Néva, the highly anticipated sequel to Gris, presents a visually stunning narrative that is both captivating and haunting in its beauty.

I’m not a damsel with a sword, nor do I inhabit a serene, ethereal realm where soft, watery hues are increasingly beset by menacing, skeletal silhouettes. However, I truly sense that you genuinely do. As I struggle daily against the chasm that looms large, threatening to engulf me whole, my connection to protagonist Alba deepens in ways I never could have foreseen, as our bond grows stronger with each passing moment.

Nomada Studio’s eagerly anticipated sequel to their critically acclaimed platformer, Little Nightmares II, commences with Alba gently stirring the mystical wolf pup, also named Huggy, from a peaceful slumber. As she yawns and stretches languidly, her attention is captivated by the fluttering leaves that drift lazily to the ground. As Alba and a significantly larger wolf, presumably Neva’s mother, gaze on in mutual contemplation. Together, the trio absorbs the revitalizing spring atmosphere and vibrant foliage until a familiar shade descends upon the scene. Birds fall from a grey sky, their bodies twisted and darkened by the weight of wilted blooms, a morbid substitute for life’s natural cycle. The massive wolf’s gaze narrowed, its body tensing as Alba swiftly drew her sword. As the shadows enveloped her, Alba succumbed to the attack, falling into an unconscious state, while the larger wolf’s ferocity intensified in response. As the dust settles, Alba and Neva are forced to confront the harsh reality that Neva’s mother has proven herself utterly unreliable in a time of need.

Despite being consumed by grief, life doesn’t come to a standstill for Alba and Neva. Despite the looming shadows that threaten to consume their vibrant world, they must press on together, undeterred. Despite the loss of my beloved eight-year-old pup, my closest companion, life did not come to a standstill in late May. A subtle insidiousness had encircled our lives for four months before it grew increasingly out of control. Without him, my life lacks harmony; it will forever remain incomplete. As my world was shrouded in the darkness of sorrow, I felt compelled to press forward for the sake of someone who was counting on me. Prior to his passing, while he was still in relatively good health, my partner and I decided to bring home a new furry family member. We arranged to pick her up in early June. It wasn’t until a while after my son had passed away that I discovered this was the case. Our pet, much like Neva, is a striking resemblance to the earlier arrival. With an inquisitive nature and a tendency to get sidetracked at every turn, she is often lost in her own little world. She wants steering. Neva does, too.

You’ll primarily play as Alba for almost all of the game. As Neva accompanies Alba, she closely trails his footsteps; Alba, at the touch of a button, calls out to the pup, guiding her through treacherous terrain and frightening obstacles. As the game commences, it initially presents itself as a straightforward platformer with simplistic combat encounters, gradually evolving into a more complex and challenging experience as it progresses. Although initially more interested in being pampered, Neva often prioritizes playtime over personal safety, abandoning caution to chase after a mesmerizing butterfly whenever it’s not preoccupied with other distractions. As I gaze at the parallels between this experience and my beloved pet’s training, I notice that just as her patience is rewarded with successful squatting and elimination, our persistence in outdoor potty training yields a delightful surprise: a buzzing bee appears? Now it’s playtime. As the sport unfolds, so too does Neva’s evolution, mirroring the natural progression of life itself. While she may grow in terms of physical stature, so does her inner strength and character? Their mutual understanding was forged through a shared struggle to comprehend one another. As the narrative unfolds, the platforming and challenges adapt seamlessly to accommodate Neva’s burgeoning abilities. Alba by no means modifications. Neva does.

Ultimately, Neva will aid players in battling larger monsters and navigating more complex platforming challenges. Although this development addresses its issue, it’s certainly not a challenging endeavor. If a piece of fight holds you back, you can seamlessly transition to story mode, where damage is eliminated, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Others may find it surprisingly accessible, possibly due to the absence of challenging Souls-like elements from their initial expectations. This isn’t that sport. At a length of just over four hours, there is essentially no room for prolonged combat throughout the entire film. While the fight scenes effectively illustrate the maturation of Alba and Neva’s bond, rather than merely serving as gratuitous action. Is the perfect fit for this ethereal pursuit, where the thrill lies not just in doing it, but also in how it makes you feel when you’re fully immersed and genuinely having fun. Without any spoken dialogue apart from Alba’s brief identification callout, the game’s narrative shines through its clever and immersive gameplay, masterfully conveying its story to the player. While sharing similarities with that method, one can also discern Nomada Studio’s heritage within the subdued palette, angular composition, and pervasive despair.

Among the intense battles and demanding platforming sections, Nomada Studio employs extended periods of quiet contemplation to deliver a surprisingly emotional impact. As I navigate various settings, a recurring theme emerges: my constant need to nudge the controller’s stick left or right, regardless of whether Neva is by my side or not, merely to make progress forward. Are my actions accurately aligned with my goals and values? Does that basically matter? I simply transfer ahead.

As I pause, I think of my cherished dogs, Alba and Neva, and the wild wolf that preceded them both. As I ponder the dynamics of my bond with this fresh-faced canine, I’ve come to realize that our relationship will likely undergo significant transformations, differing in both subtle and profound ways from those experienced with my closest companion. There’s no substitute for what I’ve lost, comparable to the loss experienced by Alba and Neva. Even amidst profound sorrow, a radiant beauty will emerge. We’ll simply transfer ahead. Alba and Neva do, too.

Neva