REVIEW / Caravan Sandwich (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch is like that unexpected yet delightful road trip you find yourself dreaming about—a gaming experience you didn’t know you craved. Imagine a Mad Max setting, minus the chaos, and replace it with a journey full of introspection across a post-apocalyptic landscape. You take control of Sauge—embodying the coolness his name implies—who’s traversing the dusty remnants of his home world in a lovable, albeit slightly battered, van. His mission? To find his long-lost sister. No weapons, no dramatic game-over screens, just pure exploration, discovery, and heart.

Upon starting the game, its visual charm hits you like a sunbeam piercing through an old window. Caravan SandWitch bathes you in a beautiful art style—soft brushstrokes, sunsets that glow warmly, and ruins entangled with nature, each telling their own story. Racing across sandy hills or exploring the ghosts of past industrial sites, every scene invites you to immerse yourself in its painted world. As for the characters? Delightfully quirky, each one seems like they sprung from an indie comic book, bringing their own lovable eccentricities to your journey.

The story unfolds at a gentle pace, reminiscent of a long-overdue letter from a cherished old friend. It’s earnest and full of tender moments that tug at your heartstrings. The goal might be to reunite Sauge with his sister, but along the way, you’re engaging with the fascinating individuals who inhabit this world. There’s no bombastic storytelling here—just genuine connections and a slow-paced narrative. A fun touch is the quest log that looks like a social media feed, adding a charming and unexpectedly endearing way to track your progress.

Now, let’s chat about the van—your faithful, if a bit rusty, companion. Cruising around in Caravan SandWitch can be both a joy and a challenge thanks to its indie game physics. Maneuvering through tight spaces can turn hilariously chaotic, but that adds to the charm. As you advance, you pick up cool upgrades like a scanner and a grappling hook, opening up new paths to explore. However, there’s no fast travel, and that can wear on your patience if you’re itching to progress without lingering on every scenic stop.

Perhaps the game’s most refreshing decision is its full embrace of pacifism. No combat at all, which feels like a fresh breeze in a world filled with action-heavy games. This gives you room to breathe, explore, and soak in the atmosphere without the worry of enemies lurking around. It allows for emotional moments to resonate and lets you connect with the world at your leisure.

Of course, not everything runs smoothly. I encountered some technical glitches, from frame rate drops to less-than-perfect animations. Some side quests also felt a bit too much like running errands—moving between points without much excitement. While these didn’t ruin the experience, a little more polish would have been welcome to maintain momentum.

Yet, despite these bumps, Caravan SandWitch captivated me longer than I expected. Its world begs for exploration, with hidden treasures and environmental stories waiting to be discovered. Even after the credits rolled, I found myself returning, revisiting places I missed, and reconnecting with characters who lingered in my thoughts.

To sum it up, Caravan SandWitch offers a heartwarming journey through a desolate yet stunning landscape. It’s not aiming for blockbuster status but instead wants to share a narrative, touch your heart, and remind you that sometimes, slowing down can be the most rewarding adventure. Are there flaws? Sure. But is it worth the journey? Without a doubt.

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

Caravan SandWitch Review

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

Overall Rating: 7/10

With its beautifully painted visuals, endearing characters, and a narrative that progresses through authentic interactions, Caravan SandWitch emphasizes exploration over combat. Despite its occasional technical stumbles and repetitive tasks, the ethereal mood and emotional insights it offers make it a voyage worth embracing.