Game: Caravan SandWitch
Genre: Adventure, Exploration
System: Steam (also available on Nintendo Switch)
Developers | Publishers: Studio Plane Toast | Dear Villagers
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $24.99 | UK £21.99 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: September 12th, 2024
A review code was used, with many thanks to JFGames PR.
Caravan SandWitch from developers Studio Plane Toast invites you to take a deep breath and enjoy the journey. Set in a lovely Sci-Fi world that feels like a sun-soaked Provence, this game is all about exploration, community, and uncovering a mystery.
The Story and World of Caravan SandWitch
The story kicks off with a simple but compelling hook: you play as Sauge, and you are on the hunt for your missing sister. However, there is more to this story than a missing sister to find. You soon discover that someone mysterious is lurking in the shadows, watching Sauge’s every step as she searches for her sister in the vibrant world of Cigalo.
Also, the local communication system is broken, and Sauge must remove the jammers to get it working again. Of course, Sauge has lots of help on her quest to find her missing sister; Rose lets Sauge use her van, and the local mechanic, Néfle, helps with upgrades for the van, such as an antenna to reveal the location of the signal jammers around Cigalo and a grappling hook used to pull open doors.
Using the van to travel around Cigalo is great fun. At first, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to control the van as I’m not that great at driving in games; in fact, I’m terrible at driving. However, I needn’t have worried, as controlling the van is very easy. The developers have implemented the mechanic really well into the gameplay. In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed driving the van, though I still don’t think pedestrians would be keen on me driving in real life.
A Host of Interesting Characters
As you drive around Cigalo, you meet a host of interesting characters, from the ancient Reinetos to the robots left behind after the planet was exploited by the stubborn humans who refused to leave. Each character you meet has a story to tell, including the elusive SandWitch, and through them, you get a sense of Cigalo’s history and struggles.
What’s pretty special is how the game ties everything back to the theme of community; everyone you meet is part of this bigger picture, and helping them out by completing some quests is a big part of what makes the game so satisfying.
As you drive your van through Cigalo’s varied landscapes, the story unfolds in a relaxed, unhurried way. The world itself is a mix of the familiar and the strange, with lush green areas giving way to desert wastelands, all shaped by the impact of human activity.
Gameplay
When it comes to gameplay, Caravan SandWitch is refreshingly simple. There’s no combat, no nasty timers, and no real pressure at all, just you, your van, and the open road to explore. You spend your time exploring the world, upgrading your van to access new areas, and solving simple puzzles without being frustrated. The upgrades to your van are meaningful, and they’re a natural part of your journey rather than just a checklist of things to do.
What I really like about the game is that it lets you set your own pace. Whether you’re cruising along in your van or wandering around on foot, there’s a real sense of freedom. The game doesn’t rush you, so you can take your time soaking in the atmosphere and discovering all the little details that make Cigalo such a unique place.
Visuals and Sound
Visually, Caravan SandWitch is a feast for the eyes. The world is colourful and full of character, with each area reflecting the changing state of the planet. The transition from green, vibrant landscapes to dry, desert areas due to human overuse is both striking and thought-provoking. The characters you meet are just as memorable, with designs that feel fresh and full of personality.
The sound design is equally well done. The game’s soundtrack is calming and suits the laid-back nature of the gameplay, while the ambient sounds of nature and the gentle hum of your van add to the immersive experience. It’s the kind of game where you can lose yourself in the world, with the music and sounds pulling you in deeper.
I played the game on my laptop and the Steam Deck; while Caravan SandWitch isn’t officially verified to run on the deck, it works well. However, on both systems, Sauge got stuck in the background objects on occasion, and I had to exit the game to free her. While it didn’t interrupt my enjoyment of the game, it is something that shouldn’t have happened.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a game with lots of action or high stakes, then Caravan SandWitch is not the game for you. This is a game that is all about taking your time, enjoying the world, and connecting with the characters you meet along the way. It’s a game that encourages you to slow down and really appreciate the journey rather than just rushing to the end.
If you enjoy exploration and a good story, like I do, then Caravan SandWitch is definitely worth checking out. It’s a game with a lot of heart, and it offers an experience that’s both relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you’re in it for the mystery, the exploration, or just the chance to unwind in a beautiful world, Caravan SandWitch is a journey worth taking.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot 
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