Caravan SandWitch Review: A Charming Open World of Exploration and Discovery

Before you dive into Caravan SandWitch, take another look at those desert dunes—it seems there's more beneath the surface. This enchanting open world invites exploration at a leisurely pace, reminiscent of the joyful wandering found in Elden Ring or Breath of the Wild. Instead of being bogged down by tedious checklists, players will scale vast concrete ruins on quests to help curious frogs.

However, a note of caution: while the game initially offers freedom, it does steer you towards collecting various items as you progress. Yet, during its relaxed playtime, SandWitch serves as a refreshing antidote to the overly complex open-world experiences many games present today. Even when tasked with gathering specific components, the world feels intentionally crafted, with side quests and narrative hints thoughtfully scattered throughout. Each building presents a unique puzzle to solve, making for a genuinely enjoyable experience.

You step into the shoes of Sauge, a space traveler who returns to her home planet, Cigalo, after receiving a distress signal from her sister. Although Cigalo is charming, it suffers from economic and environmental devastation due to exploitation by an evil corporation known as The Consortium. The planet is dotted with small settlements, quirky talking frogs called the Reinetos, and the occasional friendly robot. The atmosphere is inviting—gravity poses no threat, and players can freely leap from high places without fear. Your goals revolve around aiding your desert friends, enhancing your van with gadgets to tackle puzzles, and locating Sauge's sister.

While SandWitch doesn’t overtly criticize anything, its world design seems to engage in a gentle dialogue with the typical open-world format. Take the towers, for instance: reminiscent of Far Cry 3, players scale structures to unveil parts of the map. Yet, each building here feels distinct and thoughtfully designed, offering a fresh twist on a familiar formula.

The game’s landscape is a tapestry of forgotten structures brought to life—dull concrete is brightened by painterly weathering, reminiscent of a vibrant impressionist style. Solar panels stretch towards the sky, and your van’s scanner sometimes reveals the intricate mycelial networks thriving beneath the surface, while the skyline is punctuated by ominous, swirling clouds.

Now, about those checklists: to progress, the game occasionally asks players to gather specific components to upgrade their van. Although these items are plentiful and often rewarded through side quests, it can be jarring to shift from your leisurely pace to the game’s demands.

There’s a subtle incongruity in the game’s themes—a cozy narrative about harmonious communities set against a backdrop that suggests environmental collapse due to over-exploitation. While characters express concern about food supplies amidst a bountiful table, the antagonistic Consortium remains an abstract concept, resulting in a narrative that feels underexplored.

Nonetheless, the game does embrace a haunting beauty, allowing players to experience a blend of relaxation and thoughtfulness. Craftsmanship is evident in how it creates an inviting atmosphere, making it a pleasure to spend time in this mini-open world.

If you can overlook some technical hiccups, Caravan SandWitch stands out as a unique adventure. It offers a delightful world rich with post-apocalyptic themes. Exploring, driving around, and helping the diverse characters creates a compelling gameplay loop that’s hard to resist. This charming game does come with notable caveats for those playing on the Switch, but its allure is undeniable.