Review: Caravan SandWitch (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch offers the heartwarming journey you didn’t know your inner gamer had been craving. Imagine stepping into a Mad Max world, not for the chaos, but to take a slow and soulful road trip through the remnants of an apocalyptic setting. You’re in the shoes of Sauge—who, true to the coolness of their name, navigates the dusty trails of their home planet in a beat-up yet endearing van as they search for their missing sister. Here, it’s all about the vibes and exploring with heart; there are no weapons or frustrating game-over screens to distract you.

From the moment you start the game, its unique art style warms you like a ray of sunshine breaking through a windowpane. The universe of Caravan SandWitch is undeniably stunning. Picture gentle brushstrokes, sunsets that glow warmly, and ancient ruins cloaked in greenery—each telling its silent tale. Whether you’re racing over sun-drenched dunes or wandering through the remains of old factories, each stop feels like a piece of art you wish you could step into. And the characters you meet? Wonderfully eccentric, reminding you of characters from a charming indie comic, each one as quirky and lovable as the last.

The story gradually unwinds like a letter from an old friend. It’s a tale filled with sincerity, touching moments, and deep sentiments. While searching for Sauge’s sister, you find yourself engaging with an array of intriguing characters who have found ways to live in this broken world. There are no cumbersome info dumps or flashy dramatic cutscenes; just heartfelt interactions and a narrative that takes its time to unfold. As a delightful side note, the quest log looks like a social media feed, giving off vibes of a really wholesome Instagram, which oddly adds a modern charm to keeping track of tasks.

About that van—my trusty, albeit rusty travel companion—driving it around is generally a delight. It carries that endearing, if slightly unpredictable, indie-game physics vibe. Most of the time, it’s fun, until you find yourself trying to make a sharp turn and end up plummeting off a cliff (I may or may not have experienced this firsthand). As you progress, you gather unique upgrades—think scanners and grappling hooks—which open up new paths for exploration. Yet, the absence of a fast travel option can be a test of patience. There were moments I simply wanted to fast-track back into the narrative, but the game insisted, “Enjoy the ride, my friend.”

Perhaps the bravest choice the game makes is embracing a pacifist lifestyle. There’s no combat, and let me tell you, it is a refreshing breeze. With no enemies to worry about or impending doom, I could just explore and be present. The game allows its emotional moments to truly resonate and lets you connect with its world at your own pace. It’s a gentle escape—a reminder that not every game has to send your adrenaline through the roof.

Still, it wasn’t all perfect. A few technical glitches cropped up, like frame rate drops and quirky animations. Some side quests felt too much like simple fetch missions, a touch repetitive at times. While none of these issues were game-breaking, they did occasionally test my patience. A little extra polish on the quests and performance would go far in maintaining the game’s flow.

Despite these hiccups, Caravan SandWitch kept me coming back for more. There are countless small details and hidden stories if you take the time to explore. Its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere lingers long after you finish. Even after the end credits, I found myself jumping back into my van, eager to explore places I’d missed or check-in on the endearing characters I’d met.

In conclusion, Caravan SandWitch isn’t aiming to be a blockbuster—it’s a heartfelt journey through a forgotten yet beautiful landscape. It’s meant to tell a story, hold your hand through it, and maybe even touch that soft spot in your gaming heart. Is it a flawless experience? No, but it’s definitely a journey worth experiencing.

This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.

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

Overall: 7/10

Caravan SandWitch, with its breathtaking hand-painted visuals, quirky characters, and leisurely unfolding narrative, prioritizes exploration over drama. While its idiosyncratic physics and lack of fast travel might try your patience, the true treasure lies in the journey itself. Despite some technical setbacks and repetitive side quests, its rich atmosphere and emotional weight make this a road trip worth taking.