Rock and Scroll Delivers Sisyphus as a Physics Platformer—But Does the Gimmick Rock?

Every year, the indie scene throws a game at us that sounds like a fever dream on paper but somehow just works. “Rock and Scroll” is the latest contender. This is a physics-based platformer where you scroll your mouse wheel to roll a boulder (yes, that boulder), and click to jump-literally embodying Sisyphus, the doomed hero of Greek myth, in his eternal struggle.

This caught my attention not just for the oddball control scheme-scrolling to move is inherently tactile and a bit ridiculous-but also because it’s the kind of weird idea only a solo dev (in this case, Fowlplay’s Jonathon Fowler) would even attempt. There’s a mix of audacity and potential disaster here that feels like classic indie energy.

Key Takeaways: Why Rock and Scroll Has Potential

• The entire platforming experience lives and dies by scrolling—a wild swing away from standard controls.
• Creative premise: take the story of Sisyphus and let him roll from 1200 BCE into the far future (year 36,000!).
• Multiple ways to play: from casual assist modes to punishing “iron man” and “floor is lava” runs.
• Tools for the speedrunner: integrated timer, ghost replays, global leaderboards—stuff more mainstream games often forget.

The Real Story: A Myth Reimagined (With a Mouse Wheel)

I’ve played more than my share of physics platformers over the years, from Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy to quirky browser takes like QWOP. Rock and Scroll immediately brings those “so hard it’s hilarious” vibes. The storytelling hook here actually makes me want to see more: Sisyphus isn’t just endlessly rolling up a hill—he’s convinced the gods to stuff his soul inside the boulder. Now in control of his own punishment, he’s out to beat time itself. It’s tongue-in-cheek, and refreshingly not just another retread of Greek myths for the sake of fake gravitas.

That scroll-wheel mechanic is going to be divisive. On one hand, it’s a tangible link to the boulder’s movement—if you flub the momentum, you alone are to blame, no input lag or control ambiguity. On the other, precision platforming on a scroll wheel is just as likely to be an exercise in frustration as it is in skill. But I’m honestly here for it: games that take interface risks rarely result in bland experiences, for better or worse.

Feature Breakdown: From Ancient Greece to Wild Sci-Fi

Nine levels might not sound like a lot, but if this follows the tradition of physics-based games, expect them to be brutal gauntlets that take far longer than your average Mario stage. There’s real replay value promised, with side quests, collectibles to unlock alternative routes, and difficulty modes scaling from hand-holdy to masochistic. If you’re the type who loves to master a game’s movement (thinking Celeste or Super Meat Boy fans), this is aimed at you.

The oddest—and potentially most memorable element—has to be the promise that you’ll use the scroll wheel not just to roll, but to “drive a car” or “fly a plane,” all while embodying a boulder. If Fowlplay can strike the right balance between goofy and satisfying, Rock and Scroll could turn into a cult favorite for streamers and leaderboard chasers.

The Gamer’s Perspective: Is It More Than a Gimmick?

The indie scene is no stranger to one-mechanic games, and the Steam price—£7.50 at launch ($10 later)—is on the approachable side. But lots of games with weird controls flame out fast if the central mechanic doesn’t have depth. What makes me cautiously optimistic is the inclusion of extra features more established indie hits sometimes skip: a speedrun timer and leaderboards right out of the gate (a smart move, since physics platformers live or die on word-of-mouth and “can you beat my time?” challenges).

This being Fowlplay’s first game means there’s a risk it’ll feel rough around the edges, but also a chance it might be lightning in a bottle. For those hunting the next quirky rage game (or something to torture your friends with on stream), keep Rock and Scroll on your radar when it lands December 3rd.

TL;DR

Rock and Scroll is Greek myth reimagined as a precision physics platformer—all about the scroll wheel. It’s a gamble—potentially frustrating, potentially brilliant—and I’m curious to see which it ends up being when it launches on Steam.