Review: Caravan Sandwich (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch is like that unexpected road trip you didn’t realize you were yearning for, wrapped in a cozy gaming package. Imagine stepping into a Mad Max movie minus the pandemonium, and instead embarking on a leisurely, heartfelt journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape. You step into the shoes of Sauge, as effortlessly cool as the name implies, as you cruise through the dusty remnants of your home planet in a lovingly decrepit van, on a quest to find your missing sister. Forget about weapons or game-over screens here; it’s all about the journey, discovery, and packing plenty of emotion along the way.

The first thing that hit me was the art style, which felt like a ray of sunshine peeking through a cracked window. The world within Caravan SandWitch is, quite frankly, breathtaking. With its soft brushstrokes and glowing sunset hues, the landscapes are rustic ruins flourishing with flora, each with stories whispering through the winds. Every scene, whether racing over sand-swept dunes or exploring the silent bones of an old factory, was like stepping into a live painting. And the characters? Their delightful quirks make them look like they’ve leaped off the pages of a thoughtful indie comic.

Unfolding like a cherished letter from a long-lost friend, the narrative is intimate and sincere, packed with little moments that tugs at the heartstrings of any gamer. While pursuing Sauge’s sister, I encountered a trove of quirky, endearing characters who had managed to carve out lives amid the ruins. It’s not about epic cutscenes or dramatic plot drops; instead, the game offers genuine interactions and a leisurely pace. Plus, the quest log is a delight—a social feed-style interface that feels like scrolling through a wholesome Instagram.

Now, let’s talk about my trusty van—a clunky but beloved travel companion. Driving around in Caravan SandWitch is mostly a treat, featuring that charming indie physics, although it gets a bit interesting when you’re trying to handle sharp turns and, well, accidentally find yourself tumbling off a cliff (not my proudest moment!). As you journey on, you’ll earn unique upgrades like a scanner and a grappling hook, unveiling new paths for exploration. However, the absence of fast travel was a bit of a test of patience—sometimes I just wanted to skip a scenic route in favor of advancing the plot, but the game kept nudging me to savor the journey.

One of the most refreshing aspects is the game’s all-in commitment to a pacifist approach. With no combat, the game offers a breath of fresh air, post-industrial style. Free from any combat pressure, I found myself simply existing, exploring, and soaking up the vibe. It offers a therapeutic experience, allowing you to settle into the world without urgency. Caravan SandWitch is a reminder that not every game needs to spike your heart rate.

While there’s plenty to love, it wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. Here and there, I hit a few technical bumps with frame rate drops and awkward animations, as well as some side quests that felt like mere errands (you know, just zig-zagging between NPCs). These hiccups didn’t ruin the experience, but they did have me sighing a bit. A little more polish and diversity in quests would have kept things flowing seamlessly.

Despite these minor setbacks, Caravan SandWitch held me longer than I anticipated. The landscape is a vast invitation for exploration, filled with environmental details that subtly share their own tales. Its hauntingly optimistic atmosphere lingered with me, and even post-credits, I found myself hopping back into my van to revisit missed spots and check in on beloved NPCs I’d grown attached to.

In conclusion, Caravan SandWitch crafts a poignant road trip through a remarkably forgotten yet beautiful world. While it’s not a blockbuster, its aim is to weave a story that holds your hand and stirs emotions in the dust-laden corners of a gamer’s heart. Are there imperfections? Sure. But is it a journey you should take? Without a doubt.

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

Caravan SandWitch Review

• Art Style: 9/10
• Story: 8/10
• Gameplay: 6/10
• Performance: 5/10
• Overall: 7/10

With a hand-drawn art style, unique characters, and a narrative that develops through meaningful connections, Caravan SandWitch leans heavily on exploration rather than action. While the quirky physics and absence of fast travel might test your patience, in the end, it’s the journey itself that’s truly rewarding. Despite a few technical glitches and repetitive side activities, its dreamlike atmosphere and emotional core make it a trip worth embarking on.