Olija

Olija is a side-scrolling action-adventure game set in a mystical, hand-drawn fantasy world. Players take on the role of a fisherman named Mo, who becomes entangled in a quest to rescue his wife from the clutches of the sinister Lady Olija. The game combines platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving elements, offering a rich narrative-driven experience with a nostalgic feel and unique art style.

Olija: A Masterpiece of Atmosphere and Action

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of indie games, Olija stands out as a beacon of creativity and atmospheric depth. Developed by Skeleton Crew Studio and published by Devolver Digital, this 2D side-scrolling platformer transcends its pixelated aesthetic to deliver a hauntingly beautiful experience. Olija is not just a game; it’s an odyssey through a world that blends Lovecraftian horror with Japanese folklore, wrapped in a melancholic soundtrack and fluid, harpoon-driven combat. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, and its lasting impact on the gaming landscape.

Development History & Context

Olija was developed by Skeleton Crew Studio, a one-man operation led by Thomas Olsson. Olsson, a Swedish-Japanese developer, took on the monumental task of designing, programming, and composing the game’s music almost single-handedly. The game’s development was a labor of love, drawing inspiration from classic adventure games like Prince of Persia and Another World, as well as literary works like Moby Dick and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The game’s development was a unique process, with the story being “improvised” and “made on the fly” late in the development cycle. This spontaneity lends Olija a sense of organic storytelling that feels both personal and enigmatic. The game was first revealed on July 12, 2020, and a playable demo was released on the same day. It officially launched on January 28, 2021, for Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, with a later release on Amazon Luna in October 2021.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Olija tells the story of Faraday, a penniless lord from a struggling fishing village who sets sail in search of salvation. His ship is destroyed by a colossal whale, and he finds himself stranded on the mysterious archipelago of Terraphage. Armed with the legendary harpoon, Faraday must navigate a world filled with eerie creatures and ancient mysteries to rescue his crew and find a way home.

The narrative is minimalist yet deeply evocative, relying on environmental storytelling and atmospheric cues to convey its themes. The game’s dialogue is sparse, and the narrator speaks in an invented language, adding to the game’s sense of mystery. The relationship between Faraday and the enigmatic Lady Olija is a central theme, exploring motifs of love, loss, and the unknown.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Olija is a 2D side-scrolling platformer with a focus on harpoon-driven combat and exploration. The harpoon is the game’s defining mechanic, allowing Faraday to teleport short distances, attack enemies, and solve puzzles. The harpoon’s versatility is a testament to the game’s design, as it seamlessly integrates into both combat and traversal.

Combat in Olija is fluid and satisfying, with a variety of attacks and combos that can be executed with precision. The game features a crafting system where players can create hats that grant special perks and powers, adding a layer of customization to the gameplay. The UI is minimalistic, keeping the focus on the action and the game’s atmospheric world.

However, the game is not without its flaws. Some critics noted that the enemy AI is limited, and the combat can feel too easy at times. The game’s short length (around 4-6 hours) and lack of replayability are also points of contention. Despite these criticisms, the gameplay remains a highlight of the experience, with its unique mechanics and satisfying combat.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Olija‘s world is a masterclass in atmospheric design. The game’s pixelated graphics, while simple, are used to great effect to create a sense of unease and wonder. The environments are richly detailed, with dynamic animations that bring the world to life. The game’s color palette is muted, adding to its melancholic tone, but punctuated with vibrant moments that draw the player’s eye.

The soundtrack is a standout feature, composed by Thomas Olsson in collaboration with local Japanese musicians. The music blends Flamenco, lo-fi, and traditional Japanese instruments to create a hauntingly beautiful score that complements the game’s themes. The sound design is equally impressive, with every action and interaction accompanied by a satisfying crunch or twang.

Reception & Legacy

Olija received generally positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its unique art style, atmospheric world, and satisfying combat. The game holds an aggregate score of 77/100 on Metacritic for PC, with similar scores across other platforms. Critics lauded the game’s harpoon mechanic, fluid animations, and melancholic soundtrack, though some noted its short length and lack of replayability.

The game’s legacy lies in its ability to stand out in a crowded genre. While it may not have revolutionized the platformer genre, Olija has carved out a niche for itself as a game that prioritizes atmosphere and storytelling over flashy graphics and complex mechanics. Its influence can be seen in subsequent indie games that prioritize narrative and atmosphere over pure gameplay innovation.

Conclusion

Olija is a game that defies easy categorization. It is a blend of classic adventure game mechanics, modern design sensibilities, and a unique artistic vision. The game’s strengths lie in its atmospheric world, satisfying combat, and haunting soundtrack. While its short length and lack of replayability may be drawbacks for some, Olija remains a memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression.

In the annals of video game history, Olija stands as a testament to the power of atmospheric storytelling and innovative gameplay. It is a game that demands to be experienced, a pixelated odyssey that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. For those seeking a unique and haunting adventure, Olija is an essential play.