Neva is a heartfelt action-adventure platformer about loss, growth, and companionship in a decaying world. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

Neva Review Overview

What is Neva?

Neva is an emotional action-platformer where players follow the journey of Alba and her companion, Neva, through a decaying world. The game dives deep into the themes of loss, growth, and resilience as Alba takes on a parental role after the traumatic loss of Neva’s parent. With its breathtaking art style, heartfelt storytelling, and challenging gameplay, Neva takes players on a four-chapter journey that spans the changing seasons, depicting the evolving bond between Alba and Neva.

Neva features:
　⚫︎　Touching and Powerful Story
　⚫︎　Engaging Platformer Elements
　⚫︎　Elaborate Puzzles
　⚫︎　Suspenseful Challenges
　⚫︎　Collectible Flowers
　⚫︎　A World Plagued by a Virus
　⚫︎　Heartfelt Musical Score

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Neva's gameplay and story.

Digital Storefronts
Steam		PlayStation		Xbox		Switch
$19.99

Neva Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Evolving Gameplay That Grows with Neva Emotional and Well-told Story Stunning Visual Style	Short Playtime A Key Scene Could Use More Impact

Neva Overall Score - 90/100

Neva stands as a testament to the potential of video games to convey powerful stories through stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and heartfelt narrative design. It masterfully crafts a tale that’s both intimate and expansive, drawing players into a world that is as beautiful as it is tragic. While the game’s length might leave some craving a longer experience, and certain scenes could benefit from a more pronounced emotional impact, these are minor imperfections in a work that largely excels in every aspect. The relationship between Alba and Neva forms the heart of the game, and it’s this connection that makes the journey unforgettable.

Neva Story - 9/10

The story unfolds across four chapters, each representing a different season in both the natural world and Alba and Neva’s relationship. This seasonal structure isn’t just a visual change; it symbolizes the progression of their bond, from the fragile dependency of summer to the mature partnership of winter. The plot centers around themes of grief, growth, and survival in a decaying world overtaken by a viral plague.The narrative doesn’t just tell you about loss and love; it makes you feel it with each encounter, creating an emotionally rich experience.

Neva Gameplay - 9/10

The platforming in Neva is as much about rhythm and flow as it is about timing and precision. The controls are intuitive, allowing players to jump, dodge, attack, and string together these actions in mid-air to navigate the environment or fend off corrupted creatures. As Neva matures, their capabilities grow, making them more than just a character to protect—they become an active and crucial part of gameplay. This evolution in mechanics adds a sense of progression that is both satisfying and deeply connected to the story. Each time Neva assists in combat, there’s a moment of realization that they’re no longer a cub in need of protection, but a companion who stands by Alba's side. The gameplay may not push the boundaries of the genre, but it offers a refined and rewarding experience that feels perfectly in tune with the game's narrative.

Neva Visuals - 10/10

If there’s one area where Neva is undeniably flawless, it’s the visuals. The game’s art direction is a breathtaking blend of watercolor-like aesthetics and hand-painted scenes, creating a world that feels alive even as it decays. Every detail, from the twisted flora to the vast, desolate landscapes, adds to the game's emotional weight. The color palette shifts with the seasons, with warm tones evoking the promise of spring, and muted, icy hues signaling the bleakness of winter. It’s a visual feast that manages to be beautiful and haunting all at once, effortlessly conveying the melancholy of a world on the brink of collapse.

Neva Audio - 9/10

The soundtrack serves as the game’s emotional backbone, underscoring the highs and lows of Alba and Neva’s journey. There’s a careful balance to the music—never too overwhelming, but always present enough to heighten the impact of key moments. The sound of Neva’s soft footsteps, the rustling of decayed leaves, and the foreboding silence before an encounter all contribute to an immersive atmosphere. The audio captures the loneliness and the hope that punctuate the journey, making the world feel both empty and alive.

Neva Value for Money - 8/10

Neva is an experience that proves quality can outweigh quantity. The game’s relatively short length may not satisfy those looking for an extended playthrough, but for those who appreciate a focused, emotionally-driven narrative, it’s worth every penny. $19.99 may feel steep for 5 hours of gameplay, but the artistry, the emotional depth, and the memorable journey make it a worthy investment for players seeking a meaningful experience rather than just another game to add to their backlog.

Neva Review: The Perfect Balance of Heart and Art

As I sat staring at the credits rolling on my screen, I found myself at a loss for words to fully describe the impact of Neva. The story of Alba and Neva is one that pulls at the heartstrings in a way I hadn’t quite anticipated. From the moment we meet Alba, thrust into a decaying world after the loss of Neva's parent, there’s an immediate weight pressing down.

The grief is palpable, yet it’s balanced with a determination to keep moving forward, not just for Alba's sake but for Neva's as well. The game doesn’t just show you a world in decline; it makes you feel it, with every step Alba takes accompanied by ambient sounds to the deafening silence of the forest where everything is hiding from something.

Playing as Alba feels deeply personal because of the way the game allows you to express care for Neva. There’s this ever-present sense of responsibility, especially in the beginning, when Neva is still a cub. Every time I had to help Neva jump across a large gap or shield them from danger, I found myself becoming more and more protective.

I remember the first time Neva couldn’t make a jump; they hesitated on the edge, and I felt my heart sink as if I was witnessing a real moment of vulnerability. In that moment, it wasn’t just about completing an objective—it was about reassuring Neva that I’d always be there to lift them up.

