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MONSTER

Neva

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Neva
Item: Neva
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Simulation, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableOct 15, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperNomada Studio

Overview

The game tells the story of a young woman who forges a bond with a wolf cub that grows and matures over time. The pair will help each other on a journey through a decaying world. Neva features platforming, puzzles and combat, along with handcrafted cinematics, "haunting music" and a minimalist user interface. Based on the trailer and Nomada's track record, it should be a feast for the eyes too.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Neva for its emotional depth, impactful themes, and strong character relationships. Digital Chumps commended the game for its emotionally manipulative yet honest storytelling, focusing on themes of loss, growth, and rebirth. Softpedia also highlighted the emotional and powerful narrative centered around themes of loss, hope, and inner strength, conveyed through visual storytelling and a haunting soundtrack. GameMAG appreciated the game's focus on a young girl named Alba and her wolf companion Neva battling forces of darkness, with the story spanning four seasons and emphasizing Neva's growth and their world-saving adventure. Despite the overall positive reception, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the storytelling of Neva. The New Game Network criticized the narrative for lacking good pacing and feeling forced and unearned, particularly noting a divisive ending. The SixthAxis expressed a more critical view, describing the emotional storytelling as desperate and cringe-worthy, with a plot that comes across as lacking subtlety and authenticity. These opinions suggest that while the majority of critics found the story to be engaging and emotionally resonant, there were instances where the execution may have faltered for some reviewers. In conclusion, the story of Neva received high praise from the majority of critics for its emotional impact, thematic depth, and character-driven narrative. Critics like Gaming Nexus and GINX TV lauded the beautiful and important storytelling that focused on growth, resilience, and the bond between Alba and Neva, delivering a powerful emotional twist. Despite some criticisms regarding pacing and execution, the overall consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority appreciating the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions and create a compelling narrative experience. The story of Neva succeeded in resonating with critics through its exploration of themes such as parenthood, growth, and environmental crisis, making it a standout title in the realm of emotional storytelling in video games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Majority of critics praise Neva's emotional depth, strong character relationships, and impactful themes. Some critics point out issues in pacing and execution, but overall, the game's storytelling on loss, growth, and hope captivates with its powerful narrative and character-driven journey. Neva's tale of Alba and her wolf companion battling darkness across four seasons resonates emotionally, earning accolades for its thematic depth and engaging storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Neva highlight several positive aspects. Digital Chumps praises the elegant platforming and rewarding navigation challenges, while Digitally Downloaded appreciates the engaging combat system designed to complement the platforming elements. GameSpew acknowledges the evolving gameplay with combat mechanics and platforming challenges, and Softpedia commends the simple yet evolving combat and platforming systems. The New York Times and Nintendo Life both find the gameplay satisfying, with mechanics and level design that elevate the experience beyond a typical adventure title, including engaging challenges and memorable boss fights. On the other hand, some critics express negative aspects of the gameplay in Neva. Player 2 suggests that the gameplay could have been more challenging and less repetitive, while Digital Trends mentions that the gameplay can feel lacking in innovation and repetitive at times. The Sixth Axis points out visibility issues during platforming sections and filler content in some parts of the game. PCGamesN highlights frustrating combat due to contact damage, indicating a potential flaw in the combat mechanics that could impact the overall experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Neva offers a mix of engaging platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving elements that provide a satisfying gameplay experience. Critics like GamingBolt and The Indie Informer appreciate the responsive platforming, solid combat mechanics, and inventive challenges that contribute to an enjoyable adventure. While some critics mention areas for improvement such as combat impact against bosses and occasional repetitiveness, the general sentiment is positive towards the gameplay of Neva, with a focus on tight controls, evolving mechanics, and a well-rounded gameplay loop that keeps players engaged throughout the experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Neva's gameplay for its elegant platforming, engaging combat system, and evolving challenges that elevate the experience. Some note areas for improvement, such as more challenging gameplay and addressing visibility issues. Overall, Neva offers a satisfying mix of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving elements, with tight controls and inventive challenges that keep players engaged.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praise the graphics and visual design of Neva, with many describing it as a masterpiece. Digital Chumps lauds the game for its watercolor impressionism style, exceptional color work, and fantastical world filled with vegetation and danger. Digitally Downloaded highlights the gorgeous art and surrealistic landscapes that shift with age, creating a visually stunning and evocative experience. GameSpew describes Neva as an "astoundingly beautiful game" with varied locations ranging from grounded to surreal, providing a constant treat for the eyes. The visuals are consistently praised for their stunning beauty, innovative design, and immersive qualities by critics like Player 2, Softpedia, and TheSixthAxis. Despite the overwhelming positive sentiment towards Neva's graphics and visual design, some critics do point out a few shortcomings. TheSixthAxis mentions visibility issues arising from camera angles and excessive lighting effects, which can detract from the overall experience. PCGamesN notes occasional lack of visual clarity and characters getting lost in backdrops as minor drawbacks. While these criticisms are present, they are overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive reception towards the game's aesthetics and artistry. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is resoundingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Neva. The stunning visuals, innovative art style, and immersive environments have left a lasting impression on reviewers, with many drawing comparisons to the works of Studio Ghibli. The majority of critics, such as Digital Spy, GameGrin, and Gamer Escape, consider Neva's graphics to be a masterpiece, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant colors, and thematic depth contributing to a visually captivating experience. Despite some minor flaws pointed out by a few critics, the overall sentiment towards Neva's graphics and visual design is overwhelmingly positive, solidifying its status as a standout title in terms of visual artistry and design in the gaming industry.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

