Eternal Strands arrives with a tantalizing pedigree, boasting the involvement of veterans from the Dragon Age series and a clear ambition to blend the epic scale of Shadow of the Colossus with the demanding combat of Dark Souls. The result is a game that teases greatness, offering moments of genuine thrill and wonder, but ultimately falls short of its lofty aspirations.

Great world building
The game’s world is undeniably its strongest suit. A vibrant tapestry of towering structures, lush landscapes, and ancient ruins, it’s a joy to explore. The art direction is a feast for the eyes, painting a picture of a world rich in history and mystery. The story, while intriguing, is the game’s most significant fumble. It presents a compelling premise and hints at deep lore, but the narrative thread feels thin and ultimately forgettable. By the time the credits roll, the specific details of the plot have faded into a hazy memory, leaving behind a general sense of “that was cool” rather than a lingering emotional connection.

Give the characters more space
The characters, while well-designed and voiced with conviction, suffer the same fate as the narrative. They’re engaging and leave a positive impression, but they’re given woefully little screen time to develop meaningfully. We catch glimpses of their personalities and relationships, but these fleeting moments are often insufficient to forge strong bonds. It’s a frustrating experience to meet characters you genuinely want to spend more time with, only to see them relegated to brief dialogues and sporadic appearances.

Combat to keep you hooked
Where Eternal Strands truly shines is in its gameplay. The combat system is a clever blend of Dark Souls-inspired mechanics – precision dodging, parrying, and strategic attacks – with the scale and puzzle-solving of Shadow of the Colossus. When facing the colossal “Titans,” the game truly comes alive. Clambering up these behemoths, searching for weak points, and utilizing the environment are incredibly fun and rewarding. These boss encounters are the game’s high points, delivering a genuine sense of accomplishment and making you feel like a truly skilled adventurer.
The “Dark Souls lite” elements, while not as punishing as FromSoftware’s classics, add a layer of challenge that keeps you engaged. The combat is satisfying, requiring careful timing and smart resource management. This sense of strategic interplay meshes well with the platforming and climbing mechanics, creating a rewarding experience overall.
While the gameplay is predominantly focused on combat and exploration, there’s a small crafting element that’s surprisingly well-implemented. The crafting system is sparse and simplified, avoiding unnecessary complexity. This streamlined approach fits perfectly with the flow of the game, allowing you to enhance your gear without getting bogged down in tedious menus and resource grinding.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Eternal Strands is a worthwhile adventure, particularly for those seeking large-scale boss battles and a visually appealing world. It nails the feeling of climbing and conquering enormous beasts, which is no small feat. However, it ultimately falters in its ability to tell a truly memorable story and develop its characters with the depth they deserve. It’s a game that gets many things right, but fails to soar to the heights of its ambitions, leaving you with a sense of what could have been. While it’s certainly not a perfect game, the exhilarating Titan fights and the beautiful world make it a journey worth undertaking, even if the echoes of its narrative fade faster than the climb.
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