Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Eternal Threads by developer Cosmonaut Studios:
Eternal Threads: (The Explanation)
In Eternal Threads, time travel isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a core mechanic that drives the narrative. You play as Operative 43, tasked with saving six people from a house fire in Alderbeck, UK. The catch? You can’t make sweeping changes, only minor tweaks in the past week leading up to the tragedy.Â
This butterfly effect approach creates a web of interconnected events you must navigate to alter the characters’ fates. The story unfolds through a series of in-game cutscenes, revealing the personal dramas and secrets of the six victims. It’s a compelling premise that keeps you hooked as you piece together their lives and attempt to save them.
The opening hours of Eternal Threads set the stage for an intriguing puzzle adventure. You quickly become invested in the lives of the six characters, eager to uncover their secrets and alter their fates. The initial tutorial smoothly introduces the time manipulation mechanics, and the early events you observe are filled with enough drama and mystery to keep you engaged. While the pacing can be slow, the game’s unique approach to storytelling through time travel keeps the experience fresh and engaging.
The overall gameplay consists of ‘walking simulator’ troupes and puzzles, with a unique spin with the added time travel mechanic and being able to observe events from the past to ‘heal time’ and save the fates of the six people in the house.
Eternal Threads gives you tremendous freedom after the opening tutorial. You review highlights of the past week by selecting events on a time map and watching them unfold in their respective locations. It’s like playing detective, but instead of finding clues, you’re observing interactions and decisions.Â
The gameplay feels akin to solving a 4X strategy puzzle, with a constantly adjusting flowchart of events. You can manipulate about a quarter of the nearly 200 timeline events, each alteration leading to a new sequence of outcomes. The interface is intuitive, and the time map’s design makes it easy to catalog pertinent information. However, the game sometimes feels bogged down by its slower pacing and the sheer volume of scenes you need to watch.
Visually, Eternal Threads does a great job of creating an atmospheric and immersive experience. The contrast between the charred husk of the house and the vibrant, lived-in spaces of the past adds a layer of poignancy to the narrative. The design choices, such as dimming lights when watching clips and the handheld viewer’s limited power, intensify the atmosphere.Â
However, the game’s graphics are somewhat held back by the limitations of the Unity Engine, resulting in dithered models that don’t quite capture the full emotional depth of the story. Despite this, the environmental details and overall aesthetic effectively support the game’s narrative-driven approach.
Eternal Threads may not fully realize the potential of its time-travel concept, but it offers a satisfying experience for puzzle enthusiasts. The game’s story is deep and engaging, the gameplay mechanics are unique and thought-provoking, and the visuals create a fitting atmosphere. The voice acting is a standout, with performances that effectively capture the characters’ personalities and emotions.Â
While the game has its flaws, such as the slow pacing and occasional graphical limitations, it’s still worth a play for fans of narrative-driven puzzle games with a time-travel twist. If you’re looking for a game that challenges your mind and tugs at your heartstrings, Eternal Threads is a mild recommendation that might just be worth your time.
Eternal Threads:Â (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Cosmonaut Studios.
Publisher: Secret Mode
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category:Â Adventure, Puzzle
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: May 23, 2024
Price: $19.99
File Size: 4.3 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
