Review / Neva: an intense, emotional journey of initiation

After GRIS, Nomada Studio is back on the scene with Neva. This time, the developers offer us a platformer with action, and it has to be said that the mix is a success.

We’ve kept the same basics as last time: magical graphics, a perfect soundscape and fluid, enjoyable gameplay, and we’ve got Neva, a game that will immediately place itself among the favorites of anyone who tries it.

Lore

Neva takes us to an alien world where, at first glance at least, there is little trace of man. The game takes us through places where nature is gradually losing its power. The world is dying, both fauna and flora. Monsters that look like they’ve stepped out of a Studio Ghibli film are destroying everything in their path.

It’s like being thrown back into a parallel Miyazaki universe, where the enemies resemble the faceless characters in Chihiro’s Journey and the animals in Princess Mononoke.

Game

We take on the role of Alba, a warrior accompanied by a young wolf named Neva. This duo will have to survive in a hostile world, fighting day and night against frightening monsters who seem to have no other aim than to destroy the forest and the life that inhabits it. Alba is the only player in the game, but Neva is always by your side.

Right from the start, you’ll quickly discover some fairly classic talents, such as the ability to double-jump, roll or climb certain walls. Getting to grips with the game is a breeze, and moving around this colorful world is a pleasure.

Unlike GRIS, where we saw our character evolve alone, here it’s the relationship between Alba and Neva that’s at the heart of the gameplay. Neva will grow as the story progresses, and in the process we’ll discover her powers, which will enable us to move forward in this increasingly desolate universe. And, as in GRIS, this evolution is perfectly measured. Little by little, we learn to use our duo’s abilities, whether it’s to traverse the world by jumping from platform to platform, or to fight against an ever-growing number of enemies.

Neva’s adventure is reminiscent of The Last Guardian. Our young cub evolves as our adventures unfold. At first, you have to call him to follow you, then you have to help him during your wanderings. Eventually, he becomes an ally, not only in combat but also in climbing to the top. After helping him grow, he in turn helps us.

As in GRIS, Neva offers a corridor-based adventure in which you have to solve puzzles and defeat enemies to advance. However, it’s advisable to take your time, stopping here and there, looking for hidden nooks and crannies to discover all the little details scattered around by the developers.

Atmosphere

The further into the game we go, the closer we seem to get to the end of the world. The universe, initially full of life and color, becomes sad and cold. We witness this change as the game lets us evolve through several chapters that follow the four seasons. We can’t fail to highlight the musical work, which once again perfectly accompanies the game.

Lifetime

Neva’s fantastic story takes between 5 and 6 hours to complete. You can choose to replay a chapter you’ve already completed at any time, even before you’ve finished the game.

The studio has done things right by offering two game modes, a classic mode and a story mode. The latter prevents Alba from dying during combat, but also provides assistance during platforming scenes.