As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Neva has certainly made its mark among the games I’ve played recently. Having been enamored by the visual and narrative prowess of Gris, I found myself immediately drawn to this new adventure from Nomada Studio.
Six years ago, I couldn’t believe my eyes when Nomada Studio unveiled Gris, their captivating platformer masterpiece. When it initially released, it was met with widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals, sparse storytelling, and heart-wrenching soundtrack. Notably, it surpassed three million copies sold in September 2024! Despite its brief playtime, Gris was celebrated as another testament to video games as an artistic medium, both in its aesthetic appeal and overall ambiance. It’s truly a triumph, but I find myself wondering: how could the studio possibly top or even surpass such a remarkable achievement?
In a potential discovery, Nomada might have struck gold with “Neva”, a narrative that follows Alba, a woman, and her canine companion, Neva, as they traverse the seasons, battling against an enigmatic force. Reminiscent of Gris’s feelings – sorrow, acknowledgment, and ultimately progression – it also emphasizes family and the natural world. The end product is visually captivating, and while it doesn’t stray too far from the action platforming genre, Neva manages to tell a heartfelt story with breathtaking visuals.
As a devoted admirer, I’d say, “Nomada Studio characterizes the game as a ‘heartfelt melody for our kids, our elders, and Mother Earth.’ Notably, the eternal dance of life – and the personal significance we attach to it – is a profound theme that continually resurfaces.
The narrative starts as Alba strolls with Neva’s mom during the summer season. Suddenly, an unusual blight strikes the area, causing birds to drop from the sky, diseased like wilting flowers, and a wave of darkness envelops them. Alba gets knocked out and miraculously recovers, but tragically, Neva’s mom does not. As Alba mourns her lost companion, it is discovered that Neva is still alive, leading both characters to embark on their adventure across the changing seasons.
Similar to the game Gris, questions arise concerning the essence of darkness. While I won’t delve too deeply into theories to avoid spoilers, it’s clear that Nomada Studio’s storyline deviates subtly from what one might anticipate. The creators describe the game as a “love song for our children, our parents, and our planet,” yet the concept of life’s cycle – and the interpretation you give to it – is also a persistent motif throughout the gameplay experience.
Neva’s tale unfolds across the seasons – Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring – and is subdivided into distinct segments. At first, the young wolf cub follows Alba and needs protection as she encounters danger at almost every step. However, as time passes, Neva transforms into a formidable ally, capable of fending off adversaries and even functioning as a homing missile to pin them down or demolish crumbling structures. What’s intriguing is the change in her personality from a frightened cub seeking refuge away from Alba to eventually standing confidently by her side, ready for any challenge that comes their way.
As night falls, the world transforms. Summer provides a strong foundation for Alba and Neva’s connection, but Autumn – surprisingly centered around scaling and rising – is where the stakes become significant. The game’s platforming challenges gradually intensify as you learn to master timed dashes and double jumps, grapple onto white vines on cliff faces and navigate through crumbling rocks to progress.
As a devoted admirer, I’d say that the combat system in this new game seems to be a remarkable leap forward compared to Gris. Now, instead of just passively interacting with the environment, I find myself equipped with a sword, ready to unleash three-hit combos! Not only that, but there’s also dodge-rolling for quick maneuvers, air-dashing to traverse the landscape, and even plunging attacks from high above – it feels truly exhilarating!
In contrast to Gris, Neva exhibits a blend of adventure and precise platforming, showcasing impressive performance in both areas. You’ll navigate portals, swiftly adapting from falling to dashing and readjusting dashes into jumps. One segment even uses mirrors, demanding your attention for landing spots and even enemy locations since they’re hidden on your side. There’s a bit of puzzle-solving involved, particularly as you adjust the enigmatic Totems to generate new routes. Although not overly difficult, these puzzles seamlessly complement the overall experience.
Another section involves lighting up hallways to avoid hazards (which Neva may signal by growling) and to ascertain the way forward. You also encounter optional platforming challenges for hidden flowers, offering clever diversions.
