Since debuting with the much-adored Gris, Nomada Studio are delivering a sophomore title that's just as incredible as their first. With much inspiration taken as they continue along the same lines of the hand-animated visuals and 2D platforming gameplay that Gris had to offer, their newest game full review for Neva, the game shines as something unique but just as incredibly striking in itself.

Already finding itself to be one of the highest-rated indie games of 2024, Neva has seen some incredible quick success. With its wordless story and gorgeous forest backdrop, Neva needs nothing other than a player's careful attentiveness to its ability to tell its story. As "one of the best looking indies of the year", there's very little not to praise in this gorgeous new gem.

Neva Has Wowed Critics Since It Was Released

Neva Garners Scores Consistently Over 80

With astonishing ratings, Neva has instantly made itself known as one of the best indie hits of the year. Receiving an incredible 100 from Eurogamer De (via Metacritic), and 90 from IGN Italia, it's certainly impressed the masses with what it has to offer. An overall score of 86 also boasts the game's impressive heights, once again delivering an experience that's sure to resonate the same way that Gris did many years ago.

With similarly high praise in Screen Rant's own review, the game has truly made quite an impression. With "spectacular" visuals and an impressive use of color to embody the game's emotional journey, it's hard not to fall in love with what it has to offer. As a 9/10 experience, losing only one star for its simpler gameplay in comparison to Gris, players are sure to find this indie hit is one to cherish.

Neva Is A Must-Play For Gris Fans

Reminiscent Of The Great, But Individual In Its Own Right

As Gris explored the topic of grief through its environment, Neva once again looks to use its world to embody the heavy emotions its story looks to depict. Through seasonal themes and color usage, the world of Neva covers new themes of loss and darkness, a world taken over by inky masked creatures that seem familiar to the tale's protagonist. With plenty of puzzle elements and combat throughout, albeit more simple than Gris, the game delivers a very similar experience.

The art style remains just as beautiful as Gris too, if not in many ways refined and perfected to a tee. With whimsical and magical elements, stunning color choices and a real raw, handmade feel to it, the game cannot help but linger long after first being seen. Achieving such great success when following up its highly-adored predecessor is a difficult feat, but Neva has far proven itself to be an indie that players don't want to miss out on this year.

Source: Metacritic, Nintendo/YouTube