Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering SCHiM by joint developers Ewoud van der Werf, Nils Slijkerman:
SCHiM: (The Explanation)
SCHiM offers a deeply emotional and relatable story through its unique shadow platforming gameplay. The game begins with you playing as a Schim, the shadow of a young child who playfully hops around shadows as the child enjoys life with friends. As time progresses, you witness the child grow up, experiencing high school, graduation, work, and love.Â
However, life’s hardships soon take over, and you see the child-turned-adult face job loss, heartbreak, and despair. When a stumble separates the Schim from its human, your mission becomes to reunite with your human, following them through the ups and downs of life. This narrative cleverly uses shadows to symbolize the unseen struggles people go through, making it a poignant and touching experience.
The minimalist art style of SCHiM beautifully conveys the game’s mood and narrative shifts. The world is crafted with solid, bold colors and contrasting shadows, creating a simple yet stunning visual experience. A single change in color can alter the time of day, the narrative, or the mood entirely, enhancing the overall experience.Â
This artistic approach allows the game to communicate complex emotions and story developments with just a few visual cues, making every scene feel significant and impactful. Each of the over 50 levels in this roughly three-hour experience is designed to keep players engaged and immersed in the world of shadows.
SCHiM‘s gameplay revolves around navigating the world by hopping from shadow to shadow. This unique platforming mechanic introduces traversal puzzles in an entirely new light. Moving platforms might be the shadows of cars, while road crossings and umbrellas can help you reach new locations. The game’s clever use of everyday objects as part of the shadow-based puzzles keeps the gameplay fresh and interesting.Â
While the core gameplay can feel repetitive at times, especially when navigating similar environments, the game’s short levels and the introduction of new environmental mechanics, like flickering lights and interactable objects, help maintain a sense of variety.
SCHiM is a standout cozy game on the Nintendo Switch, offering a unique and impactful experience. Its emotional story, minimalist art style, and innovative shadow-based gameplay make it a memorable journey through life’s challenges. While some gameplay elements may feel repetitive, the game’s chill soundtrack and overall atmosphere more than compensate for it.Â
SCHiM is a great choice for players looking for a unique and wholesome gaming experience that combines emotional storytelling with engaging gameplay. If you’re looking for something different and meaningful, SCHiM is definitely worth a try.
SCHiM:Â (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Ewoud van der Werf, Nils SlijkermanÂ
Publisher: EXTRA NICE
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Platformer, Adventure, Puzzle, Action
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: July 18, 2024
Price: $24.99
File Size: 736 MB
Nintendo.com Listing
