videogamescritic
← all games
SCHiM

SCHiM

Ewoud van der Werf, Nils Slijkerman · released Jul 17, 2024

AdventureCasualIndiePCPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4Xbox Series X, Xbox OneNintendo Switch

SCHiM is a game about jumping from shadow to shadow in a relaxing and lively environment. This 3D platformer takes elements of light, shadow & animation and adds them directly to the gameplay, delivering an experience that you will only find in SCHiM.

70
VGC Score
·No trend datamedium confidence
69%
At launch
73%
Steam all-time
71%
Press
15%
Recent sentiment

Screenshots & trailers

Review sentiment over time

Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.

How this score was computed

The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.

ComponentPositiveQuality (0-100)Weight (pseudo-reviews)
Press reviews (OpenCritic)7182
Creator reviews (1 tracked)971
All-time Steam reviews73%69167
Metacritic user ratings0
Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted)15%261
Calibration prior (typical game)7250

Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 2 reviews sampled · 1 total reviews in window · weighted 0.1 up / 0.6 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →

Press & Creators reviews (75)

Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.

  • 80
    trust 80Aug 9, 2024

    I'm not a fan of jumping puzzle games, but SCHiM managed to win me over. Its minimalist art style, inventive use of shadows and movement, and the idea that the game makes sure that messing up doesn't feel too frustrating, kept me engaged level after level.

    read full review ↗
  • 95
    trust 78Jul 17, 2024

    SCHiM is one of the best puzzle platforming games that I have played this year so far, and believe me, I have played a lot of them. What I like about SCHiM the most is that while it masquerades as a puzzle platformer, it is not always about puzzles. Sure, you have to figure out a way to reach the end goal, but the path is not always a tricky one, even in late sections of the game. While you may be tempted to just make a dash for the exit, the little details here and there make you want to explore the entire level before you complete it. I love the level designs, and I also adore the art style of the game. The color palette might not be for everyone, but you can even customize it if you want to. If you are looking for a beautiful and simplistic platforming game with tons of character, you must go for SCHiM, and even if you are not a big fan of platforming games, I can still easily recommend it to you. Give it a shot.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 78Jul 21, 2024

    If you are up for something uncommon, then you should give SCHiM a try. Despite some major flaws, it is a decent one-evening game.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 76Jul 19, 2024

    SCHiM is an interesting and relaxing 3D platformer that makes great use of its unique premise. Although its gameplay may be a little basic and the camera can have some issues, its gorgeous art style and relaxing vibes make it an overall worthwhile experience. This isn't one that we'd suggest you go out and pick up right away, but if you've been looking for a 3D platformer that approaches the genre in a notably different way from the rest, this is the game you've been looking for.

    read full review ↗
  • 85
    trust 75Jul 15, 2024

    Ewoud and Nils have crafted a special little game that has brought this writer right back to his childhood, when I'd find ways to gamify the world around me. I find myself glancing at the shadows in my world, wondering about the path I could craft to get from one end of the park to the other, because of this game. And any game that carries a feeling or a new perspective into your reality is a great one. SCHiM is a throwback to childhood joy: a reminder that tapping into your imagination and letting yourself experience the beauty of the world around you is necessary for surviving the otherwise draining experience of being an adult in the modern world. It's simple, it's short, it's sweet. And it's one I wholly recommend for gamers of all ages.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 74Jul 15, 2024

    Even with these notable problems, SCHiM still makes for a breezy time. While its level design and storytelling lack depth, its core movement feels so good you’ll be able to forgive this for much of its runtime as you dart through well-rendered street corners. There is a coherent vibe found in the sharp art design, idyllic vistas, and low-key score, which creates a soothing ambiance that makes it easy to unwind. Although I wish it ultimately gave more to chew on, cruising through SCHiM is a decent way to spend a lazy summer afternoon.

    read full review ↗
  • 80
    trust 73Jul 15, 2024

    SCHiM is a small gem, original, intelligent, and engaging, with evident care from the developers. The game stands out for its graphics and music, although replayability and variety may be limited. Despite these minor flaws, SCHiM offers a relaxing and captivating adventure, with moments requiring timing and precision worthy of a challenging platformer.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 71Aug 4, 2024

    SCHiM is a sweet little platformer that takes a joyous childhood idea and turns it into a heartwarming story that’s engaging and enjoyable. It shows off some great silent storytelling that connects you to the main characters by way of a great introduction and finale, despite losing some steam in the middle. SCHiM showcases an undoubtedly wonderful mechanic against some striking backdrops, and while it doesn’t quite get into high gear, there can be no denying that this shadowy hop-fest is great fun, and that some of the finer details will certainly bring a smile to your face.

    read full review ↗
  • 50
    trust 71Aug 20, 2024

    While a satisfying audio-visual experience, SCHiM's design is but a shadow of its true potential.

    read full review ↗
  • 70
    trust 70Jul 16, 2024

    A cool concept, with you controlling a blob that can move in shadows, but it doesn’t quite come together

    read full review ↗
  • 40
    trust 70Mar 4, 2025

    Schim isn't without its merits. For players looking for a more casual, low stakes experience, it can be a relaxing time to shut off the mind to, and the art style alone is worth admiring. It's built on a strong conceptual foundation, even if it struggles to make the most of its intriguing premise. Although it doesn't quite hit the mark fully, Schim should be applauded for trying to do something different and unique. There is a certain satisfaction to leaping from shadow to shadow, much like one might imagine as a child looking out from the window and also imagine during a long car journey. Much like those car-imagining journeys, though, the novelty can fade quickly, but at least it doesn't make one feel queasy, like reading a Beano would.

    read full review ↗
  • 75
    trust 69Jul 15, 2024

    SCHiM is certainly not a game like the others. While it offers a rather simple platform experience, its artistic direction sets it apart from the competition. The title remains accessible, with some sequences that require a little more brain-teasing. Jumping from shadow to shadow is utterly enjoyable. The fairly short straight-line adventure (3h) is sufficient, however, as towards the end you feel you have to repeat the same actions over and over again. Nevertheless, in my opinion, it's a must-do experience if you're looking for something refreshing.

    read full review ↗

…and 63 more tracked reviews.

Patch history