The Artistic Dilemma: Neva's Style vs Gris's Shadow
Neva, the latest creation from the makers of Gris, boasts an art style that is both breathtaking and unique With its stunning visuals, Neva has the potential to stand out from the crowd and establish itself as a must-play game However, it remains to be seen if its beauty will be a blessing or a curse, as it may overshadow other important aspects of the game
At the showcase, Nomada Studio revealed their latest project, Neva, following their 2018 hit game Gris. Gris gained popularity on the Nintendo Switch and highlighted the console's aptitude for indie and low-budget titles. Neva is set to release on the PlayStation 5 in 2024 and already appears to have captured the charm of its predecessor, which was heavily influenced by its stunning art style. Gris was successful in tackling the sensitive topics of depression and grief in a subtle yet meaningful way, using its captivating visuals as a medium. Neva has a lot to live up to, as Gris set the bar high among other visually striking games of its year, such as The Return of the Obra Dinn, Tetris Effect, and The Messenger.
Gris Wears its Art on Its Sleeve
The success of Gris lies in its captivating gameplay and compelling narrative, but what truly sets it apart is the breathtaking use of a washed-out, pastel color palette. Directed by artist Conrad Roset, the game's art is intricately woven into the overall quality of the experience. The innovative use of color is something that Neva is leveraging to their advantage, as seen in their May 24 presentation where they formally announced the game as a standout title.
However, with the weight of Gris' success behind it, Neva must surpass the high expectations set by its predecessor in order to achieve commercial success. Any shortcomings in the game's beauty will be unfairly criticized, making it difficult for Neva to break out of Gris' shadow. To truly exceed the standard set by Gris, Neva must create a unique and memorable story, presentation, tone, or characters that will captivate players and surpass the legacy of its predecessor.
Neva Could Separate Itself from Gris
Neva is set to be an immersive journey, which comes as no surprise given its impressive lineage. Although the visuals showcased in the trailer may share similarities with Gris, Neva manages to create a unique identity for itself. While it is a spiritual successor, it is not directly tied to Gris, which puts it in a favorable position to attract players who have yet to experience the latter.
The connection to Gris is undoubtedly a selling point for Neva, but it will need to distinguish itself from its predecessor in terms of aesthetics. Gris's art style evolves throughout the game, becoming more vibrant and colorful as the story progresses. Neva will need to find its own way to incorporate its visuals into the gameplay without encroaching on what has already been done. It's a fine balance to strike, but if executed correctly, Neva has the potential to become one of the top games of 2024.
Neva launches 2024 on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
