69
MONSTER
Stranded II washes you onto a deserted island with nothing but your wits and a few basic items. By hunting, gathering, crafting, and building, you must attempt to survive and eventually make it back home.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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69
Critics are divided on Eternal Strands' story. Some praise its rich lore, engaging narrative, and deep worldbuilding, while others criticize its static drawings, heavy-handed writing, and lack of originality. Positive points include mysteries and magical elements, but negative feedback focuses on immersion issues and character development. Players seeking exploration and rich lore might enjoy it, but those looking for immersive storytelling may be disappointed.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
69
Positive (80-100)
29%
Mixed (50-79)
57%
Negative (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics are divided on Eternal Strands' story. Some praise its rich lore, engaging narrative, and deep worldbuilding, while others criticize its static drawings, heavy-handed writing, and lack of originality. Positive points include mysteries and magical elements, but negative feedback focuses on immersion issues and character development. Players seeking exploration and rich lore might enjoy it, but those looking for immersive storytelling may be disappointed.
Gameplay Mechanics
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74
Critics' opinions on the gameplay of Eternal Strands vary, with some praising its fun spells, inventive magic, and climbing system, while others criticize limited combat mechanics and unsatisfying melee combat. Overall, the majority of reviewers appreciate the unique combat system, diverse combat options, and blend of exploration and resource management, making it a noteworthy action-adventure title despite some shortcomings.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
74
Positive (80-100)
50%
Mixed (50-79)
38%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics' opinions on the gameplay of Eternal Strands vary, with some praising its fun spells, inventive magic, and climbing system, while others criticize limited combat mechanics and unsatisfying melee combat. Overall, the majority of reviewers appreciate the unique combat system, diverse combat options, and blend of exploration and resource management, making it a noteworthy action-adventure title despite some shortcomings.
Graphics and Visual Design
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75
Critics praise Eternal Strands for its colorful and engaging visuals, vibrant environments, and effective use of color, drawing inspiration from Zelda games. However, some critics note inconsistencies in cutscenes, lack of detail in character design, and hollow environments. Overall, the game receives positive feedback for its charming art style and engaging aesthetics, despite areas for improvement.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
75
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
75%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics praise Eternal Strands for its colorful and engaging visuals, vibrant environments, and effective use of color, drawing inspiration from Zelda games. However, some critics note inconsistencies in cutscenes, lack of detail in character design, and hollow environments. Overall, the game receives positive feedback for its charming art style and engaging aesthetics, despite areas for improvement.
Music and Sound Design
NA
TL;DR
music and sound design
Description unavailable
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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57
Eternal Strands on PS5 runs decently with occasional frame drops, offering an enjoyable experience. However, critics point out issues like loose character control, frame rate inconsistencies, camera glitches, and floaty combat mechanics, impacting gameplay. While playable, the game suffers from technical flaws that need improvement for a better overall experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
57
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
83%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Eternal Strands on PS5 runs decently with occasional frame drops, offering an enjoyable experience. However, critics point out issues like loose character control, frame rate inconsistencies, camera glitches, and floaty combat mechanics, impacting gameplay. While playable, the game suffers from technical flaws that need improvement for a better overall experience.
Replay Value
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67
Eternal Strands impresses with replay value due to engaging gameplay and diverse playstyles, offering additional content and challenging progression. However, concerns arise over repetitive missions, uninspiring combat, and lackluster boss battles. While some critics praise its depth, others call for improvements to enhance replayability. Overall, mixed reviews suggest potential for enjoyment through exploration of playstyles, but enhancements are needed for a truly compelling replay experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
67
Positive (80-100)
13%
Mixed (50-79)
75%
Negative (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Eternal Strands impresses with replay value due to engaging gameplay and diverse playstyles, offering additional content and challenging progression. However, concerns arise over repetitive missions, uninspiring combat, and lackluster boss battles. While some critics praise its depth, others call for improvements to enhance replayability. Overall, mixed reviews suggest potential for enjoyment through exploration of playstyles, but enhancements are needed for a truly compelling replay experience.
Overall Verdict
69
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
69
Positive (80-100)
41%
Mixed (50-79)
57%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Critics praise Eternal Strands for its innovative ideas and visually appealing design, but note flaws like bloat, repetition, and control issues. While the game shows promise and potential for growth, it falls short in execution compared to its inspirations. With post-launch improvements, it could reach incredible heights and pave the way for a stronger sequel.
69
MONSTER
Reviews
107 reviews found80
Impulsegamer
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is an entertaining and clever game with a meticulous blend of mechanics, despite some control and design issues. It stands out among established titles in the industry.
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80
God is a Geek
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is a charming adventure with ambition and some wobbly mechanics. It offers a worthwhile experience for those looking for a fantasy world to explore.
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75
XGN
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is a daring debut title by Yellow Brick Games, combining ambitious concepts with influences from popular games. While the game offers an interesting mix of magic, weather effects, and elemental interactions, it falls slightly short in execution, particularly in smooth gameplay and controls.
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75
Player 2
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands has areas for improvement but offers a lot to enjoy, making it a worthwhile 20-25 hour experience. With enhancements, it has the potential to reach incredible heights.
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72
Hobby Consolas
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is praised for its innovative ideas and visually appealing design, but criticized for its limited combat mechanics and technical shortcomings. The game is seen as a bold debut project with potential for improvement through experience and ambition.
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64
RPG Fan
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Promising effort with cool mechanics and concepts, but may require waiting for post-launch improvements for a better experience.
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60
GamesRadar+
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands offers flawed but fun behemoth battling with interesting spells and combat mechanics, but is bogged down by bloat and repetition. Shows potential for a sequel to improve upon its strengths.
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55
IGN Benelux
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands falls short of its ambitious ideas and fails to deliver an enjoyable gameplay experience despite the talent involved in its development. The game struggles to compete with its inspirations like Monster Hunter, Shadow of the Colossus, and Breath of the Wild.
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100
Try Hard Guides
Jan 28, 2025
Eternal Strands serves as an incredible debut for Yellow Brick Games, stunning with its incredible visuals and wowing with its great magic system and enthralling gameplay. Try Hard Guides received a PC review code for this game.
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95
Rectify Gaming
Jan 29, 2025
Eternal Strands is a triumph of game design, blending the best elements of Monster Hunter and Shadow of the Colossus into a unique and unforgettable experience. Its rich narrative, innovative combat system, and breathtaking world make it a must-play for fans of the action-adventure genre. Yellow Brick Games has set a high bar with their debut title, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. The Enclave awaits, and it’s a journey you won’t want to miss. Developer – Yellow Brick Games Publisher – Yellow Brick Games Platforms – Xbox Series S|X , PS5, PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Developer Eternal Strands, the debut title from Yellow Brick Games, is a fantasy action-adventure game that feels like a love letter to some of the most iconic titles in the genre while carving out its own unique identity.
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