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Reviews

Eternal Strands: Review

Eternal Strands. A game helmed by Mike Laidlaw, one of the creative minds behind Dragon Age and Mass Effect, promised something special. After spending several days exploring its vibrant world, battling colossal beasts, and mastering its unique magic system, I can confidently say that Eternal Strands delivers a refreshing mix of familiar mechanics and innovative ideas.

The game throws you into the shoes of Brynn, a young adventurer exploring the mysterious Enclave, a land cut off from the rest of the world by a magical barrier. The setting is stunning—colorful biomes, dynamic weather systems, and a world that feels alive. Fire spreads realistically, ice forms and shatters, and the environment reacts to your actions in ways that are genuinely impressive. It’s clear that Yellow Brick Games took inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Shadow of the Colossus, but they’ve added their own twist.

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However, while the world is beautiful, it lacks the depth and danger I expected. The story, which revolves around uncovering the secrets of the Enclave, feels like an afterthought. Brynn’s companions, the Weavers, are underdeveloped, and their side quests are more about fetching items than building meaningful connections. The narrative never truly gripped me, and I often found myself more invested in the gameplay than the plot.

The real star of the show is the gameplay. Brynn’s abilities are a joy to experiment with. She can manipulate the environment using telekinesis, freeze enemies in place, or even set the world on fire. The magic system is one of the best I’ve seen in any game, with nine distinct abilities that feel powerful and versatile. For example, freezing a dragon’s mouth mid-attack and watching it choke on its own fire is as satisfying as it sounds.

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Combat is a mix of melee, ranged attacks, and magic, but the magic steals the show. The crafting system, while simple, allows you to upgrade your gear and experiment with different elemental effects. However, the game’s low difficulty level means you rarely feel challenged. Enemies go down quickly, and even the colossal bosses, while visually impressive, are mechanically straightforward. Climb, break their armor, and attack—rinse and repeat. It’s fun, but it lacks the tension and complexity of Shadow of the Colossus.

Exploration is a mixed bag. On one hand, the world is a joy to traverse. Brynn can climb almost anything, and the use of portals for fast travel is a smart design choice. On the other hand, the game’s lack of direction can be frustrating. There were moments when I felt lost, unsure of where to go or what to do next. While this freedom is refreshing, it can also lead to aimless wandering and repetitive fetch quests.

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The physics-based mechanics, like carrying heavy objects or using ice to create pathways, add a layer of creativity to exploration. But these systems aren’t always polished. Climbing can be finicky, and movement sometimes feels awkward, as if Brynn is sliding on ice. These minor issues don’t ruin the experience, but they do remind you that this is an indie game with a smaller budget.

Eternal Strands: Eternal Strands is a game with immense potential. Its magic system, environmental interactions, and creative combat mechanics are some of the best I’ve experienced. However, its lack of narrative depth, low difficulty, and occasional technical hicks hold it back from greatness.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with caveats. If you’re looking for a challenging, story-driven RPG, this might not be for you. But if you want a game that lets you experiment with magic, explore a beautiful world, and take down giant beasts in creative ways, Eternal Strands is worth your time. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid foundation for what could become an incredible franchise. Tom Henry

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von 10
2025-02-02T22:44:13+0000

For now, I’ll keep dreaming of a DLC that expands on its magic system and introduces more challenging bosses. Until then, I’ll be happily freezing dragons and setting the world on fire.

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Pros:

  • Incredible magic system
  • Dynamic, reactive world
  • Creative combat and exploration mechanics
  • Colossal bosses are visually stunning

Cons:

  • Low difficulty level
  • Underdeveloped story and characters
  • Occasional technical issues
  • Movement and climbing can feel awkward

Eternal Strands is available now, and while it may not be a masterpiece, it’s a game that deserves more attention. Give it a try—you might just find yourself falling in love with its magical charm.

About the author

Tom Henry

I worked as a PM in video games, now I'm trying some new things.