Dust & Courage: Jake Bolton’s Journey is a Wild West role-playing game that may be short in length but still manages to deliver a few solid hours of engaging gameplay. It’s currently available in Early Access on Steam, offering players a glimpse into what could become a hidden indie gem.
Early Access with Purpose
The Early Access model has helped many indie developers shape their games based on player feedback before launching the full version. Dust & Courage is the latest to follow this path, inviting players on a brief but entertaining journey through the American frontier. Clocking in at about an hour of playtime, the current version feels more like a well-polished demo, but one full of promise.
Meet Jake Bolton – Your Gritty Cowboy Protagonist
As the name suggests, the story revolves around Jake Bolton, a rugged middle-aged cowboy who sets off on an adventure through the Wild West. Early in his journey, he meets Bob, a fellow traveler, and the two soon find themselves involved in the affairs of a small, dusty village. Here, players can take on a handful of quests that shape the game’s brief but memorable story.
Light RPG Mechanics with a Dash of Humor
At its core, the game blends RPG mechanics with light exploration, combat, and side quests. You’ll take on tasks like:
- Rescuing a missing Native American
- Fighting off wolves and bandits
- Navigating quirky conversations with tribal leaders
One mission in particular highlights the game’s clever sense of humor: when looking for the lost tribesman, you’ll find out that his fellow villagers are too lazy to search for him and are just waiting for his return!
Combat with a Supernatural Twist
While the game’s tone is often lighthearted, combat is taken seriously. You’ll fight wild animals like bears and wolves, bandits, and even skeletons—suggesting that the developers are experimenting with supernatural themes alongside traditional western elements.
Simple but Effective Progression System
True to its minimalist style, the character progression system is streamlined but functional. As you complete missions and defeat enemies, you earn XP which you can use to level up key stats like:
- Strength
- Health
- Stamina
You’ll also encounter a surprisingly robust loot system, even in this early version. You can collect and equip various weapons, outfits, and consumable items, all of which have an impact on your character’s performance.
A Promising Start with Room to Grow
Dust & Courage: Jake Bolton’s Journey is still in its early stages, but it’s already showing signs of great potential. If the developers continue to expand the world with more quests, deeper storylines, and refined mechanics, it could evolve into a standout indie RPG in the western genre.
Should You Try It?
If you’re a fan of Wild West adventures, light RPGs, or enjoy trying out early indie projects, Dust & Courage is definitely worth checking out. Its fun tone, quick gameplay loop, and clear development direction make it a title to watch as it continues to grow.
