This week the creators of GRIS released a beautiful new game called Neva. Here on Nintendo Life we called this game a raw, engrossing platformer that looks incredible, and now even more reviews filled with praise are rolling in. Here's a round up so far:
Nintendo Life (9/10)
Hardcore Gamer (9/10)
"Neva is another winner from Nomada Studio, but it's also much more than that. It's a drop-dead gorgeous game with truly fun platforming action, puzzles and combat, with hauntingly-beautiful moments. But the titular character is the true highlight, easily encapsulating the biggest strengths as you see this wolf grow up alongside Alba. It's a journey of motherhood that takes the form of one of the year's best platformers, and just one of the year's best games, period."
Siliconera (9/10)
"Neva is a sweet little game that left a significant impression on me. Every frame looks like a painting, there’s a surprising amount of challenge and the way it builds these characters without saying a word is masterful. If you’re a fan of short, artful experiences in games, you need to play Neva."
PCGamesN (8/10)
"Neva is a poignant platformer that's a worthy successor to the award-winning Gris. Its intricate and stunning Ghibliesque world is a visual marvel, and while its combat isn't wholly free from frustration, its stirring narrative ensures no dry eye in the room."
Digital Spy (8/10)
It's an evocative story that is beautifully told and has plenty of heart, and one that feels increasingly relevant in the context of the world that we live in.
Push Square (9/10)
Will you be giving this new indie a go? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 20
Well deserved … GRIS was a 9.8/10 IMO.
Nómada Studio has another winner.
It does look and sound incredible.
My only main issue is how small the characters are. Putting my face right on the Switch screen just to see what is going on.
Combat from a far angle view really annoyed me. That's really it. Just fix that or have cam options.
video evidence or it didn't happen. I need to see the tears or I'm not buying it.
I quite literally refreshed the page on Steam this morning until it was available for purchase. This game is easily one of my most anticipated games of the whole year.
Looking good - I'll hold out for a physical for now as alot of other games to work through, Gris included
OH MAN FROM THE INTRO ON IT'S SO CAPTIVATING, RULING OVER MT FEELS SO DEEP!!! THIS IS A MASTERPIECE IN IT'S OWN UNIQUE WAY!!
I'll remain cautiously optimistic about it. A few turns of phrase in those review snippets let on that we're still in the 'lite' territory that Gris came from. Understandable, but as someone who doesn't particularly buy into the idea of a tear-jerking video game, I think I'm perhaps still not within the target audience.
I didn't care for Gris so I'll pass on this. I am most assuredly not a fan of short, artful experiences 🤷♂️
I played through GRIS and was ultimately disappointed by the bland and uncreative level design.
NEVA seems to be more of the same.
Maybe some reviewers are too blinded by presentation to evaluate gameplay properly.
This seems like poetry to me. It leaves some people in tears, but for me, it's just a poor use of a language. This looks and sounds pretty like poetry, but it isn't much of a game.
GRIS isn't a good game, it's just a pretty but boring one. And this one seems similar.
Love to see such a warm reception for Neva, will eventually get it for sure - hopefully sooner rather than later, but I have to first figure out if I can get it physically (depending on the price and also its release date) instead of just getting it digitally!
no physical release planned for the moment?
@miwa
I wonder... because I like emotional/ mysterious games even is short. I think Dear Esther is a masterpiece. But Gris feel really flat to me. Too predictable. And movement wasn't very fun. I know it wasn't really a game in the sense of action or challenge, but beyond the art style, it didn't really do anything compelling or memorable.
With this game, I can't help but think of Marv from Home Alone 2 saying "Nevaaahh!" when Kevin asked if they were thirsty for more.
I'm always a little cautious around games that tend to fall into the style over substance category. Then again the review did say it was also a good platformer with okay battles. Can anyone confirm?
GRIS was one of the best games of the last decade/last gen. About 5 hours long, no combat, no dialogue but moved me to tears by the end. As this one revolves around animals I don't know if it will be as impactful for me (not a pet or animal person at all) but it still looks incredible. Bought it and can't wait to stream it later this week!
I don't know if it's just my age or what...but short artistic games are usually more appealing to me than most big AAAs. Haha
I love Gris and was so excited to see their next game.
I have played about 2 hours yesterday and was WOWed! Definitely a top contender for my favorite this year.
I can only play so many open world/big games. Love the smaller, brief games that leave an huge impact; hence why Gris is one of my top favorite games
This could very well be all that the reviews say, but, from that trailer and the quotes provided in this article, I still have no idea what this game's story is about or why it is so different and impactful.
I find it more and more difficult to believe/trust a “professional critic” these days. I didn’t care much for Gris and I’m not getting anything from this one.
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