Initially, Summer might appear slow and drawn-out, but Neva’s rhythm soon accelerates, making the environmental design feel intuitive and organic, despite its bends and twists that unfold in breathtaking detail. The way Neva’s abilities develop in response to the situations faced by her and Alba is a testament to Nomada’s skill. Remarkably, their initial integration feels natural. As time passes, Neva becomes increasingly intertwined with Alba’s melee attacks, reflecting the deepening bond and mutual reliance between them.
In comparison to previous games, combat in Gris has undergone a significant transformation. Players can perform three-hit combos using a sword, dodge and roll to avoid enemy attacks, dash through the air, and launch attacks from above with a plunging strike. These basic mechanics work surprisingly well, especially at the beginning when your character, Alba, lacks any supernatural abilities. However, as Neva’s abilities unfold, you can seamlessly integrate them into your strategy to gain an advantage in battles.
Regarding your anticipation, it’s safe to assume that the stunning visuals and aesthetics from ‘Nomada’ will be present in ‘Neva’. However, the trailers are merely a sample of the richness that ‘Neva’ promises.
In this situation, even basic foes become menacing when they start moving heavy objects (which may seem strange). Not only that, but you’ll encounter larger or flying enemies too. Luckily, Neva can grapple and divert the heavies, causing substantial damage and knockback to the airborne ones. Occasionally, you’ll find corrupted animals to fight, each with unique behaviors and strategies.
The Adventure Mode offers just the right level of challenge, while Story Mode is there if you prefer a stronger emphasis on the storyline. However, don’t be misled – while some boss battles and encounters might need a second or third try, most can be conquered in a single attempt. Keep in mind though, this game isn’t overly challenging for those seeking a more action-packed experience.
Regarding the expectations we have for Nomada’s work, it’s important to note that what you’ve seen in trailers merely scratches the surface of Neva’s offerings. Each season in Neva showcases colors in imaginative ways – Summer, with its bright and vivid hues contrasted by ominous forests filled with hidden horrors; Autumn, characterized by somber yet ominous shades as its decaying landscapes symbolize the falling leaves; and Winter, marked by a desolate atmosphere with its foggy backdrop and parched vegetation, creating a sense of isolation while also highlighting a key character. The visuals of Neva pulse with vitality, even in its most contrasting tones, immersing you in a world that is both hostile and inviting at the same time.
The music, created by Berlinist, who has previously contributed to the game Gris, is just as captivating. In this piece, the piano and violin take center stage once more, but the percussion makes an appearance during the more thrilling segments, adding a sense of victory and suspense.
Even though Neva might not be top-of-mind during this bustling quarter, if you found Gris captivating, then embarking on a journey with Neva is indispensable.
What’s intriguing is how occasionally it seems muted, allowing the background noises of the environment to take center stage. The camera system syncs flawlessly with everything, pulling back or focusing in based on the situation. It can be unsettlingly effective, like when Alba stirs from sleep to eerie creaking sounds and gently nudges Neva awake, all while the camera subtly widens to reveal ominous creatures lurking overhead.
In summary, Neva appears to be largely well-received, with only minor issues noted during certain boss fights regarding hitboxes. Some players might be put off by its relatively brief playtime, as my own experience on Adventure mode lasted roughly 4.2 hours. Despite this, the narrative delivered by Nomada is succinct and impactful without unnecessary elements, although I personally hoped for additional non-combat segments to deepen character connections.
Although Neva might not be top-of-mind during this bustling quarter, if you found Gris appealing, it’s definitely a voyage worth undertaking. The captivating aesthetics and artistry, the deepening relationship between Alba and Neva, the challenging yet fluid combat system, and the exceptional ecosystem design – each element is thoughtfully created and flawlessly merged. It’s an immersive contemplation that exudes confidence and empathy, making it a worthwhile investment of your time.
This game was reviewed on PC.
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2024-10-14 19:11