Each month, Xbox Game Pass gets a handful of games added to the subscription service, many of which are indie games, making it an excellent place to experience titles outside of the norm. The hit roguelikeHadesis available as are 2021’sSableand2020’sSpiritfarer, which are just a few of Xbox Game Pass’s expansive offerings. Developed by Skeleton Crew and published by Devolver Digital,Olijareleased nearly one year ago to highly positive reception and now, it’s available for free through Xbox Game Pass.
RELATED:Kingdom Hearts 3 is Leaving Xbox Game Pass Soon
What Is Olija?
Olijais a retro-inspired platformerabout Faraday, a shipwrecked man hoping to find his way home while stuck in the eerie country of Terraphage. The indie game takes an unconventional weapon, the harpoon, and pits him against black, sludgy enemies in sharp, satisfying, and intense combat as he searches for his crew. The nameOlijacomes from the game’s Lady Olija, to whom Faraday finds himself bound in the same way that the harpoon is what drives the main plot. Surrounding him are the demon-ridden Clan Rottenwood, the enemies that stand between the protagonist and his exit. On his path toward it, Faraday must open the Shadow Gate, which requires three blue keys to unlock.
In this way,Olijauses some interesting puzzle elements. To find each of those blue keys, Faraday must find a couple of yellow keys. Many secrets can be found simply by launching the harpoon into an off-screen area and transporting Faraday in that direction, though the screen only shows the current area, much likea Metroidvania title. But unlike many Metroidvania titles, most reviewers didn’t findOlijato be very exceptionally difficult, which may be a double-edged sword depending on the person playing as there’s no way to change it.
A Nostalgic 2D Sidescroller
Looking atOlija’s art style, it’s clear that the design is inspired by 2D sidescrolling games of the 80s, which was a popular time for martial arts and sword combat. LikeOlija’s gameplay, its art is simple but effective in what it sets out to do: set the tone and atmosphere without overwhelming the player. Despite the use of the harpoon, the combat isn’t overly complicated either, which also draws back to its 80s aesthetic, before controls began to evolve, and it’s crucial toOlija’s snappy pace.
However,Olija’s design is more modern than its surface lets on. It’s all very satisfying, from slicing through enemies to transporting with the harpoon. The melancholic soundtrack is inspired by Flamenco, a Spanish music and dance style, lo-fi music, and traditional Japanese instruments, which all derive from dated styles but are used in high-definition music, making it equally important to the game’s design.
Olijais out now for PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Mass Effect Legendary Edition’s Game Pass Addition Showcases a Trend For the Service
