Neva Game Review: Is It Worth Your Time?
Nomada Studio's latest game, Neva, follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, Gris. Known for its stunning visuals and engaging platforming puzzles, Neva attempts to deliver a story about our relationship with nature and the cycle of life. However, while it has the potential to captivate, it sometimes struggles to step out of Gris's shadow. Let's dive into what makes Neva a unique experience and where it might fall short.
Visuals and Gameplay
Neva is a feast for the eyes, much like Gris. The game takes a painterly approach, with visuals that resemble a hand-drawn film. As you journey through the seasons, the color palette shifts, reflecting the changing environment. This visual journey is one of Neva's strongest aspects.
The game is a 2D platform-adventure where you control Alba, a young woman navigating a forest plagued by a nature-killing threat. Alongside Neva, a wolf pup, you embark on a journey through the seasons, battling infected creatures and solving platforming puzzles.
Platforming and Combat
The platforming in Neva is delightful, introducing new challenges that keep the gameplay fresh. However, these challenges often don't get enough time to shine before moving on to the next. The combat, a new addition compared to Gris, feels like an afterthought. While it adds a layer of interaction, it doesn't quite satisfy.
Strengths
- Stunning visuals that captivate the player.
- Satisfying platforming mechanics that keep you engaged.
- A perfectly paced short runtime that respects your time.
Weaknesses
- Puzzle mechanics don't get enough time to breathe.
- The story fails to deliver on its environmental themes.
- Neva, the wolf pup, feels more like a tool than a companion.
The Story and Themes
Neva's story is a meditation on life and loss. You play as Alba, guiding Neva from a small pup to a colossal wolf. The game attempts to explore themes of companionship and environmentalism. Unfortunately, these themes never fully develop, leaving players wanting more depth.
The narrative starts strong, with a focus on the bond between Alba and Neva. However, as the game progresses, Neva becomes more of a tool for combat and platforming rather than a true partner. This shift detracts from the potential emotional impact of the story.
Final Thoughts
While Neva showcases beautiful visuals and engaging platforming, it struggles to deliver a compelling narrative. The game feels like it relies too heavily on Gris's success, failing to carve out its own identity. Despite these shortcomings, Neva is a short and visually stunning journey worth experiencing for fans of platform-adventure games.
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