Mobile gaming's innovative spirit shines brightly in titles like Roia, a testament to the unique design opportunities presented by smartphones. Its buttonless interface and broad appeal have pushed video game boundaries, and Roia exemplifies this perfectly.
This inventive puzzle-adventure game is the latest creation from Emoak, the indie studio behind successful titles such as Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the award-winning Lyxo.
Roia's core concept is surprisingly simple: guide a river to the sea. Starting from a mountain peak, players manipulate the terrain using their finger to gently direct the water's flow.
Emoak's press release reveals a deeply personal connection for designer Tobias Sturn. His childhood memories of playing in a creek with his grandfather heavily influenced the game's creation. Sadly, Sturn's grandfather passed away during development, making Roia a poignant tribute.
Roia defies easy categorization. While challenges exist, the game's essence is about relaxation. Players navigate diverse environments – forests, meadows, villages – guided by a helpful white bird.
The game's aesthetic aligns with the elegant minimalism of Monument Valley. Complementing its visual appeal is a captivating soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson, also responsible for Lyxo's music.
Roia is available now on the Google Play Store and App Store for $2.99.