Nomada Studio’s Neva, published by Devolver Digital, is a deeply emotional action-adventure that follows the journey of Alba and a wolf cub as they navigate a decaying world. The story is a poignant exploration of their relationship, which evolves as the wolf grows from a rebellious cub into a fully-grown wolf, all while the bond between them is tested by dark forces. The narrative is rich with symbolism and emotional depth, much like the developer’s previous title GRIS, though this time the focus is more on themes of survival, companionship, and personal growth.
The game’s premise is instantly engaging due to its emotional core. Alba and the wolf share a symbiotic relationship, and as the player, you’re tasked with guiding them through increasingly hostile environments while managing their lasting bond. The narrative cleverly intertwines with gameplay, as the wolf’s evolution mirrors Alba’s own growth, creating a dynamic that feels rewarding and impactful. However, while the story is emotionally gripping, some players may find its pacing a bit slow, particularly in the early stages where the bond-building moments are given more time to develop.
Mechanically, Neva leans heavily on environmental exploration and light combat. Players control both Alba and the wolf, solving puzzles that often require cooperation between the two characters. This dynamic creates a satisfying gameplay loop where the wolf’s abilities, as they evolve, are crucial to progression. Early on, the cub may seem limited in its usefulness, but as it grows, the gameplay becomes more complex and engaging. Still, the controls can sometimes feel cumbersome when switching between Alba and the wolf, leading to some awkward moments during more fast-paced sequences. This is an area where the immersion factor in Neva briefly falters, especially compared to its stunning narrative presentation.
Visually, Neva is nothing short of breathtaking. The world is crafted in the same art style that made GRIS so beloved, but with a more foreboding and darker tone to match the narrative’s themes of decay and rebirth. Each area Alba and her companion traverse feels meticulously designed, with a ton of on screen detail contributing to the atmosphere. The use of color, particularly in the way the world transitions from vibrant to decaying, underscores the emotional weight of the journey, although in a few isolated cases we thought it was tricky to distinguish between interactive objects and background art.
The audio design in Neva further enhances the experience. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful, complementing the visual aesthetic perfectly. Every swell in the music seems to capture the emotional highs and lows of Alba’s journey, while the ambient sounds bring the world to life during the quieter moments. However, certain sound effects can feel a bit repetitive during puzzle-solving sequences, even though we realize we’re nit-picking here.
In conclusion, Neva is an evocative and visually stunning action-adventure that succeeds in telling a heartfelt story about companionship and survival. Its beautiful art style and emotional narrative are highlights, although the slower pacing might not be for everyone. For fans of GRIS, this game is another must-play from Nomada Studio, and one of the best titles we’ve seen this season.
Score: 8.7/10
Press Play Media 