Highlights
Immortals of Aveum goes beyond typical fantasy shooters by exploring the complexities and moral ambiguity of war, providing a nuanced perspective.
As players embark on their journey through epic battles and captivating spectacle, they will gradually unearth unsettling resemblances to conflicts in the real world. The depths of the game's lore reveal the unforgivable origins of the Everwar, shedding light on the haunting and sinister past of Aveum.
Ascendant Studios' Immortals of Aveum surprises players with its unique approach to blending fantasy elements with shooter gameplay, while also exploring the complexities of war. The Everwar, a key event in the game's history, mirrors the ambiguous nature of real-world conflicts, blurring the lines between right and wrong. This adds a profound depth to the game's narrative, elevating it beyond mere background scenery commonly found in other games.
However, Immortals of Aveum still delivers the thrilling spectacle expected from a fantasy shooter. Players will engage in epic battles reminiscent of the renowned Call of Duty franchise, drawing inspiration from its intensifying action. As they delve deeper into the lore surrounding the game's central conflict, players will gradually uncover the intricate motivations behind the Everwar. These revelations invite uncomfortable parallels with real-world war, making for a thought-provoking experience.
Immortals of Aveum’s Seemingly Straightforward Everwar Isn’t As Clear-Cut As It Looks
The players are introduced to the Immortals of Aveum's Everwar, a video game that follows a typical conflict between heroes and villains. However, the moral authority of the "good guys" from the kingdom of Lucium is questioned due to the evident class divide in Seren, where the protagonist Jak lives. Despite Lucium and the Immortals being portrayed as the forces of good fighting against the armies of Rasharn, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
As the game progresses, it becomes clear that alliances in the Everwar are constantly shifting, resembling the perpetual conflict portrayed in George Orwell's 1984. The war, which has lasted for millennia between the kingdoms of Aveum, has evolved into a battle of attrition between Lucium and Rasharn based on mutual hatred rather than ideological conviction. The reasoning behind the war becomes increasingly murky as Jak, now a Triarch Magus, uncovers the roots of the conflict and the horrifying acts committed by both sides in their pursuit of victory.
Story spoilers ahead for Immortals of Aveum
The True Roots of the Everwar Have Uncomfortable Echoes of Real-World Conflicts
Although it appears that the Everwar is being waged in order to protect Aveum from the tyranny of despotic rule, General Kirkan of the Immortals discloses to Jak that it is actually a conflict over resources. Despite both Lucium's Immortals and the Rasharn forces, commanded by warlord Sandrakk, claiming to fight for a noble cause, the truth is that each side simply desires control over Aveum's magical leylines. Dominating the leylines would not only grant the victor power over the world's magic but also a means to permanently solidify the rigid social hierarchy of Aveum's inhabitants.
The conflict over Aveum's leylines has resulted in atrocities committed by all parties in their quest for power and social control. However, the dark origins of this war reveal an even more disturbing tale. The war traces back to the early days of Aveum, when humanity's insatiable thirst for power drove them to mercilessly massacre the Aelori, the original inhabitants of Aveum, before turning against one another. Similar to the patterns seen throughout history, the truth about these past acts of violence and oppression was either suppressed or manipulated to serve the interests of those in power. Amidst the dazzling spectacles and vibrant magical battles of Immortals of Aveum, the game delves into the harsh realities of war. By offering a remarkably layered exploration of the causes and consequences of conflict, Immortals of Aveum sets itself apart from typical shooters and provides players with thought-provoking content long after they finish playing.
Immortals of Aveum is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.