Critics have rated Neva favorably, especially for its watercolor-inspired visuals, emotional storytelling, music, and the bond between Alba and the wolf Neva. Metacritic currently displays an 87 on PC from 47 critic reviews and an 83 on PlayStation 5 from 30 reviews; both pages label the consensus “Generally Favorable.” Reviewers are less unanimous about gameplay depth and pacing, so the game’s appeal depends partly on whether you want an art-led adventure or a more mechanically demanding one.
What are the Neva critic review scores?
Metacritic’s platform pages show different aggregates, so these figures should not be treated as one universal score for every edition. The live values below were accessed in 2026 and can change as pages are updated.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Neva - Nintendo Switch | $39.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Neva - PlayStation 5 | $29.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Neva: Devolver Deluxe - Nintendo Switch | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Gris + Neva Collectors Edition - Switch | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
|
Neva - PS5 | $23.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Platform | Metascore | Critic reviews | Displayed breakdown | Consensus label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC | 87 | 47 | 41 positive (95%), 2 mixed (5%), 0 negative | Generally Favorable |
| PlayStation 5 | 83 | 30 | 25 positive (83%), 5 mixed (17%), 0 negative | Generally Favorable |
Sources: Metacritic PC critic reviews and Metacritic PS5 critic reviews. The pages include reviews dated October 2024. The four-point difference between the displayed scores does not, by itself, establish a technical or performance advantage on either platform.
What do critics praise about Neva?
Watercolor art and expressive animation
The most consistent praise concerns the game’s painterly presentation and animation. TheGamer’s October 14, 2024 PC review excerpt on Metacritic says: “Neva is one of the most beautiful games I’ve ever played, from the watercolour art style to the clever direction.” The available excerpt attributes the line to TheGamer, not to an individual reviewer.
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- Embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world as it slowly decays
- Help one another to brave increasingly dangerous situations.
- An emotionally charged action-adventure from the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed GRIS.
- Languages: Voices: N/A; Subtitles: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
An emotional story and central relationship
Reviewers highlight the relationship between Alba and Neva as a core part of the experience, alongside an emotional story and music. Eurogamer Germany’s October 15, 2024 excerpt describes it as “a visually stunning parable about life and death – very straightforward, but with a touching story and inventive combat.” That assessment captures a trade-off reflected in the wider reception: the story’s emotional directness is a strength for some, while its straightforward approach may be less compelling for players seeking a more elaborate narrative.
How do critics assess the gameplay?
Neva is described as a platforming adventure with puzzles and combat. Some critics praise its combat and mechanics; others find the gameplay simplistic or uneven, and some point to pacing concerns. The disagreement is about how much mechanical variety and development the experience provides, not whether the game has platforming, puzzles, or combat.
Rank #2
- Embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world as it slowly decays
- Help one another to brave increasingly dangerous situations.
- An emotionally charged action-adventure from the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed GRIS.
- Languages: Voices: N/A; Subtitles: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
- Likely a good fit: You value visual direction, music, a strong emotional through-line, and an adventure in which atmosphere matters as much as challenge.
- Read more platform-specific reviews first: You want sustained mechanical complexity, consistently demanding combat, or a pace that keeps building throughout.
Should you play Neva on PC or PS5?
The displayed PC aggregate is higher than the PS5 aggregate, but those numbers are separate platform-page snapshots and do not explain the difference. They are not evidence that one version performs better, has different content, or is technically superior. Choose based on your preferred platform, then consult reviews for that edition if platform-specific performance or controls are decisive to you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Release and storefront details
Fanatical lists Neva as a PC/Mac Steam game published by Devolver Digital, with an October 15, 2024 release date. Its listing also includes downloadable content such as a digital artbook, prologue, and soundtrack. These are seller-page details and availability or compatibility information can change; check the current listing for your region and system before buying. See the Fanatical listing.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Neva is an emotionally charged action-adventure from the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed GRIS.
- Neva chronicles the story of Alba, a young woman bound to a curious wolf cub following a traumatic encounter with dark forces. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world as it slowly decays around them.
- Their relationship evolves as they learn to work together, helping one another to brave increasingly dangerous situations. The wolf grows from a rebellious cub to an imposing adult while seeking to forge her own identity, testing Alba’s love and their commitment to one another.
- As the cursed world threatens to overwhelm them, Alba and her courageous companion will do whatever it takes to survive and make a new home, together.
Rank #4
- Introducing the stunning and soul-stirring GRIS | Neva - Collector´s Edition which includes the following items curated for this once-in-a-lifetime release, with exclusive artwork from Conrad Roset:
- Premium Hardcover Artbook with Sleeve: 168 pages and split equally between the 2 games. Measurements: 31.5 cms x 31.5 cms & Original Soundtrack Selection on Double Vinyl Gatefold.
- GRIS and Neva Steelbooks: PlayStation size for PS5 version, and Nintendo size for NSW version & Art Print with a combined concept from both games: 30.5 cms x 30.5 cms, comes attached to the back of the box cover which also serves as a frame. Detachable.
- GRIS and Neva PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch physical games & Collector´s box housing all the contents of this magnificent edition, and with concept artwork from both games.
Rank #3
- Embark on a perilous journey through a once-beautiful world as it slowly decays
- Help one another to brave increasingly dangerous situations.
- An emotionally charged action-adventure from the visionary team behind the critically acclaimed GRIS.
- Languages: Voices: N/A; Subtitles: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
- Neva: Devolver Deluxe will include the following exclusive items, besides the physical game: A stunning softbound 88-page artbook showcasing concept art and game art; A copy of the game’s original soundtrack by Berlinist, on a CD and as digital download; A collector’s tuck-in box housing all the contents.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
