Mobile gaming's innovative spirit shines brightly in titles like Roia, a testament to how smartphone design and widespread accessibility have revolutionized game development. This captivating puzzle-adventure, the latest from indie studio Emoak (creators of Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the acclaimed Lyxo), offers a unique and refreshing experience.
The core gameplay of Roia revolves around the creation of a river. Starting from a mountain peak, players guide a cascading stream towards the ocean by carefully shaping the terrain with their fingertip. The game's design holds deep personal meaning for designer Tobias Sturn, inspired by childhood memories of creekside play with his grandfather. This heartwarming backstory is reflected in the dedication of the game to Sturn's late grandfather.
Roia defies easy categorization. While challenges exist, the primary focus is on relaxation and enjoyment. Players traverse diverse handcrafted landscapes – forests, meadows, villages – guided by a helpful white bird. The game's visual style aligns with the elegant minimalism of Monument Valley, complemented by a beautiful, evocative soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson (also behind Lyxo's score).
Roia is available now on the Google Play Store and App Store for $2.99.
