| 33bits |
Jose Antonio Calvo Ceniceros |
80 / 100 |
02-04-2021 |
I think adventures like Olija are quite appreciated, with its simple layout but worked and with clear effort behind, and a direct gameplay but with substance as well. An adventure game that combines combat, platforming, classic story, well crafted narrative and art, and fun, quite fun. The so classic and even necessary “what it does, it does well”. |
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| 3DNews |
Михаил Пономарев |
8 / 10 |
01-30-2021 |
Philosophic and touching story which doesn’t quite suit its gameplay. |
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| AusGamers |
KostaAndreadis |
8 / 10 |
01-29-2021 |
As Faraday, the setup is simple, you’re a lone shipwreck survivor left to pick up the pieces, rescue those lost or trapped, and lead them through a fantastical world. Rebuild. |
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| Checkpoint Gaming |
Sam Harkin |
6 / 10 |
01-29-2021 |
I want to like Olija much more than I do. When the game works it truly works. The gameplay is slick and brutal and fluid. I will never deny the enjoyment that this game provides. The problem is quite simple, which is that there are only so many fresh, exciting encounters the game can give you. They are a finite supply. However, the time wasted through unclear instruction and a lack of accessibility to information is unforgivable. Perhaps other players will find the ambiguity to be less of a problem, but for me it was a real obstacle. |
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| COGconnected |
Jake Hill |
82 / 100 |
01-28-2021 |
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. |
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| Darkstation |
Jukka Piira |
3 / 5 stars |
01-28-2021 |
Olija’s atmosphere is spot on and despite its huge pixels, the game manages to channel Hugo Pratt’s fabled Corto Maltese graphic novels that take place in similar exotic corners of the world. The gameplay also works most of the time, but as is often the case with indie games, the authoritarian developer has gone overboard. The less is usually more but here, the style simply went over the substance and 12 hours of playtime more than overstays its welcome considering the game’s ultimately shallow bounty. |
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| Digital Chumps |
Ben Sheene |
9 / 10 |
05-06-2019 |
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. |
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| Digitally Downloaded |
Harvard L. |
4.5 / 5 stars |
01-29-2021 |
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. |
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| Echo Boomer |
João Canelo |
Not Recommended |
02-01-2021 |
A great mix of mechanics and ideas inspired by the classics of its genre, that does not live to its full potential. |
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| Eurogamer |
Christian Donlan |
Recommended |
02-15-2021 |
A brilliant central mechanic and a game of real craft and character. |
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| FingerGuns |
Greg Hicks |
8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
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. |
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| Game Informer |
Marcus Stewart |
8.5 / 10 |
02-05-2021 |
It may be brief, but Olija confidently blends satisfying action and engaging exploration for a treat that shouldn’t be overlooked. |
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| Gameblog |
Gianni Molinaro |
7 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija is truly a great experience, a delicious and clever Pixel Art Swashbuckler video game that offers a great setting, gorgeous visuals, a world and a story to love fondly. But sadly, it is really too easy and too short. |
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| GameCrate |
David Sanchez |
8 / 10 |
01-29-2021 |
Olija is, simply put, a great 2D action-adventure game. Developers Thomas Olsson and Skeleton Crew Studio knew exactly what they set out to deliver. This is a focused, refined adventure that’ll captivate you for a short while and provide you with a bite-sized albeit worthwhile journey. |
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| GameGrin |
Alana Dunitz |
9 / 10 |
02-27-2021 |
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 |
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| GameMAG |
Unknown |
8 / 10 |
01-29-2021 |
We hope that Skeleton Crew Studio will not stop at one game, and we’ll learn the further story of relationships between Faraday and Olija in the sequel. |
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| Gamer Escape |
Eliot Lefebvre |
7 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
But some of this might just be me being cantankerous. I can’t say Olija is all that great, but it’s definitely a solid game that aimed at what it wanted to be and hit it squarely. It’s unlikely to be anyone’s favorite game, but it is – at least – doing its own thing with no small degree of confidence. |
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| Gamers Heroes |
Johnny Hurricane |
8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
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. |
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| GameSpew |
Kim Snaith |
8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
One of the first games of 2021 I’ve sank my teeth into, Olija certainly has set the bar high. |
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| GameSpot |
Mike Epstein |
8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija’s quick, zippy combat, platforming puzzles, and minimalist storytelling all shine in a small, pixelated trifle. |
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| Guardian |
Keza MacDonald |
4 / 5 stars |
02-04-2021 |
This game made me feel like a swashbuckling stranger in a foreign land for a couple of evenings, and left me wanting more. What’s there is lean and sometimes exquisite, but there wasn’t time to fully explore the different weapons (or try on all those dapper hats) before Faraday’s adventure came to an end after around six hours. I could have spent twice as long exploring this beautiful and mysterious creation, but I’m grateful nonetheless for the journey I’ve had. |
