Review of Caravan Sandwich (Switch)

Picture yourself on a leisurely road trip that lets you unwind and explore new horizons. Caravan SandWitch is like stepping into a Mad Max world that decided to take a chill pill and head out on a heartfelt journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape. In the game, you become Sauge—someone whose cool factor matches the charm of their name—as you journey through the dusty remains of your world in a slightly beat-up but endearing van. Your mission is to find your long-lost sister. There are no battles or game-over screens here; it’s just a delightful mix of discovery and heartfelt storytelling.

From the moment I fired up the game, the art style embraced me like sunlight peeking through a cracked window. The world of Caravan SandWitch is simply breathtaking. Imagine gentle brushstrokes crafting glowing sunsets and vine-covered ruins that whisper their own tales. Whether you’re darting over sandy hills or exploring the skeletons of old factories, each location feels like a vivid painting you’d want to immerse yourself in. And the characters? Wonderfully quirky, each one looking like they popped out of an indie comic book, bringing along their own lovable oddities.

The story unfolds like getting a cherished letter from an old friend. It’s personal, sincere, and packed with moments that tug at your heartstrings. You won’t just be chasing Sauge’s sister; you’ll engage with warm, intriguing characters who have made homes in this shattered world. There’s no over-the-top action or overwhelming cutscenes, just genuine connections and a narrative that unfolds at its own pace. And the quest log? It’s charmingly set up like a social media feed, making tracking your adventures feel like scrolling through an endearing Instagram.

Let’s chat about the van, your faithful if occasionally finicky companion. Navigating through the game is generally enjoyable, but those quirky indie-game physics can surprise you, especially when a sharp turn sends you tumbling off a cliff. (Yes, it happened to me, and no, I’d rather not relive it!) As you journey along, you get cool upgrades like a scanner and a grappling hook, opening up new paths for you to explore. Yet, the absence of fast travel can try your patience when you just want to cut to the chase. But the game seems to say, “Take it easy, dear traveler, the journey is what it’s all about.”

I truly admire the game’s daring choice to embrace a pacifist approach. With no combat to worry about, there’s a refreshing air of calm. Free from the threat of enemies, you can simply exist within this post-industrial realm, exploring and soaking in the ambiance. It’s a therapeutic experience that many games don’t dare to offer, letting you connect deeply with the environment at your own pace. It reminds you that not every game needs to spike your adrenaline; Caravan SandWitch understands that perfectly.

Of course, not every aspect is flawless. There are technical stumbles—occasional frame rate drops and awkward animations—and some of the side quests felt more like routine errands than engaging tasks. While these issues don’t ruin the experience, they do dampen the momentum a bit. Enhancing the variety and polish of the quests would really elevate the overall journey.

Despite these bumps in the road, I ended up spending more time with Caravan SandWitch than anticipated. There’s a magnetic pull in its many hidden corners, environmental storytelling begging for attention, and an atmosphere that lingers in your mind long after the game ends. Even after completing the game, I found myself drawn back to the world, eager to revisit places I’d missed and catch up with characters who’d become unexpectedly dear.

In summary, Caravan SandWitch offers a soulful road trip through a world that feels both forgotten and beautiful. It doesn’t aim to be a blockbuster; its purpose is to tell a story, offer a hand for the journey, and maybe stir up some emotions deep within. Does it have its imperfections? Sure. Is it worth the trip? Without a doubt.

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

Caravan SandWitch

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

Overall: 7/10

With its hand-painted artistry, endearing characters, and a narrative that unfolds gracefully through genuine connections, Caravan SandWitch prioritizes exploration over action. While its quirky physics and lack of fast travel might test your patience, the real reward is the journey itself. Despite technical snags and repetitive quests, it’s the dreamlike atmosphere and emotional depth that make this an adventure worth pursuing.