Release Date: October 15, 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Gameplay

In Neva, you guide Alba, a young swordswoman, through a decaying world as she raises a magical wolf cub named Neva. The game blends platforming, environmental puzzles, and combat, where each element reflects the game’s emotional core. While combat isn’t overly complex, it suits the narrative’s focus on survival and the bond between Alba and Neva.

Platforming feels responsive, but there are moments when the breathtaking watercolor visuals obscure what’s traversable. This artistic choice occasionally hinders gameplay, but it’s hard to stay frustrated when everything looks so beautiful. Think of it as a small price to pay for living in a world that feels like it was painted by hand.

Mechanics & Graphics

The game beautifully weaves in mechanics around the growing relationship between Alba and Neva. At first, Neva is a helpless cub, requiring guidance and comfort. But as he matures, the wolf becomes more independent and capable, evolving alongside the gameplay. By the time Neva is fully grown, you’re no longer just guiding him—you’re working in tandem, building a unique gameplay bond that mirrors the emotional journey.

Visually, Neva is a stunner. Nomada Studio, best known for Gris, once again delivers a world filled with lush, dreamlike landscapes. However, this beauty occasionally comes at the cost of clarity; at times, it’s hard to tell what’s background art and what you can actually jump on. But even with these minor annoyances, it’s clear that the game’s artistic direction is integral to the emotional impact.

Story & Themes

Where Gris dealt with grief, Neva is more about growth, hope, and the complexities of motherhood. You watch as Alba and Neva navigate through a world in decay, fighting shadowy creatures and an ever-looming environmental disaster. The relationship between the two characters is central, evolving as Neva grows from a pup to an adult. It’s impossible not to feel emotionally attached—Alba’s protective nature and Neva’s playful innocence, followed by his gradual independence, feel like raising a child (or at least, a very loyal pet).

Nomada Studio taps into Studio Ghibli magic here, particularly drawing from Princess Mononoke. The game's dark, corrupted landscapes echo the battle between nature and industrialization. The shadowy enemies are eerily similar to Ghibli’s No-Face, and the emotional tension is further amplified by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

And yes, you will cry—whether from the heart-wrenching opening or the subtle, emotional beats along the way. Neva’s narrative is told without words, relying on stunning visual storytelling and the character’s body language. As Alba and Neva grow closer, the emotional stakes rise, and the game tackles heavy themes of loss, protection, and sacrifice.

For:

• Gorgeous, hand-painted visuals that immerse you in a vibrant yet tragic world

• Emotional storytelling with no dialogue, letting the relationship between Alba and Neva speak volumes

• Unique companion mechanics that evolve as the story progresses

• Beautiful, atmospheric soundtrack

Against:

• Some visual clarity issues make it hard to distinguish between background and traversable areas

• Combat, while thematically fitting, might be too simple for players seeking depth

Verdict:

9/10

Neva is a powerful, emotionally charged game that will stay with you long after it’s over. Its blend of stunning visuals, platforming, and a heartfelt story about love, loss, and growth creates an unforgettable experience. While the gameplay has some minor hiccups, the emotional depth and artistic beauty make up for them in spades. If you’re looking for a game that’ll make you feel something—and possibly shed a tear or two—Neva is a must-play. Fans of Gris or those who appreciate Studio Ghibli’s emotional storytelling will find themselves right at home.