Why Immortals of Aveum is a Perfect Summer Distraction on PS5

With summer livestreams concluded and the typical mid-year release drought setting in, the gaming calendar has slowed to a crawl. For players without a massive backlog of unplayed titles, this quiet period presents a familiar challenge: finding something worthwhile to play until the autumn releases arrive.

After recently wrapping up 007 First Light and LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, I found myself browsing my digital library for a change of pace. That is when I landed on Immortals of Aveum. Developed by Ascendant Studios—a team formed by veterans of the Dead Space and Call of Duty franchises—the game stands as the studio's only release, which is a reminder of how tough the industry can be right now.

Magic-Based Combat That Holds Up

At its core, Immortals of Aveum is a first-person shooter that swaps traditional firearms for magical abilities. You progress through a campaign that blends linear missions with more open-zone areas, and the mechanics remain the game's strongest asset. The developers clearly prioritized making the "magic shooting" feel impactful; cycling through different spells—which function similarly to rifles, shotguns, and SMGs—allows for creative combinations that deliver a satisfying power trip.

While the story is largely throwaway and the graphics feel dated for a 2026 release, the moment-to-moment action is genuinely fun. As the game opens up, you encounter light Metroidvania-style exploration, mystical challenge rooms, and puzzles that require specific magical interactions. It is a solid, focused experience that lasts roughly 15 hours.

A Hidden Gem in Your Library?

If you are looking for something to fill the time, it is worth checking your existing collection first. Immortals of Aveum was released as a PS Plus Essential title back in mid-2024. If you were active with your game redemptions during that time, there is a high probability the game is already waiting for you.

While it is certainly not a modern classic—a sentiment reflected in its 69 Metacritic score—it offers a level of polish that makes it a perfect, low-stakes distraction for the summer. It might not be the most ambitious title on the PlayStation 5, but in a quiet release window, its solid gameplay loop makes it well worth your time.