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Paper Trail

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), iOS, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4, Android • 2024

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Quick resume

Paper Trail is a top-down puzzle adventure about leaving home, set in a foldable, paper world.

Global score

95/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Strategy, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique and creative folding mechanic
  • Beautiful hand-drawn art and soothing soundtrack
  • Balanced and rewarding puzzle difficulty
  • Charming narrative and characters
  • Helpful hint system for accessibility

Cons

  • Story can feel vague or underdeveloped
  • Some puzzles may feel repetitive or tedious
  • Limited length and replay value for some players
  • Minor ui issues with folding controls
  • Lack of deeper social or multiplayer features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore puzzle solutions and fold the paper in various ways to progress, requiring personal problem solving and decision making."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game offers challenging puzzles that require skillful spatial reasoning and problem solving, with a balanced difficulty curve and rewarding solutions."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual puzzle solving at personal pace, with no mention of competitive or ranked modes."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report being hooked and spending multiple hours, with some replaying for collectibles and achievements, indicating sustained engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "The game is a single-player puzzle experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    5

    "Highly creative core mechanic of folding paper to solve puzzles, with unique level designs and evolving mechanics."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; purely personal puzzle experience."

  • Escapism
    4

    "The charming story, immersive art, and relaxing music provide a pleasant escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment of puzzles and story."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players experiment with folding mechanics and new puzzle elements introduced in each chapter."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover new areas and secrets by unfolding and folding the paper world, collecting hidden origami."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; focus is on puzzle solving rather than avatar or environment personalization."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "The narrative has imaginative elements such as folding space and time, and a fairy tale-like atmosphere."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop spatial reasoning and puzzle-solving skills progressively through the game."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "No evidence of forming close social relationships; mostly individual play."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through levels and collecting origami provides a sense of advancement and achievement."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Many players describe the game as cozy, calming, and relaxing with soothing music and art."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable sensory experience with beautiful visuals, sound design, and tactile paper folding sounds."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems involved."

  • Story
    3

    "The game features a narrative with characters and plot elements integrated with the puzzles."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Puzzles require logical thinking, planning folds ahead, and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "The game is more about calm engagement than suspense or risk."

  • Value
    3

    "Players generally feel the game offers good value for its price, especially on sale."

  • Violence
    -5

    "Non-violent gameplay focused on puzzle solving and exploration."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics present."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026