TLDR: Critics rave about Neva's graphics, calling it a masterpiece with stunning watercolor visuals, surreal landscapes, and immersive environments. While some mention minor issues like visibility problems, the overwhelmingly positive reception praises its innovative design and thematic depth, likening it to Studio Ghibli works. Overall, Neva's graphics are hailed as a standout achievement in gaming aesthetics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

96%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Neva, highlighting it as a standout aspect of the game. Critics such as Digital Chumps, GameSpew, and XboxEra commended the emotional impact and storytelling enhancement brought by the game's soundtrack. The use of soft piano, sweeping strings, and dynamic shifts in the music, as noted by Player 2 and Softpedia, effectively elevated the atmosphere and amplified emotions during key moments. The orchestral compositions by Berlinist, as mentioned by Impulsegamer and PCGamesN, were particularly lauded for their transcendental and operatic qualities, evoking strong emotions and enhancing the overall experience of Neva. The enchanting and immersive nature of the soundtrack, as described by Nintendo Life and Checkpoint Gaming, added depth and emotional weight to the visuals, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Neva was positive, there were a few critics who noted some potential drawbacks. GameGrin mentioned the absence of voice acting but highlighted that this was compensated by the emotional music and sound effects. This could be seen as a limitation for players who prefer voiceovers in their gaming experience. Additionally, GamingBolt pointed out that while the soundtrack was incredible, the ambient sounds of the world took precedence, which might have slightly overshadowed the music in certain instances. This could potentially affect the balance between the music and other audio elements in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Neva. The majority of reviewers praised the emotional impact, atmospheric enhancement, and storytelling prowess of the game's soundtrack. Critics like Gamer Escape and Hey Poor Player emphasized the devastating and poignant nature of the music, underlining its significant contribution to the overall experience. The seamless integration of music with the narrative, as highlighted by Gaming Nexus, GINX TV, and New Game Network, further solidifies the critical acclaim towards the Sound Design and Music of Neva. Despite minor criticisms regarding voice acting and audio balance, the exceptional quality and effectiveness of the soundtrack in conveying emotions and immersing players in the world of Neva are widely acknowledged and celebrated by critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Neva's Sound Design and Music, with praise for its emotional impact, atmospheric enhancement, and storytelling prowess. The enchanting soundtrack, featuring soft piano and dynamic shifts, elevates key moments and adds depth to the visuals. While some critics noted drawbacks like the absence of voice acting and audio balance issues, the majority agree that the music by Berlinist enhances the overall experience, evoking strong emotions and creating a unique atmosphere in the game.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Neva received a mix of positive and negative feedback. On PS5, Digitally Downloaded praised the carefully designed gameplay with precise control and minimal tutorials, highlighting a smooth experience. However, TheSixthAxis mentioned visibility issues and occasional poor gameplay experiences due to camera angles and lighting effects, which slightly detracted from the overall technical performance on this platform. Moving to the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life acknowledged minor frame drops during gameplay, especially in high-motion scenes, while Nintenduo appreciated the stable 60 frames per second performance but noted slightly lower character animation frame rates. Despite these minor issues, the Switch version was deemed playable by both critics. On the Xbox Series X, Impulsegamer reported minor checkpoint issues during intense moments but overall stable performance without major technical problems. Transitioning to PC, GamingBolt pointed out hitbox issues during boss battles, while New Game Network highlighted the game's low hardware demands and elaborate animations contributing to emotional impact. However, Noisy Pixel and PCGamesN both mentioned technical drawbacks, such as hitbox issues affecting gameplay experience and limited control options on PC, respectively. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Neva delivers a relatively smooth technical performance across various platforms, with some minor hiccups here and there. While some platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X showcased stable gameplay with minor issues, others like Nintendo Switch and PC had their share of technical limitations, such as frame drops and hitbox problems. Despite these drawbacks, the game's carefully crafted gameplay, emotional animations, and dedication to design were highlighted by critics like Digitally Downloaded and PCGamesN, contributing positively to the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Neva's technical performance across gaming platforms received mixed reviews. PS5 praised for precise control, while Switch had minor frame drops. Xbox Series X had minor issues, while PC faced hitbox problems. Overall, Neva offers smooth gameplay with some hiccups, delivering an engaging experience despite technical limitations on some platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

