Item: Rolando: Royal Edition
Rating: 92
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

92/100

Rolando: Royal Edition is a triumphant return of a true mobile gaming pioneer. Back in 2008, the original Rolando defined what an iPhone game could be, and this remastered 'Royal Edition' brings that magic to the modern era with stunning 4K-ready visuals and a buttery smooth frame rate. The game remains a masterclass in physics-based puzzle platforming. Using a combination of device tilting and screen tapping, you guide a group of round, charismatic 'Rolandos' through a world that feels like a living storybook.

The level design is where the game truly shines. Each world introduces new mechanics—from sticky surfaces to water physics—that keep the puzzles fresh. The 'Royal Edition' also includes new levels and refined controls that make the experience feel native to modern touchscreens. The soundtrack, composed by Mr. Scruff, is as catchy and iconic as ever, perfectly complementing the whimsical art style. It’s a rare game that feels both nostalgic and incredibly innovative. If you own an iPhone and haven't played Rolando, you are missing out on a piece of gaming history that is still as fun today as it was over a decade ago.

Reviewed on: Wed Feb 26 2025

Dinsun Review

I was there in 2008 when the original Rolando launched, and playing this Royal Edition felt like coming home. This is what a mobile game should be. It was designed for the device, utilizing the accelerometer in a way that feels organic rather than gimmicky. The art style is still fantastic—clean, bold, and full of personality.

The level design is thoughtful, requiring a mix of timing and spatial reasoning. My only gripe, 15 years later, is that tilt controls still feel a bit imprecise compared to a physical joystick. But given the state of the current App Store, Rolando is a titan. It is a complete, premium experience with no ads and no microtransactions. It’s a conservative masterpiece that has aged remarkably well. If only modern developers would look back to this for inspiration.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Exceptional art and music
Creative use of physics and tilt
Complete premium experience

Tilt controls can be frustrating for some
Some late-game levels are very punishing
Short by modern standards

Technical Report

Performance: Perfectly optimized; runs at high frame rates with crisp visuals.

Accessibility:

Adjustable tilt sensitivity

Audience Fit

Buy if: You appreciate classic mobile game history and high-quality physics puzzles.

Skip if: You hate tilt controls or only play free games.

Similar Games:

LocoRoco
Leo's Fortune

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 6 hours
Status: Campaign Finished

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1434308550

$4.99 9+★4.9 642 reviews

Author : HandCircus Limited

Pubish Date : Tue Mar 12 2019

Last Update Date : Fri Apr 12 2019

Support Languages : English, French, German, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

Genres :

Version 1.03Fri Apr 12 2019

• Added iCloud sync for cross-device play
• Improvements for iPad
• Deselect now requires a two-finger tap
• Bug fixes and improvements
Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
9.5/10 – “Simply the best game you can get for the iPhone” – IGN Original Review
10/10 – “Unquestionably the best game on the iPhone” – Pocket Gamer Original Review
The award-winning iPhone classic is back and better than ever! This brand-new ‘Royal Edition’ is a completely remastered Rolando - every interaction, every course, flower, trampoline, bomb, catapult and squirrel has been given a thorough scrub, buff and shine, making this the most gorgeous version yet!
The Kingdom has been invaded and the Rolandos are on a daring quest to save the sages from the clutches of the Shadow Creatures. Guide your intrepid gang of courageous Rolandos as they negotiate the toys, traps, puzzles and curious characters that fill this super-tactile world.
SQUAD GOALS
From the Spiky Commandos and mischievous Prince to the endlessly napping King and Queen - each Rolando gives you a different way to play!
TOUCH THE WORLD
Reach into the world to directly aid your Rolandos - hoist them up on elevators, launch bombs to clear their path and fling them across chasms with catapults.
FOUR GORGEOUS, FUN-PACKED WORLDS
From devious puzzles to action-packed platforming, a huge variety of challenges await - all set in a world bursting with fauna and flora, so charming you’ll want to move in!
TAP YOUR FINGERS AND YOUR TOES
Vibrant soundtrack from critically acclaimed producer and DJ Mr Scruff.

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 with 642 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

Rolando: Royal Edition is the completely remastered version of the award-winning mobile classic. Players use tilt and touch controls to guide a variety of Rolandos through hand-crafted levels filled with physics-based challenges and Shadow Creatures. With entirely overhauled graphics, a famous soundtrack by Mr. Scruff, and a cast of charming characters, this edition brings the iconic adventure to modern devices with more polish and content than ever before.

Features

Stunningly remastered 4K-style graphics

Innovative tilt-and-touch physics controls

Dozens of challenging, creative levels

Iconic soundtrack by Mr. Scruff

Charming story and character-driven gameplay

Tips

Group Selection

To move multiple Rolandos at once, drag your finger across the screen to draw a box around them. This is essential for levels where you need to push heavy objects or move as a pack to avoid traps.

Promotion Videos

Rolando: Royal Edition - iOS / Android Gameplay (by HandCircus) - YouTube

News on this game

Out Now: ‘Rolando: Royal Edition’, ‘Photographs’, ‘Cultist Simulator’, ‘Dungeon Warfare 2’, ‘Marginalia Hero’, ‘The 7th Guest: Remastered’, ‘Spellsword Cards: Demontide’ and More – TouchArcade

Each and every day new mobile games are hitting the App Store, and so each week we put together a big old list of all the best new releases...

TouchArcade - Tue Apr 23 2019

Gameplays

Using Unique Abilities

Not all Rolandos are the same. Some can stick to walls, while others are extra heavy. Pay attention to the type of Rolando you are controlling to solve specific environmental puzzles.

Q&A

It is a complete remaster of the original 2008 game, featuring updated graphics, refined mechanics, and brand-new levels not found in the original release.