Neva: Prologue Review – Essential to Play with More Challenges

Having just played through the Neva base game by Nomada Studio and Devolver Digital, a new DLC called Neva: Prologue was released on February 20, 2026. If Neva was a complete cycle of seasonal life, the Prologue DLC delivers a short but challenging jump back into the world and gives us a warm welcome to Alba and her wolf companion Neva’s first meeting.

Set in a corrupted swamp, the hand-drawn environments are back but this time there is much darker fog with areas teeming with white butterflies. The white rain drops in sections also adds to the atmosphere as you progress, then the brighter yellow lighting towards the end adds much needed contrast and a glimpse of hope. Clocking in at around 90 minutes, this prequel trades the sweeping epic feel of the base game for a more condensed playing field and for me, with an increased difficulty in platforming sections.

Initially fending for yourself as Alba, there are many corrupted world sections where the ground reaches up to hurt Alba. Add in dealing with monsters on the ground and in the air required much more intense precision and timing. Once you eventually meet up with a skittery Neva, a new carry mechanic is introduced where instead of just petting and calling Neva, you can now physically carry Neva to navigate hazards. It’s a small addition that carries some emotional weight, reminding you that before they were a team, Alba was a protector.

The standout feature is a new puzzle type involving light and shadow. Platforms and enemies blink in and out of existence based on the shifting sun and moon, forcing a rhythmic precision that feels like a deadlier version of the base game’s later stages. Without spoiling the encounter, the new boss showcases the monster’s scale and menace. It serves as a stark reminder of why Alba was so protective in the original game’s opening hours.

Overall, Neva: Prologue is a prequel that feels essential to play through to get an even greater overall picture of the connection between the two main characters. It’s short yet more challenging and emotionally charged with Alba and Neva’s first interactions. It’s worth the AU4.99 price tag and a must-buy for anyone who felt the original game ended too soon, providing just enough to satisfy those looking for more to play through.

This review utilised a key provided by Devolver Digital and Neva: Prologue is out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

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