Yellow Brick Games’ debut title, Eternal Strands, has arrived as one of the first major releases of 2025, blending elemental combat, towering boss battles, and systemic physics into a vibrant fantasy world. With a mix of critical acclaim and critiques, here’s an in-depth look at the game’s features, reviews, and key details.
Game Overview
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Price: $39.99
Developer/Publisher: Yellow Brick Games (founded by Dragon Age veteran Mike Laidlaw)
Key Features
- Elemental Physics & Combat
The game’s standout feature is its physics-driven elemental system. Players wield fire, ice, and telekinesis to interact dynamically with environments and enemies. For example, freezing a foe’s armor makes it brittle, while setting grass ablaze creates spreading wildfires. These systems allow for creative problem-solving, such as crafting ice bridges or hurling debris at enemies. - Shadow of the Colossus-Inspired Boss Battles
Nine “Epic Foes” roam the world, requiring players to climb and strategize to exploit weak points. Each boss has unique mechanics, such as destroying armor plates or manipulating environmental hazards. Defeating them grants magical upgrades, though repetitive smaller enemies drew criticism . - Exploration & Progression
While not a seamless open world, Eternal Strands offers interconnected zones with Breath of the Wild-style climbing and Monster Hunter-like gear crafting. Weather events (e.g., droughts, freezes) alter traversal and combat, though some reviewers found these mechanics undercooked. - Narrative & Characters
The story follows Brynn, a Weaver exploring the magical Enclave, but critics noted slow pacing and predictable plot twists. Optional lore-rich dialogues and codex entries add depth, but companions lack emotional depth in static cutscenes.
Reviews: Highs and Lows
- Pros:
- Innovative Combat: Praised for its physics-driven creativity, especially in boss fights.
- Visuals & Performance: Stylized art and smooth Unreal Engine 5 performance, even on mid-range PCs.
- Soundtrack: Austin Wintory’s score elevates epic encounters.
- Cons:
- Repetitive Endgame: The latter half recycles zones and quests, dampening momentum.
- Shallow Progression: Gear upgrades lack depth compared to Monster Hunter.
- Janky Physics: Occasional unintended deaths due to environmental interactions .
Verdict: Eternal Strands is a “solid action-adventure with high peaks and low valleys,” earning a 7.5/10 from IGN and “Beebom Score: 8/10” for its fresh take on elemental gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Long to Beat?
- Main Story: 25–35 hours.
- Completionist: Up to 40+ hours with side quests and optional content.
- Is It Open World?
No. The game uses a “linear, open-zone” structure with interconnected maps, unlocking areas as players progress. - Is It on Game Pass?
Yes. Available day one on PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Why It’s a Game Pass Standout
As a mid-budget title, Eternal Strands offers a risk-free experience for subscribers. Its blend of systemic experimentation and boss battles aligns perfectly with Game Pass’s ethos of discovery, making it a strong contender for early 2025’s must-play RPGs.
Final Thoughts
While Eternal Strands stumbles in pacing and repetition, its inventive combat and physics-driven sandbox make it a memorable debut for Yellow Brick Games. For fans of Shadow of the Colossus and Monster Hunter, this is a journey worth weaving.
For more details, visit the Steam page or check out reviews on IGN and Eurogamer.