Review: Caravan Sandwich (Switch)

Caravan SandWitch is the delightful road trip you didn’t realize your gaming soul was craving. Imagine being thrust into a Mad Max setting, but with all the chaos swapped out for a serene, heartfelt adventure across a post-apocalyptic landscape. You step into the shoes of Sauge—whose name carries as much coolness as his character does—navigating the dusty ruins of his homeworld in a charmingly rundown van, all in search of his long-missing sister. Forget about guns or the dreaded game-over screen; it’s all about the vibe, the discovery, and an abundance of heart.

As soon as I launched the game, its art style washed over me like sunlight peeking through a cracked window. The world of Caravan SandWitch is undeniably gorgeous. Visualize soft brushstrokes, radiant sunsets, and old ruins wrapped in overgrown flora, each telling their own silent tales. Whether I was cruising over sand-covered hills or delving into the remains of bygone industrial complexes, every pit stop felt like wandering through a painting I never wanted to leave. And the characters? Playfully quirky in the best possible way. They looked straight out of an indie comic, each with unique traits that draw you in unmistakably.

The narrative unravels gently, reminiscent of a letter from an old friend. It’s warm, sincere, and filled with touching moments that tugged at my gamer heartstrings. Tracking down Sauge’s sister becomes more than a quest; it’s about engaging with the strange and wonderful people who’ve made lives in this fragmented world. No grand bursts of exposition dump here, just organic connections and storytelling that simmers slowly. Oh, and the quest log that resembles a social media feed—oddly charming, making task tracking feel like browsing a genuinely wholesome Instagram.

Let’s talk about that van—my trusty, slightly clunky travel companion. Taking it for a spin in Caravan SandWitch is mostly a joy. It has that quirky indie-game physics, adorable until you’re trying to maneuver through narrow spots and accidentally find yourself rolling down a cliff (and yes, I’ve been there). Along the journey, you can tweak it with fun additions like a scanner and a grappling hook, which open up new paths to explore. But, the absence of a fast-travel option tested my patience; sometimes I just wanted to zip past the scenery and jump back into the unfolding plot, but the game lovingly insists, “No, darling, savor the journey.”

The game’s bold decision to embrace a completely pacifist approach was a revelation—no combat here, and honestly, it was a breath of fresh, post-apocalyptic air. With no enemies to defeat or lives to lose, I could just… be—explore and immerse myself in the ambiance. It was emotionally soothing in a way that few games dare to attempt, allowing the narrative beats to linger and giving me ample time to connect with the world at my pace. Not every game needs to spike your adrenaline, and Caravan SandWitch acutely understands this.

That being said, the journey isn’t flawless. A few technical hiccups came my way, like frame rate hitches and some awkward character animations. There are also a few side missions that felt more like chores (think: chat with X, then run back to Y, rinse and repeat). While these didn’t ruin the experience, they did make me breathe a little deeper at times. Some polishing and more varied quest designs could have smoothed the ride out even more.

Despite these bumps, I found myself lingering in the world of Caravan SandWitch far longer than anticipated. Many hidden details begged to be discovered, and the intriguing atmosphere left a lasting impression even when the credits rolled. I often found myself jumping back in, captivated by exploring missed spots or re-engaging with the vivid characters I’d grown unexpectedly fond of.

In conclusion, Caravan SandWitch offers a soulful journey through a stunningly crafted world that’s been lovingly left behind yet feels vibrantly alive. It’s not aiming to be the next big blockbuster; it wants to share a story, hold your hand, and stir something inside your dusty gamer heart. Is it perfect? Not quite. Is it worth diving into? Most definitely.

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

Review Scores

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

Despite its indie charm and occasional drawbacks, Caravan SandWitch captivates with a hand-painted visual style, uniquely quirky characters, and a narrative that unfolds through meaningful connections. Though the quirky physics and lack of a quick-move option might test your patience, the journey is the true treasure. While facing some technical blips and recurring quests, it nevertheless offers an atmosphere rich in emotion, making each mile traveled feel worthwhile.