Nomada Studio made quite a splash with their first game, Gris, which arrived on the scene in 2018. This beautifully crafted game was a poignant exploration of themes like grief and loss, taking players on a stunning and introspective journey. It garnered widespread acclaim, bagging numerous awards and emerging as an unqualified success. However, I felt it leaned a bit too heavily on the emotional experience at the expense of gameplay, which kept it from being one of my top favorites that year. With their second game, Neva, Nomada Studio retains much of the stunning visual artistry but introduces a vital new element: combat. While not without its flaws, this addition certainly makes Neva feel more like a complete game rather than just a picturesque stroll.
Neva shares a storytelling style similar to Gris, yet with a fresh focus. Where Gris delved into the parent-child dynamic, Neva shines a light on the bond between humans and their pets. Players step into the shoes of a character named Alba, who partners with a wolf cub named Neva after a dramatic event early in the game. As you traverse these side-scrolling landscapes, you’re tasked with solving puzzles, tackling platform challenges, and battling ominous forces. What really captivated me was the diversity. Tranquil moments spent with your canine companion enjoying the scenery could suddenly pivot to intense battles where you had to protect your furry friend.
The combat, though not overly intricate, remains engaging thanks to its straightforward controls and an array of distinct enemies. While Alba’s abilities remain fairly accessible with primary attacks and dodge rolls, a few advanced moves come into play as you progress. Occasionally, segments can start to feel like “kill rooms,” but just as that notion surfaces, the scene typically wraps up smartly. My only gripe involved the chase sequences, which are the sole parts of Story Mode where failure leads to death. Despite the thrill of needing to act swiftly, these segments felt disproportionately tough compared to the rest of the game.
As a lifelong pet enthusiast, I’ve immersed myself in plenty of animal-centered tales, and Neva truly stands out. The game deeply encapsulates that heartfelt connection one feels with a pet, as highlighted by its progression through the seasons. Divided into four main segments—one for each season—you witness Neva’s development along with the evolving relationship. It’s a touching journey, and I found myself fiercely protective of this virtual wolf, echoing sentiments that play out repeatedly within the game.
In my opinion, Neva surpasses Gris, though both are masterpieces that artfully tug at the heartstrings. If you’re also a pet lover, prepare to have your emotions stirred, but the game’s appeal is broad enough to resonate widely. The incorporation of combat enriched the gaming experience, filling a gap that I felt in Gris. Once again, Nomada Studio demonstrates their talent for crafting visually stunning games overflowing with emotional depth. After tackling themes of family and pets, I’m eagerly awaiting their next storytelling endeavor and the emotional ride it promises.
