PLAYED ON: PC via Steam
I recently had the chance to dive into Neva, the latest from Nomada Studio, and it was like stepping into a moving painting. The game tells the story of Alba, a young warrior, and her wolf companion, Neva, as they journey through a world scarred by a spreading blight. What hooked me right away was how Neva uses changing seasons to highlight Alba and Neva’s growth, both as individuals and as a team. Starting in summer, with all its warm colors, and ending in a hopeful spring, the game unfolds with a subtle, emotional story that doesn’t rely on words to get its point across.
Visually, this game is just stunning, just like Gris was. The colours and details change with the seasons, creating an atmosphere that feels alive and deeply connected to the story. Each environment, from sunlit forests to eerie winter landscapes, looks like it was hand-painted, and the music by Berlinist matches the mood beautifully. It drifts along softly during calm moments and then surges with energy when things get intense. The audio and visuals together make Neva feel like an art piece as much as a game, which is honestly where it shines the brightest.
When it comes to gameplay, Neva is a mix of platforming and combat. Most of the time, you’re moving Alba through landscapes, jumping and dodging, with Neva following along, helping in fights, or acting as a kind of sidekick. There’s definitely a thrill in working together to face enemies, but I did find a few parts of the combat to be a bit frustrating. Some hitboxes and boss fights felt a bit off, which occasionally made things clunky when they should’ve been smooth.
Images: Devolver Digital
One of Neva’s biggest strengths is the emotional connection it builds between Alba and Neva without a single word of dialogue. Every season brings them closer, and the way they interact, like calling each other or helping each other across tough spots, made me genuinely care about their journey. It’s a heartfelt story about loss, friendship, and survival that unfolds at its own pace, letting the visuals and the music tell the tale. By the end, I felt like I’d been on an adventure with them, and that quiet emotional pull really worked for me.
Images: Devolver Digital
Smash Hit Score: 7.8/10
Neva isn’t perfect; it’s a short game, and some players might find the gameplay a bit simplistic or repetitive. But for me, it was a lovely escape—an experience that felt both cozy and bittersweet. It may not reach the heights of Gris, but it still hits all the right notes for a reflective, art-driven adventure. If you’re a fan of games that lean into storytelling through art and sound, then Neva is absolutely worth exploring.
GIF: Devolver Digital
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