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1 Stone Simulator, developed and published by STFGames, is a new immersive simulation game that released on Steam on August 19th. The game aims to finally answer the ultimate question: “What is it like to just be a rock?”
Just Be
So I must ask: who among us, in this current date and time, does not dream of a life with no tasks, no pressure, and no taxes? An existence free from all burdens? To truly be free from the constant expectation that you have to do things in order to be happy?
Today, I might just be able to offer a solution for this matter. A way to truly feel at ease.
Gameplay
Stone Simulator allows you to experience pure tranquillity, for what may be the very first time in your life. Much like a real stone, your activity options are rather limited, and that is how it should be. Nobody would try to force or coerce a stone into performing activities. Nobody would be upset if it did what a stone does best: nothing. For once, no one will judge for lying on the ground all day long. Noone will mind that you do not walk, work, socialise. Just relax. There are no expectations. There is no pressure. Breathe.
Take a good look around. Soak in the nature that surrounds you. Watch the weather change, the seasons pass. Let the rain cleanse your surface, and the snow refresh your mind. Listen to the songs of the wildlife. Know that no harm will come for you. You are safe. You are strong, just like a rock. Nature can be so unique and curious at times. You may even be able to witness natural, or even not so natural, phenomena. They will pass you by as you are allowed to lie on the grass and watch in awe. Or not. That is for you to decide.
At times, your stone avatar may give you some insights into its mind, wise words or messages of motivation. But there is no pressure to read them, no pressure for anything at all. If you truly wish to capture a moment in time, forever to be kept, to be remembered, you may enter photo mode. It freezes the world around you, as if you had paused time itself. Now, you can capture the moment from any angle you may want to, and keep a piece of this tranquillity in your mind, in your heart, and on your hard drive.
Graphics & Audio
The graphics in Stone Simulator are truly beautiful. Simulated nature has rarely felt so real! The environment feels so lively, and the special events make for the best little photo ops. Even on low graphics, the game still looks great. (Unfortunately, ultra settings lagged a bit for me, but high worked just fine.)
The game’s sound does a good job immersing you in the environment. During the day, the birds are singing happily, and at night the crickets’ chirps echo through the tall grass. Some quiet, melodic songs will play in the background to make you feel even more at ease.
Longevity
How long may you spend here, I hear you ask? Well, as long as you wish for, of course. This place and the nature that surrounds you, while ever-changing, will never restrict you from viewing its calming beauty. You may stay and watch forever, if that is what you would like. Or, if you prefer it, you may leave soon after your arrival.
Ultimately, just like everything here, that is up to you. The seasons will keep changing, the water in the river will keep flowing. You are invited to join, lie on the grass, and relax, whenever you wish to do so. Or not. But if you wish to bask in nature’s beauty again, to embrace the stone once more, it will always be here, waiting for your return.
Final Thoughts
What more could one ask for from a game like this? Experiencing the true stone life has never been more convenient and accessible. You are being given exactly what has been promised to you. For just £2.49, you too could experience true zen.
Stone Simulator truly deserves a solid Thumb Culture Gold Award. The G in Gold stands for Game of the Year.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
If you enjoyed this review, why not check out my previous article about the game Whimside here.
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