It’s always refreshing to stumble upon something truly original in the gaming world. Often, we find ourselves drawing comparisons between titles, which inadvertently can diminish the excitement a new game might offer just because we’re not appreciating it for what it is. Far too often, we pre-judge a game based on phrases like, “It’s a bit like… (insert title here),” which leads to preconceived notions before we’ve even hit play. It does a disservice to the experience. Therefore, it’s a real pleasure when someone asks me what a new game is like and I genuinely can’t liken it to anything else. This brings us to Paper Trail, a game that’s unlike any other that immediately comes to mind. This uniqueness alone piques my interest, and I’m eager to share my experience with you.
Now, what sets Paper Trail apart is its innovative level design. Imagine a top-down puzzle adventure where you have to fold parts of the level to reveal new paths, platforms, and hidden secrets. It’s quite the adventure figuring out where you’re headed, not until you engage in a little virtual origami does the path become clear. It’s genuinely enjoyable to play this way. The game’s aesthetic complements the gameplay brilliantly—the levels look like a beautiful anthology of interconnected pages. It feels as if you’re not just playing through a game but weaving through a living piece of art.
In short, what you’ve got here is a delightful story about a young girl who’s left home, but there’s more to it than that simple premise. It’s not about escaping from anything in particular. Instead, it’s the classic tale of overprotective parents struggling to let go. Given how story-driven this game is, I won’t give away more than this snippet of detail, but the writing quality is top-notch. The narrative exudes a whimsical charm, enhanced by the artistic choices in graphics. In a genre where story often takes a backseat, Paper Trail’s narrative certainly shines.
One of the most compelling aspects of Paper Trail is the way forward isn’t always apparent. Solving these puzzles requires you to fold the level in various intricate patterns, and it’s more challenging than it might initially seem. You must think about which part of the environment to fold, to what extent, and even where your character is standing since folding onto yourself is impossible. There’s a thrill in discovering secrets hidden on the reverse side of the level, but accessing them requires figuring out alternate folding techniques. I can confidently say gathering all the collectibles is no easy task.
Discussing Paper Trail is a bit tricky because the game manages to encapsulate so much with a seemingly straightforward concept. This isn’t to say it lacks depth—in fact, it strikes an impressive balance between narrative and mechanics. Stripping away the folding mechanic, it might just be another top-down adventure, but the storyline is compelling enough to stand out.
Generally, I’m critical of games that hang everything on a single gameplay hook. It can become cumbersome if that mechanic starts overshadowing other aspects. However, in Paper Trail, everything aligns beautifully around the folding mechanic, feeling integrated rather than forced. Achieving this harmony is no small feat and deserves recognition.
Overall, Paper Trail is a fantastic puzzle game with a challenging yet rewarding mechanic. It isn’t exasperating because it doesn’t work well; the real challenge lies in its deceptive simplicity. Often, it feels like there’s an obvious solution just around the corner—only for you to end up spending half an hour to piece it together. The solutions are immensely satisfying when you finally crack them, encouraging persistence with the assurance that there’s a logical answer every time. There’s no abstract thinking required—take a moment, breathe, and try again.
I truly enjoyed my time with Paper Trail. It’s a clever, inventive little puzzler that any fan of the genre would likely find addicting until the very end. While the trial-and-error component might not appeal universally and story appreciation is subjective, there’s little to fault here. It’s a solid contender if you’re seeking a cerebral challenge.
In summary, Paper Trail stands out as an exceptional puzzler, earning an 8.5/10 for its clever design and engaging narrative. It’s a visual treat with its gorgeous graphics, a unique gameplay mechanic, and a compelling plot that keeps you coming back. Despite a potential love-it-or-leave-it appeal to puzzle purists, this game delivers plenty to immerse oneself in.
