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MONSTER

SCHiM

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of SCHiM
Item: SCHiM
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Platformer, Artistic, Puzzle and Logic, Top-Down Perspective, Casual, Single Player

AvailableJul 18, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, Xbox One

DeveloperEwoud van der Werf

Overview

Schim is a game about jumping through shades in a challenging and lively environment, touch the light and it's over! This fast-paced 3D platformer takes elements of light & animation and adds them directly to the gameplay, delivering an experience that you will only find in Schim.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

SCHiM impresses critics with its innovative nonverbal storytelling and charming visuals, effectively exploring themes of childhood and loss. However, many reviewers note significant shortcomings, including a lack of narrative depth, disjointed execution, and confusion due to its opaque structure. While the game has the potential for a compelling story, its inconsistent delivery leaves players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of SCHiM has garnered a mix of positive feedback among critics, particularly for its unique approach to storytelling. Many reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and TheSixthAxis, praised the game's nonverbal narrative, highlighting its ability to evoke emotions through environmental storytelling and visual cues. Critics noted the charm of the initial setup, with GAMINGbible mentioning a delightful montage that sets a positive tone for the journey. The game's exploration of themes such as childhood, loss, and the bond between a shadow and its human companion resonated with several reviewers, including Generación Xbox, who found the narrative emotionally resonant. Additionally, the whimsical and engaging visuals were commended by critics like TheXboxHub, who emphasized the heartwarming nature of the story. However, the narrative of SCHiM is not without its shortcomings, as many critics pointed out issues that detract from its overall impact. CD-Action and Power Unlimited highlighted the story's lack of depth and emotional engagement, suggesting that the narrative feels disjointed and occasionally fails to maintain interest. Critics like God is a Geek and GameSpew noted that while the premise is intriguing, the execution lacks focus, making it difficult for players to fully engage with the story. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as Metro GameCentral, criticized the opaque nature of the narrative structure, which leaves certain elements unexplained and can lead to confusion. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while SCHiM presents a unique and visually appealing narrative, it struggles with consistency and emotional depth. Many reviewers appreciate the innovative wordless storytelling and the exploration of relatable themes, as seen in the opinions of TrueGaming and COGconnected. However, the game is often described as lacking in narrative cohesion, with several critics, including Vgames and Softpedia, expressing disappointment in its failure to fully engage players. This duality in sentiment suggests that while SCHiM has the potential for a compelling story, its execution may leave some players wanting more.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

SCHiM impresses with its unique shadow-based gameplay and engaging mechanics, praised for creativity and charm. However, many critics highlight its repetitiveness and lack of challenge, leading to a tedious experience over time. While it starts strong, the gameplay struggles to maintain engagement, resulting in a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of SCHiM has garnered a mix of praise, particularly for its unique concept and engaging mechanics. Critics like Digital Chumps and GameGrin highlight the creative puzzle-solving aspects and fluid 3D platforming mechanics, which allow players to navigate shadows with ease. Metro GameCentral describes the gameplay as mellow and meditative, emphasizing the enjoyment of navigating through shadows and avoiding sunlight. Additionally, Pure Nintendo points out the varying difficulty levels and the necessity for players to learn environmental interactions, suggesting that there is some depth to the gameplay experience. The charm of the game is also noted by TouchArcade, which appreciates the gorgeous 3D platforming experience and the clever use of light and shadow in puzzles. However, a significant number of reviewers express concerns about the repetitiveness and lack of challenge in the gameplay. Critics such as CD-Action and GAMINGbible mention that while the core mechanics of hopping between shadows are enjoyable, they quickly become monotonous and simplistic. Nintendo Life and Siliconera echo this sentiment, pointing out communication issues and a lack of depth that can lead to a tedious experience. The gameplay is often described as straightforward and lacking in challenging puzzles, with GameSpew and God is a Geek noting that the experience can feel repetitive and frustrating due to poor signposting and minimal challenge. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while SCHiM has a charming concept and some enjoyable mechanics, it ultimately suffers from a lack of depth and challenge that can lead to a repetitive experience. Many reviewers, including Power Unlimited and XboxEra, emphasize that the gameplay can become tedious over time, with trial-and-error elements detracting from the overall enjoyment. Despite its innovative approach to puzzle-platforming, the game appears to struggle in maintaining engagement throughout its levels, leaving a mixed impression among players and critics alike.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

