Mobile gaming's innovative spirit shines through in titles like Roia, a testament to how smartphone design and broad accessibility fuel unique gameplay experiences. Roia, the latest from indie studio Emoak (creators of Paper Climb, Machinaero, and Lyxo), is a prime example.
This inventive puzzle-adventure centers on a surprisingly simple premise: creating a river. Starting from a mountain peak, players guide a cascading stream to the ocean by subtly reshaping the terrain with their finger.
Emoak's press release reveals the deeply personal connection Roia holds for designer Tobias Sturn, who spent his childhood exploring the creek behind his grandparents' house, building water contraptions with his grandfather. The game, dedicated to his grandfather who passed away during its development, reflects those cherished memories.
Roia defies easy categorization. While challenges exist, the core experience is one of relaxation. Players traverse handcrafted environments – forests, meadows, villages – guided by a helpful white bird.The game's visuals evoke the elegant minimalism of Monument Valley. Complementing the stunning graphics is a captivating soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson, who also worked on Emoak's Lyxo.
Roia is available now on the Google Play Store and App Store for $2.99.
