Neva Review – A Symphony of Sorrow

Neva Review

The notion of games as an art form has been a topic of discussion for years. While some argue that it’s simply entertainment, others focus on how the combination of interactivity and visual storytelling communicate messages like no other. With the ability to elicit raw emotion and delve into complex themes, the medium offers a rich canvas for narrative exploration. Nomada Studio’s previous release, Gris, exemplifies this argument and Neva reinforces it, to solidify that video games can transcend entertainment.

Plummeted into darkness, the world has been transformed due to a black entity infecting those who reside. After a horrific event leaving the young wolfcub, Neva, alone, you become a guardian, guiding and protecting her against the dark forces. As the world decays, you must do all in your power to survive. What ensues is a powerful story that captures the fragility of life and successfully communicates the hardships of grieving.

Mother and Child

As the wolf’s protector, a bond instantly blossoms. You start by nurturing, helping her traverse and defending her against the savage creatures that dwell in the shadows. The seasonal structure of the narrative leads to jumps in time. Due to this, Neva ages and you experience her become more confident and develop into a partner. This parental aspect of the tale resonates making each moment more profound as you fight through perilous situations.

With the absence of dialogue, Nomada Studio explores the narrative tactfully, elevating each segment’s impact. Environments are symbolic of the protagonist’s emotions and help to progress the story without explicit sequences. There’s a maturity that imbues the experience, respecting the player’s intellect, and allowing you to discover and learn as you progress. This permeates your journey as remnants before the cataclysmic event remains, leading to solitude and reflection. The somber, melancholy ambiance stirs emotions to deliver heart-wrenching moments that leave a lasting impression.

Alba is able to double jump, climb and dash to platforms. You must observe the environment, look for paths to progress and use your skills to formulate a route. As the world is dying, areas crumble requiring you to leap through the debris to reach your destination. Nomada Studio consistently pushes creative boundaries, introducing fresh ideas that challenge expectations and create unforgettable moments. While the game retains its calming atmosphere, it seamlessly integrates unexpected elements that encourage you to carefully consider each move.

A Darkness Inside

The enemy design is impeccable. Taking inspiration from Studio Ghibli, ethereal elements are contrasted by unsettling features that evoke both wonder and dread. Each creature has an attack pattern which requires you to learn and respond. Although your aggressive output is limited at the start, it soon develops as Neva grows. As she matures, you can direct her to fly across the screen and viciously attack foes. This further builds the bond between the two as you rely on the wolf to aid you in times of need.

Bosses are intimidating and require swift evasion to avoid damage. If you do lose health, you can regain this at any point with multiple successive strikes. Attack patterns vary to serve up a rewarding battle that captures the notion of slaying a mammoth monstrosity. As combat was missing from the developer’s previous release, it’s great to see the strong implementation of this aspect in the adventure. However, fans of a low-stakes experience can opt for an easier difficulty lowering the reliance on combat.

Beautifully Haunting

Every aspect of the game’s presentation is masterfully executed; from the art direction, which perfectly captures the premise, to the stunning soundtrack, which heightens the emotion of each sequence. The cinematography is a highlight with beautifully haunting vistas that bookmark your trek. At times, the camera tracks back, amplifying the seclusion that follows each step to your objective. While only at key points, there are also well-animated cutscenes that heighten the impact of story beats. The combination of the multitude of design features helps the game stand out in a crowded genre.

Neva offers a unique, spiritual journey through life’s complexities. While the narrative leaves some elements open to interpretation, its grounded aspects make the characters relatable. Though brief, the adventure is full of memorable moments that will captivate you with each step toward its wonderful conclusion. The emotional and thought-provoking journey blends captivating storytelling with immersive gameplay to deliver a truly special experience.

***A Steam code was provided for this review***