Review: Caravan Sandwich (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch is like that unexpected, delightful road trip that surprises you with its charm and warmth. Picture yourself in a Mad Max setting, but instead of high-octane madness, you’re in for a leisurely, heartfelt ride across a post-apocalyptic landscape. You step into the shoes of Sauge, a character as cool as their name suggests, driving through the dusty remnants of a familiar world in a beaten-up but lovable van, all in search of their long-lost sister. Forget about guns or game overs—this game is all about those chill vibes, discovering new places, and pouring heart into every moment.

Right when you start playing, the art style greets you like a comforting ray of sunshine. The visuals in Caravan SandWitch are breathtaking, with soft brushstrokes, glowing sunsets, and ancient ruins embraced by nature. Whether you’re zooming across endless sand dunes or exploring the remnants of old factories, every scene feels like stepping into a painting you’d want to be part of. The characters you encounter along the way add another layer of charm, each with their own endearing quirks, like they’ve walked straight out of an indie comic.

The storyline reveals itself in a tender, nostalgic way, like reading a heartfelt letter from someone you’ve missed. It’s not just about finding Sauge’s sister; it’s about engaging with fascinating individuals who have adapted to this broken world. The game doesn’t bombard you with heavy cutscenes or dramatic dialogues. Instead, it offers genuine interactions and storytelling that simmers slowly. There’s even a unique twist: the quest log mimics a social feed, making task management feel like leisurely browsing through a wholesome social media platform.

Let’s talk about the van. As quirky and endearing as your vehicle is, it’s not without its challenges. While driving through Caravan SandWitch can be a lot of fun—picture indie-game physics with a mind of its own—there are moments when attempting sharp turns ends with unintended stunts off a cliff. Thankfully, as you progress, you earn cool upgrades like a scanner and grappling hook that open up new paths. However, the absence of a fast travel option can test your patience, reminding you to savor the journey as opposed to rushing through it.

One of the most refreshing choices in the game is its pacifist approach. Caravan SandWitch eschews combat entirely, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in exploration and atmosphere. There’s no adrenaline-fueled danger, only moments to breathe in the world around you at your own pace. Few games manage to offer such calming and therapeutic experiences, and it’s a welcome change of pace from the norm.

Despite its laid-back nature, the game isn’t flawless. Some technical glitches like frame rate hitches and repetitive animations occasionally interrupt the experience. Additionally, a few side quests veer toward the mundane, drafted around simple errands that sometimes felt a bit tedious. But these hitches don’t overshadow the overall adventure.

Ultimately, Caravan SandWitch invites you to linger and lose yourself in its layers of exploration. Every nook has a whisper of a story waiting to be discovered, and the world brims with possibilities that encourage you to delve deeper. Even after the narrative reached its end, I found myself returning to check on beloved characters and revisit the stunning landscapes I’d come to adore.

In essence, Caravan SandWitch is a memorable journey through a world that beautifully balances the forgotten with the extraordinary. It’s not about dazzling you with high-stakes drama; it’s about gentle storytelling and an invitation to feel something genuine. It may not be perfect, but it’s absolutely an adventure worth embarking on.

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

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Caravan SandWitch

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

Overall: 7/10

The game’s hand-painted visuals, unique characters, and heartfelt story emphasize exploration rather than action. While the physics might be quirky and the absence of fast travel slightly frustrating, the true reward lies in the immersive journey. Despite a few technical bumps and repetitive side quests, its dreamy environment and emotional resonance make it a trip thoroughly worth experiencing.