Neva Reviews
Neva is an action-adventure game that tells the story of Alba, a swordswoman, and Neva, a fantasy wolf. Together they save the world from dark creatures that are polluting and poisoning the world. The story is very reminiscent of Princess Monoke, similarly emotional and very visually stunning.
Review in German | Read full review
Neva is love, Neva is life, and also a fun-if-brief visual splendour to boot.
Neva, the new game from Nomada Studio, the studio behind the acclaimed GRIS, once again surpasses itself with a beautiful, emotional and revealing story about parenthood, growing up, love and life itself, all with a narrative that presents us with the relationship between Alba and the wolf Neva in a hostile environment, and how they must take care of each other, and grow together. All this is complemented by gameplay that combines action, platforms and small puzzles that fit together perfectly and form a definitively outstanding whole. If you liked GRIS, Neva is essential, since it clearly surpasses this one, and if you haven't tried it, go straight for both.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Neva is a lush and responsive 2D action platformer that delivers an enthralling world and unforgettable emotional experience.
Despite feeling somewhat like well-trod narrative ground, Neva is a beautiful game, skilfully made with a lot of heart. The bond it fosters between you and your canine companion cannot be understated, and is likened to that of a parent and child. Alba becomes the parent figure, and the protector during Neva‘s youth. As Neva grows, it is Alba now, who must be protected and cared for. We can only hope to have passed on what we learn to our children, in the hope that they will do a better job than we did. Fans of the genre are unlikely to find a better game this year than this. Now I’m off to have a good cry and hug my kids.
Building on the strong foundation the developers laid with Gris, Neva once again impresses with an emotionally charged story, beautiful visual presentation, and a captivating soundtrack. The game combines challenging platforming with simple yet satisfying puzzles and combat, all centered around the partnership between Alba and her growing wolf. While the pace could have been a little quicker for some players, the breathtaking art style makes every moment feel like a living painting. The few drawbacks, such as the repetitive death sounds and occasionally frustrating save points, do little to detract from the overall picture. Neva is a beautifully crafted game that not only challenges your skill as a player, but also touches your emotions. It is an interactive art experience that shows how powerful the medium can be, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Neva has a wealth of stunning artwork here with a soundtrack that is simply superb. Alba and Neva are engaging and well thought out, even if Alba passes out a bit too often for my tastes. Regardless, Neva is a true work of art with a combat system that is deep enough for what this journey needs from Alba and her incredible companion. Its puzzles are brief enough that I don’t find them consuming too much of my time, allowing me to move on and find a pace that works for me. Neva may not break as much ground as Gris, but Nomada Studios has nonetheless crafted a stunning adventure and yet another masterpiece to enjoy.
To me, Neva transcends the boundaries of what we typically define as a game. It feels more like an emotional experience, an interactive journey that stirs the imagination much like a piece of fine art.
Neva enchants with its stunning, impressionist-inspired visuals and touching story of growth between Neva and Alba. While the gameplay isn’t overly challenging or varied, its balance of exploration and simple combat makes it perfect for fans of narrative-driven games over long, grind-heavy experiences.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
As Nomada Studio’s second entry, Neva succeeds in delivering what all studios dream of. Refined controls, a strong art style, and a heart-wrenching narrative. Put simply, it is a perfect intersection between art and interactivity.
Neva is a tale of growth not only within the game’s story but for Nomada Studio itself, showcasing how the studio has evolved since GRIS. With a more action-oriented focus, while retaining its emotional depth, Neva is a masterpiece. It's a must-play for anyone seeking a break from the grind of casual gaming, offering both meaningful gameplay and a heartfelt experience.
Neva is a striking example of artistry in video games. It tells a touching story within a world filled with corruption and wonder. Neva is a deliberately and beautifully profound game in every way.
What we have is still a beautiful experience with both heart-warming and -rending moments. A game that is just as solidly built as Nomada's previous work, with some new twists that show them sticking a few toes out of their comfort zone. But it's impossible to not compare it to Gris, a game that still rings in my mind to this day, and I don't think Neva quite reaches the same heights.
“Neva” looks and sounds phenomenal. It also has an emotional story that manages without any dialog at all. The gameplay is not revolutionary, but the protagonists control flawlessly. Despite the limited moveset, the game manages to avoid becoming repetitive throughout. The developers at Nomada Studio achieve this through clever changes to the game world and increasingly intelligent enemies. The fact that the game is relatively short also helps. It is just the right length. The developers have improved and expanded the already sensational principle of their first game, “Gris”, in key areas. In short: “Neva” is a must-play.
Review in German | Read full review