Tropical open-world adventure in a physics-driven sandbox

Tchia is an open-world sandbox game where you play a young character on a tropical island. You can run, climb, sail and explore. Plus, you can soul-jump into animals and explore as they do, from flying as a bird to digging up bones as a dog.

As odd as it sounds, it is like an on-land version of Abzu. However, instead of aimlessly exploring the deep, you are exploring a tropical island. At the other extreme, its island area is mildly similar to the opening shipwreck island in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, except that Tchia is more colorful.

Taking control of animals or objects

You can soul-jump into animals and objects and control them as you explore. This means being able to run as fast as a dog or fly as high as a bird. You can even explore something as simple as an old car tire, though there are few benefits to becoming objects other than for novelty value.

A short campaign story

There are animated cutscenes in this tropical open-world game. They are part of a very thin and very character-driven exploration story. The narrative takes a back seat to the indie-adventure exploration. It is more about casual activities, like playing instruments or sailing on a raft.

A very thin coming-of-age story

There are puzzles and secrets in this game, but they have mostly nothing to do with the narrative the game tries to set up. The game has many good ideas but struggles to bring them together in a cohesive way.

A good environment and setting

This is an exploration game and casual sandbox game with no real aim other than creating an experience. Perhaps with some sort of structured or achievement-driven story, as well as a more engaging gameplay loop, this is a fine setting for a good game.

Exploration and Discovery

Tchia offers a vibrant world filled with diverse islands, each with its own unique ecosystem and culture. The game encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of these landscapes, where they’ll find hidden treasures, challenges, and intriguing stories. It’s not just about uncovering new locations, but also about immersing oneself in the rich culture inspired by New Caledonia.

The Joy of Soul-Jumping

One of Tchia’s standout features is the soul-jumping mechanic, allowing players to inhabit various animals and objects. This adds a delightful layer of depth to the gameplay, as each entity possesses unique abilities and characteristics. Whether you’re soaring through the skies as a bird or navigating treacherous waters as a fish, soul-jumping enhances the overall experience and sets Tchia apart from other exploration games.

An Emotional Journey

While the narrative may not be the primary focus, Tchia tells a captivating and intense story that takes players on an emotional rollercoaster. The game deals with heavy themes, making it not only an adventure but also a thought-provoking experience. Despite some dark moments, Tchia remains a heartfelt and human-centered game.

Cultural Immersion

Tchia excels in showcasing the beauty of its New Caledonian-inspired setting. The game’s attention to detail, including the art, language, music, and customs, creates an immersive and authentic atmosphere. Players will feel as though they’ve been transported to a distant land filled with wonder, enhancing the sense of discovery and exploration.

In conclusion

Tchia is a unique and memorable experience that combines exploration, soul-jumping, a gripping narrative, and cultural immersion into a beautiful package. Despite some minor shortcomings, the game stands out in the crowded open-world genre, leaving a lasting impression on players.