In Nomada Studio’s Neva, the sequel to Gris, players are immediately immersed in the cyclical nature of life and death. A tragic opening battle against sludge monsters results in the loss of a loyal white wolf companion, but from this sorrow blossoms a new connection with the wolf’s orphaned pup. This poignant beginning sets the stage for a hopeful journey, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a reason to persevere.
Neva explores this profound theme with a minimalist approach, captivating players with stunning visuals and a moving soundtrack that elevates its enchanting world. However, beyond its aesthetic beauty, the game falls short in terms of originality, featuring simplistic 2D platforming and combat that fail to fully capitalize on its chapter-based structure. Like its predecessor, Gris, Neva serves as a powerful tone piece, focusing more on evoking emotion than complex gameplay. It’s a meditative experience that reflects on life, loss, and the beauty found in both.
A World Worth Protecting
Neva follows Alba, a young girl striving to protect nature from encroaching corruption manifested as menacing black creatures. After the death of her wolf companion, she adopts the orphaned pup, Neva, forming an unbreakable bond. Their journey unfolds over a year, each chapter representing a season, with Neva growing larger and more confident with each passing season, learning new abilities that assist Alba in her mission.
The narrative unfolds like a wordless fable, told through beautifully animated cinematics that emphasize the deepening bond between Alba and Neva. The game’s environmentalist themes echo Hayao Miyazaki’s work, reminiscent of a smaller-scale Princess Mononoke. White wolves, majestic antlered beasts, and corrupting influences upon a pristine landscape all contribute to the narrative. While the message lacks depth, Nomada Studio masterfully captures the raw emotional core of the story. The moments of loss are heart-wrenching, while the moments of joy are genuinely heartwarming, effectively portraying life’s spectrum of emotions within a concise five-hour adventure.
Neva – Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games
Audiovisual Excellence
Neva‘s breathtaking sound and visuals truly elevate the experience. The soundtrack, filled with sweeping orchestral pieces, rivals that of even the most lavish AAA titles. These awe-inspiring compositions amplify the emotional weight of each scene, transforming every vista into a breathtaking spectacle.
The visuals perfectly complement the soundtrack, with each landscape rendered in stunning detail. Even simple forest clearings feel sacred, with light filtering through vibrant foliage. Every frame resembles a painting, making the encroaching darkness of the monsters all the more impactful, like ink spilled on a masterpiece. These visuals aren’t mere window dressing; they genuinely evoke a sense of reverence for the natural world, reinforcing Alba’s desire to protect it. The minimalist storytelling allows this powerful connection to nature to take center stage.
Room for Growth
Despite the captivating sights and sounds, Neva‘s gameplay lacks the same sense of wonder, feeling somewhat generic. It shares much in common with 2018’s Gris, inheriting both its strengths and weaknesses. While Gris impressed with its watercolor art style, its puzzle-platforming felt simplistic, even for its time. Neva doesn’t significantly raise the bar, despite hinting at a few creative ideas.
The platforming is standard fare, with Alba able to jump, air dash, smash weak rocks, and climb walls. Later chapters introduce minor variations, such as portal dashing, but the gameplay often feels indistinguishable from titles like Planet of Lana.
The key differentiator is Neva‘s light combat system, allowing players to slash or slam down on enemies. This equally simplistic system primarily involves fighting the same few monster types repeatedly, lacking variety. However, it does prevent the platforming from becoming entirely monotonous.
Evolving Together
Neva finds a compelling concept in its namesake wolf. In the first chapter, Neva is timid, hesitant to jump between platforms or take daring leaps. Players must often pause to comfort their companion, petting them between encounters. However, Neva grows braver with each season, fearlessly navigating platforming challenges and even assisting in combat by chasing down enemies. Eventually, players can even throw Neva towards enemies. The bond between Alba and Neva strengthens as they evolve together, becoming increasingly interconnected.
Neva and Alba fight monsters in Neva.
This evolving relationship forms a touching element within an otherwise aesthetically pleasing, yet understated, adventure. While not every game needs to be revolutionary, given Neva‘s focus on evolution, there’s a sense of anticipation for a more significant shift in gameplay. Like the pup in the early stages of the journey, Nomada Studio still appears to be developing its potential. The studio’s ability to craft beautiful, heartfelt narratives is evident in both Neva and Gris, but it has yet to fully realize its potential in terms of interactive gameplay. Neva reminds us that growth is a gradual process. A hesitant whimper at the edge of a cliff can eventually transform into a courageous leap; it just takes time and encouragement.
Neva was tested on PC and Steam Deck OLED.
