Introduction

Imagine an indie game that combines the lush beauty of tropical islands with the power of soul-jumping. Now, stop imagining; Tchia exists! This action-adventure title from Awaceb takes you to a fictional archipelago inspired by New Caledonia; because why not throw in some real-life flavor into a game featuring the ability to control animals like a digital Dr. Dolittle?

Gameplay

You play as Tchia, a kid who decided one day that sitting around doing nothing was overrated. So, after her dad gets kidnapped by a dastardly villain (aren't they always?), she hops into action with her unique power known as 'soul jumping.' Yes, that’s right—one moment, you're a child on an adventure; the next, you're a witty crow scouting your way to glory (or disaster). Travelling across the archipelago, you get to explore its parks, beaches, and secluded corners, all while prepping for your epic rescue mission. And instead of the usual who-said-what political drama, you’re possessing animals to dig up treasure maps and outsmart your foes. Want to play fetch and find treasure as a dog? Welcome to Tchia. Need to deliver cringe-worthy puns while playing the ukulele to summon wind? You've got it!

Graphics

Visually, Tchia flaunts a vibrant art style that looks straight out of a holiday brochure. The colors pop brighter than a piñata at a birthday party—and yes, I’m talking about the tragic events that follow when said piñata is inevitably slain. The island vibe is so strong that you might just hear the ocean waves begging you to leave your job and set sail—a tempting prospect until you remember that the nearest island is not part of this review. Thanks a lot, Tchia.

Conclusion

In a sea thick with copycat titles, Tchia feels fresh, albeit a tad familiar in its narrative tropes. The blend of traditional cultures and gameplay quirks make it an enjoyable romp or, if you will, a 'soulful escape' from the mundane. However, if you were hoping for rank-breaking complexity in combat or a life-changing plot, set your expectations to ‘pleasant.’ Tchia may not reinvent the wheel, but it carves a pretty neat little niche in the action-adventure genre. Definitely check it out if you want a slice of sunshine, or you know, just want to jump into a crab for the fun of it. Plus, with its art style and quirky mechanics, it’s hard not to smile while playing, unless you’re critiquing it, in which case, good luck suppressing that urge to cringe at a few scattered missteps.

See Latest Prices for Tchia on PS5 on Amazon