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Game Information

Game Title: Neva

Platforms:

• Nintendo Switch (Oct 15, 2024)
• Xbox Series X/S (Oct 15, 2024)
• PlayStation 5 (Oct 15, 2024)
• PC (Oct 15, 2024)

Trailer:

• Neva - Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games

Developer: Nomada Studio

Publisher: Devolver Digital

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 87 average - 93% recommended

Metacritic - 85 average based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews


33bits - Fernando Sánchez - Spanish - 94 / 100

Neva, the new game from Nomada Studio, the studio behind the acclaimed GRIS, once again surpasses itself with a beautiful, emotional and revealing story about parenthood, growing up, love and life itself, all with a narrative that presents us with the relationship between Alba and the wolf Neva in a hostile environment, and how they must take care of each other, and grow together. All this is complemented by gameplay that combines action, platforms and small puzzles that fit together perfectly and form a definitively outstanding whole. If you liked GRIS, Neva is essential, since it clearly surpasses this one, and if you haven't tried it, go straight for both.

Analog Stick Gaming - Jeff M Young - 10 / 10

Neva has a wealth of stunning artwork here with a soundtrack that is simply superb. Alba and Neva are engaging and well thought out, even if Alba passes out a bit too often for my tastes. Regardless, Neva is a true work of art with a combat system that is deep enough for what this journey needs from Alba and her incredible companion. Its puzzles are brief enough that I don’t find them consuming too much of my time, allowing me to move on and find a pace that works for me. Neva may not break as much ground as Gris, but Nomada Studios has nonetheless crafted a stunning adventure and yet another masterpiece to enjoy.

CGMagazine - Chris De Hoog - 8 / 10

Beneath a simple gameplay concept and a stunning watercolour facade, Neva is a finely-tuned example of design and emotional storytelling.

Checkpoint Gaming - Luke Mitchell - 9 / 10

Neva is beautifully crafted and deeply emotional, making for one of the most touching and exquisite games of the year. I loved the growing companionship between Alba and her cute wolf pal, as they evolved from hesitant adventurers into confident allies. The visuals are simply breathtaking, with a stunning watercolour aesthetic and lovely little details in its animations. On top of that, combat is satisfying and just varied enough as new abilities get added into the mix. Though it may be a relatively short adventure, Neva leaves a lasting impression that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Console Creatures - David Pietrangelo - 10 / 10

Neva is a striking example of artistry in video games. It tells a touching story within a world filled with corruption and wonder. Neva is a deliberately and beautifully profound game in every way.

Daily Mirror - Aaron Potter - 5 / 5

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Digital Trends - Giovanni Colantonio - 3.5 / 5

Neva may not be the most complex 2D platformer, but it still might make you cry.

Digitec Magazine - Kevin Hofer - German - 5 / 5

“Neva” looks and sounds phenomenal. It also has an emotional story that manages without any dialog at all. The gameplay is not revolutionary, but the protagonists control flawlessly. Despite the limited moveset, the game manages to avoid becoming repetitive throughout. The developers at Nomada Studio achieve this through clever changes to the game world and increasingly intelligent enemies. The fact that the game is relatively short also helps. It is just the right length. The developers have improved and expanded the already sensational principle of their first game, “Gris”, in key areas. In short: “Neva” is a must-play.

Evilgamerz - Christiaan Ribbens - Dutch - 9.2 / 10

Building on the strong foundation the developers laid with Gris, Neva once again impresses with an emotionally charged story, beautiful visual presentation, and a captivating soundtrack. The game combines challenging platforming with simple yet satisfying puzzles and combat, all centered around the partnership between Alba and her growing wolf. While the pace could have been a little quicker for some players, the breathtaking art style makes every moment feel like a living painting. The few drawbacks, such as the repetitive death sounds and occasionally frustrating save points, do little to detract from the overall picture. Neva is a beautifully crafted game that not only challenges your skill as a player, but also touches your emotions. It is an interactive art experience that shows how powerful the medium can be, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling.

GAMES.CH - larissa.baiter@games.ch - German - 82%

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GINX TV - Shane Moosa - 9 / 10

Neva is a tale of growth not only within the game’s story but for Nomada Studio itself, showcasing how the studio has evolved since GRIS. With a more action-oriented focus, while retaining its emotional depth, Neva is a masterpiece. It's a must-play for anyone seeking a break from the grind of casual gaming, offering both meaningful gameplay and a heartfelt experience.

