SCHiM Review
With thanks to the folks over at Extranice, I’ve been spending some time with the shadow-hopping adventure SCHiM. This one is out now and if you’re looking to see if SCHiM is any good, I’ve got you covered. As ever, my video and extended written review are both joined by my common-sense parent’s guide, so read (or watch) on below.
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The Basics – What is SCHiM About?
Available on: PC, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, PS5
Price: c£20
Type: Straightforward Puzzle Platformer
Download: c888MB (PC)
SCHiM is a cosy little adventure. Players will take control of a shadow, or SCHiM, a little spirit doot looking to get back to his owner. Players will leap from shadow to shadow, exploring an abstract world and following a fairly linear story and path.
The design and controls for SCHiM are both pretty minimalistic, using movement jump and action to control your little shadow. This will allow you to perform some control over the objects you merge with, allowing you to toot horns, rock prams and slingshot yourself from signs to cover longer distances. At times, it’ll also let you control movement, providing more routes through the environment.
While it’s definitely straightforward, streamline and not the longest title, SCHiM will be one for anybody who’s looking to take things at their own pace. It’s not packed with challenge, but there are some nice little lightweight puzzles to work out which will allow you to unblock paths. Importantly, there aren’t time limits and missing a shadow simply drops you back a hop or two, allowing a more chilled experience.
Is SCHiM Safe for Children?
Rating: Family Friendly.
SCHiM is rated by PEGI at 3 and above, and by the ESRB as E for Everyone. There’s nothing in here which has given me any concerns for our Micro-Bandits, and with simple premise and controls could be a decent one to start younger gamers out with. Overall, it’s one which I am happy to rate as Family Friendly.
The Run Down – Our Five-Point Rating for SCHiM
Gameplay – 4: The gameplay in SCHiM has been well thought out, and it fits the vibe of the game well. It’s another one which doesn’t really break a whole lot of new ground, but it’s been well put together to provide a streamlined and more relaxing experience.
Visuals – 4: They have some wobbly edges here and there but I’ve enjoyed the minimalistic visuals here which again really fit the vibe the developers have aimed for. Maybe count have done with a little refinement for small wobbles but good overall.
Audio – 3: The music and effects in SCHiM are good enough, but there’s nothing incredibly memorable which has stood out. It does well to provide background throughout the journey, but there’s nothing here which has made me take particular notice
Narrative – 3: There is a bit of a storyline here, told through voice-less cut scenes within the on-screen action. Players will have to interpret this, and it’s fairly lightweight overall, but it doesn’t detract from the title at all.
Replay – 1: SCHiM is a fairly short title of roughly four hours, and there’s not a great deal of challenge on this one. It really hits the chill playthrough that the developers have aimed for, but it’s not one which give much reason to jump back into afterwards.
The Verdict – Is SCHiM Worth It?
My Pixel Bandits Shadow Spirit Level for SCHiM is a respectable 7 / 10. SCHiM is a fairly decent title and if you’re looking for a streamlined experience with some light puzzles it could well be one for you. It’s one which has been made with love, and put together very well, but might like its shadow aspirations, it’s not incredibly deep.
A shorter play time doesn’t help it, but if you want something to blast through in a couple of play sessions, with a relatively stress-free playthrough, it’s one you’ll probably want to look over.
As ever, to provide my review and common-sense parent’s guide, I received free copies of SCHiM from the folks at Extranice.
