Nomada Studio dropped one of their masterpiece Gris some time ago and it was just visually stunning. Games like Gris should be an exhibit in some art museum.
The developers are back again with another title that highlights the concept of hope and decay. Neva was released on 15th October 2024 and it is a tale of a young woman and her lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf.
The game spirals down to heavy concepts like loss and its a disclaimer for pet lovers this game will definitely be a tear jerker.
“As the cursed world threatens to overwhelm them, Alba and her courageous companion will do whatever it takes to survive and make a new home, together.”
A World in Peril
The narrative of the game unfolds in a once-vibrant world which is now ravaged by the darkness.The player will take the role of Alba who is a young woman that has a deep bond with a curious fluffy white wolf cub. Together they embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world as it slowly decays around them.
“The wolf will grow from a rebellious cub to an imposing adult seeking to forge her own identity, testing Alba’s love and their commitment to one another.”
They will have a beautiful yet hectic journey through crumbling structures, withered forests and stumble upon ominous creatures. The world has a fading color and crumbling architecture to show the impact of decay in the world.
The artstyle of Neva is quite similar to Gris. Nomada Studio really deserves heavy praise when it comes to artstyle. Moreover, this game will definitely gain exposure because there is literally a baby wolf jumping around who wouldn’t like that?
A Journey of Discovery and Survival
Neva’s gameplay is a harmonious blend of exploration, puzzle solving and of course platforming. Alba is agile and wolf is strong so they both complement each other which allows them to overcome obstacles together.
“Over time, their relationship will evolve as they learn to work together, helping one another to brave increasingly dangerous situations.”
As you progress far in the game you will uncover the history of the world and the events behind this downfall. The journey is filled with moments of wonder and peril as Alba and the wolf keeps on facing supernatural threats.
Emotional Resonance
Nomada Studio is good at triggering your waterworks with their emotional story. Similarly, Neva also has an emotional story that is melting the gaming community’s heart. The game has a subtle storytelling and evocative imagery,
Through Alba’s journey you will become connected to her and the world on a personal level. Moreover, gamers who have a pet know how you make strong bonds with your pets. The concept of companionship between a human and an animal is the main theme of the game.
The game’s soundtrack is also composed of Berlinist which enhances the emotional experience. The music is quite haunting and has a melancholic vibe to it that captures the mood of the surrounding.
Visual Spectacle
Neva is visually stunning, I personally think this is one of the games that you need to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of it.
The game’s art style has a seamless blend of realism and abstraction which is similar to Gris. Moreover, the color palette perfectly highlights the vibe of a decaying world.
Moreover, the environments are beautifully detailed which makes you more immersed in the game. You will see the beautiful ruins and the ancient trees. Moreover, the character designs are just simply gorgeous. The designs really reflect the character’s individual personality.
Conclusion
Nomada Studios once again showed the testament to the power of human creativity. The developers truly created a world that is both visually and emotionally resonant.
Neva is more than just a game, it is a journey while clinging to hope. The game gives a message of hope, connection and environmental responsibility that will resonate with all types of players. So, give this game a try and you will not be disappointed!