Review: Caravan Sandwich (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch is the relaxing road trip you never realized your gaming soul needed. Imagine if the world of Mad Max took a chill pill, and embarked on a slow-paced, heartfelt adventure instead. Stepping into the shoes of the charming Sauge—whose coolness matches his name—you journey across the dusty remnants of a decaying planet in a shabby yet endearing van in search of his missing sister. Forget about weapons or game-over screens; it’s all about the vibes, discoveries, and an abundance of heart.

From the first moment I launched the game, its art style captivated me like sunlight streaming through a weathered window. The world within Caravan SandWitch is undeniably beautiful. With soft brushstrokes, glowing sunsets, and ancient ruins embraced by flora, every location feels like a piece of art begging to be explored. The characters are whimsically designed, each seeming to leap from the pages of a quirky indie comic, complete with unique traits that make them utterly endearing.

The story unfolds like a thoughtful letter from an old friend. It’s intimate, sincere, and filled with moments that tug at the heartstrings. My quest to find Sauge’s sister was enriched by encounters with eccentric, fascinating individuals who carved out existences amidst this broken world. Instead of dramatic exposés or extravagant cutscenes, the game offers genuine connections and a narrative that develops slowly. Oh, and the quest log is fashioned like a social media feed, adding a strangely endearing touch akin to scrolling through a heartwarming Instagram account.

Now, let’s talk about the van—my trusty, albeit rusty, travel companion. It’s a blast to drive around in Caravan SandWitch—most of the time, at least. The game’s indie mechanics give it a quirky charm, though I did find myself accidentally rolling it down a cliff during an ambitious turn (it’s a story for another day). As you progress, new upgrades like a scanner and grappling hook add layers of exploration opportunities. Yet, the absence of a fast-travel option did try my patience. Sometimes I just wanted to skip the scenic route and dive back into the plot, but the game had different plans: “Enjoy the journey,” it seemed to whisper.

What’s truly refreshing is the game’s commitment to a pacifist approach. There’s no combat, and that’s a delightful change. Without the looming threat of enemies or death screens, I could simply exist, explore, and fully embrace the atmosphere. It’s therapeutic, offering emotional moments time to breathe. Caravan SandWitch understands not every game has to be a high-stakes adrenaline rush.

Despite its serene beauty, I did encounter a few technical hitches: minor frame rate hiccups and somewhat clunky animations. Some side quests felt repetitive, involving little more than simple errands. While these didn’t break the game, they did prompt a few deep sighs. With more polish and varied quest designs, the game’s momentum could’ve been smoother.

Even with its flaws, I found myself lingering in Caravan SandWitch longer than anticipated. There were hidden gems and environmental whispers urging me to explore and a hauntingly beautiful but hopeful atmosphere that lingered in my mind. Post-credits, I felt a pull to jump back into my van to revisit missed spots and check on characters I grew unexpectedly fond of.

In essence, Caravan SandWitch is a soulful journey through a desolate yet mesmerizing world. It’s not trying to be a blockbuster hit but rather tells a compelling story while holding your hand and stirring emotions in your gaming heart. Is it perfect? Not quite. But is it a journey worth embarking on? Definitely.

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

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

Overall: 7/10

With its enchanting hand-drawn art, quirky cast, and a heartfelt narrative rich with exploration instead of action, Caravan SandWitch is an indie darling. While its unique physics might test your nerves and its lack of fast travel may stretch your patience, the ride itself is the ultimate reward. Despite minor technical hiccups and some mundane side quests, the captivating atmosphere and emotional resonance make it a worthwhile experience.