Eternal Strands

The story of Eternal Strands receives praise for its rich world-building, intricate lore, and immersive details that create a vivid fantasy universe. Critics like Eurogamer highlight the game’s "depth, charm, and attention to detail," noting elements such as memorable NPCs, codex entries, and unique touches like a book club with wine spills. IGN Portugal and GameGrin commend the narrative’s exploration of themes like survival, redemption, and cultural heritage, while Digital Chumps and Rectify Gaming appreciate the emotional resonance of Brynn’s journey and the interconnectedness of its world. The game’s focus on environmental storytelling, such as through ancient texts and character interactions, is also praised for fostering a sense of discovery. Additionally, GameBlast and TheSixthAxis acknowledge the elaborate setup of the Enclave, the Veil, and the Surge, which provides a compelling framework for exploration and mystery. However, the narrative faces significant criticism for its execution, pacing, and structural flaws. Many reviewers, including IGN Benelux and GamingBolt, argue that the story feels generic, with "static drawings" and "repetitive fetch quests" undermining immersion. The plot is frequently described as lacking urgency, personal stakes, or emotional depth, with Game8 and PPE.pl noting underdeveloped characters and a "lack of clarity" in its themes. Excessive exposition, "Tell, Don’t Show" storytelling, and tonally jarring transitions between 3D gameplay and 2D cutscenes (as critiqued by Smash Jump and Manual dos Games) further detract from engagement. Additionally, the game’s reliance on repetitive mechanics and slow pacing—highlighted by Checkpoint Gaming and GameGrin—diminishes the impact of its lore-heavy narrative, leaving some players frustrated despite its ambitious scope. Overall, the critics’ consensus reflects a divided reception. While Eternal Strands is celebrated for its Expansive world-building, intricate lore, and atmospheric storytelling (as noted by Eurogamer, Rectify Gaming, and GameGrin), its narrative execution is seen as inconsistent and underwhelming. The game’s strengths lie in its immersive details and thematic depth, but these are often overshadowed by issues like repetitive gameplay, unengaging dialogue, and pacing problems. Critics like IGN Benelux and Niche Gamer argue that the story fails to capitalize on its potential, while others, such as GameBlast and XboxEra, acknowledge its ambition despite flaws. Ultimately, Eternal Strands is viewed as a game with significant creative promise but one that struggles to balance its narrative ambitions with cohesive execution.

The gameplay of Eternal Strands is widely praised for its innovative mechanics and creative design, with many critics highlighting its unique blend of physics-based magic systems, dynamic combat, and exploration. XGN commended the game’s "innovative combat system" that allows players to combine weapons and powers for strategic battles, while GamingBolt lauded the "smooth and responsive movement" reminiscent of Breath of the Wild and the enjoyable climbing mechanics. The game’s emphasis on environmental interaction—such as manipulating elements like ice, fire, and kinetic energy—was a standout feature, with Eurogamer noting its "variety, humor, and depth." Boss fights against giant enemies (referred to as "Arks" or "Great Foes") were particularly celebrated, with Checkpoint Gaming praising their "great tension" and GamesRadar+ highlighting the "joyous magic" and rewarding encounters. These elements collectively create a sense of experimentation and creativity, especially in combat and exploration. However, several critics pointed out significant flaws that detract from the experience. Kakuchopurei criticized the "clunky controls," "janky movement," and "frustrating systems like limited inventory and lack of fast travel," while IGN Benelux described the gameplay as "repetitive and unexciting" with "boring missions." GamingBolt and Smash Jump both noted issues with combat mechanics, including "clunky material gathering," "inconsistent enemy AI," and "awkward auto-targeting." Repetition in enemy encounters and mission design was a recurring complaint, with GameMAG calling the "shallow mission design" and Eurogamer noting that "some enemies and missions feel repetitive." Additionally, technical issues like restrictive mechanics (e.g., inventory limits, stamina management) and underdeveloped systems—such as the "problematic camera" mentioned by Indie Games Devel—further hindered immersion. These flaws often made the gameplay feel tedious, especially in later stages. Overall, critics agree that Eternal Strands has ambitious and creative mechanics but struggles with execution and balance. While the game’s physics-based magic system, boss battles, and exploration elements were frequently praised (as noted by XGN, GamingBolt, and Checkpoint Gaming), its repetitive tasks, clunky controls, and lack of convenience features like fast travel or mounts were major drawbacks (highlighted by Kakuchopurei, IGN Benelux, and Smash Jump). The consensus leans toward a mixed reception: many recognize the game’s potential and creative vision, but its technical shortcomings and repetitive design prevent it from fully realizing its promise. As GameGrin observed, the gameplay "emphasizes strategy and creativity" but is "hindered by mechanics like inventory management," reflecting a broader divide between its innovative ideas and practical implementation.

