Eternal Strands – The Art of Fire, Ice, and Survival

REVIEW – Breaking into the gaming industry as a new studio is no small feat, especially in an already saturated genre like action-adventure. But Yellow Brick Games isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Their debut title, Eternal Strands, is brimming with ambitious ideas. The question is, did the magic make the leap from concept to reality, or does the mystical world of the Enclave remain stuck on the drawing board? Let’s dive in and find out.

 

Yellow Brick Games is clearly aiming high. In an overcrowded market of third-person action-adventures, the studio has deliberately veered off the beaten path, taking risks that are either destined to make waves or sink the ship entirely. With Eternal Strands, they’ve taken a bold approach to create something fresh, and in many ways, they’ve succeeded.

One of the game’s most notable innovations lies in its combat system. Eternal Strands doesn’t settle for simply arming players with traditional weapons. Instead, it introduces a complex system that blends classic weaponry with magical abilities. This isn’t just a recipe for thrilling battles but also adds a layer of strategic depth that encourages players to experiment, adapt, and refine their tactics to find the best solution for every encounter.

 

 

Enter the Enclave: A World of Enemies and Secrets

 

The Enclave is a mysterious, magical world sealed off from the outside by a supernatural barrier called The Veil. The story follows Brynn, the leader of a unique group known as the Weavers, as they attempt to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic land. However, the stakes are raised when Brynn and her companions accidentally find themselves trapped within The Veil, navigating a realm filled with danger and intrigue.

At the start, Brynn is equipped with conventional weapons such as a sword, shield, and bow. But her true edge comes from a magical cloak that allows her to manipulate the elements. Fire and ice play a significant role, not just in combat but also in altering the environment. Use fire to burn entire areas or ice to create bridges that grant access to new locations.

The environment itself isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an active participant in the gameplay. Every time Brynn ventures out, the weather dynamically shifts. One moment, you’re battling scorching heat that fuels rapidly spreading fires, and the next, you’re contending with bone-chilling cold that limits your mobility. These weather systems add a unique layer to the gameplay, constantly challenging players to adapt to their surroundings in order to progress.

 

 

Borrowing from the Greats: Is Imitation the Best Form of Flattery?

 

Yellow Brick Games openly acknowledges their inspirations from some of the industry’s biggest hits. Eternal Strands’ visual style, for instance, immediately evokes the vibrant, detailed worlds of the latest The Legend of Zelda titles. From lush landscapes to that sense of being part of a living, breathing world, the resemblance is hard to miss. And it doesn’t stop there—you can climb nearly anything in this game, as long as your stamina holds out.

The influence of Shadow of the Colossus is equally undeniable. Eternal Strands’ world is populated by massive creatures known as Arks. These towering monsters are not only awe-inspiring but also present a strategic challenge: you’ll need to climb them, locate their weak points, and break through their armor to access their magic-infused cores. Only then can you deal real damage.

Defeating Arks isn’t just about advancing the story; it’s also key to Brynn’s progression. Each Ark you conquer grants you a new Strand, which can be converted into magical abilities back at your base. Want to push Brynn’s powers even further? You can take on the same Ark multiple times, but be warned: the difficulty ramps up with each attempt. After your first victory, simply defeating them won’t be enough—you’ll need to meet special conditions to unlock a Locus Point. While this adds an extra layer of complexity, the rewards make the effort worthwhile.

 

 

A Living, Breathing World of Magic

 

If there’s one area where Eternal Strands truly excels, it’s world-building. The developers have crafted a paranormal universe brimming with mystery and magic, and most importantly, it feels alive. The ever-changing weather and interactive environment ensure that every exploration feels unique. One moment, you’re wandering through sunlit hills, and the next, a sudden snowstorm slows your every step.

This diversity extends to the game’s enemies as well. Many foes are tied to elemental themes: some thrive in freezing conditions, while others hurl fireballs that can engulf entire areas in flames. And if that’s not enough, invisible enemies add another layer of complexity to combat. Thankfully, with the right strategy, every challenge has a solution. A frost monster, for example, is vulnerable to fire, while an invisible foe can be exposed by forcing it to carry an ice orb.

