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Coming across something truly unique is always a refreshing experience. In today’s gaming world, we often fall into the trap of comparing one game to another, sometimes unfairly reducing their potential excitement to mere mediocrity by not judging them on their own merits. We’ve all been guilty of prejudging a game as soon as someone mentions, “It’s a bit like… (insert title here).” It’s not quite fair, is it? Now and then, it’s a treat when someone asks what a new game is like, and there’s no simple comparison to offer. That brings us to Paper Trail—a game that, at this moment, doesn’t immediately remind me of any other game out there. And that’s thrilling. I’m excited to share my experience with you.
What sets Paper Trail apart is its ingenious level design. Imagine a top-down puzzle adventure that literally unfolds its mysteries—where you physically fold the levels to create new pathways, uncover platforms, and discover hidden secrets. You won’t always see where you’re heading until you engage in a little origami, but once you do, everything falls into place. This folding mechanic is not just a clever gameplay tactic; it brings a delightful sense of wonder. The art style complements this beautifully, transforming each level into a series of exquisite illustrations. It’s as if you’re not just progressing through a storyline but also traversing a grand piece of art.
The narrative behind Paper Trail is as charming as its mechanics. At the core, it’s about a young girl running away from home—not out of fear or danger, but due to parents struggling with letting go. Now, I won’t spoil more of the story because it’s a major aspect of this game’s appeal, but I will say the writing is superb. This whimsical tale, paired with thoughtful graphical choices, adds depth to the entire experience. Often, puzzle games neglect their narratives, probably because they rely heavily on their puzzles. However, Paper Trail skillfully blends story with gameplay, earning an extra point from me.
One thing I find fascinating about the game is that progressing isn’t obvious at times. You’ll need to fold the levels in different ways—more complicated than it sounds. It’s not just about which part to fold but also considering your character’s position because you can’t fold the level over yourself. It’s crucial to pay attention to where you stand, as even the best solution might need a simple adjustment of your character’s position. Hidden collectibles also require you to think differently to reach them. Gathering all of them is no small feat, indeed.
Paper Trail presents an intriguing puzzle because there isn’t a ton to dissect on the surface. This isn’t due to a lack of quality or depth; rather, it masters a fine balance between its storytelling elements and gameplay mechanics. Stripping away the level-folding mechanic would result in a rather standard top-down adventure; the brilliance is in how the folding integrates with the narrative.
I’m typically skeptical of games overly reliant on a single mechanic. It risks overshadowing the whole experience if it feels forced. However, with Paper Trail, everything revolves around folding levels, but it doesn’t feel like a limitation. Instead, all components are harmonious, each enhancing the others—a surprisingly rare achievement worth mentioning.
In summary, Paper Trail offers an engaging puzzle experience with a tricky yet satisfying mechanic. It may frustrate you occasionally, with solutions that seem within grasp but take time to master. However, it’s this challenge that makes solving them so rewarding. Keep in mind that each puzzle has a logical solution, and with patience, you’ll crack even the toughest ones without pulling out your hair.
I thoroughly enjoyed my journey with Paper Trail. It’s a charming little gem of a game that I bet would hook any puzzle genre enthusiast right through to the end. While not everyone will love the trial-and-error segments, and story appreciation can be subjective, there are no glaring flaws to call out. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you enjoy a good mental workout.
