SCHiM

SCHiM is the perfect example of pick-up-and-play puzzlers. A neat concept of shadow hopping, paired with the minimal style of Echochrome and Untitled Goose Game, SCHiM fits that genre for those after something cute and progressively challenging.

SCHiM is a wildly inventive platformer with a unique minimalist aesthetic, which is bolstered by creative gameplay and a steadfast focus on the human experience. I was surprised by the amount of emotional depth hidden within SCHiM’s shadow hopping platformer shell and appreciated becoming a small part of this world and its inhabitants. Though the premise is simple, SCHiM keeps things unique by constantly adding new challenges which utilizes light and darkness in creative ways, and I found myself consistently intrigued by where the story would go next.

SCHiM is an indie gem that is both simple in concept, but also bursting of creativity and originality. The gameplay itself might be a bit too simplistic for those looking for an adrenaline rush or instant gratification, but those who love this kind of puzzle 3D platformers will truly appreciate the effort behind it. The end result is an endearing experience, that has a few gameplay issues but overall becomes a memorable game thanks to its atmosphere and innocent approach to life.

All in all, SCHiM tells a story that could be ours. The bad luck, the disappointments, having to carry on anyway and discovering that somehow you can do it. Sometimes along the way we get lost and repeat ourselves, but in the end this too is part of the experience and ultimately we can say the same about ourselves.

SCHiM is a unique adventure that intuitively blends platforming and puzzling to deliver a memorable experience. Although the game lacks challenge, it seamlessly slips you into a relaxed state with its chilled beats and minimalist art style. Packed with character, this clever title will keep you enthralled throughout.

With its fine-line art style and minimalist color palette, SCHiM fuses the visual refinement of a wordless graphic novel with a fanciful platformer. It offers a panoramic vision of quotidian life that oddly put me in mind of Grand Theft Auto.

For a puzzler like this, some sections are surprisingly freeform when it comes to the route you can take to progress (occasionally this confuses the button that shows your objective, though). At times it feels like this freedom chafes with the potential for great puzzle design, like a level where you’re navigating by sparse light and few shadows, while cracks of lightning shift them dramatically… though it’s almost a non-factor as a navigational challenge. Even at only a couple of hours long, it can feel overstretched, but it’s well worth jumping into even so. [Issue#44, p.89]

I didn't have to jump over my shadow to give this rating: Even if SCHiM falls short of its ideas, the charming game treasure offers a great presentation, a beautiful story and a fun gameplay flow.

Schim is a nice little puzzle game that is quite relaxing to play. There's no stress and you can explore the surroundings as you wish - and there are often several different things to find. You might miss a little variety in the gameplay and perhaps a little ingenuity in the use of shadows and light, but overall it's a pleasant puzzle game with a good vibe and a nice minimalist visual style. So, if you're looking for a cosy little puzzle game, Schim is a good choice.

SCHiM looks absolutely fantastic, and its idea is innovative: you're a shadow who has become untethered from its human. But the goal of reuniting the pair is unfortunately more frustrating than it should be: while there are some enjoyable elements here, ultimately we were relieved when it was over.

Calm and aesthetically pleasing, SCHiM has good ideas for using shadows in 3D platforms, but doesn't make efficient use of them enough to stand out as it could.

SCHiM has moments where it lives up to the promise of its concept, and levels where fresh ideas and fun mechanics elevate the experience. Unfortunately, it also feels padded and simplistic for long stretches, and the narrative doesn't quite hang together. It looks great, but it's often frustrating, too.