SCHiM Reviews
While a satisfying audio-visual experience, SCHiM's design is but a shadow of its true potential.
A thoughtful Indie puzzler that's worth lurking in the shadows for.
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.
SCHiM is an adorable indie platformer with a unique presentation and mechanic that make it a must-play for fans of cosy games and platformers.
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.
SCHiM is one of those experiences that you want to play every once in a while while taking a break. It has a cozy and inviting quality to it.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
If you are up for something uncommon, then you should give SCHiM a try. Despite some major flaws, it is a decent one-evening game.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Quiet and aesthetically pleasing, SCHiM has good ideas about the use of shadows in 3D platforming, but doesn't make efficient use of them enough to stand out as it could.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
SCHiM uses shadows in delightfully creative ways, turning ordinary objects into astoundingly helpful tools. This wholesome, vibrant 3D platformer offers an adventure that shouldn't be missed.
There was basically never a moment where I didn't find the game fun to play, and choosing to make my way through its story over the course of a week rather than all in one sitting alleviated the potential repetition of its gameplay. The aesthetic of SCHiM is fully complementary to the experience, and I find myself being unable to stop thinking about the game after rolling credits. In SCHiM we have another example of how less can definitely be more, a fitting title for the summer season and all of the shadows and shade we're sure to be seeking out.
Some people will think the gameplay is too boring and others may love its unique and creative concept too much to care. In the end, I found myself right in the middle. 🚲
Schim bases its entire game on a single gimmick. Despite the intriguing concept of jumping between shadows, it doesn't entertain as much as it should, offering neither a challenge nor a relaxing pastime. The plot is somewhat non-linear and ill-suited for the game. It's a shame because the core idea is solid, but the lack of notable level design and original mechanics makes it a fleeting distraction, failing to provide lasting entertainment or be memorable.
Review in Italian | Read full review
SCHiM is an endearing, highly stylized experience that misses the beat on one or two critical elements in its design. It's visuals and controls motivate you to play through to the end, but actually having something to care about would evolve this game into the upper echelons of indie game development.
Schim is cute, charming, and has a surprisingly emotional look into the themes of depression and midlife crisis. Perhaps it could dig deeper into its arguments, and maybe even dare a bit more with its gamepaly. Similarly, with a length of only about 3 hours and limited replayability, the launch price of 24.99USD/24,99EUR feels a little excessive, and I would absolutely recommend waiting for a sale. But when that sale does arrive, give Schim your consideration: it’s a quite beautiful little game with an intriguing concept and even a good message to give to its players.
The theme of this review is clear. SCHiM is a simple game, which makes it not only enjoyable to play but also accessible to everyone. You jump from shadow to shadow with your Schim, meaning you need to make good use of your environment. For example, you can be transported to different places via animals and people. The color schemes are beautifully chosen, ensuring everything is immediately clear. As a Dutch person, you'll also recognize some environments since the game is set in our own country. Not all levels are the same length, as they are tied to the story, which has a nice ending. If you want more of a challenge, after completing the game, you can tackle the extra difficulty options or try to collect all the collectibles in a level. These relate to the story within the world, and helping the little Schimmen feels good. It’s a small moment of joy before you continue playing. However, the lack of a free camera can make it difficult to find them at times.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
SCHiM captivates players with its unique art style and simple yet engaging gameplay, where you guide a shadow creature through various challenges in a visually striking world. The game successfully combines emotional storytelling with inventive level design, offering a memorable experience despite occasional accessibility issues and minor gameplay setbacks.
Despite its good intentions and the welcome reflection it promotes, SCHiM ends up not standing out as a game due to fundamental flaws, such as the problems with the camera and its simple mechanics, which unfortunately prove repetitive in a short time. Still, if you are looking for a cozy journey with a notable artistic atmosphere, it is worth remembering that one of the wonders of art as a human expression is that it is, above all, subjective. With this in mind, this essay on life does not deserve to be completely relegated to the shadows — in fact, the truth is that if there is one thing I have learned from this review, it is that the shadows are more welcoming than they appear.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Splashing through SCHiM's stunning levels, watching its simple, but effective and human story, and absorbing its promising and ingenious elements, I believed that I would find in this indie an experience to praise and rub in the faces of friends and readers at every imaginable opportunity. And I would have found it, if I hadn't reached the credits without finding the glue that would bind all these components together: inventive and structured level segments, capable of squeezing exciting puzzles and platforming challenges from all these pieces, and preventing the gameplay from becoming an automatic and, occasionally, boring process.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
SCHiM is a sweet little platformer that takes a joyous childhood idea and turns it into a heartwarming story that’s engaging and enjoyable. It shows off some great silent storytelling that connects you to the main characters by way of a great introduction and finale, despite losing some steam in the middle. SCHiM showcases an undoubtedly wonderful mechanic against some striking backdrops, and while it doesn’t quite get into high gear, there can be no denying that this shadowy hop-fest is great fun, and that some of the finer details will certainly bring a smile to your face.
A good idea and a good concept that get lost in repetitive levels and a tiring structure, even for a platform game.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review