Nomada Studio, the creators behind the critically acclaimed 2018 title Gris, have released their latest game, Neva, which is now available to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. Neva builds upon the artistic and emotional foundation of Gris, offering a visually striking platformer with new gameplay mechanics and a poignant narrative.
The game follows Alba, a young woman navigating a world corrupted by a spreading darkness. She is accompanied by Neva, her canine companion, whose name is the only spoken word in the game, uttered by Alba in moments of tenderness or distress. Their bond, forged through shared tragedy and a perilous journey, forms the emotional core of the experience. The developers describe the relationship as central, akin to how real-world dogs are "our everything."
Neva's gameplay evolves beyond the pure platforming of Gris. The puppy companion Neva grows throughout the game, mirroring an increase in gameplay complexity. Combat and failure states have been introduced to reflect the dangerous world Alba and Neva inhabit. While Alba's combat abilities are intentionally limited, the game emphasizes the emotional weight of these encounters over mechanical depth. Players will face monstrous creatures, described as black entities with white masks reminiscent of characters from Spirited Away.
Platforming sequences are a significant part of Neva's design, featuring Alba's agile traversal across diverse and visually rich environments. These range from towering trees to ruined architecture, all set against ominous skies. The game's art style is a continuation of Nomada Studio's signature painterly aesthetic, with each landscape described as exceptionally beautiful.
Neva is a relatively short experience, with a playtime of around four hours, making it suitable for a weekend binge. The game's emotional depth, combined with its engaging platforming and combat, has earned it acclaim. For those who enjoy Neva's narrative, the Neva: Prologue DLC, which explores how Alba and Neva first met, was released earlier this year.