Neva

A breathtaking hand-painted adventure that delivers beauty, emotion, and smooth gameplay

I never got around to playing Gris, Nomada Studio’s first game, but I always admired its art style in YouTube videos. When I discovered Neva, the stunning visuals immediately caught my eye again, so I picked it up without hesitation. Damn, am I glad I did!

The hand-painted, watercolor art style is an absolute standout — easily one of the most beautiful in the side-scrolling puzzle-platformer genre. The vibrancy is incredible, and the game smartly lets the color palette shine by structuring its chapters around the changing seasons. Every environment feels alive and emotionally resonant.

Story & Companion

The story is deeply emotional and powerfully told. You play as Alba, who teams up with her wolf companion, Neva, to confront a devastating plague ravaging the world. From the very beginning, you grow quickly attached to Neva. She starts as a playful, easily distracted pup who needs constant summoning, and gradually matures into a capable fighting partner — though she still seeks reassurance and affection after tough encounters. This evolving bond forms the heartfelt core of the entire journey.

Gameplay

Combat is simple yet solid, combining Alba’s basic weapon with Neva’s abilities, which unlock and expand as the game progresses. The platforming feels excellent, and the puzzles strike a perfect balance — simple enough to avoid frustration, but occasionally thoughtful enough to make you stop and plan your next move. Hunting for hidden flowers (optional collectibles) off the beaten path adds a nice layer of gentle exploration.

One area where Neva truly excels is clarity. Even with its highly stylized visuals, it’s never difficult to read the environment. You always know exactly what’s interactable and where you need to focus. The animations are smooth, fluid, and natural throughout. I never encountered any friction in either combat or platforming — everything just worked beautifully.

Final Dad Verdict

Neva is a short but unforgettable experience that masterfully blends breathtaking watercolor art, emotional storytelling, and polished gameplay. The growing relationship with your wolf companion Neva will stay with you long after the credits roll.

If you enjoy artistic, narrative-driven platformers like Gris or Ori, this one is an easy recommendation. It’s a gorgeous, heartfelt gem that proves style and substance can go hand in hand.

Overall Dad Score: 9/10