Unveiling the Glaring Omission in Immortals of Aveum - A Must-Have FPS Feature Absent!

Highlights

Ascendant Studios' Immortals of Aveum may feel familiar to seasoned shooter fans, but it lacks a core FPS feature: an ammo counter.

The game's magical spells operate similarly to firearms in terms of ammunition. However, there is an absence of an on-screen indicator indicating the remaining shots, causing frustration and missed opportunities. Adding a diegetic ammo counter to the game would not only perfectly align with the fantasy aesthetic but also enhance the immersive gameplay experience.

Despite its vibrant and imaginative visual style, Immortals of Aveum by Ascendant Studio incorporates several elements that will resonate with experienced shooter enthusiasts. Whether it's the long-range spells that resemble rifled weapons or the close-quarters decimation of adversaries using powerful bursts of red magic reminiscent of a shotgun's impact, Triarch Magnus Jak's magical abilities bear striking resemblance to traditional firearms. However, despite the similarities, the immersive first-person spell-shooter fails to include a fundamental feature that has been a staple of the genre since its inception: an ammo counter.

While Immortals of Aveum replaces conventional guns with magical powers, the mechanics of Jak's weapons remain akin to firearms in terms of ammunition management. Regardless of the three magical paths players select, they must contend with the potential depletion of their magical resources and the necessity to reload. Unfortunately, Immortals of Aveum neglects to provide an on-screen indicator of the remaining magical charges, making it challenging to determine when a reload is necessary. This not only leads to frustration in intense combat scenarios but also represents a missed opportunity to integrate a diegetic ammo display that aligns with the game's enchanting setting.

Immortals of Aveum’s Lack of An Ammo Counter Isn’t A Problem Until It Is

During battles in Immortals of Aveum's everwar as a soldier fighting against antagonist Sandrakk and his minions, the absence of an in-game ammo counter is typically not a major issue. Ascendant Studios made the decision to eliminate the need for ammo as a resource in-game, instead providing Jak with magical sigils that either refill automatically or with the use of a reload button. This unlimited supply of ammo, combined with the fast-paced nature of the game, ensures that players never have to worry about their favorite weapon running completely out of ammo. However, the need to unexpectedly reload in the midst of a fight can still be problematic.

Although the ammo for Immortals of Aveum's sigils cannot fully deplete, the inability to see how many shots are remaining before a recharge can be frustrating during intense firefights. Different enemy types have distinct vulnerabilities to specific types of magic, so running out of ammo for the most effective weapon against a particular foe in the middle of combat puts players at a significant disadvantage. When facing Immortals of Aveum's most formidable enemies, even the brief amount of time required for a reload can mean the difference between life and death.

A Diegetic Ammo Counter Would Have Been A Perfect Fit For Immortals of Aveum’s Fantasy Aesthetic

To avoid this issue, Immortals of Aveum could have included an ammo counter in the in-game user interface (UI) rather than limiting it to the equipment menu. Following the example of games like Dead Space, which displays vital information on the protagonist's suit, incorporating diegetic displays would have seamlessly integrated game information with the immersive setting. For example, spells could have been represented by items on top of sigils, or the brightness of each weapon could diminish as ammo was depleted.

Having a diegetic ammo counter would have allowed players to easily track when their sigil needed reloading, while also fitting seamlessly into the game's fantasy world. Throughout the 15-25 hour gameplay of Immortals of Aveum, various actions, such as deploying a shield or throwing projectiles, are presented in a thematically consistent manner, even if they involve standard shooter mechanics. Including an ammo readout with the same attention to detail would have been a visually appealing and undeniably useful addition to the game.

Despite the flawless presentation seen throughout Immortals of Aveum, the absence of an in-game ammo counter is a rather disappointing oversight. Nevertheless, players will still have ample fun unleashing their abilities on the game's mystical minions, even without the ability to see the exact number of shots left in their sigil.

Immortals of Aveum is now accessible for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.