There’s something about having a furry companion in games that stirs the soul. I have fond memories of these experiences, from the dog friend that survived Fable 2, digging up treasure and just being a general good boy. Then, of course, there was my horse in Red Dead Redemption 2, which I kept alive through 90 hours of gameplay, even reloading saves, only to be weeping at the end.
Neva also features a magical being as your companion throughout this beautiful and soulful game; one that will surely become one of your favourites.
What is Neva? Neva is a wolf and your best friend. The game’s opening five minutes introduce you to a large wolf and her cub. You play as Alba, a warrior woman who is part of their company. A wall of darkness approaches from the horizon, and the three engage in battle with strange shadow beings. The encounter doesn’t end well, leaving you and the wolf cub to embark on a journey through the changing seasons of this world.
This is a superb story told entirely through visual storytelling, without a single word. Actually, there is one word spoken by Alba when she calls out to the wolf: “Neva”. The developers who created GRIS did an amazing job then, but they’ve truly outdone themselves here with Neva. You journey through lush worlds representing all four seasons, witnessing wonders and tragedies alike. Decaying nature and corrupted animals, strange sci-fi landscapes, and altars to false gods – it’s all here. The story unfolds through visual cues and environmental storytelling, allowing you to fill in the gaps with your imagination. I was captivated throughout this journey.
The gameplay is initially simple, like a brilliant platformer. You can jump, double jump, and dash in the air to cover greater distances. The 2.5D world is easy to navigate, challenging at times but never unfair, requiring quick reflexes and careful planning. If someone my age can manage it, you have nothing to worry about. As you progress, you gain additional abilities, such as smashing through obstacles and using Neva to attack enemies or overcome barriers.
Combat and boss battles are a significant part of the game. Alba wields a sword, and the varied enemies require you to learn their attack patterns and how to defend and evade effectively. You can lower the difficulty for the combat sections if you prefer to focus on the story and exploration. However, the combat is well-designed and engaging, and I enjoyed the challenge of the boss battles. The generous checkpoint system prevents death from being overly frustrating.
Visually, this game is stunning. Building on the beautiful art style of GRIS, Neva feels like an animated film. The art direction is breathtaking, and certain scenes will leave you in awe. The otherworldly atmosphere, creature designs, and backgrounds are consistently impressive. And the sense of scale is also expertly conveyed, with the camera sometimes pulling back to show your small figure traversing vast landscapes. The colours and lighting are perfect, creating a truly stunning visual experience.
The soundtrack of Neva is equally impressive, with a dynamic and emotional score that complements each environment; a masterpiece that deserves high praise. Aside from Alba calling out to Neva and the wolf’s occasional howls, there is no dialogue, allowing the visuals and music to tell the story.
Neva is a brilliant game. It strikes a perfect balance in terms of length, and the visuals and soundtrack are exceptional. The story, told without words or lengthy cutscenes, is full of heartbreak, hope, and beauty. The gameplay is fun, challenging, and engaging and that all means Neva should be seen as a contender for a game of the year slot.
Don’t hesitate to buy it.
Buy Neva from the Xbox Store – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/neva/9n2ln3wrt82h