When making STONE, developer Convict Games aimed to make a narrative adventure that bridged the gap between Bukowskian characterisation and arthouse accessibility. With the title being described in this way, onlookers may expect a serious, realism-focused project akin to Dear Esther or What Remains of Edith Finch, but, instead, STONE takes place entirely in a world of bizarre, anthropomorphic Australasian animals. The result is a The Big Lebowski-esque snapshot of contemporary developed life; half-whodunnit, half-love-story, STONE is unafraid of grappling with what is real underneath its cutesy veneer.
Games Asylum: "Being as far removed from a typical adventure game set-up as imaginable, STONE throws you into the role of an Australian koala with a fondness for weed, alcohol and casual swearing."
STONE releases on Nintendo Switch on May 8th (M8 day in Australia).
Lee Mehr - "STONE arrives at an uncomfortable middle more akin to a pile-up than a tightrope balancing act. The anthropomorphized backdrop feigns a more peculiar and memorable adventure, but the story is mostly lifeless and forgetful. It’s another third-person walking sim that’s not bothered to utilize our protagonist’s skills in any interesting or tangible way. Add on a fifteen-dollar retail price and you’re left considering a few rounds at the pub has more value, and I doubt our marsupial lead would protest to that."