A couple of years ago, I decided to take a chance on a little platformer with a unique water-color art style. The game called Gris surprised me not just because it was an absolutely stunning game to look at, it was also a very competent, albeit simple, platformer. When Devolver Digital announced they would be publishing Nomada Studios’s next game, Neva, I knew I needed to give it a shot.
Breathtaking Visuals Set The Stage
Right off the bat, you cannot help but stare at the beautiful scenery of Neva. The game wows players with beautiful backdrops. From lush forest greens that remind me of the artistic splendor of older Disney movies, to the open, wide fields you traverse, which look like they are ripped straight out of Princess Mononoke. In fact, Nomada Sudio has very openly admitted to having taken their inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece. Have a look for yourself:
The great news here is that Neva does not just look amazing; it runs very smoothly. Since the game has not seen a re-release on Switch 2, the visuals have not been adjusted to make better use of the improved hardware. Nonetheless, the game for the most part maintains a rock-solid framerate and looks incredible. However, since the artwork is clearly important in this game, it may be advisable to play this on a PlayStation 5 or PC instead.
Given the care given to the game’s visuals, it comes as no surprise then, that the developers carefully crafted a soundtrack to accompany the game. Just like with their previous game, Nomada Studios decided to place their trust in the composer berlinist. And they were right in doing so. The berlinist has composed a soundtrack that perfectly accentuates the stretches of land you will be traversing with beautifully somber and tranquil pieces. Instead of reading my sub-par interpretation of the music, I suggest you check out the game’s Album on Spotify. A fantastic soundtrack for studying or working.
Gameplay As A Means To An End
So what do you actually do in Neva? Well, Neva tells the tale of a woman who is accompanied by a young wolf-pup as they both try to protect their forest from an evil rot that threatens to take over their world. Just like nature undergoes several seasons, so does the game. Levels are structured around the seasons of the year, starting with the unlikely duo in spring, and continuing through the year.
Their journey is not an easy one, and along this side-scrolling adventure, our protagonists will need to face different foes. Foreign creatures, local woodland animals that have been taken over by the rot, and even larger threats. Given how much care was clearly put into the artistic vision of the game, it is a little bit of a shame just how simplistic the combat is.
Players can run, climb, jump, dodge, and swing their sword. But don’t be fooled, this is not a metroidvania or anything like that. Combat typically does not amount to more than dodging and mashing the attack button. Furthermore, since attacking enemies actually replenishes your health, it is very unlikely that you will die all too often, especially outside of boss battles.
Verdict
Neva has a very clear mission. Present a compelling narrative through the power of striking scenery and tone-setting music. Every frame feels handcrafted to the point where everything could be its own painting. The game is gorgeous and beautifully told; however, the gameplay itself is admittedly very simplistic and linear. Neva is an “experience-kind-of-game”. As in, playing it for the first time is when you will get the most out of it, because, similarly to other games of the genre, like one of my all-time favorites, Journey, it offers no real reason to play it a second time.
What do you think of Neva? Were you just as mesmerized by the game’s visuals as I was? Or did the lack of gameplay turn you off from the game? I personally like games that are all about that “first experience.” How about you? Let us know!
