Neva: Prologue, an expansion for the 2024 action-platformer from Nomada Studio, skillfully explores the deep emotional ties between a person and their animal companion, resonating deeply with anyone who has cherished a pet.
This DLC, revealed during a February State of Play, recounts the initial encounter between the protagonist, Alba, and her wolf, Neva, when Neva was a mere pup. Similar to its predecessor, the Prologue is rich with intense emotions. Moments of distress, such as Neva falling through a fragile structure or being captured by an adversary, are portrayed with vividness, evoking a strong emotional response from the player. Nomada Studio, also recognized for their 2018 title Gris, demonstrates a mastery in embedding powerful feelings into their games, and Neva: Prologue further highlights this remarkable ability.
The narrative commences with Alba navigating a vibrant, butterfly-filled forest that soon transitions into a desolate swamp. Here, she encounters and fends off shadowy adversaries before discovering a lone wolf cub. After a series of challenges, Alba bonds with the cub, eventually naming her Neva. The game often depicts Alba tenderly carrying Neva, mirroring the intimate way many pet owners hold their own animals. In these early stages, Neva is depicted as a vulnerable puppy, limiting Alba's movements and emphasizing the protective instinct she feels. A particularly memorable sequence involves a tense chase scene with a colossal, slug-like creature, followed by Alba's perilous journey to reunite with her newly adopted companion after they are separated. This segment powerfully conveys the unwavering devotion pet owners feel, illustrating that the bond with an animal, whether new or long-standing, is profound and enduring.
As Alba embarks on her quest to rescue Neva, the game underscores the universal experience of pet ownership: the unconditional love, the protective instincts, and the profound grief that can accompany their challenges. The game reflects the sentiment that something beautiful can emerge from adversity, emphasizing resilience and forward movement. Neva: Prologue stands as a testament to the power of video games as a medium for exploring complex emotions and serves as a heartfelt encouragement to cherish our animal companions for every moment we have with them, recognizing the deep and lasting impact they have on our lives.
