Ophelia Payne

I’ve been a gamer for more years than I care to admit, and I’m always on the hunt for something new. This is not an easy task, nor should it be. Most games (I’d dare say all games) are inspired by those that came before them. The games the developers loved growing up, and the ones that inspired them to get into developing themselves.

It’s no surprise to anyone that I prefer a solo gaming experience, regardless of genre, but I find I spend most of my time playing games that are relaxing instead of those that make me stressed. Often, games that don’t fit into the meta, or the few genres that always get the attention, get overlooked unless they have a flashy trailer or massive hype behind them. I received an email from PR Hound with the subject line ‘unfold the purrfect journey’ back in February, and I had been hooked on following the progress since.  I received my code at the end of March and, yes, it’s taken me some time to create this review. Not because I’ve been hesitant to play it, I started it immediately, but because I didn’t want it to be over.

‘Origament: A Paper Adventure’ from Space Sauce Studio and published by Assemble Entertainment is easily one of my favourite games this year. It’s unlike anything I played before, and I even told someone that it’s the first time in a long time that I had an emotional response to a game where literal tears flowed.

The story is simple. You take control of a letter, guided by an adorable origami kitty, and navigate a variety of world-themed levels. Your letter can take 4 different forms: a ball (walking/rolling), a boat (floating/sailing on water), a plane (for flying) and a shuriken (for attacking).

Using my Xbox controller, each was assigned to one of the buttons, and you had to switch between forms to navigate the levels. There are also coins and hidden bonuses to find. Each of the various forms is not only for transportation but can also be used for the slight puzzle-solving mechanics or to crash through walls, ice, or even scare insects so you can move along your path. Knowing when to switch between them is important, too, as there is a slight cool-down between being able to switch back to one form just used.

The origami cat mentioned earlier will appear from time to time. If you interact with it, it will offer you some abstract advice, but it was comforting seeing it pop up along your journey.  You can also find bottles with messages in them, providing little hints and lore.

Each level ends with a spiral clock, and I’m not sure if I missed a potential story about time shifts here, but I loved the consistency of knowing you were completing the level.

As you complete each level, you are rewarded with a colourful origami star that you use to open the next level via a stone in the main hub known as The Sanctuary. You will also use coins collected in the shop to buy colourful skins and origami designs. I was disappointed that when I unlocked them, my letter didn’t take those forms (like the jet plane versus a plain paper airplane) in the game, but that’s a small detail. Instead of being able to switch forms, you are rewarded with directions on how to fold your own versions of them. I loved this detail of honouring the medium that the game is built on, and I can’t wait to try to create my own little fox.

Each world is unique and ranges from Japanese gardens, Venice during Carnival, a western themed world (close to my heart since I absolutely LOVE Red Dead Redemption) and even a winter Christmas themed world. Built with Unreal Engine 5, the attention to detail in these beautiful worlds did not go unnoticed. I loved the way the insects glowed ominously, and the ‘deadly’ grass was brightly coloured like a warning.

One feature I adored was the painting-like images depicting your cat guide at the end of each level.

This is a game with visuals and music designed for those who like to take their time with a game. The puzzles aren’t particularly difficult, but they were interesting enough to keep my attention. Now, the time trials you encounter were another story entirely. Some of them felt almost impossible, and while I managed to struggle through a few of them, a couple would instantly fail, so I couldn’t seem to see a solution. Thankfully, these are optional, and you can complete the game and unlock all the items in the shop without them.

Origament delivered on the cozy gameplay it promised me, and I enjoyed the few hours it took to complete it. It won’t be a game for everyone, but it’s definitely a game for me.

Until next time…be good to yourself and be good to each other.

**Thank you, PR Hound, for providing the review code**