My First Review: SCHiM
I wanted to share my first-ever review with the Player.gg community.
Hello everyone, and welcome to my first indie game review. Wild to say that was back in 2024, with 2027 already around the corner. Shout-out to Robby from PiratePR for giving this guy a chance. Giving me my first key back when I only had a handful of subscribers on YouTube and only 11 people on the newsletter. 🤗 The review is short and sweet, and I highly recommend it. :)
goodgamelobby really enjoyed SCHiM
“From the outside looking in, you may think it is a simple puzzle game, and technically it is. You get a story that unravels in front of you, touching on all the hardships of life and small victories in human life that feel like simple puzzles you solve in the game.”
Today we are diving into the shady, colorful world of SCHiM. Thanks to Pirate PR and Ewoud for the opportunity and the key. Though I was provided the key, the thoughts and praise are all my own. Lets dive right in. This review was transcribed from the video review.
SMaLL Shadow in a Big World
SCHiM is an indie title by Extra Nice, based out of the Netherlands. The developer, Ewoud, was studying at university when they began the project; it was 2020, at the start of the COVID pandemic, and after development and recognition from a large publisher, they decided to finish their studies and start full development of SCHiM. You can learn more about their development journey in the official devlogs. With another developer, Nils, and a beautiful soundtrack by Moonsailor, we are here today.
It Begins
A SCHiM, by its very definition in Dutch, is a Shadow or apparition, a ghost. You start as the shadow of a young boy. You learn the mechanics of the game by following them in their shadow and hopping out to interact with everyday items from street signs, cars, and other humans. The objects around the world that cast a shadow guide you on your journey.
The main character's life slowly unfolds in a montage of life experiences that bring them to rock bottom. One day they trip, and the SCHiM they've had since childhood is thrust into the world. The real journey has now begun.
You are the main character now hopping from cars to cats, strollers, lamp posts, flying umbrellas, kites, trains, and more. Your goal is to reunite with your human. You come close as you solve the puzzle of each level, just missing out on connecting again.
Stepping Out of The Shadows
From the outside looking in, you may think it is a simple puzzle game, and technically it is; you get a story that unravels in front of you that touches on all the hardships of life and small victories in a human's life that feel like simple puzzles you solve in the game.
As you explore, you will find that your path is blocked without a shadow close enough to progress. This is where you need to look around to find hidden items that, when discovered, will reclaim their SCHiM, and a shadow will appear to assist you in your progression.
Development and Mechanics
All of this wonder and excitement comes together in this beautifully colorful yet color-absent world. Ewoud touches on this in one of his devlogs here:
This simplicity gives you more focus on the surroundings, bringing your attention directly to the black shadows. Using the triggers on the controller, you shift the focus of the level in different directions to see around larger items and discover ways to solve the levels.
Connecting to your Shadow
When I played the demo during Steam Next Fest, I was intrigued. I had been following development on Twitter for quite some time, and the trailers over the years kept the anticipation going.
The game took me roughly 2 and a half hours to complete, and in that time I never felt a lull or had a moment where the gameplay didn't keep my full attention. I plan on going through the game again to explore a bit more and collect all of the items you find along the way.
SCHiM Limited Edition by iam8bit
SCHiM was released on July 18th, 2024, and you can pick up a physical version by pre-ordering right now on iam8bit.
Beautiful instrumental soundtrack by the amazing Moonsailor is available now!
SCHiM (Original Game Soundtrack) | Moonsailor
SCHiM | Steam | PS5 | *Switch*
Developed | Ewoud
Published | Extra Nice | PLAYISM
Gaming Club | TOEM 2 by Something We Made
Want to play TOEM 2? We are playing it in the GGL Gaming Club in October 2026. Join the Gaming Club! It’s like a book club, but for games. Each month, the community picks a new game to play, and we discuss our experience!
"Step back into the shoes of a curious photographer and set off on a brand new adventure all about uncovering hidden details, helping friends along the way, and documenting the world’s little wonders in TOEM 2, the sequel to the acclaimed TOEM." - TOEM 2 Steam Description
Want to join the club? Join my Discord here. We chat about what we are playing and watching, share pet pics, and I share all my greasy food pictures, the Gaming Club picks, and more with a cozy group of gamers.
Fun fact: Indiana-Jonas is the artist behind the key art!
🎮 TOEM 2 on Steam (out September 29th)