Review: SCHiM (PlayStation 4/5, Switch, Xbox & Steam) - Defunct Games

Defunct Games reviews SCHiM, available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Switch and PC.

Explore a whole city by jumping from one shadow to the next in the new platformer SCHiM. Made by a first-time developer, this innovative game takes us on an epic journey to reunite a man with his shadow. The result is a funny and occasionally emotional quest through what would normally be mundane locations, like a super market, art gallery or beach. There is a bit too much filler and it’s not always clear where you’re supposed to go, but the game is full of surprises and absolutely sticks the landing. It’s a little rough around the edges, but the world needs more games like SCHiM.


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[clayton_games]

It's like when I try to jump shadow to shadow on the sidewalk in real life

[jwrfb]

It's hard for me to settle on the most innovative platfomer I ever played as I played so many and several of them are rather unique. The first one that came to mind is Eversion due to its unique dimensional mechanic that basically rewrites the level you're on, changing how you interact with things. Games like Braid and The Passenger were pretty interesting too.

[brendanbennett]

Beautiful game, I'm about halfway through it. I loved the intro, which is saying a lot since I'm usually impatient when there's story exposition right up-front.

I agree about the filler - I wish there were more puzzles centered around the shadows you interact with in interesting ways, and less gameplay focused on simply jumping from shadow to shadow. I (mostly) disagree about the game needing to point out the direction to go in, though - I like that I can go wherever I want and kind of casually figure things out myself.

My only other complaint is that I don't really know why the shadow is trying so hard to get back to the human - the human doesn't seem to care at all that it's missing. Maybe that will get established more as I get further in the game.

All in all a very nice game to vibe out to.

[Dragnix]

I admit, I'm on the other side of the fence when it comes to Schim. I agree with many of the points you made, in particular with the goal elements and the use of that "go this way" button, and some of the level elements indicated. I like that it gets

I just feel like the game in essence never hits the original potential presented from the get go. The game could have done a lot more with lightning to change up platforming challenges: Raves, Disco Balls, Something from like Lights Out. When it gets creative it can be fun, but man, I found myself really suffering at the parts when it got into the same old levels over and over again. It doesn't help when the game gets a little too obtuse, like forcing you to wait at one specific spot that it doesn't do a good job of showing why that spot is important.

I also actually didn't like the chasing human aspect element, mostly because it's still unclear to me why the shadow ends up wanting to get back. It could be familiarity, it could be wanting to help him out, but I don't think the game did a good job of putting personification onto the shadow itself, which I think could have gone a long way to really making the story stand out and making you really connect with it. I mean, it almost looks like a soot sprite, and yet, I feel like it never really lets the "character" shine. I think I was disappointed with the fact that the human, despite the whole losing a shadow thing, does end up succeeding without it at times, and it confused the narrative for me.

For me, the sticking point is the price. Look, I've been on record saying that games are underpriced, especially indies, but man it's hard for me to justify that price tag with the good amount of filler it has, and what's available in a more weird platforming experience out there right now. It feels like the ambitions were a lot higher, and that this sorta fell short maybe due to budget or time.

Good Review though, as always.

[sabertoothretro]

I always find something interesting on this channel. Putting this one on my wishlist.

[JenMistress]

For me, I'll say good controls is most important to a platformer, even more so than innovative, because what was innovative at one point could become common later on, like Super Mario 64 could be considered innovative, even though in later years 3D platformers became common. As such, as for the question, not exactly sure as to how to answer. Maybe Princess Peach Showtime, but hard to say.

[goranisacson]

A memorable look and an interesting premise- though I've been burned by similar games like this in the past I think I'm the kinda sucker who'll always at least try a game that seems like it'll provide an experience I haven't had before. Just so I can say I tried... and because as someone who grew up in the days of 8-bit and played so many samey games of that era, I'm just a sucker in general for the age where people can fart around and just test out newbideas of merging interactivity with oddball ideas, even if the endresult isn't as fun as the more 'classic' games of old.

On that note in terms of innovation... man, I really feel like I gotta be dull and say Super Mario 64? THE herald of 3D gaming who set the stage for so many others sure feels to me like the biggest, most influential change I've ever personally experienced.

[FLATERICreal]

this game looks great! i might get it!