July 16th 2024.
Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be a shadow? To move through the world without a solid form, dependent on light for survival? Well, that's exactly what you get to experience in SCHiM - an inventive and soothing indie adventure set in a monochrome Dutch city.
Video games have been around for over half a century, but it's easy to assume that every possible idea has already been explored. Yet, SCHiM proves that there are still unique and captivating concepts to be discovered.
With its line drawn art style and isometric perspective, the game puts you in the shoes - or rather, the shadow - of a man. You can detach yourself from him, creating your own path through the city's shadows. But be careful, direct sunlight is deadly for a shadow, so you must constantly seek out shade from buildings, objects, and even people and animals.
Just when you're getting used to your newfound freedom, the man wanders off, leaving you to fend for yourself. Your only goal is to catch up with him and reconnect, but he's not making it easy. He'll often turn down side streets or hop on a bike, leaving you with a long stretch of bright, sunlit space to navigate.
But despite the urgency of your mission, the game allows you to take your time and explore at your own pace. You can even double-jump, as long as you land in darkness on your second hop. If you find yourself in the sunlight, you'll be brought back to the last shadow you occupied, which can sometimes be a long way away if you were riding on the shadow of a moving object.
While there are some stressful moments, such as navigating conveyor belts and transient shadows cast by passing cars, the overall gameplay is calm and gentle. This gives you the opportunity to appreciate the playful touches scattered throughout the game, triggered by the interaction button. From catapulting yourself over fences to honking car horns, these moments add a layer of fun to the experience.
Speaking of bikes, the game is inherently Dutch in its setting and atmosphere. You'll find yourself surrounded by bicycles, canals, and even the occasional step-gable building. It's a refreshing change from the typical settings of most games.
However, the game does have a meandering quality to it, which some may find formless compared to more traditional games. The story is also largely open to interpretation, as there are no words and any narrative is inferred through gameplay. But there's something peaceful and meditative about simply enjoying the journey, rather than focusing solely on the destination.
In the end, whether you'll enjoy SCHiM depends on your personal taste. It's well-crafted and bug-free, but it may not appeal to those looking for a more challenging and competitive game. But for those who appreciate an imaginative and unconventional experience, SCHiM is a must-try.
Score: 7/10
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC
Price: £20.99
Publisher: Extra Nice
Developer: Ewoud van der Werf and Nils Slijkerman
Release Date: 18th July 2024
Age Rating: 3
SCHiM - a simulator like no other, where you can experience the world through the eyes of a shadow. Will you be able to navigate the city and reunite with your human counterpart?
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