Eternal Strands is a bold new action-adventure game from Yellow Brick Games that combines the intensity of third-person combat with creative exploration and a reactive environment. Set in a beautifully crafted fantasy world, the game puts players in the shoes of Brynn, a fearless Weaver on a mission to recover her people’s lost home. Armed with a unique blend of magical abilities and a vast arsenal of weapons, Eternal Strands offers an engaging and deeply immersive experience filled with towering creatures, sprawling landscapes, and an evolving story.
With its striking visuals, innovative mechanics, and challenging battles, Eternal Strands feels like a cross between Immortals Fenyx Rising, Dragon Prince, and Shadow of the Colossus—a combination that makes it stand out in today’s crowded gaming market.
A World Full of Wonder and Danger
The world of Eternal Strands is vast and alive, reacting to your every move. Players are encouraged to explore every surface, and Brynn’s agility makes it possible to climb just about anything. The environment isn’t just a backdrop—it plays a central role in both exploration and combat. Elements like heat and cold affect the world in real time, opening up countless possibilities for creative gameplay.
For example, a heatwave might ignite a wildfire that spreads toward your enemies, while a flash freeze could create bridges of ice, giving you new paths to traverse. This dynamic environment ensures that no two encounters are the same and adds a layer of depth rarely seen in action-adventure games.
Combat: Magic Meets Steel
Combat in Eternal Strands is a thrilling mix of swordplay and elemental magic. Brynn wields an array of magical abilities, from hurling fireballs to creating walls of ice for defense. Her arsenal also includes enchanted weapons crafted from defeated enemies, allowing players to customize their combat style to suit their preferences.
One of the game’s most exciting mechanics is the ability to climb giant enemies during battles. These towering foes are more than just large—they’re living, breathing puzzles. To defeat them, you’ll need to leap onto their massive forms, shatter their armor, and exploit their weak points. Combat is both challenging and strategic, rewarding players who combine magic, mobility, and brute force to bring down these colossal enemies.
Crafting, Exploration, and the Loomgate System
Unlike many RPGs, Eternal Strands doesn’t rely on traditional leveling systems. Instead, players improve Brynn’s abilities through crafting and exploration. Weapons and armor are crafted at your base camp using materials gathered from the world and enemies. The quality of your gear depends on the rarity of the resources you use, encouraging players to hunt for rare materials to enhance their equipment.
Exploration is aided by Loomgates, which act as fast travel points. Before traveling, players can check the map’s stats for weather conditions, available bosses, and resource locations. Don’t like the current conditions? Simply sleep in your tent to advance the in-game day and refresh the area. It’s a clever system that adds strategy to your exploration, allowing you to plan your journey based on the environment and available opportunities.
Immersive Storytelling and Stunning Visuals
The story of Eternal Strands is engaging without feeling overwhelming. The voice acting is superb, with each character bringing personality and depth to the narrative. Conversations are optional—you can skip through them if you prefer action over dialogue—but those who take the time to engage will find a rich world filled with history and mystery.
Visually, the game is breathtaking. The art style is reminiscent of The Dragon Prince, with vibrant colors and beautifully animated cutscenes. The environments range from lush forests to icy mountains, each filled with detail and secrets waiting to be discovered. Unfortunately, the game lacks a photo mode—a missed opportunity given how stunning the world is—but it’s still a visual treat for those who enjoy capturing in-game moments.
Highlights and Unique Features
- Reactive Environment: Elements interact with each other in real-time, creating dynamic and unpredictable scenarios.
- Climb Anything: Brynn’s movement is free and unrestricted, making exploration feel natural and rewarding.
- No Traditional Leveling: Character progression is tied to gear and crafting, encouraging exploration and resource gathering.
- Dynamic Boss Fights: Farmable bosses get stronger with each encounter, learning new attacks as you fight them multiple times.
- Freedom of Playstyle: Choose how you approach the game—whether it’s gathering resources for hours or rushing through the main story.
Where It Stumbles
While Eternal Strands is a beautiful and ambitious game, it does have its shortcomings. The inventory system is a major frustration, especially in the early game. Inventory space is severely limited, and while it can be expanded by upgrading your camp, these upgrades are locked behind story progression. This means that even if you have the necessary resources, you won’t be able to expand your inventory until the game allows it.
Another issue is fall damage—a feature that feels unnecessary in a game with such a heavy focus on exploration and vertical movement. It’s a minor annoyance, but it can break the flow of gameplay when you’re scaling cliffs or jumping between platforms.
Additionally, while the Watcher’s Wisp is a useful tool for navigation, it could benefit from a longer duration. Thankfully, there’s a quest called A Study in Light that significantly reduces its cooldown, making it much more practical for long journeys.
Strengths and Limitations
What Makes It Shine (Strengths)
- Dynamic Combat System: Magic and melee blend seamlessly for exciting, strategic battles.
- Breathtaking Visuals: The Dragon Prince-inspired art style is a standout.
- Reactive World: The environment plays an active role in both exploration and combat.
- Freedom and Exploration: Climb every surface and approach challenges your way.
- Engaging Story and Characters: Excellent voice acting and meaningful dialogue options.
What Holds It Back (Limitations)
- Limited Inventory Space: Early inventory management can be frustrating.
- Fall Damage: Breaks the flow of exploration.
- No Photo Mode: A missed opportunity given the game’s stunning environments.
- Navigation Could Be Improved: The Watcher’s Wisp is helpful but limited.
Eternal Strands: Eternal Strands is a standout action-adventure that offers a refreshing take on exploration, combat, and storytelling. It’s a game that rewards creativity and patience, allowing players to tailor their experience to their preferences. While it’s not without its flaws, the game’s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. For those who love immersive worlds, dynamic combat, and the freedom to play at their own pace, Eternal Strands is well worth the journey. Whether you’re climbing towering giants or unraveling the secrets of the Enclave, this game promises an adventure you won’t soon forget. – Obsidian