Game Rant - Nick Rodriguez - 10 / 10

Nomada Studios' sophomore release shows that lightning can indeed strike twice, as it's every bit as breathtaking as 2018's Gris.

GamePro - Dennis Michel - German - 80 / 100

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Gameblog - French - 8 / 10

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Gameliner - Philip Zeldenthuis - Dutch - 3.5 / 5

Neva enchants with its stunning, impressionist-inspired visuals and touching story of growth between Neva and Alba. While the gameplay isn’t overly challenging or varied, its balance of exploration and simple combat makes it perfect for fans of narrative-driven games over long, grind-heavy experiences.

Gamer Escape - Josh McGrath - 8 / 10

What we have is still a beautiful experience with both heart-warming and -rending moments. A game that is just as solidly built as Nomada's previous work, with some new twists that show them sticking a few toes out of their comfort zone. But it's impossible to not compare it to Gris, a game that still rings in my mind to this day, and I don't think Neva quite reaches the same heights.

GamingTrend - Olivia Davies - 95 / 100

Nomada Studios has truly cemented their place in the indie landscape as a representative of how video games are a strong narrative medium. They do this through beautifully crafted animation, vibrant backgrounds, and a whimsical yet powerful soundtrack. Every element of Neva perfectly encapsulates the immersive experience of the player, from story to gameplay, resulting in Neva standing tall in the face of its predecessor, Gris, as its own masterpiece.

IGN Spain - Estrella Gomez - Spanish - 9 / 10

Like the previous game, Neva is a delight to the eye and a real hug to the soul. Nomada Studio bets this time on a story with small doses of action, and it's as touching as Gris, but it never leaves its own path. Everything, from the sounds of the forest to Alba's swords, feels delicate. It's a rich world you'll never want to leave.

Kakuchopurei - Jonathan Leo - 90 / 100

Neva is love, Neva is life, and also a fun-if-brief visual splendour to boot.

Nintendo Life - Mitch Vogel - 9 / 10

Neva is a spectacular example of art in motion, delivering a thoroughly engrossing platforming experience that'll stick in your mind long after you've rolled credits. The incredible visuals, moving soundtrack, satisfying gameplay, and surprisingly touching story all come together to make for a game that shouldn't miss. A few frame drops aside, if you're looking for a new addition to your library that'll give you something to savour rather than just consume, look no further than Neva.

Press Start - 9 / 10

Neva is a profoundly moving, interactive work of art. It's as pleasing to the eye as it is the ear, and the effort this still young studio has gone to in developing upon ideas cemented in their first game, Gris, is commendable. Without eclipsing it, Neva matches the stirring catharsis of Gris with another flash of brilliance.

Push Square - Echo Apsey - 9 / 10

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Quest Daily - Tom Greer - 10 / 10

To me, Neva transcends the boundaries of what we typically define as a game. It feels more like an emotional experience, an interactive journey that stirs the imagination much like a piece of fine art.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Unscored

Neva is a beautiful platformer about nature and decay that takes Nomada Studio to the next level. The platforming and combat are imprecise enough to distract from a world of dangerous beauty - but not so much that you won't enjoy the journey.

Seasoned Gaming - Luis Avilés - 8.5 / 10

As Nomada Studio’s second entry, Neva succeeds in delivering what all studios dream of. Refined controls, a strong art style, and a heart-wrenching narrative. Put simply, it is a perfect intersection between art and interactivity.

Spaziogames - Italian - 8.3 / 10

Neva is Nomada studio's new gem that chronicles the stages of life as the world decays around you. It does not reach the heights of drama of GRIS, but it surpasses it in complexity of game systems, setting itself as a step forward for the Spanish studio, which has found its way and knows how to stamp its trademark.

The Nerd Stash - Patrick Armstrong - 9.5 / 10

Neva is a lush and responsive 2D action platformer that delivers an enthralling world and unforgettable emotional experience.

XboxEra - Jon Clarke - 8.5 / 10

Despite feeling somewhat like well-trod narrative ground, Neva is a beautiful game, skilfully made with a lot of heart. The bond it fosters between you and your canine companion cannot be understated, and is likened to that of a parent and child. Alba becomes the parent figure, and the protector during Neva‘s youth.

As Neva grows, it is Alba now, who must be protected and cared for. We can only hope to have passed on what we learn to our children, in the hope that they will do a better job than we did.

Fans of the genre are unlikely to find a better game this year than this. Now I’m off to have a good cry and hug my kids.

