Olija Reviews
Olija is a masterpiece, a graceful and gorgeous 2D action platformer that oozes style and substance, with engaging gameplay, fast, fluid action, and varied challenges to always keep you on your toes. An engrossing narrative and some truly incredible sequences make it one of the best indie games available on PS4.
Olija is incredibly cinematic, despite its minimalist approach to art style. The game still feels fantastical thanks to an incredible attention to detail with both the visual and sound design. In addition, Olija tells a heartfelt story with important themes, while keeping satisfying gameplay at the center of it all. It becomes even more impressive when you realize the game was practically developed by one person, Thomas Olsson of Skeleton Crew Studios. Olija is a pleasant treat and likely an early frontrunner for one of the best indie titles of 2021.
Olija is a unique, intriguing adventure that brings players to a strange land. It isn't long but its length is enough. The visuals and atmosphere are first-rate, as are the combat and level design. All of that makes it an easy game to recommend.
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.
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.
Olija is a fun and engrossing action-adventure game that has you fighting foes and solving puzzles with a magical harpoon. A little on the short side, but a fun experience that leaves you wanting more
Olija is a mysterious adventure that won't overstay it's welcome but leave you wanting more immediately after playing it.
Olija is a game that delivers a pleasant experience in all its areas. The platform challenges are very good, the combat is satisfactory and the mechanics of exploring and upgrading items serve what they are intended for. But it doesn't take away the feeling that the title could offer a little more, mainly in the quantity of content, in the quality of the puzzles (which, after all, are very rare) and in the development of the story. However, this does not diminish in any way the great journey, which will please those who love the classics of literature and games.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I don’t think anyone will regret their admittedly limited time with Olija, it’s a joyride from start to finish. An all around great title with some excellent combat, exploration, and phenomenal music.
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.
It may be brief, but Olija confidently blends satisfying action and engaging exploration for a treat that shouldn't be overlooked.
Overall Olija is a good game. I just wish it was longer. I finished a fair portion of the game in around 5 hours and I can’t imagine I would have spent much longer had I decided to get all the collectibles. However, I think $15 is the perfect price for Olija; I much rather have a short good game than a long mediocre one and being left wanting more is a much better problem to have than never wanting to touch a game again. Just know that Olija is a concise but strong experience and a great way to start off 2021.
At the end of the day, Olija is a voyage that is quite a blast, even though it ends quickly.
Olija is a game that thrives in its Asian fantasy atmosphere and well-realized gameplay. The story and soundtrack are artistic and evoke special moods, while the combat and exploration are a neat and interesting package. The journey is short and sweet and only held back by a few stumbles in its narrative delivery.
Olija is a proof that love stories do not need dialogue. It is quite impressive how well this game shows characters’ emotions in spite of its stylistic choices. It is also a rather fun, albeit not too challenging, slasher with some fantastic boss fights.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Olija spearheads a grimly thrilling adventure which is over too soon.
Short-but-sweet, Olija successfully reels you into its intoxicating world and tight gameplay but with few reasons to return to its oil-slicked shores.
I don’t think the story or characters or themes of Olija will stick with me for a long time, but I will remember the game nonetheless. I will remember the world actually, as if I was the one braving mosquito filled bogs and slimy tombs. Thomas Olsson and Skeleton Crew Studio aren’t telling stories so much as they are crafting worlds. That’s what kind of game Olija is: a world you can get lost in.
Olija is a great action platformer and one that throws back to the best of those which have come before.
Olija's quick, zippy combat, platforming puzzles, and minimalist storytelling all shine in a small, pixelated trifle.