by K.Asante
As a self-proclaimed gaming grazer, I’m someone who always has at least three or four games in my rotation. While many gamers advocate for focusing on and finishing one game before moving on to the next, I’ve never found that approach to work for me. I believe that gaming, like other entertainment mediums, should be dictated by mood. My desire to play a specific game or genre often shifts based on how I’m feeling at any given time.
To keep things fresh, I like to mix up my portfolio by including different genres in my rotation. Lately, I’ve been diving into Soul-like indie and AAA games, which offer punishing combat and a high skill ceiling. These games provide a deep sense of satisfaction when you finally conquer them, but they can also test your patience. When I find myself getting frustrated, I turn to smaller, more tranquil games that help me regain my Zen state.
This is where SCHiM, a 3D platformer, really resonated with me.
At its core, SCHiM is a platform game with light puzzle mechanics. You control a shadowy frog-like character, leaping from one shadow to the next to reach your objective, which is highlighted every time you press the right trigger. While hidden within the shadows, you can also interact with the environment in limited ways, such as honking horns on motorcycles or enabling light sources. The gameplay is easy to grasp, but you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time exploring. Though I breezed through most of the game, a few puzzles had me scratching my head for a few minutes.
What truly elevates SCHiM for me is its art style and music. The game promotes a sense of tranquility that’s rare in the gaming world. At first glance, the art may seem simplistic, but it possesses a depth that draws you in. The music perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive experience without overwhelming you.
What surprised me the most was the coherent and beautifully delivered story that SCHiM tells through environmental storytelling.
Overall, I’m thrilled that games like SCHiM exist. It’s one of the best examples of a “palate cleanser” game—a title that offers a soothing break from more intense gaming experiences. SCHiM is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series S|X, PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam.
