Indie Gaming Sensation Emoak Unveils Roia, the Calming Mobile Escape
- By Jonathan
- Jan 21,2025
Mobile gaming's remarkable impact on game design innovation is undeniable. Smartphones, with their unique buttonless interface and massive global reach, have propelled video games into uncharted territories. Roia, a prime example, showcases this innovative spirit.
This clever 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 guide a cascading stream towards the ocean by skillfully shaping the terrain with their finger.According to Emoak's press release, Roia holds deep personal meaning for lead 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. The game is dedicated to his grandfather, who passed away during its development.
Roia defies easy genre classification. While challenges exist, the game's primary focus is relaxation. Players traverse beautifully crafted environments—forests, meadows, and charming villages—guided by a helpful white bird.
The game's elegant, minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of Monument Valley, is visually striking. Complementing the visuals 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.
