Game: SCHiM
Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie, Puzzle
System: Nintendo Switch (also available on Steam (Windows) and PS4)
Developer | Publisher: Ewoud van der Werf, Nils Slijkerman | Extra Nice
Age Rating: US E | EU 3+
Price: US $24.99 | UK £20.99 | EU €24.99
Release Date: July 18th 2024
A review code was provided with thanks to Pirate PR.
SCHiM is a game about traversing from shadow to shadow whilst interacting with the environment around you.
What Exactly is a SCHiM?
The concept of a “schim” is a beautiful representation of the soul and essence of everything in this world, be it an object, a living being, or a person. It is what makes us who we are, giving us our uniqueness and vitality. It is important to remember that we all have a schim, and it is something that should never be taken away from us, as it is essential for our very existence and well-being.
Embark on a Mesmerising Journey
What if the inevitable separation occurs? This compassionate story explores the profound journey of a schim that was once intricately linked to a human but now finds itself adrift and longing to be reunited with its beloved companion. The schim’s unwavering determination to navigate the unknown and find its way back demonstrates the enduring bond between human and spirit, as well as the limitless power of love and devotion. Welcome to the mesmerizing world of SCHiM!
SCHiM is a breathtaking puzzle adventure. There is no doubt about the pure love, dedication, and hard work that has gone into such an enchanting game. Every line, shadow, and colour palette is intricately woven into the scene. It’s hard not to fall in love with each location.
Challenging But Not Frustrating
The concept behind SCHiM is straightforward yet challenging – survive in the shadows and evade the light at all costs. As the player, your main objective is to navigate from shadow to shadow, ensuring minimal exposure to light. If you happen to find yourself in the light, you have a brief window to leap to a nearby shadow before facing your “demise” and respawning at the nearest safe spot.
I find this game concept particularly intriguing and unique compared to others in the same genre. Instead of punishing you with starting over from the beginning of a level or limiting your chances with a set number of lives, SCHiM offers a more forgiving and dynamic gameplay experience. It encourages quick thinking and strategic manoeuvring, making each playthrough both challenging and rewarding. I appreciate the compassionate approach the game takes in allowing players to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills with each respawn.
A Unique Perspective
If you ever feel lost and unable to see what lies ahead, don’t worry! Just gently press the shoulder buttons to shift your view and explore new possibilities. The ability to interact with objects, like springing off items to gain momentum, is truly amazing. I personally found that it really deepened my connection with the game and made the experience even more engaging. So don’t be afraid to experiment and discover all the incredible features that await you in the game!
A Note
At the time of writing this, I experienced quite a few crashes of the game on my Nintendo Switch. So much so that I feel like I hadn’t progressed as much as I would have liked before writing this review. I’ve tried to be as objective as I can, but with all the crashes I experienced, I feel I haven’t been able to be as thorough as I would like. However, from what I have managed to play and the progress I have made, I can see this being a game I will return to again and again, especially once the crashes are addressed.
Conclusion
SCHiM is truly a fascinating game concept that seamlessly blends platforming, exploration, and puzzles to deliver an incredibly engaging and thought-provoking experience. The way it intertwines these elements creates a captivating and immersive world for players to get lost in. You can expect to be challenged and entertained in equal measure as you navigate through this unique and innovative game. The only thing that knocks it down a rating for me is purely the frequent crashes I experienced.
SCHiM can be purchased on the Nintendo E-Shop here.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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