PGC NEWS

Roki, an indie adventure puzzle game developed by Polygon Treehouse, takes players on a captivating journey through a world of Scandinavian folklore. Led by former Guerrilla Games Art Director Alex Kanaris-Sotiriou, the team behind Horizon: Forbidden West, Roki offers a unique blend of heartwarming narrative and challenging gameplay. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of this often-overlooked gem.

A Dark Fairytale with Heart

alt text: Roki screenshot showing the protagonist Tove in a snowy forest

Roki tells the story of Tove, a young girl who embarks on a perilous quest to rescue her younger brother, Lars, from a mythical creature. Lars has been kidnapped and taken to the mysterious land of Utangard, and Tove must navigate this strange new world to save him before it’s too late. While the overarching plot may seem familiar, Roki’s strength lies in its nuanced storytelling.

The game unfolds through Tove’s perspective, revealing layers of poignant memories, both joyful and sorrowful. This intimate portrayal showcases her growth and resilience throughout the adventure. Even supporting characters, though limited in screen time, are thoughtfully crafted, with distinct appearances and motivations that evoke empathy and understanding. The game’s climax effectively leverages these character interactions to amplify the emotional impact of the narrative.

alt text: Roki screenshot showing Tove interacting with a mystical creature

Roki’s gameplay blends traditional adventure mechanics with modern controls, creating an accessible experience for newcomers. Instead of point-and-click navigation, players control Tove directly, with intuitive interactions highlighted by a simple button press. Managing inventory, reading Tove’s journal, and combining items are all seamlessly integrated.

Puzzles That Put Your Wits to the Test

alt text: Roki screenshot showing Tove solving a puzzle involving manipulating objects

Roki distinguishes itself with its challenging puzzles, harkening back to the complexity of classic adventure games. While early puzzles involve simple combinations, later challenges require navigating between two realities, coordinating actions between characters, and other intricate solutions. Fortunately, the puzzles remain logical and consistent within the game’s narrative, adding to the sense of immersion. Players can also discover hidden collectibles to add to Tove’s journal, offering an extra layer of exploration.

A Visually Stunning World

alt text: Roki screenshot showcasing the game's stylized graphics and environments

Roki’s visual appeal lies not in cutting-edge graphics, but in its artistic direction. Each environment is meticulously crafted with a minimalist style, creating a vibrant and atmospheric world. The use of color, lighting, and shadows effectively sets the mood for each location. The character animations are also well-executed, avoiding the stiff movements often seen in older adventure games.

A Disappointing Resolution

alt text: Roki screenshot showing a dramatic scene with Tove and a creature

Roki’s biggest flaw lies in its ending, which feels rushed and unsatisfying compared to the rest of the narrative. The resolution of the central conflict lacks the emotional weight it deserves, and the antagonist’s forgiveness feels unearned. While the post-credits scene offers a charming touch, the lack of voice acting throughout the game diminishes the impact of key emotional moments. The inability to fast-forward through the frequent and lengthy climbing sections can also become tedious, especially when retracing steps. Finally, while pleasant, the soundtrack is somewhat unmemorable and repetitive.

Conclusion

Despite its shortcomings, Roki offers a compelling adventure with a touching story and engaging puzzles. The game’s beautiful art style and intuitive controls create an immersive experience. While the ending may disappoint and some gameplay elements could be improved, Roki remains a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven adventure games.