One of the most exciting aspects of mobile gaming is how it has spurred innovation in game design. The unique buttonless interface of smartphones, combined with their widespread accessibility, has led video games down innovative paths, and Roia exemplifies this trend perfectly.
Roia, the latest release from the inventive indie studio Emoak, known for titles like Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the acclaimed light-based puzzler Lyxo, brings a fresh take to the puzzle-adventure genre.
Believe it or not, Roia revolves around the simple yet profound task of guiding a river. Starting from a mountain top, you use your finger to manipulate the landscape and gently shepherd the water towards the sea.
According to Emoak's press release, Roia holds deep personal significance for one of its lead designers, Tobias Sturn. During his childhood, Sturn spent time playing in the creek behind his grandparents' house, where he and his grandfather built homemade waterwheels, bridges, and other devices to explore the flow of water. Sadly, Sturn's grandfather passed away during the development of Roia, but the influence of those joyful creek days is evident throughout the game, which is dedicated to him.
Classifying Roia in terms of gameplay can be challenging. While it includes challenges and obstacles as you guide the river to the sea, the game's true essence lies in its relaxing nature. Your journey takes you through beautifully crafted environments such as forests, meadows, and charming villages, with a helpful white bird guiding you along the way.
A glance at the screenshots reveals that Roia aligns with the elegant, minimalist aesthetic of games like Monument Valley. Beyond its visual appeal, Roia boasts a captivating soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson, who previously worked on Emoak's Lyxo.
You can experience Roia now on the Google Play Store or the App Store for just $2.99.