The Eternal Cylinder

The Eternal Cylinder is an original action game with elements of survival, which evokes associations with Spore from EA Maxis. In this production we control the strange creatures known as Trebhum, trying to survive in an extremely hostile environment. The title was developed by the Chilean independent studio ACE Team (known mainly from the series Zeno Clash and Rock of Ages). It was published by Good Shepherd Entertainment.

Mechanics

In The Eternal Cylinder we observe the action from the third person perspective (TPP). The player controls the Trebhums - funny creatures that try to survive in an extremely unfriendly world (locations are diverse, there are several different types). Not only does most of the other inhabitants of the planet try to hunt them down, but the "eternal cylinder" - a powerful cylinder crushing everything on its way - remains a constant threat.

The game consists in exploring the three-dimensional environment (we can run, jump and swim) and dealing with obstacles that we encounter on our way. Apparently Trebhums are in a losing position, but creatures have an advantage in the proverbial sleeve - although they are weak and die very easily, they have the ability to evolve (or rather mutate, given the pace of change), which allows them to acquire new abilities and qualities (e.g. the ability to make much higher jumps). In order to use this mechanics, we need to collect an appropriate amount of raw materials that serve as a catalyst for transformation. Several dozen different Trebhum variants are available.

A being controlled by us also has some tools that allow it to deal with its opponents. We can spit water using a trunk and throw collected objects. It is also necessary to collect the things that we need to survive, and we must therefore manage what we have carefully.

Although we start playing with one Trebhum, gaining eggs with time can gain more, which will accompany us on the journey. Each of them can be developed in a different way, so that we can have an answer to various threats and challenges posed by a threatening world. However, we still have to hurry - the roller rarely stops for longer.

It is worth noting that the production uses randomly generated maps, so that each time the game looks a little different.

Game modes

At The Eternal Cylinder we can only play alone. However, the title offers some limited network functionality, allowing players to share their Trebhums with others.

Technical aspects

The Eternal Cylinder has a pretty nice three-dimensional graphic design. The most noteworthy are the unusual projects of locations and monsters - they are full of expressive colours and very strange shapes (for example, one of the creatures resembles a cube with legs, eyes and an elephant's trunk). The system responsible for the destruction of individual objects and elements of the world also makes a good impression (we see it mainly when you roll over something).