The graphics and visual design of Eternal Strands receive widespread praise for their vibrant aesthetics, detailed environments, and creative art direction. Many reviewers highlight the game’s use of Unreal Engine 5 to create lush, immersive worlds with dynamic weather, intricate textures, and stylized visuals. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer laud the Enclave’s "vibrant, particle-effect-heavy visuals" and "lush, detailed environments," drawing comparisons to Immortals Fenyx Rising and Breath of the Wild. The game’s diverse biomes—ranging from crumbling ruins to sprawling forests—are noted for their creativity, with PPE.pl praising "colorful environments, diverse biomes, and weather effects" and Gameffine calling the visuals a "masterpiece using Unreal Engine." Additionally, XboxEra and Analog Stick Gaming commend the painterly art style and cohesive visual identity, while Le Bêta-Testeur highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of landscapes influenced by European visual novels. The game’s magical aesthetic, including vivid magic effects and "stunning character models" (Seasoned Gaming), further enhances its immersive appeal. However, several critics point to technical and design limitations that detract from the experience. IGN Benelux criticizes the "hollow and soulless environments," while GameBlast notes rigid animations and confusing geography. Smash Jump and Areajugones mention technical shortcomings like the lack of HDR/Dolby Vision support and texture pop-in, respectively. Game8 and Manual dos Games highlight issues such as color blending in combat and low-quality textures, while TheSixthAxis and Use a Potion point to clunky climbing mechanics and unenterable structures. Combo Infinito and Rectify Gaming note limited map content and performance drops in dense areas, and Digital Chumps and Impulsegamer observe inconsistencies between gameplay and cutscenes. These critiques suggest that while the visuals are ambitious, they occasionally fall short in execution, particularly on lower-end hardware or during intense action sequences. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among critics is that Eternal Strands delivers a visually striking and imaginative experience, with its art direction and environmental design standing out as major strengths. While some reviewers, like Gaming Nexus and Expansive, acknowledge the game’s "gorgeous" visuals and "impressive" use of Unreal Engine 5, others, such as GameGrin and Xbox Tavern, recognize its charm despite technical hiccups. The game’s ability to blend vibrant color palettes, dynamic weather, and creative world-building—despite occasional shortcomings—has earned it a place as a visually compelling title, particularly for fans of fantasy exploration. Though not without its flaws, the visual design of Eternal Strands is broadly celebrated as a standout feature that enhances its narrative and gameplay, even if it occasionally struggles to maintain consistency across all elements.

