell types prove indispensable in deciphering puzzles strewn throughout the game’s open area levels. The allure of these enigmas often distracted me from the central plot, don’t be shocked if you get enticed to explore and unlock these cerebral challenges, if you do you’re often rewarded with weapon or upgrade enhancements.
While traversal through levels demands platforming finesse, requiring a medley of gliding, double-jumping, and grappling hook acrobatics, it adds depth to the gameplay experience. Each adversary possesses a color-coded vulnerability to specific magic types. This strategic facet necessitates adaptation to exploit enemy weaknesses effectively, although adherence isn’t mandatory unless an enemy sports a protective shield specific to their Achilles’ heel. At the onset, “Immortals of Aveum” offers three difficulty tiers: Apprentice, Magnus (the equilibrium between challenge and accessibility), and Immortal (the pinnacle of difficulty). Personally, I just stuck with Magnus. Unfortunately, navigating the gear and talent trees within the menu proved less intuitive, leaving me often head-scratching and yearning for a clearer guidance on item evaluation and selection.
Visually though, the game boasts a captivating aesthetic, with spell effects that dazzle and the three distinct magic hues imbuing each attack with a vibrant and engaging visual flair. The sound design and music fits perfectly in this newly created world, it was really a feast for the eyes and ears. Character development and narrative crafting within the game are notable strengths. Despite moments of quippy humor and dialogue reminiscent of recent films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a trope that has somewhat dulled me over time, the overarching story arc unfolds into a grand epic. Its seamless progression delivers a gratifying three-act structure.
The game’s runtime hinges on individual play style, with a brisk finish attainable in around twelve hours when adhering to the core storyline. For the meticulous, however, there’s potential to double that duration through comprehensive exploration. In an era where single-player campaign stories often serve as an afterthought to the multiplayer experience in first-person shooters, “Immortals of Aveum” proudly stands as an exception. This solitary adventure eschews multiplayer distractions, harkening back to the golden age of PS3/Xbox 360 gaming, offering a refreshing and enjoyable journey from start to finish.
8/10
For more information, visit https://www.ea.com/games/immortals-of-aveum/immortals-of-aveum.
Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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