Röki Reviews
Röki certainly sits up there with some of the best point and click adventure games I’ve played thanks to its deep narrative, clever puzzle design and it’s eye catching and beautiful art style. As mentioned in the review, I think Röki will be a game that will be played and talked about for years to come. And with it soon to hit a number of other platforms, I’m excited to see more players get their hands on the game and to see what Polygon Treehouse will come out with next.
Röki is an enchanting adventure that often enraptures the player with the importance of forgiveness and acceptance. The puzzles are challenging the narrative will keep you hooked thanks to the exceptional presentation.
I first heard about Röki in July 2021 when a fellow Rapid Reviewer recommended it to me. I had just finished (and adored) reviewing Omno, and was looking for something to fill the void it had left. Alas, my backlog was enormous. So, after wistfully eyeing up Röki in the Steam store, it fell to the back of my mind. Fast forward to October. When I realised that there was an opportunity to review the title for Rapid Reviews, I jumped in feet first without a backward glance. Was I right to throw caution to the wind, or was I about to pay for my reckless spontaneity? Keep reading my Rapid Review to find out.
Röki does its best at being an adventure game that anyone can pick up and play. It is a safe play, and one that I appreciate. Its lack of violence is like a breath of fresh air for me, and by keeping a consistent pacing with its narrative and not being overtly difficult means that I am happy to recommend this game for all to play.
I left Röki on my backlog for far too long; don’t make the same mistake I did — play Röki sooner rather than later. A story of loss, love, trauma, and sacrifice told through the beautiful folklore of Scandinavian cultures and the lens of a heroic little girl, Röki will feel like an entirely new experience and is a welcome addition to the point and click genre. Don’t let the forest take another victim — grab Röki and save your family before it’s too late!
Röki is, at heart, an adventure game heavily inspired by Scandinavian folklore that also includes elements of point & click games and a heck of a narrative. A tale of journey, loss and family, Röki is a totally non-violent, emotional experience – and what an experience it is. Players assume the role of Tove, a young girl living out in the wilderness with her father and younger brother, Lars. Lars has a great imagination and loves his tales of monsters. But, it seems they aren’t just tales anymore. One cold night, a huge, dark creature destroys the family home and leaves Tove and Lars running for their lives. Sadly, this monster captures Lars and drags him through a mystical portal – leaving Tove with only one option – jump into that portal and rescue Lars. This is where your magical journey truly begins.
Röki blends the mythic with painfully real, the supernatural with the human to tell a story of reconciliation that’s spellbinding for its entire 12 hour length. A few foibles with its point and click roots are the only blemishes on an otherwise exemplary and accessible adventure that’s one of the best you’ll play this year.
It is obvious from playing Röki that developers Polygon Treehouse want you to enjoy the puzzles and adventuring gameplay. However, it’s done in such a way as not to distract you from the story. A story is full of Scandinavian folklore intertwined with a tale of a broken family being held together by Tove’s determination, courage and spirit. All of which transforms the experience into something lasting and memorable for the player.
Roki is challenging and captivating during each moment of gameplay. The narrative flows naturally alongside the puzzles, and the world acts as a beautiful set-piece that begs to be explored. Direction and backtracking can bring the pacing down a bit in the later parts, but the conclusion makes every obstacle worth it.
Masquerading as simply an adventure game set with Scandinavian folklore in mind, Röki offers so much more and I urge you to give it a shot if this type of game is your bag.
For fans of point-and-click adventure titles, this is simply a must play and one of the best iterations in years. Everyone else will no doubt find a satisfying and emotionally resonating story that will stick with players for years to come.
Röki is a classic point & click graphic adventure with some small testimonial improvement, which does not risk playability and puts the meat on the spit of narrative and artistic development. For lovers of the genre it will surely not be a playable challenge but they can still enjoy the fantastic story dotted with elements of Scandinavian folklore as we play Tove on her journey to rescue his brother.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Röki is a modern-day fairy tale with all the makings of a classic. It tells an incredibly complex, emotionally deep story that brought tears to my eyes more than once
Röki has a lot for you to discover, strange creatures, beautiful vistas and visuals, puzzles that are not too difficult but challenging enough, and a soundtrack that fits in perfectly and makes the whole package something that is a joy to play. Even if some minor parts could do with a polish.
While darkness may reign, there is light at the end of the tunnel that leads to hope and an eventual end to despair, and Roki translates this message with in immense level of character, and lovable charm. Roki is an essential, and a must play in 2020.
Roki is a wonderfully imaginative point and click adventure game. While it doesn’t do anything particularly outstanding that hasn’t been seen before in this genre, it is a tightly written, enjoyable title nonetheless.
When all is said and done though, Röki is a lovable game with deep storytelling, and while the mechanics behind crafting and puzzle-solving isn’t my cup of tea, the narrative and art are. This game offers beauty in its design and emotion in its narrative. At only 12-15 hours of playtime, this is an easy game to pick up and play through.
Röki is a good first step for Polygon Treehouse which uses its unique art style and nice tunes to tell a charming and sometimes bitter story. They can improve on the gameplay for their next title but we have some smart and different puzzle designs here which is a plus.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Röki is a lovely game that revolves around rather dark fairy tales. While I got stuck here and there, which frustrated me, I loved the overall presentation of the game. Exploring the world of this game was a delight to me and I never wanted it to end. Each time I managed to figure out what I was supposed to do or solve a puzzle, it felt rewarding to me, especially when the story continued so I finally manage to find out more about Tove and the villain. I absolutely appreciate the theme of this game, that no one is bad per se but they still have their own demons they have to face. That being said, Röki offers a splendid narrative and was hard for me to put down.