Having been mesmerised by Gris—with its beautiful watercolour aesthetics and poignant story of grief—I had high expectations going into Neva, and I’m thrilled to say that it didn’t disappoint! The developers of Gris have once again captured magic, but in a refreshingly different way.

Right from the start, I was enchanted by the shift in the art style. While Gris flowed with smooth watercolours, Neva opts for something more textured—repeating small blotches, almost like a brush's distinct impression scattered across a canvas. It’s an interesting evolution, still breathtaking but in a more tactile, raw manner. The difference feels deliberate, bringing both depth and a refreshing change, while remaining visually accessible for any viewer to easily perceive and appreciate.

The music, another stronghold of Gris, makes a powerful return but with a new flair. Given the addition of combat in Neva, the score rises to the occasion. It swells during intense moments, giving the fights a heroic and inspiring edge, yet it never overshadows the beautiful art. Instead, it perfectly complements it, enhancing the emotional depth and atmosphere while allowing the visuals to shine.

The combat itself is simple, which I appreciated, as it allowed the core elements—art and music—to remain in focus, reinforcing the game's identity as a work of art in motion.

If I had one wish, it would be for a photography mode! There are so many stunning frames throughout the game, and I found myself yearning for a way to capture them. Whether it's a shot with Alba or Neva (or both or neither), having that extra layer of interaction would have been delightful!

I have to say—calling for Neva never got old! I found myself petting and interacting with Neva often :') Whooozzzagudgirlll! (It added a personal touch to the game.)

To summarise, Neva beautifully blends evolving art, enchanting music, and engaging combat to create a journey that feels both familiar and fresh. It's a game that, much like Gris, leaves the player with something to think about—though perhaps not to the same degree of impact. However, sometimes parental love doesn’t need to be as profound and complex as grief to resonate deeply.