Eternal Strands, the debut title from Yellow Brick Games, ambitiously combines fantasy action-adventure with creative environmental interactivity. Drawing clear inspiration from classics like The Legend of Zelda and Shadow of the Colossus, it delivers a world that feels alive and reactive, though its ambition to echo those timeless classics occasionally outpaces its execution.
The story centers on Brynn, a Weaver with the power to channel raw magic through her Mantle. Tasked with restoring her people’s cultural home, she journeys through a sprawling world full of towering foes and environmental puzzles. The narrative provides a decent backdrop for the action, though it sometimes lacks emotional depth, relying on the grand visual spectacle of its world rather than its characters to drive engagement. The mysterious history of the Enclave and the unique blend of magic and technology are intriguing, but the story progression can feel uneven, particularly when the pacing slows during side quests or exploration.
The gameplay mechanics are where Eternal Strands sets itself apart. At its core is the interplay between elemental magic and the environment. Brynn’s ability to manipulate fire, ice, and telekinesis opens up creative opportunities both in combat and exploration. You might, for instance, find yourself tossing burning trees at enemies – which feels very empowering. Or you might freeze a waterfall to allow yourself a new walkway. This system rewards experimentation and keeps encounters dynamic, though at times the physics can feel unpredictable, leading to frustrating moments when your actions don’t have the intended effect.
Combat strikes a balance between strategic and visceral, with a mix of melee and magical abilities that evolve as Brynn gains new powers. Battles against smaller foes are fast-paced and satisfying, while encounters with the game’s massive titans are highlights that can take a while and leave an impression. Scaling these colossal enemies to attack weak points is thrilling, reminiscent of Shadow of the Colossus. However, the camera can be a persistent issue that needs work during these encounters, particularly when trying to balance precision and mobility in tight spaces.
Exploration in Eternal Strands feels rewarding, with a world designed to encourage curiosity. Almost every surface is climbable, and magical abilities unlock creative ways to traverse the environment. The dynamic weather and temperature systems add depth to exploration, as heatwaves and freezes can reveal hidden paths or transform the landscape. However, while the world is vast and visually striking, it can occasionally feel empty, with long stretches between points of interest detracting from the overall momentum – sometimes making us wish it has been designed in a more compact manner.
Visually, the game is stunning, with vibrant environments that blend fantasy and realism. The capital city of Dynevron and the surrounding wilds are beautifully designed, though some textures and animations lack polish, especially in cutscenes. The audio design is equally impressive, with a sweeping orchestral score that enhances the sense of scale and wonder, though repetitive voice lines and occasional syncing issues with dialogue stand out as minor rough edges.
While Eternal Strands doesn’t fully escape the growing pains of a debut project, its ambition and creativity shine through. The integration of magic, combat, and environmental interaction sets it apart, even if some systems lack refinement. For fans of sprawling adventures that blend exploration with strategic combat, Eternal Strands offers a memorable, if imperfect, journey through a world brimming with potential.
Score: 7.5/10
Press Play Media 