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| Hardcore Gamer |
Jordan Helm |
3 / 5 stars |
01-28-2021 |
Olija doesn’t do enough to be regarded as generally good, but at the same time doesn’t frustrate to the point of truly damaging the experience. |
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| Hey Poor Player |
Josh Speer |
3.5 / 5 stars |
01-28-2021 |
Overall, I’m still quite pleased I got the opportunity to review Olija. Devolver has a knack for publishing quirky and unique fare, and that tradition continues here. I just wish it wasn’t so short. Because the world of Terraphage is a fascinating one, and I really wish I could have gotten more lost in it. But those complaints aside, this is still a very solid game worth checking out. Here’s hoping the next project by Skeleton Crew Studio is a bit more robust. |
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| Hobby Consolas |
David Martinez |
75 / 100 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija is a beautiful minimalistic game, that includes some interesting mechanics, such as the use of a magic harpoon and the Lunar Sword, to classic “metroidvania” gameplay. |
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| IGN |
Mitchell Saltzman |
7 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija is a memorable 2D action platformer with great combat that is over all too soon with little reason to return. |
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| IGN Italy |
Biagio Etna |
7.5 / 10 |
01-29-2021 |
Olija is a well-made and enjoyable action-adventure; lacking, however, of qualitative touches able to distinguish it from a tough competition. It remains, in any case, a well-made and enjoyable game. |
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| Jump Dash Roll |
Derek Johnson |
8 / 10 |
02-16-2021 |
Olija has a fun gimmick, great visuals, and is only occasionally let down by levels that don’t quite fully make use of its fun, core mechanic. |
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| KeenGamer |
Ben Johnson |
8.8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
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. |
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| MonsterVine |
Nick Mangiaracina |
4.5 / 5 stars |
01-28-2021 |
Olija is a mysterious adventure that won’t overstay it’s welcome but leave you wanting more immediately after playing it. |
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| New Game Network |
Eric Hall |
72 / 100 |
01-31-2021 |
Olija is a unique platforming experience that will captivate from start to finish. Faraday’s journey takes you to an intriguing world that has as many mysteries as it does scenic vistas. It may get tedious in parts, but the limited run-time of the title helps it stay mostly on track. |
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| Niche Gamer |
Fingal Belmont |
7 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Anyone who can stomach the tired minimalistic 2D pixel art will find that Olija has quite a bit going for it. The low difficulty may turn off most hardcore players, and the violence may be too much for kids, but this would be a fine game for much older people who want to get into video games. |
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| Nintendo Enthusiast |
Arthur Damian |
8.5 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
At the end of the day, Olija is a voyage that is quite a blast, even though it ends quickly. |
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| Nintendo Life |
Kate Gray |
7 / 10 |
01-31-2021 |
Olija is a piratical adventure that really, really pays attention to atmosphere. From its bombastic music, which echoes similarly pirate-themed Return of the Obra Dinn, to its arthouse-cinema-style sudden cuts to black, Olija is possibly the most cinematically dramatic indie game we’ve seen in quite some time. |
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| NintendoWorldReport |
Steven Green |
7 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija has a wonderful story to tell that takes influence from some of your favorite seafaring adventures. While the technical hiccups can be disappointing and the major portion of the gameplay can feel unexciting, the boss fights and story sections bring to life a drab and dreary world that I would thoroughly enjoy seeing more of after the patches roll out. |
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| Noisy Pixel |
Ivanir Ignacchitti |
8.5 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
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. |
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| Paste Magazine |
Garrett Martin |
7 / 10 |
02-04-2021 |
It all comes down to the aesthetic-the muted color palette, the hushed tones when characters speak, the overarching sense of loss and despair that permeates the game. And most notably, those archaic visuals that look like they’re from the latest Sierra game you and your friend play on his Tandy computer every afternoon after school. Olija roots its mysteries in the ever-distant, increasingly forgotten past, with all the warmth and sadness that implies. |
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| PC Gamer |
Alex Wiltshire |
83 / 100 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija spearheads a grimly thrilling adventure which is over too soon. |
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| PC Invasion |
Andrew Farrell |
9 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
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. |
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| PlayStation Universe |
Joe Apsey |
10 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
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. |
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| PowerUp! |
Leo Stevenson |
8.2 / 10 |
01-29-2021 |
Olija is a great action platformer and one that throws back to the best of those which have come before. |
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| Press Start |
Brodie Gibbons |
7.5 / 10 |
02-09-2021 |
