Summary
Platformers have developed beyond simple jumping and solving puzzles, regularly leaning into the potential of developing their art and combat systems.Nevais one of theplatformers announced this summerthat gamers have their eyes on, with its gorgeous art and canine wolf-like companion that develops in aesthetics and combat prowess as the game progresses.Neva’s focus on the bond between a controllable player character and a companion that assists them is reminiscent of another popular title from the same genre,Ori and the Blind Forest.
While the similarities between the two games seem obvious, with bothNevaandOri and the Blind Forestbeing platformers that involve saving beautiful worlds that are dying, they also both share mechanical and gameplay similarities in that they both include companions, and they both appear to involve a mechanic to improve their combat skills as the pair progress through the game.Ori and the Will of the Wispsexpanding the original’s combat is also comparable to howNevais poised to build on the combat of its developer’s previous game. Despite these similarities,Nevaseems to have taken what is best aboutOriand has made it its own.
The Similarities Between Neva and Ori and the Blind Forest
Nevawas developed by Nomada Studio, thesame studio that developedGRIS. It follows Alba, a young woman who forms a bond with a wolf cub after they share a traumatic event together, as they set out to conquer the dark forces that are killing their beautiful world. The pair traverse the world together as they learn to trust one another and work together. The reveal trailer forNevadepicts the passing of time through the wolf companion’s growth from a small cub into an adult.
Ori and the Blind Forestwas developed by Moon Studiosand released in 2015. It follows the player-controlled Ori and their companion, Sein, the light and eyes of the Forest’s Spirit Tree. Both Ori and Sein deal damage in combat, and have different combat abilities that are developed as the player progresses through the game. Ori begins the game with no combat prowess but, by completing levels and learning the talents of other Spirits through Ancestral Trees, they develop their combat skills as well as other abilities.
Neva’s Possible Gameplay and Combat and How it Compares to Ori
As is evident from the trailer and other information revealed,like inOri and the Blind Forest, Alba and her wolf companion inNevaalso share different combat abilities that are developed as the game progresses. As time passes in the trailer, both Alba and the wolf become more proficient in combat. While the details ofNeva’s combat are still unknown, it’s possible that Alba and her wolf companion may be able to unlock combos and synergies as their bond becomes stronger and as the wolf becomes an adult and forms her own identity.
Despite the similarities, the fundamental concept behind the two games is likely to be very different, asNevaappears to have a greater emphasis on the coordination between Alba and her wolf companion than Ori and Sein. Ori and Sein had combination attacks and synergy, but much ofthe story ofNevais about the specific relationship and bond of trust between Alba and her wolf and how it develops. Improving their attacks and combat skills would be one way to depict their relationship improving and becoming closer.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
WHERE TO PLAY
The little spirit Ori is no stranger to peril, but when a fateful flight puts the owlet Ku in harm’s way, it will take more than bravery to bring a family back together, heal a broken land, and discover Ori’s true destiny. From the creators of the acclaimed action-platformer Ori and the Blind Forest comes the highly anticipated sequel. Embark on an all-new adventure in a vast world filled with new friends and foes that come to life in stunning, hand-painted artwork. Set to a fully orchestrated original score, Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the Moon Studios tradition of tightly crafted platforming action and deeply emotional storytelling.
