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Review: Eternal Strands

9.5/10

Summary

Eternal Strands is a triumph of game design, blending the best elements of Monster Hunter and Shadow of the Colossus into a unique and unforgettable experience. Its rich narrative, innovative combat system, and breathtaking world make it a must-play for fans of the action-adventure genre. Yellow Brick Games has set a high bar with their debut title, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. The Enclave awaits, and it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.

Developer – Yellow Brick Games

Publisher – Yellow Brick Games

Platforms – Xbox Series S|X , PS5, PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Developer

Eternal Strands, the debut title from Yellow Brick Games, is a fantasy action-adventure game that feels like a love letter to some of the most iconic titles in the genre while carving out its own unique identity. At its core, the game is a thrilling mix of Monster Hunter’s looting and inventory mechanics and Shadow of the Colossus’ awe-inspiring monster climbing, all wrapped in a richly detailed world brimming with secrets, danger, and wonder. Players step into the boots of Brynn, a young but fearless Weaver, who is determined to reclaim her people’s cultural home, the Enclave. What unfolds is a journey that is as much about discovery and exploration as it is about combat and survival.

The game’s narrative is deeply engaging, weaving a tale of loss, resilience, and hope. Brynn’s quest to recover the Enclave is not just a physical journey but an emotional one, as she uncovers the mysteries of her people’s past and the catastrophic events that led to their downfall. The Enclave, once a bastion of power and knowledge, now lies in ruins, its secrets buried beneath layers of time and destruction. As Brynn, players will explore a world that feels alive, from the wilds teeming with fantastical creatures to the crumbling capital city of Dynevron. The story is enriched by a cast of well-written characters, each with their own motivations and insights into the Enclave’s history. Returning to base camp to consult with these characters after each major discovery adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making the world feel interconnected and lived-in.

One of the most striking aspects of Eternal Strands is its combat system, which draws clear inspiration from Monster Hunter but adds its own unique twists. Like in Capcom’s iconic series, players will face off against a diverse roster of enemies, ranging from humanoid constructs to towering beasts. Each encounter feels like a battle of wits and skill, as players must learn the behavior patterns of their foes and exploit their weaknesses. The game’s looting and crafting mechanics are also reminiscent of Monster Hunter, with players able to harvest materials from defeated enemies to craft powerful weapons and armor. This creates a satisfying loop of combat, looting, and upgrading that keeps players engaged and constantly striving to improve their gear.

However, Eternal Strands takes the Monster Hunter formula a step further by introducing a revolutionary interaction system that makes the environment a key player in every battle. Heat spreads, cold chills, and real-time destruction allow for unprecedented reactivity in combat. For example, players can hurl burning tree trunks at enemies with telekinetic powers, snap trees to block incoming attacks, or rip boulders from the ground to use as projectiles. This level of environmental interaction adds a layer of creativity to combat, encouraging players to think outside the box and use the world around them to their advantage.

The game’s climbing mechanics are where the Shadow of the Colossus influence truly shines. Just like in Team Ico’s masterpiece, players can climb onto the massive forms of towering titans and attack them from different angles. This mechanic is not just a gimmick but a core part of the gameplay, as players must shatter armor, slice at weak spots, and use their magical abilities to bring these colossal foes down. The sense of scale and awe as you cling to a giant beast, dodging its attacks while searching for vulnerabilities, is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a testament to the game’s design that these encounters feel both epic and intimate, as you’re not just fighting a monster but engaging in a desperate struggle for survival.

Brynn’s magical abilities, channeled through the Mantle, a magical cloak, add another layer of depth to the combat. The Mantle allows players to wield raw magic in the form of raging flame, chilling ice, and telekinetic force. These abilities can be combined with enchanted weapons and armor to create a custom playstyle that suits each player’s preferences. For example, you might block incoming attacks with a wall of magical ice, lash out with waves of flame from a massive two-handed blade, or toss enemies off cliffs with raw telekinetic force. The versatility of the magic system ensures that no two players will have the exact same experience, as everyone can experiment with different combinations of abilities and gear.

The game’s world is as much a character as Brynn herself, with its unstable climate playing a pivotal role in both exploration and combat. Flash freezes can enhance the effectiveness of ice abilities, opening up new paths and creating opportunities to trap enemies. Conversely, heatwaves can start wildfires that spread across the environment, consuming everything in their path and forcing players to adapt on the fly. This dynamic climate system adds an element of unpredictability to the game, ensuring that no two playthroughs are exactly the same.

Exploration is another area where Eternal Strands excels. Every surface in the game is climbable, and magical abilities can be used to create bridges, burn barriers, or launch Brynn across gaps. The next-generation physics system rewards player creativity, whether you’re solving environmental puzzles or finding hidden secrets. The world is rich with lore and hidden treasures, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and uncover the Enclave’s many mysteries.

The game’s visuals are stunning, with a vibrant art style that brings the world to life. From the lush wilds to the crumbling ruins of Dynevron, every environment is meticulously crafted and filled with detail. The towering titans are particularly impressive, with their massive forms and intricate designs making them feel like living, breathing creatures. The sound design is equally impressive, with a hauntingly beautiful score that perfectly complements the game’s tone and atmosphere.

In terms of difficulty, Eternal Strands strikes a fine balance between challenging and accessible. The game’s combat can be punishing, especially during encounters with the larger titans, but it never feels unfair. Each defeat is a learning opportunity, and the sense of satisfaction that comes from finally bringing down a towering foe is immense. The game also offers a range of difficulty options, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the experience.

One of the few criticisms that could be leveled at Eternal Strands is that its sheer scope and complexity might be overwhelming for some players. The game’s many systems and mechanics can take time to fully grasp, and the open-ended nature of the exploration might leave some players feeling directionless. However, for those willing to invest the time and effort, the rewards are well worth it.

Eternal Strands is a triumph of game design, blending the best elements of Monster Hunter and Shadow of the Colossus into a unique and unforgettable experience. Its rich narrative, innovative combat system, and breathtaking world make it a must-play for fans of the action-adventure genre. Yellow Brick Games has set a high bar with their debut title, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. The Enclave awaits, and it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.

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