Stumbling upon something truly unique is always a breath of fresh air, especially in the gaming world where we tend to compare every new release to a dozen others. It’s easy to dismiss a game just because it doesn’t fit into the mold we’ve crafted based on others’ opinions, often boiling down to something as simple as someone saying, "It’s a bit like…". This preconceived judgment isn’t always fair, and that’s why it’s exciting when you’re asked to describe a game and find yourself at a loss for words. Enter Paper Trail, a game that’s distinctly its own. It’s hard to compare it to anything else I’ve played, and that’s precisely what makes it so thrilling.
What sets Paper Trail apart is its brilliant level design. As you dive into this top-down puzzle adventure, you’ll find yourself folding levels to create pathways, uncover platforms, and discover hidden secrets. Often, you don’t even see your next move until you engage in a little in-game origami, and suddenly it all becomes clear. It’s an incredibly engaging way to play. The aesthetics tie beautifully into this dynamic. The levels feel like intricately crafted pages of an artfully illustrated book, making it feel as though you’re playing through a living piece of art, alongside a compelling narrative.
The story of Paper Trail is simple yet captivating. It follows a young girl navigating her escape from home—a tale many can relate to, often spurred more by the need for independence than running from anything specific. Her adventure is underscored by the struggle of overprotective parents reluctant to let go. While I won’t spoil any other story elements, the writing is remarkable, enveloping the game in a layer of whimsical charm. The graphics complement this beautifully. Stories in puzzle games usually take a back seat, but not here; the narrative truly shines and adds depth to the game.
One of the delights of Paper Trail is the constant element of surprise in finding the way forward. Think a decision is straightforward? Think again. Often, you must fold the environment multiple ways to reach a solution, and it’s a lot trickier than it sounds. Considerations range from which edges to fold to ensuring your character isn’t in the fold’s path, as folding over yourself isn’t allowed. It’s a challenge, especially when trying to collect secrets hidden just out of sight, often requiring creative new folding strategies.
Describing Paper Trail is tricky because it successfully marries its story and mechanics into a cohesive experience. Without the folding mechanic, it might seem like a typical top-down adventure, lacking its standout feature. But with it, everything clicks into place, making both the gameplay and narrative more engaging. Achieving this balance is no small feat and deserves a nod of appreciation.
Overall, Paper Trail delivers a beautifully challenging experience, distinct in its approach and execution. Though some may find the trial-and-error aspect frustrating, the game doesn’t feel overly punishing, and each solved puzzle feels rewarding. This isn’t about wildly impossible puzzles but rather about thinking things through logically. When you do hit a roadblock, take a step back; there’s always a reasonable solution waiting to be discovered.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Trail. It’s a charming and clever puzzle game that can easily hook genre enthusiasts into seeing it through to the end. While it may not suit everyone’s tastes due to its trial-and-error nature, there’s little here that’s a real downside. If you crave a brainy challenge with a dash of creativity, this game is a winner.
An engaging puzzler in nearly every way, Paper Trail scores an impressive 8.5/10. It’s beautifully written, uniquely designed, and visually stunning, offering just enough challenge to keep you coming back for more, even if some trial and error is involved. For puzzle fans, there’s plenty here to love.