Brynn’s magical abilities are what set the gameplay apart, adding a new dimension to combat and exploration. Players are encouraged to think creatively, leveraging the elements and their resources while experimenting with strategies to overcome obstacles. This blend of tactical depth and environmental interaction elevates Eternal Strands beyond the typical action-adventure experience, offering a world full of surprises and challenges.

 

 

Telekinesis and Fireballs: Limitless Possibilities

 

Whether you’re freezing enemies with icy blasts, slamming them into the ground with telekinesis, or Force Pushing them Star Wars-style into the abyss, Eternal Strands gives you unparalleled freedom in combat. The fights are dynamic, challenging, and incredibly satisfying. Not in the mood to fight? Just shove your foes off a cliff and move on.

The game’s magical abilities synergize beautifully. No fire source nearby? No problem—create a fire minion, grab it with telekinesis, and hurl it at your enemies. The endless combinations invite constant experimentation, keeping the combat fresh and engaging.

That said, the innovative combat system isn’t without its flaws. The complexity of the mechanics makes the controls feel cumbersome at times, requiring patience and practice to master. And when facing multiple enemies, battles can quickly descend into chaos.

The camera, unfortunately, doesn’t do the gameplay any favors. It often gets stuck against walls in tight spaces, leaving you blind to the action. The climbing mechanic can also be frustrating—if you accidentally start climbing when you meant to attack, you can find yourself in a tight spot.

The game’s biggest weakness, however, is its mission guidance. Objectives are often vague, leaving players wandering aimlessly as they try to figure out what to do next. While there is a built-in navigation system, it merely points you in a general direction, which isn’t always helpful—especially when that direction leads straight into a wall.

 

 

Bold Ideas, Rough Execution

 

Eternal Strands is an ambitious title from Yellow Brick Games. Drawing inspiration from iconic games like The Legend of Zelda and Shadow of the Colossus, it blends magic, weather effects, and environmental interaction into a concept that’s undeniably exciting on paper.

Unfortunately, it feels like the studio may have bitten off more than they could chew. While many of the mechanics work, the lack of refinement prevents the game from reaching its full potential.

That’s not to say it’s without its highlights. Throwing enemies off cliffs with a simple gesture never gets old, and the elemental experimentation is consistently entertaining. The Ark battles, in particular, are a standout feature, offering challenging encounters that feel like mini-games in their own right.

Still, the gameplay often struggles to feel truly fluid. The clunky controls and occasional camera issues can turn even simple tasks into frustrating experiences.

As a debut title, Eternal Strands is a commendable effort. If this is just the beginning for Yellow Brick Games, they have the potential to become a noteworthy player in the industry. Eternal Strands is a good game, but its ambition occasionally works against it.

-Gergely Herpai „BadSector”-


Pros:

+ Innovative combat system that encourages experimentation with elements
+ Spectacular and exciting Ark battles
+ Dynamic environment and changing weather that offer interactive gameplay

Cons:

– Control complexity makes it difficult to play smoothly
– The camera is often problematic, especially in tight spaces
– Mission tracking is sometimes frustrating and confusing


 

Publisher: Yellow Brick Games
Developer: Yellow Brick Games
Style: Third-person action-adventure
Release date: January 25, 2025.

Eternal Strands

Gameplay - 7.2
Graphics - 6.8
Story - 7.1
Music/Audio - 8.2
Ambience - 7.6

7.4

GOOD

Eternal Strands is an ambitious yet unpolished game that brings plenty of exciting ideas to the action-adventure genre. Its elemental experimentation and Ark battles are standout features, but clunky controls and frustrating camera issues hold it back. Yellow Brick Games’ first effort is promising, but there’s room for improvement.

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BadSector is a seasoned journalist for more than twenty years. He communicates in English, Hungarian and French. He worked for several gaming magazines - including the Hungarian GameStar, where he worked 8 years as editor. (For our office address, email and phone number check out our impressum)

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