Eternal Strands is simply a delight to play. The game feels like a mix between The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Monster Hunter, and Immortals Fenyx Rising. The team here at LV1 Gaming had the chance to play early, and we’re excited to share our thoughts.
Story
Long ago, a magical area known as the Enclave sealed itself off from the world. You begin the game as Brynn, who, along with her friends, embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery of this now-dormant region. Brynn’s companions include:
- Sola & Sevastyan: The armor and weapons specialists.
- Dahm: The go-to for spells and magic.
- Laen: Responsible for crafting potions.
- Casmyn: Focused on upgrading the camp.
- Oria: The group’s de facto leader who assigns quests.
Your friends remain at base camp while you, as the main character, venture into the wild to gather materials and uncover answers. The interplay between the group adds charm and a sense of purpose to your journey.
Gameplay
The gameplay truly steals the show. Brynn wields a diverse skill set, including sword and shield combat, archery, and magic. Early on, magic feels particularly advantageous until you upgrade your melee weapons. The game does a fantastic job of integrating environment-based mechanics that encourage creative use of your abilities. For example, during a fight with a drake, or dragon, the creature unleashed a torrent of fire, which I extinguished using Brynn’s ice magic—a moment that perfectly captures the synergy between combat and the environment.
Fun Mechanics
One standout mechanic is the ability to climb onto enemies to take them down. Riding on the back of a drake during a boss fight was by far one of the most exhilarating experiences in the game. Additionally, you earn new abilities by defeating large monsters and harvesting their powers, making each victory feel rewarding and impactful.
Graphics
Graphically, Eternal Strands is stunning. The bright, colorful environments are paired beautifully with a complementary soundtrack that enhances the immersion. The team at Yellow Brick did a phenomenal job incorporating realistic physics into the game. For instance, when something catches fire, it spreads dynamically, altering the world around you in real-time. This level of attention to detail adds depth and life to the game’s vibrant world.
Cost and Value
Priced at $39.99 at launch, Eternal Strands offers exceptional value. The main story alone provides around 25 hours of gameplay, however, if you dive into the side quests, you can easily double that time. Personally, I got lost in the world and clocked closer to 40 hours by the time I wrapped everything up. This game delivers a substantial experience that’s well worth the price.
Verdict
Eternal Strands is a fantastic action-adventure game that draws you in with its fun combat system, compelling story, and engaging characters. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh adventure and a world to sink their teeth into.
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