Nomada Studio’s 2022 release, Neva, is an action-platformer that follows Alba, a young woman, and her wolf cub companion in their quest to dispel darkness from their enchanting world. While the game features striking visuals and a poignant narrative, it adopts a more combat-focused approach compared to Gris. Players engage in simple combat mechanics while navigating platforming challenges. Despite some engaging boss encounters, interactions between Alba and Neva feel underutilized, limiting their bond’s development throughout the adventure.
Unveiling the World of Neva
Nomada Studio made a significant impact in 2018 with the release of Gris, a visually stunning platformer published by Devolver Digital. This captivating title boasted a meticulously crafted artistic vision, guiding players through an emotionally resonant adventure. In 2022, the Spanish studio returned with Neva, an action-platformer also under the wing of Devolver Digital, which we have finally had the chance to explore. But does this new title hold up to the legacy of Gris? Join us as we delve into this review to find out.
A Journey Through Darkness
Neva transports players to a mesmerizing universe where a young woman forms a bond with a wolf cub. This enchanting world is overshadowed by darkness, and following a harrowing initial encounter, the duo embarks on a quest to restore light to their land. The narrative of Neva revolves around the struggle against encroaching darkness, emphasizing the importance of companionship and mutual support as they navigate their journey. The story unfolds gradually, highlighted by striking visuals and poignant cutscenes, culminating in an emotionally charged, albeit somewhat predictable, conclusion. Unlike a mere tale of survival, the underlying message resonates deeply, echoing themes present in Gris, though it lacks the latter’s subtlety.
In contrast to Gris, Neva takes a more action-oriented approach. The protagonist, Alba, wields a sword to combat the shadowy foes that threaten her and Neva, the wolf cub. However, the combat system quickly reveals its limitations; players can rely on simple three-hit combos and timely dodges to defeat enemies, which may become monotonous after a few encounters. While the game attempts to introduce diverse enemies that require players to utilize various mechanics, the primary focus remains on platforming challenges. Mastering jump timings and executing precise dash moves is essential to navigating certain areas, and those eager for a challenge may seek out collectibles hidden in tricky locations, leading to moments of both triumph and frustration.
Beyond attacking, Alba can execute a double jump and perform a dive attack in mid-air. Additional abilities become available as players progress through the chapters, encouraging exploration with the controller in hand. Despite these enhancements, combat fails to escalate in intensity or complexity, particularly for seasoned action game players. In Normal mode, players start with three health points, which can be replenished by chaining attacks or finishing off enemies with Neva‘s assistance. The challenge primarily stems from the sheer number of foes and occasionally questionable hitboxes, but it remains manageable.
For those less inclined towards action, rest assured that dying in Neva is not overly punishing; players simply respawn at the start of the fight or just before a fall. For a more relaxed experience, Neva offers a Story mode featuring infinite health, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels, much like Gris. While combat is not the central focus of the game, some boss encounters stand out due to their impressive presentation and balanced difficulty, providing a satisfying challenge that requires players to learn enemy patterns and dodge attacks skillfully. These epic showdowns culminate in rewarding victories that feel genuinely earned.
Outside of combat, Alba can interact with Neva by calling and petting him, which adds a charming element to the experience, though it lacks practical significance. Despite having a dedicated button for these interactions, the moments between the two characters are too infrequent, and the adorable nature of Neva tends to fade after the introductory chapter. This is a missed opportunity, as there could have been more engaging interactions to enrich the bond between the companions.