A short story jammed into just 60 minutes if you rush, perhaps the most beautiful indie game you will play this year. I received a review copy.

The distinctive hand drawn style is back, but a bit more subtle, on a now far a bigger canvas. Because the story of the Stone Cutter is really a mini-epic based on a short story, a parable if you like, about being content with your place in the universe. As usual, this Philosophical Game title has optional exploration goals, ever so slightly hidden, that give the game far more than an hour of playtime. Lovely sound and graphics combine to make this very linear story a completely re-playable game just to be able to spot things you missed because they are so well woven in. Gameplay takes you through a variety of intuitive and well choreographed interactive steps or puzzles you have to complete that move the story along. The life lesson is fun and simple, and really makes the Stone Cutter lesson rise to "Parable" status. Original story published in 1903 in 'The Crimson Fairy Book' by Andrew Lang. Although similar to the Grimm Brothers 'The Fishermans Wife', it has Dutch roots and an actual Japanese origin. Philo Games have somewhat fleshed out the story to make it playable, but also return it artfully to it's setting in the Ancient Orient.

The entire game sticks to very simple puzzle mechanics throughout, making it a real pleasure for adults to breeze through and really chill out. While, at the same time, challenges for children too, there is certainly enough destruction to bring squeals of delight from the younger generation. I don't want to spoil it, but there is one chapter where you get to drive a storm-cloud around and grow forests or just flood the place.


Filters! I'm also going to suggest you do one fun thing when you start playing. The devs have added settings that allow control over the graphic effect that creates the "drawing" style. I especially liked the softer setting on the softness slider and tweaked back the contrast a notch in my second playthrough.


I'm really delighted by the advancement in game mechanics from Philo Games, and improved story telling technique shines in their 3rd released game/story. I could wax on for pages and pages about how I have seen Philo Games produce such pleasurable wonders, as a solo effort. But I'd rather leave you to watch that store intro video one more time, and then tap that buy button. You are going to love this one, and when you are done, please join my Steam group https://steamproxy.net/steamstore/curator/41773079-EmpathyGames/list/90741/ for even more like this.

A short story jammed into just 60 minutes if you rush, perhaps the most beautiful indie game you will play this year. I received a review copy. [h2]Mini Epic[/h2] The distinctive hand drawn style is back, but a bit more subtle, on a now far a bigger canvas. Because the story of the Stone Cutter is really a mini-epic based on a short story, a parable if you like, about being content with your place in the universe. As usual, this Philosophical Game title has optional exploration goals, ever so slightly hidden, that give the game far more than an hour of playtime. Lovely sound and graphics combine to make this very linear story a completely re-playable game just to be able to spot things you missed because they are so well woven in. Gameplay takes you through a variety of intuitive and well choreographed interactive steps or puzzles you have to complete that move the story along. The life lesson is fun and simple, and really makes the Stone Cutter lesson rise to "Parable" status. Original story published in 1903 in 'The Crimson Fairy Book' by Andrew Lang. Although similar to the Grimm Brothers 'The Fishermans Wife', it has Dutch roots and an actual Japanese origin. Philo Games have somewhat fleshed out the story to make it playable, but also return it artfully to it's setting in the Ancient Orient. [h2]Wide appeal[/h2] The entire game sticks to very simple puzzle mechanics throughout, making it a real pleasure for adults to breeze through and really chill out. While, at the same time, challenges for children too, there is certainly enough destruction to bring squeals of delight from the younger generation. I don't want to spoil it, but there is one chapter where you get to drive a storm-cloud around and grow forests or just flood the place. [b]Filters![/b] I'm also going to suggest you do one fun thing when you start playing. The devs have added settings that allow control over the graphic effect that creates the "drawing" style. I especially liked the softer setting on the softness slider and tweaked back the contrast a notch in my second playthrough. [h2]Progression[/h2] I'm really delighted by the advancement in game mechanics from Philo Games, and improved story telling technique shines in their 3rd released game/story. I could wax on for pages and pages about how I have seen Philo Games produce such pleasurable wonders, as a solo effort. But I'd rather leave you to watch that store intro video one more time, and then tap that buy button. You are going to love this one, and when you are done, please join my Steam group https://steamproxy.net/steamstore/curator/41773079-EmpathyGames/list/90741/ for even more like this.