REVIEW / Caravan Sandwich (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch is that delightful road trip you never knew you wanted in your gaming collection. Imagine a journey that combines the essence of a Mad Max setting, but trades chaos for a leisurely and heartfelt exploration of a post-apocalyptic landscape. You step into the shoes of Sauge—a character as cool as their name sounds—trekking across your home planet’s barren leftovers in a trusty, though slightly worn, van as you search for your missing sister. Forget about gunfights or game-over screens; this game is all about exploring, meeting new characters, and feeling a story that’s rich in emotion.

Upon firing up the game, I was immediately drawn to its stunning visual style. Caravan SandWitch’s art exudes warmth, like sunshine streaming through a cracked window. The beautifully soft brushstrokes, glowing twilight skies, and ancient ruins tangled in flora create a world that feels alive with history. Whether traversing the rolling dunes or wandering through remnants of bygone industries, each moment felt like stepping into a living painting. And the characters you encounter have a unique charm, reminiscent of those you’d find in a quirky indie comic, each bringing their own delightful peculiarities to the table.

The storytelling is a soft whisper, like receiving a letter from an old friend after years of silence. It’s genuine, heartfelt, and laden with moments sure to tug at your emotions. As I followed Sauge’s quest for his sister, I was also building connections with the eclectic, captivating people who inhabit this crumbling world. There are no dramatic scenes overflowing with exposition; instead, you’re treated to authentic interactions and a gradual unfolding of events. A little quirky touch is how the quest log appears as a social media feed, giving task management the feel of scrolling through a heartwarming Instagram page.

Then there’s the van, your rusted yet reliable companion on this journey. Navigating the game’s world in it is often a joy, with occasional hiccups due to the indie-game physics that can send you flying off cliffs with an over-zealous turn (yes, I’ve been there, but let’s not get into that). As you progress, cool upgrades like a scanner and a grappling hook become accessible, expanding your ability to explore. However, the absence of fast travel did become slightly frustrating at times. There were moments I just wanted to cut straight to the story, but the game insisted, “Savor the trip, enjoy the view.”

Perhaps the most refreshing aspect of Caravan SandWitch is its no-combat policy. Without the presence of any enemies or risk of dying, I could simply roam, explore, and immerse myself in the ambient mood. It was relaxing in a way few games manage to achieve, allowing the story’s emotional moments to truly resonate and giving me the freedom to engage with the world at my own pace. Not every game needs to be an adrenaline rush, and Caravan SandWitch understands this perfectly.

That said, it wasn’t flawless. I did bump into technical glitches now and then—like frame rate drops and awkward animations. Plus, some side quests seemed more like mundane chores: “Go chat with person X, then back to Y,” and repeat. While these didn’t ruin the experience, they did become a drag now and then. A bit of extra polish and variety in the quest design would have done wonders to maintain the momentum.

Yet, in spite of these hiccups, I found myself drawn back to Caravan SandWitch long after I meant to stop. Hidden corners begged for exploration, and environmental details whispered tales to anyone attentive enough to listen. The haunting yet hopeful atmosphere lingered with me, and even following the credits, I felt inclined to jump back into the van, revisiting places I missed and reconnecting with the characters I had grown so fond of.

In essence, Caravan SandWitch is a soulful journey through a world both forgotten and beautiful. It’s content to weave a story, invite you to linger, and perhaps stir something inside that dusty gamer heart. While the game isn’t without its imperfections, it undeniably offers a memorable ride.

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

Caravan SandWitch Rating:

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

With a beautifully painted aesthetic, intriguing characters, and a storyline that grows through sincere connections, Caravan SandWitch emphasizes exploration over action. Its indie vibes and missing fast travel might test your nerves, but the journey itself is the real reward. Despite technical bumps and repetitive side quests, its enchanting atmosphere and emotional richness make it a journey worth embarking on.