Neva
Neva is an action-adventure game developed by Nomada Studio and published by Devolver Digital. The gameplay combines side-scrolling platforming with environmental puzzles and combat. Neva has been praised for its stunning art style, emotional storytelling, and refined gameplay mechanics, building upon the foundation laid by GRIS.
What it feels like
The dying world, emotional storytelling, and bond with a wolf suggest wistful sadness and quiet beauty in loss. The relationship between character and wolf is described as a lifelong bond, suggesting soft caring gentleness in how the game treats its subjects. Despite the dying world, the narrative of connection and shared journey suggests earned optimism is possible.
What it's about
A young woman and wolf embark on 'a thrilling adventure through a rapidly dying world'—a transformative journey is the narrative spine. The setting is 'a rapidly dying world'; nature and environmental concern is central to the story and atmosphere. The core narrative focuses on 'lifelong bond with a magnificent wolf'—the forging and testing of this bond is central.
How it plays
Side-scrolling platforming is explicitly stated as a core gameplay component alongside combat and environmental puzzles. Environmental puzzles are a core pillar of the gameplay loop, integrated into the world alongside platforming. Combat is present and refined, though secondary to platforming and puzzles; the wolf companion is central to combat execution.
How it looks and sounds
Explicitly a side-scrolling platformer; the entire perspective is side-on profile view. User tags and comparisons to GRIS (known for beautiful hand-drawn visuals) strongly indicate frame-by-frame illustrated 2D art. 'Colorful' and 'Beautiful' appear in user tags, and the aesthetic is praised as visually stunning with distinctive color work.
How it's structured
Explicitly single-player with no multiplayer modes; designed as a solo experience. The game flows through a dying world with a clear narrative arc, suggesting authored discrete progression rather than open exploration. Praised for its stunning art style and emotional storytelling indicate deliberate authorial crafting throughout the world.
Kindred games
Shares Side View, Platforming, Hand-Drawn 2D, Environmental Puzzles.
Both lean into Single-Player, Side View, Platforming, Hand-Drawn 2D.
Shares Platforming, Hand-Drawn 2D, Environmental Puzzles, Handcrafted World.
Both lean into Platforming, Hand-Drawn 2D, Single-Player, Environmental Puzzles.
Shares Platforming, Side View, Journey & Pilgrimage, Environmental Puzzles.
Both lean into Platforming, Side View, Single-Player, Journey & Pilgrimage.
Closest hidden gems
A lesser-known kindred — Platforming, Hand-Drawn 2D, Side View, Melee Combat. 94% positive across 4,416 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Platforming, Single-Player, Hand-Drawn 2D, Side View.
A lesser-known kindred — Nature & Environment, Tender, Platforming, Side View. 85% positive across 4,314 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Single-Player, Nature & Environment, Tender, Platforming.
A lesser-known kindred — Hand-Drawn 2D, Tender, Melancholic, Grief & Loss. 95% positive across 4,380 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Single-Player, Hand-Drawn 2D, Tender, Melancholic.