Discovering a game that’s genuinely unique is always a breath of fresh air. We often fall into the trap of measuring new games against old ones, which unfairly diminishes their individuality. We’re quick to judge a game’s quality based on comparisons like “It’s kind of like [insert game name],” without giving it a proper chance. This habit of making assumptions before even playing the game isn’t really fair. However, it’s a delightful surprise when a game defies easy categorization and leaves you stumped when asked for a comparison. Enter Paper Trail, a game that stands out as something unlike anything else I’ve played. This aspect alone makes it intriguing, and I’m eager to share my experience with you.
What truly sets Paper Trail apart is its innovative level design. This top-down puzzle adventure tasks players with folding levels like paper to open up new paths, uncover hidden platforms, and reveal secrets. Often, the way forward is obscured until you engage in this paper-folding magic, at which point everything brilliantly snaps into focus. It’s such an enjoyable mechanic! The visuals complement this concept beautifully—levels appear as stunningly illustrated pages laid out side by side. It’s as though you’re navigating through both a captivating tale and a vibrant art piece simultaneously.
At its core, Paper Trail tells the charming story of a young girl embarking on a journey away from home. Her adventure encompasses much more, but this is the starting point. There’s no malicious reason for her escape—rather, it’s about the difficulty some overprotective parents have in letting go. As the game is heavily story-driven, I won’t spoil it for you, except to say the writing is top-notch. With its whimsical atmosphere, supported by the delightful art style, Paper Trail succeeds where many puzzle games falter by providing a narrative that enriches the gaming experience.
A major highlight of Paper Trail is its challenge. The solution to each puzzle isn’t always apparent—you’ll often need to fold the levels in various ways, and it’s more complex than it seems. You must consider not only which edges to fold but also the folding depth and your character’s position. Remember, you can’t fold over your character, so positioning is crucial to solving puzzles. Many hidden collectibles add to the challenge, usually tucked away on the reverse side of the map you’re navigating. Collecting them all is no easy task but highly rewarding.
Interestingly, Paper Trail is a paradox. It doesn’t oversell on content, yet remains engaging. This isn’t due to any lack in quality or depth; instead, it achieves a masterful balance between storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Without the folding mechanic, it would be just another top-down game. The narrative is compelling, yet not strong enough to carry the game independently.
I typically critique games that lean too heavily on a single mechanic, as this can result in that element feeling overused or forced. But Paper Trail cleverly integrates its mechanics so that they work in harmony with the narrative, rather than sidelining it, which is truly impressive.
In conclusion, Paper Trail is a remarkable puzzle game with an engaging, albeit occasionally frustrating, mechanic. It’s not frustrating due to poor design but because it can deceptively seem simpler than it is. You might think a simple fold will get you through, only to be challenged for another half-hour trying various approaches. Still, every solution feels rewarding, warranting a self-congratulatory pat on the back. My tip? Remember that each puzzle has a logical solution—no need to rush or get daunted.
Playing Paper Trail was a wonderfully enjoyable experience. It’s a charming, innovative puzzler that I confidently recommend to puzzle enthusiasts. While the trial-and-error element might not appeal to everyone, and storytelling can be subjective, there aren’t any major drawbacks. For anyone who enjoys a mental challenge, Paper Trail is a solid choice. With a score of 8.5/10, Paper Trail is near perfection for puzzle lovers, offering a gorgeously written narrative alongside unique gameplay that keeps you coming back for more.