The product of a one man team, Olija is a tight and entertaining seafarer’s voyage that manages to be memorable despite not bringing anything particularly revolutionary to the table. Instead, it’s in the atmosphere and tone that Olija excels, proving that the deep blue sea isn’t full of just terrors. |
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| PSX Brasil |
Bruno Henrique Vinhadel |
75 / 100 |
02-08-2021 |
Featuring an intriguing narrative and fun combat, Olija tells the story of a simple hero in several adversities, with numerous positive points to note. It could have more content or be a little longer, but it still pleases anyone who is interested. |
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| Push Square |
Stephen Tailby |
7 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Visually, Olija might not look like much, but you’d be surprised how atmospheric it is. A handful of bugs aside, this is an intriguing adventure worth taking. |
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| Rectify Gaming |
Christian Bianchi |
8.3 / 10 |
01-30-2021 |
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. |
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| Rocket Chainsaw |
Andrew Cathie |
3.5 / 5 stars |
02-15-2021 |
The short length, relative lack of difficulty and couple of mechanical niggles stop it from being great, but if you’re looking for a new 2D action-adventure game, you won’t be disappointed. |
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| Screen Rant |
Toby Arguello |
3.5 / 5 stars |
01-28-2021 |
Olija enters a crowded genre and its gameplay does little to revolutionize the scene, but it still manages to stand out with a unique visual style that greatly contributes to its intriguing, atmospheric tone. Anyone interested in the story should go in blind, as a sense of mystery adds to the experience. The Devolver catalog has often curated the best in niche indie games, and Olija is another good addition for those looking for a unique, moody, maritime experience. |
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| SECTOR.sk |
Branislav Kohút |
8 / 10 |
02-11-2021 |
This is interesting legend about castaway with courage and harpoon. Just a bit short. |
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| Shacknews |
Donovan Erskine |
9 / 10 |
01-30-2021 |
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. |
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| Softpedia |
Cosmin Vasile |
8 / 10 |
02-11-2021 |
Unfortunately, there’s little to bring in those who simply lack those gaming memories. The pixelated look can easily be judged as hard to understand, stifling experimentation and making it hard to enjoy the exploration. The harpoon mechanics are solid but they cannot sustain the game on their own. More care to make it accessible for a wider range of players would have made the entire experience more attractive. |
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| SomHráč.sk |
Karel Šír |
70 / 100 |
02-26-2021 |
If you’re looking for a simple yet fun platformer that’s inspired by somewhat different titles than your usual indie games are, to play over the weekend, you won’t go wrong with Olija |
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| TechRaptor |
William Worrall |
6 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija might not be long and might not have the most interesting combat, but the story and style of the game make it worth playing. |
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| The Games Machine |
Claudio Magistrelli |
8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija is more than just the sum of its parts. Its action-platform-with-a-bit-of-metrodavania formula is nothing new, like its art style or the mechanics made available by the mystic harpoon. But when every single part works in conjunction with the others, Olija becomes a super rewarding game, where puzzles make you feel smart and fights make you feel strong: not every game needs to be super difficult. |
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| TheSixthAxis |
Alan Wen |
8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija subverts the expectations of an unforgiving old-school adventure for something more fun and breezing, verging on slapstick combat, yet still dripping with atmosphere thanks to its impressionistic pixel art and excellent audio. Being a castaway makes for a good escape. |
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| Unboxholics |
Γιώργος Πρίτσκας |
Not Recommended |
01-29-2021 |
If you’re in for an indie that’s all about pure aesthetics and atmosphere, then Olija is just for you. |
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| Use a Potion |
Unknown |
8 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija’s adventure might be a short one, but it’ll certainly prove memorable for players thanks to its fun harpooning-action and its minimalistic yet impressive visual style. Add to that an intriguing narrative that’ll keep you hooked in until the very end and it’s clear that Devolver Digital and Skeleton Crew Studio have a winner on their hands here. |
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| VGChartz |
Evan Norris |
7 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
If you’re fond of cinematic platformers, mysterious settings, and swashbuckling adventure, you’ve washed up in the right place. |
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| WayTooManyGames |
Todd Eggleston |
7.5 / 10 |
01-28-2021 |
Olija never sets out to be more than it is. It plays it safe, delivering an action platformer with a traversal mechanic and never straying too far from what works. But Olija has an undeniable depth of charm and character that some higher budget productions just can’t grasp. Olija is a tale that deserves to be heard at least once. |
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| We Got This Covered |
David Morgan |
3.5 / 5 stars |
02-08-2021 |
Olija may fail to make as big of a splash as its influences, but it’s a worthwhile adventure with a palpable atmosphere. |
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| ZTGD |
Anthony Mann |
8.5 / 10 |
01-29-2021 |
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. |
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