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Developer: ACE Team
Publisher: Good Shepherd Entertainment
Genre: Survival / Adventure
Release: 2021
The Eternal Cylinder is one of the most unusual and imaginative games of its generation a surreal survival adventure where you control a herd of evolving alien creatures while fleeing a massive, unstoppable rolling cylinder. Its creative, bizarre, and full of fresh ideas, but its gameplay inconsistencies and repetition prevent it from reaching true greatness.
At its core, The Eternal Cylinder is about survival, evolution, and adaptation.
You control a group of small creatures called Trebhums, with gameplay built around:
Consuming flora and fauna to gain mutations
Evolving abilities like flying, swimming, or generating tools
Managing a herd rather than a single character
Escaping threats, especially the ever-present Cylinder
The mutation system is the standout feature:
Dozens of unique abilities change how you explore and solve puzzles
Creative combinations allow for experimentation and problem-solving ()
However:
Many abilities feel situational or underused
Gameplay can become repetitive as it leans into resource gathering and upgrades ()
Controlling multiple creatures can feel clunky at times
The concept is excellent, but the execution isnt always consistent.
The game takes place across a strange alien world filled with surreal biomes, including:
Colorful deserts and icy landscapes
Bizarre ecosystems with unique creatures
Puzzle-based shrines and safe zones
Exploration is a major highlight:
The world feels mysterious and unpredictable
Discovering new species and mutations is rewarding
The constant threat of the rolling Cylinder creates tension:
Forces players to keep moving
Adds urgency and pressure to exploration
However:
The structure limits backtracking
Some areas feel less meaningful once the novelty wears off
The narrative is presented in a minimalist, almost storybook style, focusing on:
Survival against extinction
Evolution and adaptation
The mystery of the Cylinder itself
The story is:
Abstract and symbolic rather than character-driven
Told through narration and environmental cues
While intriguing, it:
Lacks emotional depth
Leaves many questions unanswered
The focus is clearly on atmosphere and ideas rather than traditional storytelling.
Visually, The Eternal Cylinder is striking:
Surreal creature designs and environments
Bold, colorful art direction
Unique visual identity unlike most games
The world feels alien in the best way strange, creative, and memorable.
However:
Performance can be inconsistent on PS4
Some animations and textures lack polish
Audio design complements the games tone:
Atmospheric soundtrack enhances the sense of wonder and danger
Creature sounds and environmental audio add immersion
Narration helps guide the experience
The sound design supports the games surreal identity effectively.
The Eternal Cylinder is a single-player experience with:
A main campaign (~812 hours)
Exploration and mutation discovery
Optional challenges and collectibles
Replay value is moderate:
Experimenting with different mutations and strategies
Discovering missed creatures and abilities
However:
Limited post-game content
Repetition reduces incentive for multiple playthroughs
Highly original and creative concept
Unique mutation and evolution system
Surreal, memorable world design
Strong atmosphere and sense of discovery
Constant tension from the Cylinder mechanic
Gameplay can become repetitive over time
Some mechanics feel underdeveloped
Clunky controls when managing multiple creatures
Limited narrative depth
Technical and performance issues
The Eternal Cylinder on PS4 is a bold and imaginative survival adventure that stands out for its originality and surreal design, even if its gameplay doesnt fully live up to its ideas.
Its a memorable experience that offers something genuinely different but its uneven execution keeps it from being truly exceptional.
Score: 7.5 / 10
