January 28, 2025, marks the highly anticipated release of Eternal Strands, an action-adventure game developed and published by Yellow Brick Games, a studio founded by industry veterans, including Mike Laidlaw (formerly of BioWare).
Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Game Pass from day one, this game promises an immersive experience that seamlessly blends exploration, combat, and magic, set within a vibrant and enigmatic world.
Innovative Gameplay Based on Weaving
What makes Eternal Strands unique is its core mechanic: Weaving, a magical art that shapes the entire gameplay experience.
As Brynn, a young Weaver, players will discover the power to intertwine and manipulate the magical forces of nature. Equipped with an enchanted cloak, Brynn can master elements like fire, ice, and telekinesis, influencing the environment and turning combat into a dynamic and strategic experience.
A Vast World Full of Secrets
The setting of Eternal Strands is a visual masterpiece: a wild and breathtaking world inspired by stunning natural landscapes, with a fantasy aesthetic that blends vibrant colors and evocative details.
The ability to climb almost any surface adds a new level of freedom to exploration, encouraging players to uncover hidden secrets among towering mountains, enchanted forests, and ancient ruins.
A Deep and Spectacular Combat System
One of the most impressive aspects of Eternal Strands is its combat system. Drawing inspiration from iconic titles like Shadow of the Colossus and Dragon’s Dogma, the game features breathtaking battles against gigantic creatures called Arcs, which require strategy and skill to defeat.
Thanks to Weaving, Brynn can manipulate the environment to her advantage:
- Freeze water to create platforms,
- Set trees on fire to block enemies,
- Use telekinesis to lift and hurl objects.
This combination makes the combat system fluid and creative, though the camera sometimes struggles to follow the action, making battles feel chaotic at times.
An Engaging and Emotional Story
The narrative of Eternal Strands unfolds gradually, offering a rich story filled with memorable characters. Although Brynn is a quiet and introspective protagonist, she is surrounded by charismatic allies who add depth to the story.
The game explores deep themes such as loss and reclaiming one’s cultural heritage, turning Brynn’s journey into a struggle not just for herself but for the memory and identity of her people.
Eternal Strands: Is It Worth Playing?
Eternal Strands stands out in the action-adventure genre thanks to its original take on magic and innovative use of Weaving. While it has a few minor technical flaws, like a camera that could be improved and a slow-paced start, the game makes up for it with:
- Engaging and strategic gameplay
- A fascinating and immersive world
- A combat system that rewards creativity
If you love adventures full of exploration and magic, Eternal Strands is a title you won’t want to miss.
Eternal Strands
PRO
- Innovative gameplay – Weaving offers a creative approach to combat and exploration.
- Captivating world – Stunning environments with freedom of movement and secrets to uncover.
- Epic battles – Dynamic encounters against gigantic creatures, inspired by Shadow of the Colossus.
CON
- Problematic camera – In some battles, it can feel confusing.
- Slow narrative pacing – The story takes time to pick up.
- Some technical issues – Minor optimization and performance problems on certain platforms.
8/10
