Neva review

Neva review

As a seasoned gamer who has traversed through countless digital landscapes, I found myself utterly captivated by the enchanting world of Neva. This game is not just about pixels and code; it’s a heart-wrenching journey that lingers long after the credits roll.


Video games can serve as an enjoyable pastime to unwind from a hectic day, but they can also transcend simple entertainment. Many players will recall the intense emotional impact experienced when playing Ori and the Blind Forest for the first time, while the narrative in The Last of Us would seldom be described as “fun”. Instead, the word “emotional” perfectly captures how I felt while playing Neva. Like any profound work of art, its impact lingers long after the final credits have rolled.

In the game Neva, you assume the role of Alba, a young woman tied to a magical, wolf-like creature named Neva in a world filled with shadows and demons. Following a potent and emotionally heavy opening scene that I won’t reveal, you regain consciousness next to Neva, embarking on a treacherous, ominous, yet breathtakingly beautiful journey across this perilous realm. While the plot isn’t overly complex, the narrative, conveyed through the simple word “Neva,” left a profound impact on me.

Neva review

The moment you initially take command of Alba, you’ll embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Neva. Your sword-wielding protagonist can perform jumps, double jumps, and air dashes, and you’ll need to skillfully blend these abilities to traverse vast chasms and intricate platform designs to advance in your quest. Alba is a joy to maneuver, even though failing at the platforming seldom carries penalties; it remains challenging enough to keep you focused between encounters with the masked beasts that relentlessly pursue you.

In the game, the monstrous creatures that have overrun the picturesque landscapes aren’t explicitly detailed, but they are undeniably vicious and grotesque. Despite the straightforward nature of combat in Neva, it remains entertaining. You can execute swift combos with your sword, deliver a powerful downward strike, and roll to evade danger when facing enemies. These actions are pretty much all you need to handle your adversaries. With only three health points at your disposal, dodging attacks becomes crucial for survival. If you manage to land six hits without getting hurt, you’ll even regain a hit-point. The rhythm of battles feels just right, and with a good mix of diverse enemies and formidable bosses, it’s a testament to the game’s design.

Neva review

In her heroic endeavor to save the world from evil, Alba isn’t alone – she relies on Neva. At first, Neva, your canine companion, doesn’t contribute much to the fight against monsters. As a pup, her fighting abilities are limited and she needs assistance navigating the environment. However, as you advance through the game’s seasons (essentially chapters), Neva matures and becomes more helpful. She assists in reaching distant objects and combat situations, and by the end of the game, if Neva were absent from a scene, it would significantly impact the experience. The development of Neva over time allows you to establish a strong connection with this magnificent wolf, which the game emphasizes during emotional moments by zooming in on them.

In an effort to avoid giving away too much, Neva is a game abundant with scenarios involving animals in peril which may cause discomfort for some viewers. Unlike The Last of Us, it’s not consistently grim and harrowing from start to finish; however, there are instances within the game that might prove challenging or even unplayable for certain players due to their emotional impact. It seems a preliminary warning, either at the beginning of the game or on its store page, would benefit these individuals, making it unfortunate that such a precaution isn’t in place.

Should you manage to endure it, spending about three hours with Neva is truly delightful. The visuals are among the most beautiful I’ve encountered within this medium, and the soundtrack leaves one awestruck. Almost every intense battle is accompanied by a grandiose score that adds an epic feel, and not a single background in the game fails to be gallery-worthy. Neva is a sensory treat, making for an incredibly immersive experience.

Neva review

Neva is filled with appealing aspects, yet sometimes it seems somewhat slow-paced. To fully appreciate the surroundings, there are instances where you jog along in one direction between more engaging sections, which can extend slightly beyond necessity. Generally speaking, Alba moves at a leisurely pace and during my playthrough, I found myself frequently pressing the sprint button to pick up speed.

Neva is an exceptionally beautiful game featuring compelling battles and an extraordinary soundtrack. Few games have ever created such a deep bond with a character as my magnificent wolf companion did for me, and the emotional scenes this connection allowed were incredibly impactful. While it can be somewhat leisurely paced and may contain moments that could be challenging for animal enthusiasts, Neva is an unforgettable journey I won’t easily forget.

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2024-10-15 14:16