Release Date: July 18, 2024
SCHiM is an unconventional platform game in which we navigate a lost spirit, jumping from shadow to shadow. The game is the work of indie developer Ewoud van der Werf, working with Extra Nice studio.
SCHiM is an unusual platform game in which we control a schim - the spirit of an object or creature (in this case, a human), moving through shadows. It was created by two people - indie Dutch developer Ewoud van der Werf and collaborator Nils Slijkerman from Extra Nice studio, which released it. The game in its original version was created in 2020 as an exam project and was developed and refined after generating interest on Twitter.
Every object or living being has a soul, or schim, which under no circumstances should be separated from its object. Unfortunately, this happens to one of them - he is separated from the man with whom he was united. We take on the role of this lost spirit and must find and reunite with our essence before it's too late.
In the world, shown in isometric projection, full of life going on with its own rhythm, we move by jumping on platforms created from shadows. They can disappear when the light source is cut off and move along with the objects and creatures they belong to, so we have to plan our moves wisely and influence the environment in such a way, interacting with it to create a path for ourselves. Each level can be passed in many ways.
On our way we meet other schims and characters we can help.
The game world stands out in terms of graphics - it's a vibrant leveles made in a simple cartoon style, based on just four colors.
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Ewoud van der Werf
Publisher: Extra Nice
Age restrictions: none
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System Requirements for SCHiM Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 650 or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit.
Game Ratings for SCHiM Video Game.
Cubed3: 4 / 10
Schim isn't without its merits. For players looking for a more casual, low stakes experience, it can be a relaxing time to shut off the mind to, and the art style alone is worth admiring. It's built on a strong conceptual foundation, even if it struggles to make the most of its intriguing premise. Although it doesn't quite hit the mark fully, Schim should be applauded for trying to do something different and unique. There is a certain satisfaction to leaping from shadow to shadow, much like one might imagine as a child looking out from the window and also imagine during a long car journey. Much like those car-imagining journeys, though, the novelty can fade quickly, but at least it doesn't make one feel queasy, like reading a Beano would.
TheGamer: 3.5 / 5 by Sam Hallahan
Throughout Schim, you can only watch this man’s life from a few steps behind, and when the time is right, you find him as hope returns and the man finds himself at the same time. There are some beautiful, abstract sequences as the man goes through these stages of depression, development, and betterment, and the lead-up to the final moments are appropriately dramatic and satisfying, completing what is a pure and wholesome experience that casts a bigger shadow than you may expect.
Screen Rant: 3 / 5 by Ben Brosofsky
Simple but great gimmicks can be hard to stretch into a complete game, and SCHiM definitely struggles a bit to cross the finish line. It does cross it, though, and the inconsistent results are nonetheless charming and occasionally inspired. SCHiM is a diamond in the rough that really deserves a polish, but even without it, the sparkle can still peek through.