SCHiM's graphics and visual design are a hit, praised for their unique neo-impressionist style and vibrant colors that enhance immersion. Critics laud the minimalist visuals and smooth animations, creating a captivating atmosphere. However, some note generic level designs and suggest character details could use more polish. Overall, it’s a visually stunning game that stands out, despite minor shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of SCHiM is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its unique and charming aesthetics. Reviewers from various platforms, including CD-Action, Digital Chumps, and GAMINGbible, highlighted the game’s beautiful art style, which features a neo-impressionist approach and vibrant color palettes that enhance the immersive experience. Critics like Nintendo Life and TheSixthAxis noted the effectiveness of the minimalist visuals and smooth animations, which contribute to the game's overall appeal. The use of shadows and light, as mentioned by Pure Nintendo and TrueGaming, further elevates the visual experience, creating a captivating atmosphere that resonates with players. However, some critics did express concerns regarding certain aspects of the visual design. PC Gamer pointed out that while the game features a Dutch-inspired aesthetic, some levels felt generic and lacked variety, which could detract from the overall experience. Additionally, while the minimalist art style is celebrated by many, a few critics like Softpedia noted that certain character details, such as limb design, might benefit from more attention. This suggests that while the overall presentation is strong, there are specific areas where the visuals could have been enhanced to create a more cohesive experience. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that SCHiM excels in its graphics and visual design, with a strong emphasis on unique artistic choices and effective use of color and light. Reviewers such as GameGrin and TouchArcade celebrated the vibrant and lively world created by the game, while others acknowledged minor shortcomings in variety and detail. Overall, the positive reception indicates that SCHiM successfully delivers a visually appealing experience that resonates well with players, making it a standout title in its genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

SCHiM's sound design and music receive strong praise for enhancing gameplay, with critics lauding its calming soundtrack and satisfying sound effects. While some argue the soundtrack lacks depth and variety, the consensus is that the audio elements create an immersive experience, complementing the visuals effectively. Overall, it's a positive auditory journey, despite a few criticisms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of SCHiM is predominantly positive, with many critics praising the game's auditory elements for their ability to enhance the gaming experience. CD-Action highlights the well-written soundtrack that complements the visuals, while Digital Chumps emphasizes the emotional connection fostered by the easygoing soundtrack. Critics like Nintendo Life and TheSixthAxis appreciate the instrumental and electronic music for creating a relaxing atmosphere that is not intrusive, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the game. Additionally, the sound design, as noted by GAMINGbible, includes satisfying sound effects that add enjoyment to gameplay, while Wayne June's narration, mentioned by God is a Geek, enhances the game's atmosphere significantly. Despite the overall acclaim, there are some criticisms regarding the soundtrack's depth and impact. Vgames describes the soundtrack as "very basic," suggesting it contributes little to the overall experience. GameCritics points out the absence of spoken dialogue, which may limit the traditional sound design elements that some players might expect. This lack of variety in the audio landscape could detract from the immersive experience for certain audiences, as it relies heavily on audio cues that may not resonate with everyone. In summary, the consensus among critics is that SCHiM features a well-crafted sound design and music that significantly enhances the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. Most reviewers, including Power Unlimited and COGconnected, agree that the soundtrack contributes to a calming and meditative experience, making it a fitting accompaniment to the game's visuals. While there are some concerns regarding the simplicity of the soundtrack and its potential lack of depth, the majority of critics find that the auditory elements work harmoniously to create an engaging and immersive experience for players across different platforms.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

