74
CRITIK
Olija
Olija is a game about Faraday's quest, a man shipwrecked then trapped in the mysterious country of Terraphage. Armed with a legendary harpoon, he and other castaways try to leave this hostile country to return to their homelands.
Critik
Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
78
Critics have mixed feelings about the storytelling in Olija. Some praise its engaging narrative and emotional depth, while others criticize its lack of context and underdeveloped aspects. Overall, opinions vary on whether the game effectively conveys its mysterious and intriguing story.
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Gameplay
81
Critics rave about Olija's innovative combat mechanics, exploration elements, and harpoon gameplay. Praise for its satisfying action, engaging RPG elements, and dynamic combat. Some critics note limited depth and variety in gameplay elements, like repetitive boss battles and lack of enemy challenge. Overall, Olija offers a compelling and engaging gameplay experience with unique twists and satisfying combat, despite some minor flaws.
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Graphics and Visual Design
81
Critics generally praise Olija for its unique and detailed art style, rich environments, and immersive animations, likening it to classic sidescrollers. Some critics have concerns about enemies blending in and retro graphics making gameplay harder, but overall, Olija's visual design is considered a standout feature that successfully blends retro aesthetics with modern flair to create a visually striking and immersive world.
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Music and Sound Design
80
Critics overwhelmingly praise Olija for its immersive sound design and atmospheric music, enhancing the gameplay experience. While some find certain aspects overstated or forgettable, the consensus is that Olija excels in creating an immersive and atmospheric world through its soundscapes and music, contributing significantly to its success.
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Voice Acting
71
In Olija, critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting. Some praised the unique character voices and atmospheric quality, while others disliked it, suggesting it should have been eliminated. Overall, opinions lean slightly towards the positive side, with varying views on specific elements like the gibberish language. Despite differing opinions, most critics agree that the voice acting enhances the game's atmosphere and adds to its mystery.
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Technical Performance
58
Olija's technical performance received mixed feedback from critics across different gaming platforms. While the PS4 and Xbox One versions showed stability and improvements post-patch, the Nintendo Switch and PC versions faced issues like slowdowns, crashes, and bugs during gameplay. Despite some platforms showing enhancements, technical hiccups affected the overall gameplay experience on multiple platforms, leaving room for improvement in Olija's performance.
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Replay Value
63
Critics praise Olija for its crafting, collectibles, and unique hats that offer varied playstyles but criticize its short length and lack of incentives for replay. While some find its charm and polished adventure appealing, opinions on its replay value are mixed, with varying perspectives on its ability to draw players back for multiple playthroughs.
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Overall Verdict
Critics praise Olija for its unique gameplay, engaging storytelling, and atmospheric design, calling it a standout indie game with tight gameplay and alluring atmosphere. Some critics note shortcomings like short length and lack of difficulty options. Despite flaws, Olija offers a captivating experience with rewarding gameplay and captivating storytelling, making it recommended for action-adventure fans seeking a memorable journey.
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74
CRITIK
Reviews
112 reviews found100
Psu.com
Jan 28, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija is a masterpiece, a graceful and immaculate action platformer that fulfills its goal of translating a classic folk tale narrative into a game. Enjoyable, varied, and precise in execution, it stands out as one of the best indie games on PS4.
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90
Vooks.net
Jan 28, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija is a fantastic game that pushes boundaries and is worth replaying
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90
Digitalchumps.com
Jan 28, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija is a balanced work with a focused vision, offering a delightful sampler platter of gameplay elements and storytelling, satisfying players with its quiet nature and execution.
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90
Shacknews.com
Feb 2, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija is a cinematic and fantastical game with a strong story, satisfying gameplay, and impressive visual and sound design. It is a pleasant treat and likely one of the best indie titles of 2021.
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90
Digitallydownloaded.net
Jan 28, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija is a smartly-designed cinematic platformer with engaging gameplay, wonderful graphics, and a great sense of atmosphere. It has a few missed potential in terms of integrating its different components, but overall it is an excellent game.
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90
Gamegrin.com
Mar 1, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija is described as a must-play game that is fun and engrossing. It is praised for its unique gameplay mechanics and enjoyable story, despite being on the short side.
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90
Pcinvasion.com
Jan 28, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija offers a unique and engaging experience with its beautiful pixel art, compelling gameplay, and atmospheric world, recommended for players looking for a short but impactful adventure
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85
Gameinformer.com
Feb 5, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
The review describes Olija as a rewarding expedition with tight gameplay, fun exploration, and an alluring atmosphere. It praises the game as one of the year's first pleasant surprises.
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85
Ztgd.com
Jan 29, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
Olija is a concise but strong experience, and the reviewer recommends it as a great way to start off 2021.
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85
Nintendoenthusiast.com
Jan 28, 2021
This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.
A compact trek that is a bit on the easy side, but still worth a look