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Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin 'SCHiM' isn't perfect, but it's definitely memorable, and for good reasons. Ewoud van der Werf, Nils Slijkerman Few indie games in 2024 appear as stylish, clever, or intriguing as SCHiM . In many ways, it delivers on its promises, but doesn’t quite seal the deal–but that’s not to say it isn’t worth playing, because its highs more than make up for its lows.

From the moment it was announced, SCHiM –from Dutch developers Ewoud van der Werf and Nils Slijkerman–was among this year’s best-looking releases from small studios . Despite its issues, SCHiM will remain one of 2024’s more memorable experiences, and a few post-release tweaks should help it have the greater impact it deserves. SCHiM places you in the role of the titular schim: a black, frog-like entity that’s “the soul and spirit of an object, thing, or living being,” existing in (and as?) the literal shadow of their significant other.



Naturally, schims shouldn’t be separated from their partner of choice. Rather unsurprisingly, this happens to you in the game’s opening moments. Guardian angel You’re coupled with someone you watch transform from a happy-go-lucky kid into an aspirational chap in his early 20s.

In just a few minutes, he gets fired from his first job, has his bike stolen, and trips to the floor chasing a bus that’ll get him home. In turn, he severs his connection to you. Out of sheer panic, he runs off, leaving you stranded.

Suck.

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