The painterly style of Gris drew deserving praise back in 2018, but with its new game, Neva, developer Nomada Studios has outdone itself. A larger and more ambitious platformer than the studio's debut, Neva is also breathtakingly beautiful enough to almost leave its predecessor floundering in its wake. Neva opens to tragedy, protagonist Alba's massive canine companion brought low by forces of decay that leave her caring for a wolf cub.
Alba and the cub, Neva, journey together through a world being gradually ravaged, despite her best attempts to undo the damage wrought upon her environment. Trailers show Neva growing as the game – and the decay – continues, but in my hour-long demo they remained a naive and nervous puppy, easily scared or distracted by the world around them. Growing pains In Neva's defense, however, that's not too difficult.
The world is truly beautiful. The influence of Gris' delicate style and soft color palette is clearly felt, but there's more detail to bring life to this world. Branches drape foliage, leaves swirling to the floor.
Butterflies loop above Neva's head. Great plains, oozing color, stretch away to beautiful vistas in the background. Even the decay affecting this world, depicted in thorny branches or insectoid creatures that suck the color from the world with their dark, shadowy appearance, can do little to distract from just how good this game looks.
If anything were to serve as a distraction, it's Neva themselves. The puppy has a rebellio.