The sound design and music of Eternal Strands received widespread praise for their atmospheric depth and emotional resonance, with many critics highlighting Austin Wintory’s ability to craft immersive sonic landscapes. Checkpoint Gaming and TheSixthAxis emphasized the score’s epic and cinematic qualities, noting how it complements magical moments and medieval fantasy themes. Geeks & Com and Le Bêta-Testeur compared the soundtrack favorably to Wintory’s work on Journey and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, praising its orchestral melodies and emotional weight. Additionally, Game8 and Use a Potion highlighted memorable combat tracks and immersive soundscapes that enhance exploration, while Digital Chumps and Rectify Gaming lauded the music’s role in deepening narrative immersion and atmospheric tension. These reviews collectively underscore the soundtrack’s success in creating an emotionally engaging experience that aligns with the game’s tone. However, several critics pointed out shortcomings, particularly regarding consistency and memorability. GamingBolt criticized the lack of cohesive themes, calling the score “forgettable” despite its atmospheric contributions, while Analog Stick Gaming described it as “functional but unmemorable.” Manual dos Games echoed this sentiment, noting that the music “fails to leave a lasting impression,” and Game8 acknowledged inconsistencies in battle tracks, with some fights lacking impactful musical cues. Additionally, while Le Bêta-Testeur praised the orchestral elements, others like Smash Jump felt the unique blend of old and modern instrumentation was underutilized compared to Wintory’s previous work. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack excels in mood-setting, it occasionally falls short in delivering a unified or standout auditory experience. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for Eternal Strands’ sound design as a strong, if imperfect, component of the game. While many praise its ability to enhance immersion and emotional depth—particularly in exploration and narrative moments—others argue that it lacks the cohesion and memorability seen in Wintory’s earlier works. The divide reflects differing expectations: some reviewers valued the subtlety and atmospheric focus, while others felt the score could have been more dynamic or impactful. Despite these contradictions, the majority agree that the music and sound design contribute meaningfully to the game’s world-building, even if they don’t consistently elevate it to the level of a standout auditory experience.

The voice acting in Eternal Strands receives widespread praise for its ability to enhance character development and narrative immersion. Critics like GameBlast, Checkpoint Gaming, and GameSpot highlight the English voice acting as well-done, with performances that bring vividness to characters and enrich the storytelling. Specific mentions include Rebecca Hanssen’s emotionally resonant portrayal of Casmyn (GameSpot, IGN Portugal) and the natural, engaging delivery of dialogue that complements the game’s fantasy atmosphere (Game8, XboxEra). Digital Chumps and Analog Stick Gaming commend the cast for their diverse accents and strong performances, while The Punished Backlog and Use a Potion note how voice acting adds emotional depth and enhances narrative engagement. Even critics like God is a Geek and GameGrin emphasize that fully voiced dialogue strengthens character personalities and interactions, creating a more immersive experience. However, some critiques point to shortcomings in the voice acting and its integration with the game’s broader design. GameMAG criticizes the English dialogue as awkward and alienating for Russian-speaking players, while GamesRadar+ finds characters bland and their constant praise of the protagonist cringeworthy. Manual dos Games notes that weak dialogue, which assumes prior knowledge of the universe, undermines the voice acting’s impact, and Hobby Consolas mentions the lack of Spanish subtitles as a drawback, though this does not directly relate to voice quality. Additionally, GameMAG and GamesRadar+ express frustration with the game’s reliance on visual novel-style conversations, which they feel disrupt gameplay flow. These criticisms suggest that while the voice acting itself is strong, its effectiveness is sometimes hampered by narrative or design choices. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Eternal Strands’ voice acting, with most highlighting its role in elevating character depth and storytelling. While a few reviewers like GameMAG and GamesRadar+ point to specific issues—such as awkward dialogue or narrative pacing—the majority view the voice work as a standout feature. GameSpot, IGN Portugal, and XboxEra emphasize how strong performances, particularly from actors like Rebecca Hanssen, contribute to the game’s emotional resonance, while Digital Chumps and Analog Stick Gaming praise the immersive quality of the vocal delivery. Despite some reservations about dialogue consistency or player accessibility (e.g., subtitle availability), the voice acting is broadly celebrated as a key strength that enhances the game’s narrative and character engagement.

