One of the most exciting aspects of mobile gaming is how it has spurred innovation in game design. The unique buttonless design of smartphones and their widespread accessibility have pushed video games into new and unexpected territories. A prime example of this is the game Roia, the latest release from the innovative indie studio Emoak, known for titles like Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the acclaimed light-based puzzle game Lyxo.
Surprisingly, Roia revolves around the simple yet profound concept of creating a river. Starting from the top of a mountain, your task is to guide this stream of water to the sea by manipulating the landscape with your finger. Emoak shared in their press release that Roia holds deep personal meaning for one of its lead designers, Tobias Sturn. Inspired by his childhood memories of playing in the creek behind his grandparents' home, where he built waterwheels and bridges with his grandfather to understand the flow of water, Sturn's experiences deeply influenced the game. Tragically, his grandfather passed away during the development of Roia, and the game is dedicated to his memory.
Roia defies easy categorization in terms of gameplay. While there are challenges to navigate on your mission to guide the river to the sea, the true essence of the game lies in its relaxing nature. Players journey through beautifully handcrafted environments, ranging from forests and meadows to charming villages, with a helpful white bird guiding them from above.
Visually, Roia draws inspiration from the elegant and minimalist style of games like Monument Valley, as evident from the screenshots. But the experience is enhanced further by its captivating soundtrack, composed by Johannes Johannson, who previously worked on Emoak's Lyxo.
You can experience Roia now, available for $2.99 on both the Google Play Store and the App Store.
