Mobile Serenity: Emoak's Roia Calms the Digital Soul

Author: Grace Jan 18,2025

Mobile gaming's innovative game design is something we truly appreciate. Smartphones, with their unique buttonless design and massive user base, have propelled video games in unexpected directions. Roia is a prime example.

This innovative puzzle-adventure game is Emoak's latest creation. Emoak, the ambitious indie studio behind successful titles like Paper Climb, Machinaero, and the award-winning Lyxo, continues to impress.

Surprisingly, Roia's core mechanic revolves around creating a river. Starting from a mountaintop, you guide the water's flow to the sea by carefully shaping the terrain with your 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 categorization. While challenges exist, the game's primary focus is relaxation. Your journey takes you through beautiful hand-crafted environments – forests, meadows, and charming villages – guided by a helpful white bird.

The screenshots showcase Roia's elegant, minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of Monument Valley. The game also features a captivating soundtrack composed by Johannes Johannson, who previously worked on Emoak's Lyxo.

Roia is available now on the Google Play Store and the App Store for $2.99.