A journey of bond and decay
Nomada Studio captured the hearts of players worldwide with Gris, a visually spectacular indie game that helped the Barcelona-based studio carve out its own space in the industry. Known for its carefully crafted presentation, delicate narrative, and emotional depth, Gris set a high standard for atmospheric games with resonant themes. Published by Devolver Digital, it quickly became a benchmark for art in video games.
Now comes Neva, Nomada Studio’s new project, which at first glance appears to be a kind of spiritual successor to Gris. It retains many of the elements that made Gris so beloved: beautiful visuals, a highly stylized presentation, masterfully crafted cinematics, and a soundtrack that evokes emotions at every turn. However, while Neva may seem familiar at first, it quickly solidifies itself as a unique experience, weaving a story of companionship, loss, and struggle.
The Story of Alba and Neva
At the heart of Neva lies the story of Alba, a young girl bound to a wolf cub named Neva. After a tragic encounter with dark creatures that corrupt the world around them, Alba and Neva embark on a journey through a land that is slowly falling apart. This bond, formed out of tragedy, becomes the emotional core of the game. As their world disintegrates, their relationship is tested and deepens, turning the narrative into an exploration of trust, growth, and survival in the face of adversity.
Evolving Gameplay
Neva’s gameplay is deceptively simple at first, gently introducing players to basic mechanics. Alba’s journey begins with the ability to jump and perform basic attacks, a necessity for defending herself against enemies and progressing forward. However, as the game progresses and the bond between Alba and Neva deepens, the mechanics evolve alongside their relationship. Players will unlock, for example, the ability to dodge, which allows for more complex maneuvers during combat and platforming challenges. The platforming sections are often beautifully integrated with the environment.
A key mechanic is the button dedicated to interacting with Neva. Pressing this button, Alba calls out to the wolf cub at any moment, reinforcing the importance of their connection. This reminds me of the simple yet emotionally meaningful interactions seen in Luigi’s Mansion, where Luigi calls out to his brother Mario. A simple but charming touch that adds emotional resonance to the gameplay.
The combination of platforming and combat creates a special rhythm, with Neva often leading during platforming sections, even acting as a guide through dangerous landscapes. Combat, on the other hand, introduces a different dynamic, with Alba facing off against monsters that sometimes possess animals. In these moments, Neva becomes an indispensable ally, lunging at enemies to immobilize them and allowing Alba to strike.
Progression and Challenges
One of the most impressive aspects of Neva is how it keeps the gameplay fresh over its five-hour duration. The progression system constantly introduces new abilities and challenges, ensuring that players remain engaged throughout the journey. As the world surrounding Alba and Neva disintegrates, the challenges intensify with the appearance of new types of enemies and puzzles that require both skill and strategy.
Visually, Neva is a marvel, with its vibrant, ethereal world providing a stunning backdrop for the story. However, this visual style sometimes works against the gameplay, as some elements can be difficult to distinguish, creating moments of frustration. Fortunately, the developers have included two game modes: a standard mode that offers a balance of challenge and exploration, and a more accessible mode for those who wish to focus on the narrative. Additionally, Neva includes a comprehensive accessibility menu, allowing players to tailor the experience to their needs.
A Worthy Successor
While Neva shares some elements with Gris, it ultimately stands as a unique, deep, and emotionally resonant experience. The relationship between Alba and Neva adds a dynamic that sets it apart from its predecessor, while its emotive presentation and soundtrack immerse players in a world both beautiful and devastating. The combination of platforming, combat, and puzzles, along with a well-balanced progression system, ensures that the gameplay remains solid, even in its more frustrating moments.
At around five hours in length, Neva may seem brief, but it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Nomada Studio has once again crafted a game that demonstrates the power of storytelling through gameplay, and with Devolver Digital, they continue to push the boundaries of what games can achieve. If Gris stole your heart, Neva is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Halls of Torment
Summary
Neva, the new game from Nomada Studio, follows in the footsteps of Gris with an incredible artistic style and a deep narrative. We will accompany Alba and Neva on a journey through a world that is falling apart while their bond grows stronger. The gameplay combines platforming and combat with a steady progression of skills and challenges. Neva offers a heart-touching experience, highlighting the connection between the characters and their environment. A worthy successor to Gris.
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