TL;DR
Nomada Studio returns with Neva: Prologue, a standalone prequel that masterfully explores the fragile beginnings of Alba and Neva’s bond. Set two and a half years before the main story, this 90-minute journey swaps powerful synergy for raw vulnerability. In the somber swamplands, you’ll navigate tougher combat and innovative mechanics where trust must be earned through patience rather than force. The expansion shines on the PS5 Pro and proves to be a technical revelation on the Switch 2, offering fluid gameplay that brings Conrad Roset’s watercolor art to life like never before. Whether you’re drawn by the challenging platforming or the emotional depth of motherhood, this affordable prequel is a poetic essential for every fan. Ready to discover how this legendary partnership truly began? Dive into our full review for the complete breakdown of this stunning technical showcase.
It is not often that we at senses.se do full-scale reviews of a DLC, but here is an exception. Following up a success like Neva is no easy task. In 2024, Nomada Studio gave us one of the most beautiful and emotional adventures in modern times, where the bond between human and wolf had us sobbing in front of the screen. Now the studio has released Neva: Prologue, a standalone DLC that takes us back two and a half years in time to show exactly how Alba and the little wolf pup Neva found each other.
A story of trust
While the main game focused on loss and the inevitable journey toward the end, Prologue is about birth and fragile trust. Alba finds herself in the plague-ridden swamplands, an environment that, in Conrad Roset’s watercolor-drenched style, is more monochrome and somber than we are used to. It is here she finds Neva, who at this stage is just a terrified little pup.
Nomada Studio excels here with a ludonarrative mechanic that breaks the “pet the dog” trend: if you try to pet Neva directly, she recoils in fear. To progress, you must show patience, turn away, and let her approach on her own terms. It is a simple yet brilliant way to build an emotional foundation without using a single word.
Mechanical challenge without wolf support
Since this is a prequel, we don’t have access to the powerful synergy attacks we mastered at the end of the main game. Alba is alone with her sword, which makes the combat noticeably tougher. Neva the pup is more of a hindrance than a help at this stage; she accidentally triggers traps, and in the most intense sequences, Alba is forced to carry her in her arms, completely depriving the player of the ability to use their sword.
This creates a fantastic sense of vulnerability. The highlight is undoubtedly the concluding “birthing puzzle” – a rhythmic sequence in a raging thunderstorm where platforms only become visible in the flash of lightning. It is interactive poetry that simulates the absolute trial of motherhood and the protective instinct.
Format and technology: Switch 2 vs PS5 Pro
We have tested the expansion on both PlayStation 5 Pro and the new Nintendo Switch 2, and it is interesting to see how the studio has optimized the experience. On PS5 Pro, the image is naturally razor-sharp in 4K with a rock-solid frame rate that does full justice to the fluid animations. However, the surprise is the Switch 2, where the game takes advantage of the new hardware to deliver an experience that feels worlds better than on its predecessor. Here we finally reach a stable 60 fps (with support for up to 120 fps in certain modes), which is critical in the new, more precision-demanding platforming sections. The hand-painted look really pops on the new screen, making this the ultimate way to experience the game portably.
Conclusion
Neva: Prologue is a perfect snack – it costs less than a latte in town (approx. 35 SEK) and offers 60–90 minutes of high-quality gaming joy. It is more challenging than the original and admittedly lacks the grand finale or the hidden rewards we are used to (the 5 hidden flowers unfortunately do not grant a new secret scene this time), but as an emotional appetizer and technical showcase, it is an absolute must for fans of the original game.
Devolver Digital sent a review code for this game. Providers of material have no editorial influence on our tests.
