Neva

Often, I think about what my favourite game is of all time, and the answer always comes back to Neva. When I stumbled upon Neva on my Steam 'For You' page, I immediately knew in my heart that I had to add it to my wishlist and upon release, purchasing the game was one of the best decisions I have ever made. While playing the game, I was facing numerous real-life obstacles and challenges that left me feeling lost. Obviously, the game did not solve my problems, but it did provide better insight and understanding into how to make sense of my emotions and feelings. GRIS is a game that explores themes of overcoming grief, but I found a deeper resonance with Neva. One faces intense battles against horrifying monsters while grappling with the weight of sorrow and the loss of a trusted companion. The journey unfolds throughout the beautifully depicted seasons, each reflecting the ebb and flow of emotions as you confront your foes and internal struggles. Along the way, you encounter heartwrenching reminders of the events that initiated your quest. I was inspired by the game's breathtaking artistic design and poignant storytelling, which allowed me to delve deeper into my own emotions. The gameplay experience was magical, filled with moments of joy and inspiration that will linger with me for a long time. Every aspect of the game has contributed to an unforgettable and uplifting story. When Neva won the reward for 'Artistic Achievement' at the BAFTA GAMES AWARDS 2025, I was delighted because I nominated the game for its captivating storytelling, stunning art, and enchanting music. The visuals are stunning, the story is captivating, and every detail feels thoughtfully designed. Neva is not a solid 10 out of 10 for me; it is THE best game I have ever played! I genuinely appreciate the effort that went into creating such an incredible game and am excited to see what innovative creations Nomada Studio will develop next. ♥︎

personally the game wasn't difficult. The game flowed very well I didn't get stuck any where for more than 3-5 min tops. AND THE VISUALS WERE AMAZING, can not get over the flowy anamations and cut scenes.

Simply stunning. Neva is a perfect weaving of story, art, animation, and music that come together into a gorgeous and deeply moving story. The game manages to capture a little bit of the beauty of the natural world in a way I never imagined possible (you still gotta touch grass tho). Plus, you get to be the adoptive mother of an awesome, magical wolf! Literally what more could you want! The gameplay is simple but fun. There are some really cool platforming puzzles, and the combat mechanics are satisfying, although easy, to master. There are only a handful of fights I had to try more than once. If you are looking for a gameplay or combat-heavy game, this is not for you (shoo, go play Silksong instead, shoo). But if you want to get lost in an absolutely gorgeous landscape and an equally magical story, with a few fun mechanics along the way, you're in the right place! I adored every second of this game.