Eternal Strands Review

Eternal Strands

Release: January 28, 2025
Publisher: Yellow Brick Games
Developer: Yellow Brick Games
Genre: PlayStation 5 Reviews, PS5 ReviewsXbox Series X Reviews
PEGI: 16
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Comment

Eternal Strands, developed by Yellow Brick Games, weaves a vibrant world and introduces compelling gameplay mechanics, but its ambitious design is occasionally hampered by technical hiccups and repetitive mission structures. Released on PS5 (and other platforms), it presents a visually stunning experience with a unique combat system, but doesn’t quite reach its full potential.

Gameplay: A Dance of Magic and Movement

The core of Eternal Strands lies in its innovative “weaving” system. Brynn, the protagonist, wields magic that interacts dynamically with the environment. Freezing water to create platforms, igniting flammable objects for explosive attacks, and manipulating the very terrain offer tactical depth in combat. This system shines brightest during boss encounters, which demand strategic use of the environment and precise timing. Scaling colossal creatures and targeting their weak points while dodging devastating attacks is genuinely thrilling.

However, the climbing mechanics, crucial for these epic battles, are a double-edged sword. While the concept is exciting, the execution can be clunky. Brynn sometimes struggles to latch onto ledges, leading to frustrating falls and cheap damage. This inconsistency detracts from the otherwise exhilarating boss fights.

The standard combat encounters, while initially engaging, suffer from repetition. Enemy variety is somewhat limited, and many encounters devolve into using the same few spells repeatedly. This issue is exacerbated by the mission structure, which often relies on fetch quests and clearing out enemy camps, lacking the narrative dynamism of the main story.

Story and World: A Rich Tapestry Undone by Pacing

Eternal Strands presents a compelling narrative centered around Brynn’s quest to prevent a cataclysmic event. The world is rich with lore and visually captivating, boasting diverse biomes and impressive vistas. Austin Wintory’s score elevates the experience, providing a beautiful and evocative backdrop to Brynn’s journey.

The characters, while not exceptionally deep, are well-written and contribute to the overall narrative. However, the pacing feels uneven. The story progresses in fits and starts, with periods of intense action followed by stretches of repetitive side quests. This uneven pacing undermines the narrative momentum and prevents the story from reaching its full emotional impact.

Visuals and Performance: A Feast for the Eyes (Mostly)

Eternal Strands is a visually impressive game. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the magic effects are stunning. The creature designs, particularly the colossal bosses, are a testament to the artists’ creativity. The PS5 version generally runs smoothly, though occasional frame rate dips and minor glitches can be observed.

Replayability: Limited Appeal

Beyond the main story and side quests, there isn’t a great deal of incentive to replay Eternal Strands. While experimenting with different magic combinations can be fun, the repetitive nature of the combat and missions limits the long-term appeal.

Conclusion: A Flawed Masterpiece

Eternal Strands presents a fascinating blend of innovative gameplay and breathtaking visuals. The “weaving” system and epic boss battles are genuinely thrilling, showcasing the game’s potential. However, clunky climbing mechanics, repetitive mission design, and uneven pacing hold it back from true greatness. Despite its flaws, Eternal Strands offers a unique and memorable experience, particularly for those willing to overlook its shortcomings. It’s a promising title that, with a bit more polish, could have been truly exceptional.

Trailer