85%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Neva are quite varied, with some highlighting positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. Critics like Digital Chumps and GameMAG appreciate the optional tasks for collecting secrets, changes in gameplay mechanics between chapters, and exceptional graphics that enhance the game's replay value. Additionally, Player 2 and XboxEra mention the collectibles and hidden items that provide an incentive for a secondary playthrough, showcasing the game's potential for multiple experiences. Hey Poor Player also notes the hidden collectibles and story mode that make combat easier, indicating a desire to return to uncover hidden elements, further emphasizing the game's replay value. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the lack of significant replay value in Neva. Softpedia and COGconnected criticize the game for being short and lacking in content or challenges that would enhance its longevity for players. TheSixthAxis points out underexplored elements like puzzles and filler sections that impact the game's replay value, leaving players wanting more depth and substance. Windows Central highlights the brevity of the game, noting that its short completion time may limit the exploration of expanded gameplay mechanics, affecting the overall replayability of Neva. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Neva offering a focused and impactful experience that may vary in replay value depending on individual preferences. While some critics appreciate the game's collectibles, hidden elements, and optional tasks that enhance replayability, others criticize its brevity and lack of substantial content or challenges. The varying opinions suggest that Neva may cater more to players who value narrative and emotional journeys over extensive gameplay mechanics or longevity. Ultimately, the game's replay value seems to be subjective, with some players finding enough incentives for multiple playthroughs while others may feel the experience is more one-and-done.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on Neva's replay value. Some praise its optional tasks, hidden items, and exceptional graphics that enhance replayability. Others criticize its brevity and lack of challenges. The game's value for replay seems to depend on individual preferences, catering more to those who prioritize narrative and emotional depth over extensive gameplay mechanics.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the various critics on the videogame Neva, it is evident that the game received overwhelmingly positive feedback. The game was praised for its stunning visuals, emotionally engaging storytelling, and solid gameplay mechanics by a majority of the reviewers. Critics like Digital Chumps and Impulsegamer highlighted the touching narrative and thrilling adventure that Neva offers, with Digital Chumps even going as far as calling it a "true masterpiece." The game's emotional impact, captivating story, and beautiful presentation were consistently lauded by reviewers such as Digitally Downloaded, Softpedia, and Checkpoint Gaming, who found the game to be a deeply emotional and artistically crafted experience. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did point out certain drawbacks of Neva. GameSpew and TheSixthAxis noted issues with gameplay, such as basic mechanics and pacing problems that hindered the game from achieving greatness. Player 2 and XboxEra mentioned gameplay bloat and narrative clichés as areas where Neva fell short of its potential. Additionally, Digital Trends highlighted the lack of innovation in gameplay and the potential for improvement in future projects from the developer. These criticisms suggest that while Neva excelled in many aspects, there were still areas that could be refined for a more polished experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Neva is a standout title that offers a deeply emotional and visually stunning experience for players. The game's ability to forge an emotional connection with the audience, its captivating narrative, and impressive artistry were widely appreciated. Critics from various platforms, including Nintendo Life, Impulsegamer, and Checkpoint Gaming, emphasized the game's memorable and engrossing qualities, recommending it as a must-play for fans of emotionally driven narratives and artistic games. Despite some minor flaws and areas for improvement, Neva was celebrated as a game that leaves a lasting impression and stands out as a remarkable achievement in the indie gaming scene.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise the video game Neva for its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and solid gameplay mechanics, calling it a "true masterpiece." While some critics mention gameplay issues and lack of innovation, the consensus is that Neva offers a deeply emotional and artistically crafted experience, recommended for fans of emotionally driven narratives and artistic games.

MONSTER

Reviews

141 reviews found

100

Try Hard Guides

Oct 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A must-play game with stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and a memorable experience.

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100

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neva is a touching meditation and thrilling adventure, a true masterpiece that captures depth in stunning movement and artistry.

100

The Indie Informer

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Highly recommended game that is destined to rank among the year's unrivaled titles, urging players to set aside other games and experience Neva.

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GameGrin

Oct 18, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neva is a stunning game that resonates with players through its emotional story, beautiful art, and immersive soundtrack. It is recommended for fans of platformers and those who enjoyed GRIS.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Oct 22, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neva is a triumphant and emotional video game that surpasses Gris, especially for pet owners, with a great addition of combat and emotional resonance.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Beautifully crafted and deeply emotional game. Touching storytelling, breathtaking visuals, satisfying combat, and lasting impression. A must-play for fans of emotional narratives and artistic games.

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GamingBolt

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neva is described as an essential journey for those who enjoyed Gris, offering meticulously crafted gameplay, stunning visuals, tight combat, and an evolving bond between Alba and Neva. A confident yet compassionate meditation worth players' time.

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Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Oct 17, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neva is a beautiful, heartfelt, and evocative experience that may lack subtlety but succeeds in delivering a powerful emotional impact. It is a game that aims to make players cry and achieves that goal effectively.

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Hey Poor Player

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neva is praised for its stunning visuals, emotionally engaging story, and solid gameplay mechanics. Despite minor issues with combat and thematic closure, the game offers a moving journey that builds a strong bond with the characters and provides excellent platforming challenges. The overall verdict is highly positive, with the game being described as a world worth exploring.

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GINX TV

Oct 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Neva is praised as a personal Game of the Year, a worthy successor to GRIS, offering a refreshing narrative-driven experience with simple combat and a heartwarming story that compensates for its technical and combat limitations.

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