Eternal Strands, the latest offering from Yellow Brick Games, arrives on PS5, Steam, and Xbox Series X/S. As well as Xbox Cloud Gaming via Game Pass and GeForce Now. Draped in vibrant hues and promising a grand adventure. It wears its inspirations on its sleeve, drawing heavily from the likes of Breath of the Wild and Shadow of the Colossus, teasing a world teeming with magic and colossal beasts.
A Feast for the Eyes, But Not the Soul
Eternal Strands is a visually stunning game, a veritable feast for the eyes. The developers at Yellow Brick Games have clearly poured their hearts and souls into crafting a world that practically vibrates with life and colour. Leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, they’ve created environments that are not only technically impressive but also artistically breath-taking.
From the emerald canopies of ancient forests, where sunlight filters through the leaves in dappled patterns, to the sun-baked, ochre hues of crumbling ruins, whispering tales of forgotten civilizations, every vista is a postcard-worthy moment. The attention to detail is remarkable. Individual blades of grass sway gently in the breeze, while crumbling stonework reveals the passage of centuries. The interplay of light and shadow is masterfully done, adding depth and drama to every scene. Even the smallest details, like the intricate patterns woven into Brynn’s clothing or the subtle textures of the creature’s hides, contribute to the overall visual splendour.
Eternal Strands is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. The vibrant colours, the dynamic lighting, and the sheer artistry on display make it a joy to behold. It’s a world that begs to be explored. Visually, Eternal Strands is a triumph, a masterclass in environmental design, and a shining example of what can be achieved with modern game engines.
A Narrative That Fails to Ignite
Eternal Strands tells the story of Brynn, a weaver who finds herself caught up in a quest to uncover the mysteries of a lost civilization. While the core narrative is fairly straightforward, it provides a solid foundation for the adventure that unfolds. The plot progresses at a steady pace, offering a comfortable and familiar rhythm for players. While it may not be full of shocking twists, it delivers a consistent and easy-to-follow narrative experience.
The characters, while not ground-breaking in their originality, are likeable and serve their purpose within the story. Brynn, our protagonist, is a visually compelling character, and while her motivations could be more deeply explored, she’s a relatable figure driven by a sense of duty. The supporting cast, though comprised of familiar archetypes, adds flavour to the world and provides Brynn with companions on her journey. Their interactions, while sometimes predictable, offer moments of levity and camaraderie.
The dialogue, while occasionally a bit clunky, generally serves to move the plot forward and provide necessary exposition. While the narrative might not be the game’s strongest point, it doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience. It provides a serviceable framework upon which the world and gameplay are built, and it’s a story that’s easy to engage with, even if it doesn’t always surprise.
Familiar Mechanics, But a Lack of Innovation
Eternal Strands doesn’t shy away from borrowing heavily from well-trodden action-adventure paths. You’ll explore a sprawling open world, tackle environmental puzzles that feel a tad too familiar, engage in combat that, while functional, lacks real bite, and, of course, face off against challenging bosses.
The climbing mechanics, clearly inspired by Breath of the Wild, allow you to scale almost any surface, a feature that’s both liberating and, at times, a little too easy. The combat system offers a decent array of weapons and magical abilities, but it lacks the depth and nuance to truly engage the player. Too often, battles devolve into button-mashing affairs, leaving a lingering sense of monotony.
Colossal Encounters: The Bright Spot in a Dim Landscape
Where Eternal Strands truly shines, and what almost redeems its shortcomings, are the boss battles. These encounters are truly epic in scale, pitting you against colossal creatures that dwarf Brynn and the surrounding environment. The thrill of climbing these behemoths, strategically targeting their weak points, and finally bringing them crashing down is undeniable.
These battles are the undisputed highlight of the entire experience, offering a genuine sense of scale and accomplishment. They showcase the game’s potential and leave you craving more. Each boss encounter is a unique puzzle in itself, requiring you to carefully observe the creature’s behaviour, identify its weaknesses, and exploit its vulnerabilities.
The satisfaction of finally overcoming these gargantuan foes is immense, a testament to your skill and perseverance. These battles are not merely tests of combat prowess; they are tests of wit, observation, and strategic thinking. They are moments of pure adrenaline, where the fate of Brynn and the world hangs in the balance. They are the moments where Eternal Strands truly comes alive, where the game’s potential is fully realized, and where the player is left breathless and wanting more.
A Beautiful World, But a Hollow Experience
Eternal Strands undeniably presents a world of breathtaking beauty, a canvas of vibrant colors and stunning vistas. From moss-covered ruins whispering of forgotten ages to sun-drenched plains, the environments are a visual treat. However, this beauty masks a world that, sadly, feels strangely empty.
The initial awe fades as exploration reveals sparsely populated landscapes and a lack of compelling points of interest. The crucial sense of discovery is replaced by aimless wandering. While visually impressive, the environments become repetitive, lacking unique landmarks or intriguing areas. It’s a world that looks like it begs to be explored, yet offers little incentive beyond the visual spectacle.
This is compounded by a lack of engaging side content. Meaningful side quests and memorable NPCs are scarce. The world feels less like a living, breathing entity and more like a beautifully painted backdrop. The potential is there, but Eternal Strands falls short, leaving the player yearning for more depth and substance.
Eternal Strands – Game Review
Summary
Enter Eternal Strands is a visually stunning game with some genuinely thrilling boss battles. However, its predictable story, shallow combat, uninspired world design, and lack of innovation hold it back from greatness. It’s a decent way to spend a few hours, particularly if you’re a fan of climbing giant monsters, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression
