Mobile gaming's remarkable acceleration of game design innovation is a captivating aspect of the industry. The unique, buttonless design of smartphones, coupled with their widespread accessibility, has propelled video games into unforeseen territories. Roia, a prime example, perfectly illustrates this.
This innovative puzzle-adventure game is the latest creation from Emoak, the ambitious indie studio behind titles like Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the award-winning Lyxo.
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Surprisingly, Roia's core objective is to create a river. Starting from a mountain's peak, players gently guide a cascading stream towards the sea by manipulating the landscape using their finger.
Emoak's press release reveals the deeply personal connection Roia holds for lead designer Tobias Sturn. His childhood memories of playing in the creek behind his grandparents' house, building waterwheels and bridges with his grandfather, heavily influenced the game's creation. The game is dedicated to his grandfather, who passed away during its development.
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Roia defies easy categorization. While challenges exist, the game's true essence lies in its relaxing gameplay. Players traverse handcrafted environments – forests, meadows, and charming villages – guided by a helpful white bird.
The game's elegant, minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of Monument Valley, is complemented by a beautiful, evocative soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson, also responsible for the music in Emoak's Lyxo.
Roia is available now on the Google Play Store and App Store for $2.99.
