SCHiM: Are You Ready to Play in the Shadows? | Review – Gifted

Author’s Note: A Game Key for SCHiM was kindly provided by Pirate PR

SCHiM is a game that has really stood out to me lately. In fact, it was from the moment I saw it on a recent Nintendo Showcase. There was something unique about the game that I couldn’t quite put my finger on at the time. Of course, this only made me more curious to find out more.

What is SCHiM?

Now, if you don’t know what SCHiM is, it is a game where you need to navigate between the shadows of the world while following a charming, relaxing and intriguing environment.

You follow the story of a person who has lost their shadow, and you’re trying your utmost to get back to them. No matter what it takes, this person needs their shadow back!

However, a SCHiM is actually more than just a name. It is the name of the curious being that belongs to every living being in their shadows. A SCHiM will only ever become lost from their person in the event of a life-changing event. Naturally, your SCHiM will do their best to get back to their human.

Are you Curious Yet?

If you’re feeling curious about SCHiM, why not have a look at the trailer below!

So, what do you think?

Are you ready to swim and jump through and between the shadows?

The Magic Lies in the Shadows

SCHiM has been everything I hoped it would be and more. What started off as playing the select gameplay in the demo turned into experiencing the game as a whole. From start to finish, SCHiM is magnificent. The more I played the game, the more I started to understand why I was drawn to it and how I could relate to aspects of the story.

At heart, SCHiM is a platformer with a unique twist. Utilizing the shadows of everyday objects around the world to traverse. It truly is such a unique way of progressing through the levels and makes you stop and think before you time your next move. There are times when you will just jump to another stationary shadow. Other times, you’ll be timing it by jumping to a moving vehicle or another person’s shadow. There were times I found it difficult to get the jump at the right angle or the timing. Then I found there were times when I was missing out on interacting with an object to help with my next move. Either way, this proved to be all of the fun when making my way through the story.

If, for whatever reason, you don’t quite make the jump to the next shadow as intended, you’ll be taken back to the previous checkpoint. This is usually a few jumps prior to where you were last, so not a major setback.

Don’t forget, that you will come across various collectable objects throughout the world that will allow you to discover more ways to move through the shadows. You can also interact with other SCHiM’s in the world and help them make their own moves too.

Let’s Talk Style

I can’t deny that SCHiM’s art style is gorgeous. The isometric drawings, the colour pallet, and the smaller details within an already lively and beautiful world are spot on. I can’t imagine SCHiM being in any other art style. Both just complement one another perfectly.

Now, as for the soundtrack, it adds so much to SCHiM’s overall experience. It reflects what’s going on in the story as well as around you in the game. It’s not overpowering in any way. In fact, it’s very relaxing and chill.

Overall Thoughts

After playing through SCHiM, it has been everything I wanted it to be and so much more. From the moment I played the demo, watched the developer logs and got hands-on with the full game, I knew I was hooked on this game. It has easily been one of my favourites of the year so far. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve replayed levels just to keep playing either

The story was easy to follow and something that I feel not only myself, but many other players will be able to relate to. SCHiM is easy to pick up and play as and when I have time, without the stressing of wondering what I had done last.

It’s been a delight exploring the world of SCHiM and doing my best to reunite my little being back to their lost human. With every level telling a different part of the story, it pulls you in wanting to know more while having fun at the same time.

If you are looking for a game that is charming and full of fun and unique features/gameplay, then definitely do not pass on SCHiM! Definitely a game I’ll be recommending to my community.

SCHiM launches on Thursday 18th July 2024 on Steam, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation platforms!

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Published by Krista

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