GamesAdventureNeva is an utterly beautiful and moving adventure with shades of Spirited Away and Princess MononokeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesAdventureNeva is an utterly beautiful and moving adventure with shades of Spirited Away and Princess MononokeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Devolver Digitial)
Neva is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful games I’ve played this year, not just in a visual sense, but also in the tale it tells.
Changing seasons
(Image credit: Devolver Digital)
Indie Spotlight(Image credit: Future Friends Games)Europa felt like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom reimagined in a stunning Studio Ghibli world, and I loved every second of it.
Indie Spotlight
(Image credit: Future Friends Games)Europa felt like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom reimagined in a stunning Studio Ghibli world, and I loved every second of it.
(Image credit: Future Friends Games)
Europa felt like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom reimagined in a stunning Studio Ghibli world, and I loved every second of it.
I love the sense of teamwork and companionship at the heart of the game, and how it’s reflected in the progression in the story and the mechanics you use. While there are lots of practical ways for the pair to work together as they face dark dangers and obstacles, I also appreciate the smaller interactions you can have with the wolf that make it feel like you’re really developing your bond. At any point, you can pet or hug them, and you’re always able to call out to Neva if they run too far ahead.
As dialogue is scarce, so much is conveyed without the use of the words, from Neva’s expressive animations to the emotional soundtrack. The world itself and the journey you go on reminded me of the likes of Princess Mononoke, with it exploring the bond of a young woman and a wolf, and their relationship with the environment.
(Image credit: Devolver Digital)
The beautiful world setting is decaying around them, with black darkness infecting both the landscapes and the wildlife. Enemies also spring up from the decay, as though they’re born from it, with foes reminiscent of No-Face from Spirited Away. As a wolf, Neva appears to have a special connection to nature, often howling to restore light and life back to the environment. There’s an undercurrent of sadness to the setting, that such a beautiful place could be corrupted and plunged into darkness. But as Alba, you’re also trying to help fight back against it, and I constantly felt so connected to the world.
As the developer behind Gris, it’s no surprise that Neva is utterly gorgeous. Every backdrop is a work of art, and throughout my time with the game, I couldn’t stop taking screenshots. Sincerely, this is the most beautiful game I’ve played this year. And if you’re in it to experience the story, there’s happily a story mode difficulty which takes death out of the equation so you can get swept up in the journey without fear of failing. Neva is the kind of adventure that stays with you. It’s a treat for the eyes and the heart, and I can’t recommend it enough.
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Neva is out now on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and Switch. For more recommendations, head on over to ourIndie Spotlightseries.
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
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