Introduction

Imagine a world where you play as a shadow-hopping creature in a whimsical adventure to reunite with your human. Welcome to the peculiar realm of 'Schim,' where jumping from shadow to shadow is not just a mechanic; it's practically a lifestyle choice! We'll plunge into this colorful, minimalistic platformer developed by the Dutch duo Ewoud van der Werf and Nils Slijkerman and see if it is the breath of fresh air the platforming genre needs or just a gimmick ready to fade into the background.

Gameplay

'Schim' serves up a delightful platforming experience flavored with originality. Players take the reins of a shadow creature aptly named 'Schim' (Dutch for 'shadow'), who navigates the unique challenge of hopping between shadows cast by various objects and characters. Efforts are made to chase down a young man, effectively mimicking the flashy entries of 'Homeward Bound' but, you know, with a lot less dialogue and a lot more existential dread! The aspect of leaping between shadows adds a strategic layer, as landing outside a shadow momentarily stuns 'Schim' before promptly booting you back to the last checkpoint — truly a joy for those who thrive on trial and error. The game encompasses 65 levels, with each featuring a similar goal. Players must guide 'Schim' as he dartingly scurries through urban landscapes, past amusingly oblivious pedestrians who look as if they’ve walked straight out of a cartoon! However, repetitive mechanics come into play, leading to occasional weariness. That being said, challenges are introduced through post-completion settings that make you wish you'd actually paid attention in math class, as toggling options like turning off checkpoints will result in much head-scratching.

Graphics

Visually, 'Schim' is a feast for the eyes — if your eyes enjoy the simplicity of minimalistic line art! The use of color, shadows, and light truly captures the essence of its unique narrative, evoking a warm nostalgia reminiscent of childhood games. This captivating aesthetic, combined with smooth physics and animations, ensures a stunning experience. While some levels might fall victim to sameness, it's hard to dislike the charming art style that has drawn positive comparisons to Dutch artist Joost Swarte and the iconic Hergé of 'Tintin' fame. Each level uniquely embodies specific times of day, thanks to the developers' keen eye for ambiance.

Conclusion

'Schim' is a tender-hearted venture into platforming, wrapped in playful shadows and a profound notion of companionship. It excels in its innovative mechanics and stunning visuals, catering well to those hunting for a cozy and laid-back gaming experience. However, beware of repetitive elements that might dampen your spirits over extended play. Despite any flaws, the game’s originality shines brightly. While it may not completely upend the platforming genre, it certainly deserves a spot in your library if you're seeking something different. With its charming ambiance and clever gameplay, 'Schim' is a cute testament to the power of shadows — the kind that captures both hearts and minds, if only for a short while.

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