Indiana Stone: The Brave And The Boulder Review

How many times has a boulder been chasing the fearless hero? Whether that be in a game or a film, it's a common motif for any action hero and, arguably, the entire genre of Endless Runners has been based around such a concept. Ever considered playing the boulder, though? That's what Indiana Stone: The Brave and the Boulder makes possible.

Across numerous different modes, each gradually unlocked as the player hones their skills, the concept is the same: chase down the hero and crush them with a boulder. What that doesn't account for is the imagination contained within such a simple idea. Each stage is themed with obstacles such as spikes, spiders, pillars and swinging axes getting in the way. It's the little things that shine through, though. Things like the hapless Indiana Jones style hero looking behind their shoulder, gulping, while watching the player's boulder thundering towards them. Or the end sequence for each level in which the boulder, despite its simple graphics, still gives the appearance of a villain shaking its fist frustrated at the fleeing hero. All done through 8-bit graphics, Indiana Stone: The Brave and the Boulder shows a lot of personality and strong characterization.

Controls for Indiana Stone: The Brave and the Boulder are of the tilt variety, but these work well. Besides being quite appropriate for the genre, they're accurate and quick to respond. Tapping on the screen makes the boulder jump over obstacles as well as activates a POW move that boosts the boulder's speed significantly. This move can be built up through flattening other creatures in the way of the hero, such as snakes or tribespeople. Speed can further be increased by leaping through red rings.

As players work their way through the main Story mode, new modes such as Endless and Challenge mode unlock, adding to the longevity of the game. There's rarely a concern of running out of things to do and it's something that justifies Indiana Stone: The Brave and the Boulder's relatively high price of $2.99.

With plenty of thought and planning put into it, it's an easy title to recommend for those looking for an Endless Runner that does things a little differently from the norm.