Mend your relationships, solve puzzles, and explore the sandy planet of Cigalo in Caravan SandWitch, a casual puzzle exploration game.
In Caravan SandWitch, players step into the shoes of Sauge, a girl who returns to her home planet after receiving a distress signal from her sister, who was thought to be dead for six years.
Sauge’s primary objective is to deactivate the signal jammers that have unexpectedly been reactivated in Cigalo, blocking her sister’s distress call. To achieve this, Sauge must rely on her friends as she navigates through relationships and her departure, which is a sensitive topic for some.
Caravan SandWitch
Developer: Studio Plane Toast
Publisher: Dear Villagers
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows (Reviewed)
Release Date: September 12, 2024
Players: 1
Price: $24.99
Caravan SandWitch is a relaxed exploration game, free of dangers or failure states, focusing on simple puzzles and exploration. This aspect can be either soothing or dull, depending on personal preferences.
Each in-game day involves exploring the planet, completing odd jobs, and earning parts to enhance your caravan with new gadgets. Side quests reduce the grind for unlocking gadget upgrades and provide insights into the characters.
Although the caravan can equip various gadgets, the vehicle itself lacks upgrades, which may disappoint some players. While the caravan is aged and acquired post-crash, scavenging for parts to improve its performance would have been a welcomed feature.
The planet Cigalo has been deserted mainly due to a perpetual magnetic storm called Taraask, causing the Consortium, a rapidly expanding megacorporation, to vacate the planet.
Opinions among characters vary regarding Cigalo’s condition and the corporation. Some are relieved by the Consortium’s departure and the presence of Taraask, while others contemplate leaving the dying planet due to its bleak future.
The Consortium’s actions are not universally accepted, as their involvement in creating Taraask raises doubts. Despite the corporation’s detrimental impact, the planet’s population relied on it for livelihood.
The map in Caravan SandWitch initially appears vast but is mostly comprised of abandoned outposts and vast empty spaces. While hidden items and lore tidbits reward curious players, the game primarily features futuristic empty architecture.
Important locations are conveniently marked on the map once discovered, simplifying exploration by highlighting icons. However, occasional issues with the interact prompt may disrupt gameplay, requiring either patience or a game reload.
Regarding the story, Caravan SandWitch‘s conclusion may leave players unsatisfied, particularly in how the “antagonist” is portrayed. The game struggles to garner sympathy for the characters, and the attempt at creating a righteous antagonist falls short.
As the game progresses, it is revealed that a mysterious figure sabotaged a Consortium project, leading to the creation of Taraask. The rationale behind this act was to compel the megacorporation to cease exploiting resources by subjecting the planet to a relentless magnetic storm.
The game’s lore exposition at the end attempts to justify the sabotage but fails to acknowledge the repercussions, portraying the antagonist’s actions as misguided and costly. This narrative inconsistency may impact player immersion.
In conclusion, Caravan SandWitch offers a decent casual exploration experience, albeit lacking in innovative mechanics and depth. The game’s narrative may leave players siding with unexpected factions, and its gameplay mechanics, while engaging, may not leave a lasting impression.
Caravan SandWitch was reviewed on Microsoft Windows using a game code provided by Dear Villagers. For more information on Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy, refer to their website. Caravan SandWitch is available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows (via Steam).