The technical performance of Eternal Strands varies across platforms, with several positives noted. On PS5, GameMAG praised the game’s "polished" technical execution despite minor frame drops, while IGN Benelux acknowledged smooth gameplay with only occasional issues on PS5 Pro. Xbox Series X saw praise for its stability, with Smash Jump highlighting 60fps performance and impressive polish for an indie title, and XboxEra noting stable performance despite minor controller quirks. On PC, Saving Content commended high frame rates (140-180fps) on high-end hardware using DLSS/FSR/XeSS, while One More Game noted smooth performance overall, though with Steam Deck-specific issues. Xbox Series S had some graphical hiccups but no major bugs, as mentioned by MondoXbox, and PC saw consistent frame rates for many reviewers despite texture pop-in and lag spikes. Negatives were more prevalent across platforms. On PS5, Kakuchopurei criticized "lag in magic casting" and "clunky overall feel," while GamingBolt highlighted restrictive save systems and limited inventory slots. XGN noted camera issues causing visibility problems, and RPG Fan mentioned inconsistent frame rates during climbing bosses. Xbox Series X faced complaints about "janky animations" (Gameliner) and "inconsistent enemy lock-on mechanics" (GameOver.gr), while PC reviewers like Areajugones cited frame drops during intense sequences and texture pop-in. Steam Deck users experienced shader compilation freezes and frame drops, as noted by One More Game, and Xbox Tavern pointed to performance limitations on the ROG Ally requiring graphical adjustments. Overall, technical polish issues—such as awkward controls, camera glitches, and inconsistent physics—were frequently cited across platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that Eternal Strands has a technically flawed but playable experience, with platform-specific nuances. While PS5 and Xbox Series X received mixed feedback—ranging from praise for smooth performance (GameMAG, Smash Jump) to complaints about clunky mechanics (GamingBolt, XGN)—PC’s variability highlighted optimization challenges, particularly on lower-end hardware. Despite these issues, many reviewers acknowledged the game’s potential, with GameGrin noting "smooth" runs on their setup and XboxEra praising its stability despite minor bugs. The recurring themes of inconsistent frame rates, control quirks, and polish gaps suggest that while Eternal Strands is technically ambitious, it requires further refinement to fully realize its vision across all platforms.

The reviewers who highlight positive aspects of Eternal Strands’ replay value emphasize its dynamic systems and creative freedom. XGN praises the game’s challenging progression system, where defeating Arks unlocks new magical abilities, encouraging experimentation with combat approaches. TheSixthAxis notes that repeatable encounters with giant enemies (Arks) and open-world exploration provide lasting engagement, while Smash Jump and Digital Chumps point to crafting, leveling systems, and exploration as key drivers of replayability. Additionally, some critics like PPE.pl and Rectify Gaming appreciate the game’s flexibility in problem-solving and varied combat strategies, suggesting that players can approach challenges differently across playthroughs. The presence of post-game content, such as harder difficulties and side quests (as noted by Gaming Nexus and Hobby Consolas), further adds to the game’s potential for multiple sessions. However, several critics express concerns about repetitive mechanics and lackluster design elements that hinder replay value. IGN Benelux and GamingBolt criticize the game’s repetitive missions, uninteresting combat, and shallow boss battles, which they argue reduce long-term appeal. GameMAG and GameOver.gr highlight formulaic gameplay, minimal incentives to revisit zones, and a lack of meaningful choices, while GamesRadar+ points to excessive backtracking and fetch quests as drawbacks. RPG Fan mentions an unengaging upgrade system, and The Punished Backlog notes that repetitive combat loops may deter players from returning. Even critics like Gaming Nexus acknowledge the game feels “one and done” after 40 hours, suggesting that its core mechanics fail to sustain interest over time despite some positive elements. Overall, the consensus among reviewers is mixed but leans toward a balanced perspective: Eternal Strands offers replayability through exploration, crafting, and varied combat strategies, but these positives are often undermined by repetitive gameplay and shallow design. While critics like XGN, TheSixthAxis, and PPE.pl recognize the game’s potential for experimentation and hidden content, others such as IGN Benelux, GamingBolt, and GameMAG argue that its formulaic structure and lack of post-game depth limit long-term engagement. The game seems to cater to players who enjoy open-ended exploration and creative problem-solving but may struggle to retain those who prioritize narrative depth or innovative mechanics. Ultimately, Eternal Strands is seen as a title with promising elements for replayability, but its execution leaves room for improvement in sustaining player interest beyond the initial playthrough.