When it comes to action-adventure games based in a fantasy setting, I’m a sucker for them. This is why I’m excited for the upcoming title, Eternal Strands, from the indie gaming studio Yellow Brick Studios, started by several veterans of the gaming scene, including AAA industry veterans Thomas Giroux (Bioware), Jeff Skalski (Ubisoft), Mike Laidlaw (Ubisoft), and Frédéric St-Laurent B, (Ubisoft), among others. After slaving away on its first upcoming title, Yellow Brick Games is ready to share some information on this game.
Eternal Strands is a brand-new, fantasy action-adventure game developed in Epic Games Unreal 5 and created by a team of 68 members, it is a new emergent gameplay experience. Being in development for four years, Yellow Brick Games unveiled a trailer showing how this vibrant, colorful, and stylized universe is blending innovative physics-based systems with engaging action-combat for revolutionary gameplay interactions in which the world you play in becomes your weapon.
After watching the video sent to IGN, I’m digging the art style; it’s almost DnD-like. The gameplay reminds me of Asterigos and Immortals Fenyx Rising, both of which were amazing titles that I really enjoyed. Anytime I can play a game that lets me climb onto a giant’s back, it is always a plus.
Oh, and go wishlist the game on Steam… I already did.
Key features:
The World is Your Weapon: At the heart of Eternal Strands, is a revolutionary new system for gameplay interactions: heat spreads, cold chills, and real-time destruction that allows for unprecedented reactivity in combat. Hurl burning tree trunks at enemies with telekinetic, snap nearby trees to block opposing fire, or channel raw telekinetic force to rip boulders from the ground.
Weaver of Magic: Wear the Mantle, a magical cloak that channels raw magic into raging flame, chilling ice, and telekinetic force. Combine your growing array of powers with enchanted weapons and armor crafted from slain enemies to create a custom look and style. Block incoming attacks with a wall of magical ice, lash out waves of flame from a massive two-handed blade or turn a dragon’s fiery breath against ice-covered minions.
Stand Against Giants: Face gigantic adversaries and defeat them through a mix of sword, spell, and mobility. Leap onto and climb their massive forms to attack from different angles. Shatter armor or slice at weak spots to diminish their protection. Use ice to pin limbs of a towering foe, arcane flames to burn their fur, or catch lobbed projectiles and turn their attacks back upon them in battles that will leave scars upon the land.
Unstable Climate to Master: Enhance the effectiveness of your ice abilities during a flash freeze to open up new paths. Use a heatwave to start a wildfire and watch it spread towards enemies as it consumes the tinder-dry trees and grass around it.
A World Rich with Secrets: Explore the wilds, the capital city of Dynevron, and the secrets beneath as every surface is climbable. Magical abilities can create bridges, burn barriers, or launch Brynn across the world. The next-generation physics system encourages and rewards player creativity in exploration as much as combat. As the Enclave’s secrets unfold, return to base camp to consult with a rich cast of characters. Each are keen to discover the mysteries of what happened to this lost bastion of power and knowledge.
According to Yellow Brick Studios, Eternal Strands will be released for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but you’ll have to wait until 2025 before you’ll be able to play it.
