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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 Reviews (80-100)
29%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
57%
Negative Reviews (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 Reviews (80-100)
50%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
38%
Negative Reviews (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 Reviews (80-100)
25%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
75%
Negative Reviews (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 Reviews (80-100)
0%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
83%
Negative Reviews (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 Reviews (80-100)
13%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
75%
Negative Reviews (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 Reviews (80-100)
44%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
54%
Negative Reviews (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
118 reviews found95
Rectify Gaming
Jan 29, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is hailed as a triumph of game design, blending elements from Monster Hunter and Shadow of the Colossus into a unique, unforgettable experience. It is praised as a must-play for action-adventure fans and sets a high bar for Yellow Brick Games' debut title.
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90
GameGrin
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is called 'excellent' with high praise for its story, combat, and exploration. It's recommended despite some flaws in resource management and technical aspects.
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88
Le Bêta-Testeur
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is an impressive debut with distinctive art, immersive music, innovative combat, and environmental magic integration. While it has flaws like repetitive gameplay and control issues, it successfully establishes Yellow Brick Games as a studio to watch.
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85
Analog Stick Gaming
Jan 27, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is a promising debut from Yellow Brick Games, combining familiar mechanics with innovative systems like Thermophysics and Tempering. It offers a rich story, engaging gameplay, and a charming world that justifies its existence despite borrowing from established titles.
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84
Game8
Mar 22, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Eternal Strands is a magical and worthwhile experience that balances creative gameplay, enchanting magic systems, and a richly designed world. Despite some narrative and visual shortcomings, its $40 price point and engaging content make it a recommended purchase for fans of action-adventure games.
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