Tranquil Treat: Roia Arrives from Emoak
Mobile gaming's remarkable contribution to game design innovation is undeniable. Smartphones, with their unique buttonless design and massive global reach, have propelled video games into uncharted territories. Roia, a prime example, showcases this evolution brilliantly.
This innovative puzzle-adventure is the latest creation from Emoak, the acclaimed 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, players gently guide a cascading stream to the sea by skillfully shaping the terrain with their finger.Emoak's press release reveals a deeply personal connection for chief 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, making the game a poignant tribute.
Roia defies easy categorization. While challenges exist, the primary focus is on relaxation. Players navigate diverse handcrafted environments – forests, meadows, villages – guided by a helpful white bird.
The game's elegant, minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of Monument Valley, is immediately apparent from the screenshots. However, the captivating soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson (also behind Lyxo's score) adds another layer of immersive charm.
Roia is available now on the Google Play Store and the App Store for $2.99.






