I am angered that over the years I am still the only one in my circle of friends who played and was thoroughly captivated by “Gris,” and overall, it didn’t become any kind of cultural phenomenon. With the release of “Neva” I hope word of mouth spreads greater and louder because not only were my expectations high, but this game exceeded them. Developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital, “Neva” takes all the emotional depth that made “Gris” remarkable and elevates it to new heights. From the very first moment I stepped into its world, I could feel that this game was a labor of love, and it quickly became clear that the Barcelona-based team had really hit their stride this time.
“Neva” tells the poignant story of Alba, a young woman who forms an unbreakable bond with a majestic wolf cub after a traumatic event. Their journey through a world that’s crumbling and decaying around them is the heart of the game. It’s a tale that explores themes of love, loss, and the struggle to survive in an unforgiving world. The evolving relationship between Alba and the wolf, who grows from a playful cub into a fierce adult, provides the emotional backbone of the game. Watching them grow together, both as individuals and as a team, is truly something special.
The gameplay leans heavily on action-adventure elements, though “Neva” keeps things fresh by avoiding overuse of any particular mechanic. I did feel like some gameplay systems would have stuck around a bit longer before being swapped out, but I understand that this approach helps maintain a sense of unpredictability. It also keeps the game constantly engaging. There’s a delicate balance between puzzle-platforming, combat, and exploration, and while I wish the combat had a bit more variety, I was still deeply invested in the experience. The emotional pull of the narrative had me too engrossed to dwell on it. Where “Neva” really shines, though, amazingly beautiful presentation, everything looks absolutely stunning, the developers have really refined their craft since “Gris.” The art direction is nothing short of breathtaking, with every frame feeling like a hand-painted masterpiece. The world, though in decay, is brought to life with vibrant detail, and there’s a melancholic beauty to seeing it slowly deteriorate as you progress. The emotional impact of the story is only heightened by the incredible animations and the score. The music swells at just the right moments, tugging at your heartstrings, and by the time the credits rolled, I found myself sitting there in a flood of emotions. If you tend to get emotional during movies or games, definitely keep a box of tissues handy.
Alba and her wolf companion’s journey is one of gradual transformation, not just in their relationship but also in the way they tackle the dangers of their world. While the world and story captivated me, “Neva” isn’t an imperfect game. The simplistic nature of the platforming and combat mechanics sometimes made me wish for a little more complexity. There were moments when I thought, “I’ve done this before,” especially when certain puzzle-solving elements felt a bit too easy. That said, this minor nitpick didn’t detract from the emotional experience, but I felt it was worth mentioning at the very least. Like its predecessor, “Neva” is a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a relatively short experience, I think it only took me about four hours to finish, but not with so many long games out there demanding your time, I respect ones that say what they need to say, with very little fat on their bones. Much like “Gris,” it’s designed for those who enjoy shorter, more intimate experiences that focus on storytelling over complex mechanics. There’s something incredibly touching about the way “Neva” presents its world, whether it’s the soft rustle of the wind through the forest or the delicate sounds of Alba’s swords clashing with enemies. Every element of the game feels carefully crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and melancholy. It’s a world I never wanted to leave.
This is a beautiful, heart-wrenching adventure that will resonate deeply with players looking for something more profound, emotional, and story-driven. “Neva” is undoubtedly one of the best indie games of 2024, and if you enjoyed “Gris,” this is a journey you won’t want to miss. If you haven’t played “Gris,” I also recommend it, but I just hope this title will get even more eyes and ears on it when all is said and done.
9/10
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Related: Reviews by Nick Navarro
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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