From just a glance at the first trailer, it was clear that Neva would be a deeply emotional journey.
In Gris, Nomada Studio delved into the sorrow of losing a loved one, while in Neva, they explore the ties between a parent and child. Alba and Neva’s relationship starts with Neva as a curious wolf cub, but he grows into a mighty guardian alongside his mother. Together, they face the world’s darkness, with Neva gaining new powers as seasons change.
Despite its minimal dialogue, Neva’s journey captures hearts with powerful voice acting, a standout feature in gaming this year. Unlike the wordy narratives of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth or Metaphor: ReFantazio, Neva conveys its story with just one spoken word throughout its five-hour adventure.
Neva plays like a typical action-platformer, with buttons for jumping, attacking, and dodging. But there’s a special button just for calling Neva. Whenever you press it, Alba says “Neva,” summoning her furry friend.
Though useful, this mechanic is mostly for fun. Calling Neva lets Alba give her a sweet pat behind the ears, so yes, you can pet the dog in Neva.
The real magic, though, lies in the emotion in Alba’s voice when she calls Neva. In calm moments, her voice is gentle and loving, but in danger, it turns heavy with urgency. Just one word, yet it captures so much emotion.
Pressing the button during tense moments reveals Alba’s fear, making the experience more intense.
There’s a part where Alba and Neva get separated, and Alba must find her way through a scary maze. When she calls for Neva, her voice is filled with fear, making players feel her anxiety as they search for her lost friend.
People can really feel the tension when Alba can’t find Neva, and it’s so relatable because we all know that fear of losing something we love.
Nomada cleverly teaches players to remember the call button by making it a key mechanic. When Alba and Neva are apart, players naturally try calling Neva, hoping it will work.
Anyone who’s ever lost sight of a child in a crowded place knows the terror and relief that come with finding them safe and sound. It’s a universal feeling!
Neva beautifully examines the joys and challenges of being a parent. The heartfelt voice acting by Cristina Peña adds depth, and letting players control Alba’s voice amplifies the emotional impact. Nomada Studio deserves praise for capturing the essence of caregiving with such simplicity.
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