Mobile gaming's innovative spirit shines brightly in Roia, a captivating puzzle-adventure. The unique, touch-based interface of smartphones has fueled creativity in game design, and Roia perfectly exemplifies this.
Developed by Emoak, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Paper Climb and Lyxo, Roia presents a surprisingly simple yet deeply engaging premise: guide a river to the sea. Using your finger, you sculpt the landscape, carefully directing the water's flow.
Emoak shares that Roia holds personal significance for designer Tobias Sturn, inspired by childhood memories of playing in a creek with his grandfather. The game, dedicated to his grandfather, beautifully captures the serene joy of those experiences.
Roia transcends simple categorization. While challenges exist, the core experience is one of relaxation and mindful engagement. Journey through diverse, handcrafted environments—forests, meadows, villages—guided by a helpful white bird.
The game's aesthetic echoes the elegant minimalism of Monument Valley, complemented by a moving soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson, also behind Lyxo's score.
Download Roia now on the Google Play Store or App Store for $2.99.