Eternal Threads is a single-player, first-person story-driven puzzle game of time manipulation, choice and consequence. Developed by Cosmonaut Studios and published by Secret Mode, the game was released on May 19, 2022 for PC. The game follows the lives of six housemates who are caught in a tragic house fire, and the player’s ability to alter their fates by changing their decisions in the past.
The game features:
A nonlinear narrative that spans a week of events leading up to the fire. The player can explore the ruined house, visit different rooms and replay moments in the characters’ past. The player can access the default timeline, where everyone dies, and view every moment on that timeline. The player can also change the outcome of each scene by making different choices for the characters, creating multiple timelines and endings.
A time-traveling device that allows the player to manipulate the past and affect the future. The device can detect key moments where the player can intervene and alter the characters’ decisions. The device can also reset the environment around the player to match the changes in the timeline. Some objects will appear or disappear, some rooms will change their contents and some events will have different consequences depending on the player’s choices.
A cast of realistic and relatable characters who have their own personalities, backgrounds and secrets. The player can learn more about each character by observing their interactions, listening to their conversations and reading their messages. The player can also influence their relationships, emotions and actions by changing their decisions. The characters include:
Neil, a grumpy landlord who has a troubled past and a short temper.
Raquel, a cheerful student who suffers from guilt and self-blame over a tragic incident.
Tom, a charming musician who struggles with addiction and commitment issues.
Jess, a shy artist who has a crush on Tom and a hidden talent.
Alex, a smart hacker who has a mysterious agenda and a secret identity.
Mia, a friendly journalist who is investigating Alex’s activities and has a connection to Neil.
A rich and immersive atmosphere that combines realistic graphics, dynamic lighting and shadows, atmospheric sounds and music. The game creates a contrast between the present and the past, showing the difference between the burnt-down house and its former state. The game also uses subtle visual cues, such as symbols, colors and objects, to hint at the themes and clues of the story.
Eternal Threads is a game that explores the themes of fate, free will, responsibility and redemption. It challenges the player to think about how their choices can affect not only themselves but also others. It also invites the player to reflect on their own lives and decisions, and how they can make a difference in the world. If you are looking for a game that offers an engaging story, complex characters, multiple endings and time-traveling puzzles, then Eternal Threads is a game you should check out.