 

[Hrk69]

Another banger

 

[Punished Miku]

$20. I'll definitely pick this one up sometime soon.

 

[SweetTooth]

Another banger on the mighty 5

 

[Arachnid]

Had me at Devolver Digital

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

The devs have said they'll be releasing a Digital Deluxe edition and a Gris + Neva bundle when the game launches tomorrow on Steam.



Oh and it looks like GRIS is currently 90% off for 22 more hours.

 

[Jaybe]

Thought Gris was beautiful art but a dreadfully boring video game, wonder if this will be similar

 

[Kenneth Haight]

Had this on my wish list since seeing it at state of play and the music and art style is incredible. Great to see it reviewing well.

 

[Thief1987]

Meh, another sob story with rudimentary and boring to tears "gameplay"

 

[Zathalus]

Neva heard of it, but it looks good.

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

Thought Gris was beautiful art but a dreadfully boring video game, wonder if this will be similar

Gris is a prime example of people loving the smell of their own farts. The only reason I finished it is because it's short enough that I could do it all in a Sunday afternoon.
I'm mildly curious as if Neva is in the same vein.

 

[Cert.in.Death]

GRIS is one of my absolute favorite indie titles, and I’m stoked for Neva and more from their team.

Wouldn’t mind if they lean on this art style ala Vanillaware, but they need to deepen their mechanics (IMO). Everything else is superb.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

 

[Hohenheim]

Awesome!
Getting this on Steam tonight, and will get it on Switch for my girlfriend. She loved Gris.

 

[Kuranghi]

Super excited for this one, love GRIS. Too many gaem!

 

[DragoonKain]

Bought this and will play after I finish Silent Hill 2. Really liked Gris.

 

[RCX]

Gris looked very nice but gameplay wise it felt very shallow. Didn't think it was horrible but struggle to remember anything about it beyond the art-style.

This looks similar. If it's short i Might pick it up on a sale at some stage.

 

[StueyDuck]

what exactly is this game doing besides art that warrants all these perfect score accolades, it looks painfully generic to play.

I thought we were passed the whole rating game based solely on its style. I am also seeing a lot of "the story is about reflection" comments, i assume it's a paper-thin allegory for global warming or mental health?

nothing wrong with the game existing but how it's nearly a 90 in terms of reviews just baffles me. Is there a hidden secret element not being shown to us?

 

[Elios83]

And bought! Really need to play something like this after finishing Silent Hill 2.

 

[near]

I've been so busy with stuff I completely forgot this was coming out this month. Downloading it now!

 

[Big Baller]

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

Looks like a physical release for PS5 and Switch has been confirmed, with March 2025 as the release date. Pre-order listings are already up on Amazon FR and GAME España.

 

[near]

Just finished the first chapter. Gris was thematically about overcoming depression and grief, this one seems to be about companionship and beating cancer? I’m not too sure yet, but it is as good as Gris was. Beautiful art and sound direction. Level design and platform puzzles are similar to that of Gris, really simple but fun to traversal. The environments are slightly harder to navigate so far than that in Gris, with more obstacles that damage your health. Health is restored by striking and killing darkness-like creatures that hunt you. Combat is simple, with only one button to attack, you have a double jump and a dash which can be used in sequence. A roll and a vertical strike from the air can also be used. I expect that more abilities will unlock per chapter like Gris. Overall, it’s brilliant so far.

 

[DragoonKain]

Started this yesterday and I like it so far. The music and art design I like a lot. The gameplay is solid. Gris didn't blow me away either in terms of gameplay. It's not very deep, but it's fine for what it is. It says I'm 50% done on my dashboard, but I haven't played it very long, so I'll see.

 

[DragoonKain]

Finished it. Emotional ending for a game of no words. Loved the art and music. Thought the gameplay was just ok, I actually think I enjoyed Gris more in terms of gameplay, but Neva was better with music and art design.

Very short game. Took me only two play sessions.

 

[TheThreadsThatBindUs]

Spoiler

Sorry... I couldn't help myself.

 

[Alan Wake]

Gris 2, obviously. I had hoped they would do something different this time.

 

[Humdinger]

I didn't realize until yesterday that this was from the makers of Gris. I'll have to pick it up, because I loved Gris. Some people are more appreciative of those kind of games (the ones that emphasize artistic beauty and have a more introspective/quiet tone). I'm one of them. I'm not a big fan of the 2-D platformer in general, but I'll get this one.

Thanks for taking the time to construct the OP. Appreciate the work that went into it.