Review: Caravan SandWitch (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch manages to sneak up on you with the kind of charm that makes you wonder how you ever got along without it. Imagine the gritty world of Mad Max taking a pause from its relentless chaos to embark on a tranquil, yet deeply soulful quest across a post-apocalyptic landscape. That’s the essence of this game. You’ll find yourself in the shoes of Sauge, who, true to the cool vibe their name suggests, is cruising through the barren remains of their home world in a loyal but battered van, in search of their long-lost sister. Forget about firefights or dreary game-over screens; this journey is all about the vibe, the intrigue, and a heart full of discovery.

As soon as I delved into the game, its art style washed over me like the sunshine through long-abandoned windows. Caravan SandWitch is nothing short of a visual masterpiece. Soft, painterly scenes of glowing sunsets and overgrown ruins tell stories all on their own. Whether I was speeding across vast dunes or meandering through the ghostly halls of old factories, each setting was like a dreamscape I yearned to explore. And those character designs? Delightfully peculiar and perfectly fitting—the kind you’d expect to leap out of an indie graphic novel, each with their own endearing quirks.

Unfolding as gently as a letter from a dear old friend, the narrative felt intimate and sincere, packed with moments that really dug into my emotional core. Chasing after Sauge’s sister was more than just a quest; it was an ongoing dialogue with the unique souls thriving in this dilapidated world. There’s no clunky exposition drops or dramatic scenes here—just genuine connections and storytelling that takes its time. Oh, and the quest log? It’s styled like a social media feed, which is charmingly unconventional and makes task management feel like a delightful scroll through an upbeat version of Instagram.

Let’s talk about that van, shall we? My trusty rusty sidekick on this odyssey definitely had its moments. Navigating the world of Caravan SandWitch felt whimsical—though occasionally exasperating when a simple turn had me tumbling off a precipice (yes, that happened, and I’m still slightly embarrassed). Upgrades along the way, like a scanner and a grappling hook, added some spice to the exploration, although the absence of fast travel did stretch my patience a bit. Sometimes, I wished I could speed past the scenery, but the game gently nudged me, “Hey, take it slow and enjoy the voyage.”

One standout aspect that I absolutely loved was the game’s bold decision to embrace a completely non-violent approach. No combat whatsoever; it was like a fresh blast of post-industrial air. Without the looming pressure of constant threats, I was free to simply exist and absorb the ambiance, making the game a therapeutic experience often neglected in mainstream titles. It allowed emotional moments to breathe, letting me connect with this world on my own terms. Not every game has to get your adrenaline pumping, and Caravan SandWitch is proof of that.

That being said, the journey wasn’t without its bumps. I hit a few technical snags such as stuttering frame rates and quirky animations. And yes, some side quests felt a bit like running errands—go here, talk to so-and-so, go back, repeat. These didn’t ruin the experience, but they did sap some energy from it. With a little more finesse and variety in these tasks, the game could have flowed more smoothly.

Even with these minor setbacks, Caravan SandWitch kept me coming back—there was always something more to uncover, be it hidden secrets or minute environmental details whispering their tales. Even after the credits rolled, I found myself hopping back into the van to revisit missed spots and catch up with characters I had grown fondly attached to.

In conclusion, Caravan SandWitch is less about the destination and more about the journey. It’s a warm, heartfelt travel companion in a world both desolate and hauntingly beautiful, determined to tell you a story and, maybe, touch your soul in the process. It might not be a flawless adventure, but it’s one that’s absolutely worth taking.

This assessment is derived from a retail copy of the game given by the publisher.

Caravan SandWitch

• Art Style: 9/10
• Story: 8/10
• Gameplay: 6/10
• Performance: 5/10

Overall: 7/10

With its enchanting hand-painted visuals, unusual characters, and storytelling that unfolds through heartfelt exchanges, Caravan SandWitch prioritizes exploration over fast-paced action. Its indie mechanics and absence of fast travel may wear on you, but the journey is its own reward. Despite the occasional technical stumble and monotonous side quests, its captivating atmosphere and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile trip.