Review by Jon Donnis
Eternal Strands is a visually breathtaking action-adventure game developed and published by Yellow Brick Games. It follows the story of Brynn, a brave young Weaver on a mission to uncover the lost secrets of the Enclave. Armed with a magical cloak, powerful abilities, and sheer determination, Brynn's journey is filled with colossal beasts, ancient mysteries, and an environment that reacts in real time to her every move.
The gameplay revolves around Brynn's elemental powers, allowing her to manipulate fire, ice, and telekinesis. This isn't just limited to combat, her abilities actively change the environment. Casting fire can scorch vegetation and start wildfires, while ice can freeze water or create bridges. Brynn can also climb any surface, opening up a vast world of exploration where creativity is constantly rewarded. The physics system is impressive, and combining abilities with the environment adds an extra layer of depth to every encounter.
Combat is engaging, with a range of magical weapons and abilities to experiment with. Battling enemies, from smaller monsters to towering titans, requires a mix of swordplay, spellcasting, and agility. Boss fights are a highlight, with Brynn climbing massive creatures to attack their weak points, break armor, or use the environment to her advantage. Defeating these colossal foes grants new abilities, further expanding the game's combat and exploration possibilities.
The world of Eternal Strands is a joy to explore, with detailed environments, lush landscapes, and a variety of locations, from the capital city of Dynevron to untamed wilderness. The game's 2D animated cutscenes add charm and contrast beautifully with the 3D gameplay, showing the care and attention to detail poured into the game's presentation.
However, combat can become repetitive over time, especially during lengthy enemy encounters. The dialogue is also a weak point, with voice acting that feels flat and uninspired. Conversations sometimes drag, but thankfully, dialogue can be skipped for players more focused on action and exploration.
Despite its flaws, Eternal Strands remains a well-crafted game with a beautiful world, satisfying combat, and rewarding exploration. The freedom to shape the environment with elemental powers, combined with thrilling boss battles, makes for a unique experience that sticks with you long after you've put the controller down. It may not be perfect, but it's a game worth playing for anyone seeking an ambitious and magical adventure.
Score: 7.5/10
Out Now on Xbox
No comments:
Post a Comment