Olija Reviews
Olija is a piratical adventure that really, really pays attention to atmosphere. From its bombastic music, which echoes similarly pirate-themed Return of the Obra Dinn, to its arthouse-cinema-style sudden cuts to black, Olija is possibly the most cinematically dramatic indie game we've seen in quite some time.
Olija is, simply put, a great 2D action-adventure game. Developers Thomas Olsson and Skeleton Crew Studio knew exactly what they set out to deliver. This is a focused, refined adventure that'll captivate you for a short while and provide you with a bite-sized albeit worthwhile journey.
Olija may fail to make as big of a splash as its influences, but it's a worthwhile adventure with a palpable atmosphere.
Olija juggles action and narrative in a strange, wonderful balancing act that never leans on one element too heavily. It will mystify curious players seeking a journey inspired by the past that never wears out its welcome.
I want to like Olija much more than I do. When the game works it truly works. The gameplay is slick and brutal and fluid. I will never deny the enjoyment that this game provides. The problem is quite simple, which is that there are only so many fresh, exciting encounters the game can give you. They are a finite supply. However, the time wasted through unclear instruction and a lack of accessibility to information is unforgivable. Perhaps other players will find the ambiguity to be less of a problem, but for me it was a real obstacle.
It all comes down to the aesthetic-the muted color palette, the hushed tones when characters speak, the overarching sense of loss and despair that permeates the game. And most notably, those archaic visuals that look like they're from the latest Sierra game you and your friend play on his Tandy computer every afternoon after school. Olija roots its mysteries in the ever-distant, increasingly forgotten past, with all the warmth and sadness that implies.
The product of a one man team, Olija is a tight and entertaining seafarer's voyage that manages to be memorable despite not bringing anything particularly revolutionary to the table. Instead, it's in the atmosphere and tone that Olija excels, proving that the deep blue sea isn't full of just terrors.
Olija has a fun gimmick, great visuals, and is only occasionally let down by levels that don't quite fully make use of its fun, core mechanic.
Olija might not be long and might not have the most interesting combat, but the story and style of the game make it worth playing.
Olija doesn't do enough to be regarded as generally good, but at the same time doesn't frustrate to the point of truly damaging the experience.
As Faraday, the setup is simple, you're a lone shipwreck survivor left to pick up the pieces, rescue those lost or trapped, and lead them through a fantastical world. Rebuild.
Olija is a new action-adventure game made by Skeleton Crew Studio, published by Devolver Digital, and showcasing all the hallmarks of an indie darling. With fast-paced combat and an addictive gameplay loop, it has the makings of another decent slasher. However, with the help of extraordinary animation, excellent pacing, and a heartfelt narrative, it is lifted to wonderful heights.
Anyone who can stomach the tired minimalistic 2D pixel art will find that Olija has quite a bit going for it. The low difficulty may turn off most hardcore players, and the violence may be too much for kids, but this would be a fine game for much older people who want to get into video games.
One of the first games of 2021 I’ve sank my teeth into, Olija certainly has set the bar high.
Olija has a wonderful story to tell that takes influence from some of your favorite seafaring adventures. While the technical hiccups can be disappointing and the major portion of the gameplay can feel unexciting, the boss fights and story sections bring to life a drab and dreary world that I would thoroughly enjoy seeing more of after the patches roll out.
But for myself, who liked every aspect of Olija, the whole package is a flawed but thoroughly impressive ride. There is a lot to enjoy here, in a game which lets the player feel alienated and disempowered one moment, and then agile and dangerous the next. It wins even more points for the way that it perfects the cinematic platformer formula which has a lot of nostalgia value, but not a lot of modern interpretations. I love that Olija arrives as a palette cleanser to the Metroidvanias and the rogue-lites of the side-scroller scene, and I wish all the success for it.
With Olija, what you see is what you get. It is well-executed for the most part and is an absolute joy to play. If this is your type of game, don't hesitate to pick this one up.
Philosophic and touching story which doesn't quite suit its gameplay.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Olija is a unique platforming experience that will captivate from start to finish. Faraday's journey takes you to an intriguing world that has as many mysteries as it does scenic vistas. It may get tedious in parts, but the limited run-time of the title helps it stay mostly on track.