Olija

A slick, surprisingly heartfelt 2D platformer that excels not in one area but in many. Olija’s a brilliant addition to Devolver Digital’s lineup of experimental indies. [Issue#185, p.83]

Sensibilities both modern and retro pepper the fabric of Olija. Players may walk away from the game feeling confused, satisfied, or yearning for more. While I lean towards satisfied with my time, I could not help but immediately begin another playthrough, hoping that more would be illuminated the second time around. Much about Olija is familiar and a game with less self awareness would have drawn out its ideas, pushing players with more aggressive enemies or platforming bordering on tedious. But that’s not what we got. Instead, Olija is a balanced work that speaks volumes despite its quiet nature, breathtaking in both its journey and execution.

Olija isn’t a long game; it took me a little over four hours to finish even after gathering most of its collectibles. But it packs a lot of good stuff in that timeframe and never wears out its welcome. With tight gameplay, fun exploration, and an alluring atmosphere, Faraday’s disastrous voyage turns into a rewarding expedition.

Is ‘short but sweet’ a euphemism for ‘tastes like more’? In case of Olija, that is a heartfelt ‘yes’. This charming 2D platformer excels thanks to its pixel art, innovative controls, compelling story and fun puzzles.

Its staging has steadily transported us, while its cleverly designed boss fights have us fully engaged. Only, by the time we have fully assimilated its mechanics, Olija has stopped. As soon as the last gear is unlocked, the end credits take us back from the gaming systems that were only waiting for a final level to shine brightly. We would have liked to be able to test our abilities in one final twisted climb, defending ourselves from an ambush with uncertain outcome or in a final duel at the top like Genishiro Ashina de Sekiro.

Olija's best asset, truly, is its brevity. Its story is impeccably paced. Its mechanics never wear out from overuse. From start to finish, it finds new ways to gently goad you into using the harpoon in different ways, until it says its piece. I was taken with how emotionally resonant and mechanically pleasing it could be in such a short time. Succinct and satisfying is a rare combination, and it makes Olija a rare treat.

Aside from occasionally getting lost, every moment spent with this short adventure game is a joy. You’ll see the credits roll in less than six hours, but you’ll likely be itching to jump back in and continue exploring after that. The harpoon makes for a unique and useful weapon; whether you’re using it to destroy your foes or to transport yourself across the screen, it’s a fluid and rewarding experience. One of the first games of 2021 I’ve sank my teeth into, Olija certainly has set the bar high.

It may not look like much to begin with, but when Olija gets going it’s a captivating experience. Pixelated violence paired with the minimalism of its peers, it’s as worthy as any other game with Devolver’s blessing behind 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.

Olija offers a short and intense action experience, with a dark story that is perfectly accompanied by a dynamic and fluid combat system and a beautiful art style.

Thanks to its peculiar tales of storytelling and staging, the Skeleton Crew production acquires the flavor of those stories with an ancestral charm that are worth listening to, so short yet intense, often harbingers of small - sometimes great - emotions.