# **Eternal Strands: A Daring Blend of Gaming’s Finest Classics**
Not many titles embrace their inspirations as openly as *Eternal Strands*, the bold inaugural game from Yellow Brick Games. Taking cues from timeless favorites like *Shadow of the Colossus*, *Breath of the Wild*, *Monster Hunter*, and *Dark Souls*, this action-adventure RPG fuses well-known mechanics into an immersive and surprisingly cohesive journey. Although it heavily leans on its influences, *Eternal Strands* successfully establishes its own persona through a distinctive combat system, a captivating story, and a vast world brimming with challenges.
## **A Tale of Enchantment and Intrigue**
In *Eternal Strands*, gamers assume the role of Brynn, a young Weaver endowed with mystical powers, who finds herself ensnared in a realm long sealed from the outside. As she and her allies delve into this forgotten territory, they unveil its truths while facing formidable adversaries. The game’s narrative unfolds via a mix of open-world exploration, visual novel-inspired storytelling, and character-centric interactions.
The story embraces melodrama, often echoing a “romantasy” genre reminiscent of *A Court of Thorns and Roses* or *Fourth Wing*. This narrative style may not resonate with everyone, but it enriches the characters and their dynamics, rendering the journey more intimate.
## **Gameplay: A Triad of Pillars**
*Eternal Strands* revolves around three fundamental gameplay components:
1. **Exploration and Combat:** Players navigate expansive open landscapes, completing quests and engaging in battles.
2. **Crafting and Upgrading:** Materials collected throughout the world are utilized to craft and upgrade weapons and armor at the camp.
3. **Story Development:** The plot advances through dialogue and cutscenes, enhancing the player’s connection with the world and its characters.
Initially, the crafting system might feel daunting, but it evolves into a crucial element of the experience, empowering players to customize their gear according to their own playstyle.
## **Combat: A Fusion of Sorcery and Swordplay**
The combat in *Eternal Strands* truly stands out. Players can choose from three types of weapons—sword and shield, bow, and two-handed sword—but it is Brynn’s magical powers that distinguish the game. Her kinetic, frost, and fire abilities introduce an extra layer of strategy to skirmishes, promoting inventive combinations to defeat adversaries.
One of the remarkable skills, Weaver’s Grasp, enables Brynn to manipulate objects and even adversaries mentally. This ability can be harnessed to toss foes from cliffs or reposition surroundings. The game encourages creativity, rewarding players who think innovatively.
## **Grand Boss Fights and Environmental Engagement**
The universe of *Eternal Strands* is inhabited by colossal beings dubbed Great Foes, including armored machines, drakes, and wyrms. These confrontations require expertise in both combat techniques and environmental management. Players can immobilize foes, ignite vulnerabilities, or create ice bridges for tactical edges.
The game’s physics engine introduces another layer of richness, facilitating dynamic interactions with the surroundings. However, this flexibility can lead to occasional glitches—unexpected hiccups and physics anomalies can create frustrating scenarios. Nonetheless, the game’s encouragement of player creativity overshadows these minor setbacks.
## **Final Thoughts: An Adventure Worth Embracing**
*Eternal Strands* marks a remarkable debut for Yellow Brick Games, adeptly merging aspects from some of the most cherished action-adventure games of the last twenty years. While it does not revolutionize the genre, it provides an engaging blend of exploration, combat, and storytelling that will attract enthusiasts of open-world RPGs.
For gamers who relish intricate combat mechanics, compelling narratives, and the excitement of exploration, *Eternal Strands* presents a worthwhile journey. Despite a few rough patches, its ambition and implementation render it a noteworthy experience in the contemporary gaming scene.
