Mobile gaming's innovative spirit is truly inspiring, and Roia perfectly exemplifies this. The unique design of smartphones and their broad appeal have pushed video game development in exciting new directions. Roia, a captivating puzzle-adventure, is the latest creation from Emoak, the indie studio behind successful titles like Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the award-winning Lyxo.
Surprisingly, Roia's core objective is simple: create a river. Starting from a mountain peak, you guide a flowing stream to the sea by carefully shaping the terrain with your finger.Emoak's press release reveals the deeply personal connection Roia holds for designer Tobias Sturn. His childhood memories of playing in a creek behind his grandparents' house, building waterwheels and bridges with his grandfather, heavily influenced the game's design. Sadly, Sturn's grandfather passed away during Roia's development; the game is dedicated to his memory.
Roia's gameplay is uniquely relaxing. While challenges exist in your river-building journey, the primary focus is on a calming experience. The game features beautifully crafted environments—forests, meadows, charming villages—and a helpful white bird guides your progress.
The game's visuals, as seen in the screenshots, echo the elegant simplicity of Monument Valley. Adding to the immersive experience 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 the App Store for $2.99.