A Heartfelt Story That Lingers

The story of Neva is not just about a journey through a dying world; it’s a deeply personal tale of coping with loss and finding strength in companionship. The world is plagued by a virus that takes the form of grotesque flowers, infecting both plants and creatures, turning them into something dark and twisted. It’s a constant reminder of the fragility of life, and there are moments when Neva will even pause to mourn over the body of an infected animal we had no choice but to slay. Those little details make the world feel alive, even as it’s falling apart.

The ending, without giving too much away, is bittersweet. It’s not the kind of resolution that wraps everything up neatly, but rather, it leaves you reflecting on Alba and Neva’s journey, and what it all meant. It’s a story that lingers, much like a haunting melody that plays in the back of your mind long after you’ve turned off the game. Neva is a rare kind of experience that reminds us why games are such a powerful medium for storytelling.

Imperfections in an Otherwise Perfect World

As much as I loved every moment with Neva, I have to admit that there are some imperfections that could have made the game even better. The most noticeable one is its length. The four chapters are structured beautifully, each representing a season and symbolizing different stages of Alba and Neva’s journey, but the experience wraps up a bit too quickly. I could easily have spent more time exploring the decaying world, learning more about its history and lingering mysteries. Don’t get me wrong—what’s there is fantastic, but I just wanted more of it.

One particular scene that could have used a bit more punch is the first time Alba and Neva face a truly threatening boss. We were standing on the brink of a fight that felt like it should be a turning point, but instead, it passed almost without incident. There wasn’t the kind of peril I expected, and I found myself wishing that we'd experience a close brush with defeat to really drive home the stakes. Such a moment would’ve made subsequent battles even more intense because there would’ve been that memory of the time we nearly lost. Still, these are minor nitpicks in an otherwise breathtaking game.

A Visual and Audio Feast

When it comes to visuals, Neva is a stunning, living painting. Each scene is crafted with such care that it feels like stepping into a piece of art. The decaying beauty of the world is mesmerizing, with detailed backgrounds and fluid animations that bring the environment to life. There’s a unique sense of melancholy that lingers in the atmosphere, not just because of the decay, but also due to the subtle touches, like the wilted flowers or the ominous dark tendrils that hint at the world's corruption. It’s like the world itself is mourning, and as a player, you can’t help but feel the weight of that sadness.

The soundtrack only amplifies this emotional depth. The music ebbs and flows with the narrative, swelling during moments of tension and softening during quieter, reflective scenes. I found myself completely engrossed, the music pulling me deeper into Alba and Neva’s story. There were times when I could almost predict a change in the soundtrack based on the environment's visual cues, like when I’d approach a shadowy area where decay was more pronounced—the music would shift, heightening my sense of caution.

Evolving Gameplay and Companionship

Playing Neva feels like a dance between Alba and her companion. The gameplay evolves as Neva grows, and the platforming mechanics mirror this transformation. At first, Neva is a vulnerable cub, staying close and needing my help to traverse obstacles. But as they grow, their agility and strength increase, allowing them to take a more active role in our journey. The transition is gradual but noticeable; one moment I’m helping them through a hurdle, and the next, they’re leaping alongside me, landing with a confidence that wasn’t there before.

The combat and platforming blend seamlessly, and I found myself naturally mixing patterns of jumps, attacks, and dodges mid-air. There’s a rhythm to it, where I’d leap over an obstacle, swing my weapon to fend off a twisted creature, and then dodge out of the way, all in one fluid motion. Neva’s growth adds another layer to this, as their involvement in attacks starts out small but eventually becomes integral. When Neva is mature enough to assist in combat, there’s this sense of relief—finally, I don’t have to do this alone. It’s as if Alba and Neva are learning to move as one, eventually responding to each other’s cues in perfect harmony.

Ultimately, Neva is a reminder of why we play games in the first place—to experience stories that linger in our hearts long after we’ve put down the controller, and to be touched by moments that transcend the screen. It’s a game that’s worth every second, not just for its stunning visuals and heartfelt narrative, but for the bond you form along the way. The credits may have rolled, but the memory of Alba and Neva’s journey will continue to resonate.

Is Neva Worth It?

Neva Miss Out on This Experience

Neva is worth every moment, and it’s a game that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. It’s not just a game you play—it’s a story you live through, with every step you take alongside Alba and Neva resonating on an emotional level that few other games manage to achieve. The poignant themes of loss, resilience, and the power of companionship are woven so seamlessly into the gameplay and world design that it feels less like you’re playing a game, and more like you’re embarking on a deeply personal journey.

Neva isn’t just worth playing; it’s worth remembering, reflecting on, and revisiting whenever you need a reminder of how powerful and moving video games can be as a form of art. For those who appreciate games that tell a heartfelt story with a meaningful message, Neva is an essential experience that stands as a testament to the beauty and depth of the medium.

Digital Storefronts
Steam		PlayStation		Xbox		Switch
$19.99

Neva FAQ

How Many Flowers Can Be Collected in Neva?

There are a total of 28 collectible flowers in Neva. 5 can be found in Summer, 10 in Fall, and 13 in Winter.

What are the System Requirements for Neva?

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Neva Product Information

Title	NEVA
Release Date	October 15, 2024
Developer	Nomada Studio
Publisher	Devolver Studio
Supported Platforms	PC(Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
Genre	Adventure, Platformer, Puzzle
Number of Players	1
Rating	ESRB E
Official Website	Neva Official Website

Allisandra Reyes

I find joy in the adrenaline rush of horror games, but my thrill-seeking doesn't stop there. Beyond the digital realm, I like to take on the role of designated GM in TTRPGs.