SCHiM shines on Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X, hailed for smooth performance and stability, with no major bugs reported. However, the PC version struggles with technical issues, including camera control problems and lost progress, leading to mixed reviews. Overall, while the game excels on some platforms, it faces significant challenges on PC that could impact gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of SCHiM across various gaming platforms has garnered a largely positive reception, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X. Reviewers such as GAMINGbible and Impulsegamer highlight the stable performance on the Switch, with no significant technical issues reported, suggesting a well-optimized experience. Metro GameCentral also commends the game for being well-made and free from bugs, reinforcing the notion of stability. On the Xbox Series X, critics like Generación Xbox and XboxEra echo these sentiments, noting smooth performance at 60 FPS and no reported bugs or visual errors, which indicates a strong technical optimization on this platform. TouchArcade adds to the positive feedback on PC, praising the game’s flawless performance on the Steam Deck at 90fps, showcasing the game’s adaptability across different hardware. However, there are notable concerns regarding technical performance, particularly on the Nintendo Switch and PC. While some reviewers, like Pure Nintendo, acknowledge occasional frustrating moments and breaks in gameplay, TrueGaming points out visibility issues in certain levels due to the isometric perspective, which detracts from the overall experience. On PC, the situation appears more mixed, with critics such as Gameliner and PC Gamer reporting camera control issues and a significant problem where progress was lost, indicating potential stability problems. GameGrin mentions a few bugs and inconsistencies, further emphasizing the technical challenges faced on this platform. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while SCHiM performs admirably on the Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X, the technical performance on PC is more contentious, with several reviewers highlighting issues that could hinder gameplay. The Switch version is praised for its stability, with critics like GAMINGbible and Metro GameCentral underscoring the absence of major bugs. Conversely, the PC experience is marred by inconsistencies and technical flaws, as noted by Gameliner and PC Gamer, which detracts from the otherwise positive reception of the game. The PS5 also appears to maintain a stable performance, although some critics like Softpedia raise concerns about camera control issues. Thus, while SCHiM finds its footing on certain platforms, it faces challenges that could affect the experience for players on others.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are split on SCHiM's replay value. While some praise its exploration, hidden secrets, and difficulty options, many others criticize its short length (3-4 hours) and lack of engaging content, leading to repetitive gameplay. Despite potential for completionists, the overall experience may not hold players' interest long-term, resulting in a mixed reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of SCHiM reveal a mix of positive aspects that highlight the potential for exploration and challenge within the game. Several reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and TheSixthAxis, commend the game for its hidden secrets and optional objectives, which encourage players to delve deeper into the levels and discover more about the game world. Additionally, critics like TrueGaming and COGconnected note that the game offers options to increase difficulty and revisit stages, providing incentives for players who enjoy a challenge. This sentiment is echoed by PlayStation Universe, which emphasizes that the tight platforming mechanics can make returning to the game enjoyable for those seeking to master their skills. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's overall replay value, pointing out various shortcomings that detract from the experience. CD-Action and PC Gamer highlight the lack of engaging content and depth, suggesting that the gameplay may become repetitive and uninteresting over time. Critics like Power Unlimited and Generación Xbox emphasize the game's short length—approximately three to four hours—combined with a lack of diverse paths or decisions, which limits the incentive for players to replay the game. Furthermore, Pure Nintendo and Siliconera mention that the inconsistency in tone and the suggestion that the game is best played in short bursts may also hinder replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while SCHiM does offer some elements that can enhance replay value, such as collectibles and difficulty settings, these aspects are often overshadowed by the game's repetitive nature and lack of depth. Many reviewers, including God is a Geek and GameGrin, agree that while there are opportunities for completionists to hunt for hidden items, the overall experience may not be compelling enough to warrant multiple playthroughs. As a result, SCHiM appears to be a game that may captivate players initially but ultimately falls short in providing lasting replayability, leading to a mixed reception among critics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding SCHiM is a blend of admiration for its artistic qualities and criticism of its gameplay mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and Nintendo Life, highlight the game's stunning visuals and charming atmosphere, describing it as a cozy and relaxing 3D platformer. The unique concept of navigating through levels as a shadow frog has been praised for its imaginative approach, with critics like GameGrin and TheXboxHub noting the engaging gameplay and captivating story elements. Additionally, several reviewers appreciated the accessibility of the game, making it suitable for players of varying skill levels, as noted by Gameliner and Generación Xbox. However, the criticisms of SCHiM are significant and frequently mentioned across various reviews. A recurring theme is the game's lack of emotional depth and engaging gameplay, with critics like CD-Action and GAMINGbible expressing disappointment in its repetitive nature. Many reviewers, including Siliconera and PC Gamer, pointed out that while the game has an interesting concept, it ultimately falls short in delivering a fulfilling experience due to frustrating mechanics and a lack of challenge. This sentiment is echoed by critics such as Power Unlimited and GameSpew, who noted that the gameplay can feel monotonous and does not evolve enough to sustain interest throughout the experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while SCHiM showcases beautiful visuals and a charming premise, it struggles with gameplay depth and emotional engagement. Reviewers like TrueGaming and Metro GameCentral appreciate the unique approach and relaxing qualities, but many others, including GameCritics and XboxEra, feel that the game’s potential is hampered by its repetitive nature and gameplay inconsistencies. Overall, SCHiM is seen as a delightful yet flawed experience, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics and a casual gaming experience over challenging gameplay.

TL;DR

SCHiM impresses with stunning visuals and a charming premise as a shadow frog platformer, but suffers from repetitive gameplay and lack of emotional depth. Critics love its cozy vibe but lament its frustrating mechanics and shallow engagement, making it appealing mainly for those who value aesthetics over challenge.

MONSTER

Reviews

84 reviews found

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Jul 15, 2024