Neva has left me on the verge of tears. Just moments into my time with the demo at Summer Game Fest, the game’s opening cinematics had me emotionally shaken. The experience was so powerful that it set the tone for the next 45 minutes of heart-pounding danger and stunning beauty, all shared with my new companion, Neva the wolf.
Every element of Neva is simply breathtaking. The game unfolds like a living watercolor painting: Alba, the main character, moves with grace, adorned with silver hair and a flowing red cloak that adds to her elegance with every leap and fall. Neva, a young white wolf, is fluffy and full of energy, forming a deep bond with Alba that is constantly tested throughout the demo.
The world of Neva feels more grounded compared to Nomada Studio’s previous game, Gris, but it still retains layers of magic. The environments beyond the 2D plane that Alba and Neva explore are rich in depth — from dense forests concealing secrets to towering mountain ranges and vast valleys. The demo showcases lush glades draped in vines, sunlight filtering through the leaves, and dark cave systems with narrow passageways. Neva cleverly navigates players through tight thickets that suddenly open up into expansive fields of green grass, emphasizing the duo’s smallness in this vast space.
The game’s landscape, comprised of trees, leaves, rocks, and roots, serves as the backdrop for Alba and Neva’s adventures. Platforms slope and floating islands are mainly made of stone, with hints of fantastical alien technology and eerie enemies emerging as the demo progresses.
Platforming in Neva is intuitive, with minimal on-screen guidance. The game uses soft highlights and warm glows to subtly direct players along the correct path. Combat in Neva is equally intuitive, offering simple controls that deliver satisfying sword strikes. The enemies, with their long limbs and menacing attacks, provide a challenging yet engaging experience.
The bond between Neva and Alba is the emotional core of the game, eliciting both anxiety and joy. Their partnership is central to the gameplay mechanics, emphasizing the need to protect, pet, and repeat. Neva and Alba’s shared trauma and unwavering bond resonate throughout every frame of the game, creating a deeply emotional experience.
In conclusion, Neva is a game that is sure to evoke strong emotions. The connection between Neva and Alba is beautifully crafted, making every moment of their journey together impactful and poignant.
Neva is set to release on PC and PlayStation 5 this year, developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital.
Don’t miss out on all the exciting updates from Summer Game Fest 2024!
