Prepare your tissues, gamers, because Neva is here to tug at your heartstrings and mess with your emotions. From the creators of the award-winning Gris, this narrative adventure isn’t just a game—it’s a work of art, a poignant tale, and a wolf-lover’s dream (or nightmare, depending on how much emotional damage you can handle). Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
ToggleThe Setup: A World of Magic and Grief
Neva introduces us to Alba, a young woman trying to survive in a world where light battles darkness, and giant wolves are your best friends…and sometimes your greatest heartbreak. The game opens with an emotional gut-punch (no spoilers, but it involves a wolf and your feelings). Right away, you know this isn’t just about saving the world—it’s about saving yourself.
The developers, Nomada Studio, have doubled down on their signature hand-drawn art style. Every frame is a masterpiece, and the vibrant palette contrasts beautifully with the darker, more ominous elements. The world feels alive, from its lush forests to its haunting ruins, making exploration a visual treat.
Gameplay: A Puzzle-Platformer with Heart
If you’ve played Gris, you’ll feel right at home with Neva. It’s a puzzle-platformer at its core, but the emotional weight of the story elevates every jump, climb, and interaction. The puzzles are intuitive yet satisfying, often requiring you to work with your wolf companion to solve them. Yes, the wolf isn’t just for show—it’s an integral part of the gameplay, and you’ll quickly form a bond with it.
The Wolf Companion: A Partner in Puzzles and Pain
Your wolf companion isn’t just there to look majestic (though it does that flawlessly). It helps you traverse tricky terrain, solve puzzles, and fight off shadowy foes. The bond between Alba and the wolf is palpable, and the game uses it to devastating effect. When your companion howls, you’ll want to howl right along.
Combat: Simple but EffectiveF
Combat in Neva is straightforward but impactful. Alba wields light-based powers to fend off shadow creatures, and your wolf companion helps in battle. The fights aren’t about spamming attacks; they’re about strategy and timing. The stakes feel high, especially when your wolf is at risk.
Storytelling: Tears Incoming
Alright, let’s face the truth: Nomada Studio is the titan of emotional storytelling, and Neva is just another jewel in the crown. It talks about loss and growth, and the power of bonds with connections woven into every bit of gameplay as a non-verbal narrative. The art, music, and gameplay all unfold a story showing that sometimes, actions do speak louder than words.
Themes: Loss and Renewal
Neva revolves around finding brightness amidst gloom. It touches upon loss and rejuvenation in a way that is not witnessed often in gaming. The adventure of Alba is more than just fighting shadows; it has enough of facing one’s inner darkness and learning to release.
Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses
Art Style: Nomada Studio Does It Again
The hand-drawn visuals are a standout feature. Every scene feels like a painting you’d want to hang on your wall (if it didn’t make you cry every time you looked at it). The use of color to convey emotion is masterful, and the animations are fluid and expressive.
Soundtrack: An Emotional Rollercoaster
The Neva soundtrack is quite deserving of it’s own prize. The perfect visual match is given an eerie melancholy and uplifting hopefulness. One is sure to be brought to tears just with the soundtrack.
Final Thoughts: Is Neva Worth Your Time?
Definitely, Neva is an absolute essential for anyone who loves a narrative-driven experience, who admires top-notch artwork, or even anyone who just needs a good cry. It’s a very short but ultimately very powerful experience that will leave you thinking about the themes long after the credits finish rolling.
Pros
- Stunning hand-drawn visuals
- Emotionally resonant storytelling
- Engaging puzzles and gameplay
Cons
- Short playtime (but hey, quality over quantity!)
- May cause emotional devastation (in the best way)
Neva isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of game that makes you appreciate the beauty of gaming as an art form. So grab your tissues, hug your nearest pet, and get ready for a journey you won’t soon forget.
Would you face the darkness for a giant wolf companion? Play Neva and find out. Check out Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth