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CRITIK

Paper Trail

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Paper Trail
Item: Paper Trail
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Puzzle and Logic, Top-Down Perspective, Casual, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMay 21, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperNewfangled Games

Overview

Fold corners and edges of the screen to open new pathways and solve puzzles in the super charming Paper Trail, with a soundtrack that'll melt your heart.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

72%

Mixed (50-79)

28%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Paper Trail has garnered praise from several critics for its positive aspects. Impulsegamer commends the game for offering an enjoyable and meaningful narrative centered around self-discovery and growth, particularly focusing on the protagonist Paige's journey. Nintendo Life appreciates the engaging narrative with voiced 'journal entries' that add depth to the protagonist's backstory. NintendoWorldReport highlights the endearing story of Paige defying her parents' wishes to pursue higher education, accompanied by a diverse cast of characters and interactive storytelling elements. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out shortcomings in the story of Paper Trail. Finger Guns notes that while Paige's journey with the ability to manipulate space and time is intriguing, it falls short of being a compelling page-turner. WellPlayed mentions that the resolution of the story may leave players wanting more payoff, indicating a potential lack of satisfaction in the narrative's conclusion. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Story of Paper Trail. Critics like PlayStation Universe and God is a Geek appreciate the heartwarming and touching adventure, resonant story about growth, and the unique presentation through folding pictures. While there are mentions of the story being simple or lacking emotional depth by some critics like GAMINGbible, the majority of reviewers find the narrative engaging, with elements of self-discovery, independence, and supernatural abilities woven into a whimsical and quirky tale. The game's ability to connect the story with gameplay mechanics, along with its unique premise of folding paper to navigate through levels, is generally well-received. Despite some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment suggests that Paper Trail successfully delivers an enjoyable and heartfelt narrative experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise the heartwarming and engaging narrative of Paper Trail, focusing on self-discovery and growth in a whimsical tale. While some find it lacking in emotional depth, the unique presentation and gameplay mechanics generally receive positive feedback. Overall, the game offers an enjoyable and heartfelt experience with a few minor criticisms.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the innovative and engaging gameplay of Paper Trail, highlighting its unique mechanic of folding the environment to solve puzzles and progress through the game. Critics like Impulsegamer and Pure Nintendo appreciated the challenging yet fun aspect of folding paper to create paths for the protagonist, emphasizing the creativity and enjoyment derived from this gameplay element. Nintendo Life and WellPlayed commended the gradual introduction of new mechanics and increasing complexity, keeping the puzzles fresh and engaging as players delve deeper into the game. This positive sentiment towards the gameplay showcases a consensus among reviewers that Paper Trail offers a refreshing and inventive puzzle-solving experience that captivates players. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Paper Trail was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did mention a few drawbacks. GameSpew noted that the repetitive folding concept may become tiresome over time, suggesting a potential lack of variety or innovation in the gameplay mechanics. This sentiment was echoed by Finger Guns, who highlighted the core gameplay mechanic of folding levels as engaging but did not delve into further depth regarding potential monotony. These criticisms suggest that while the gameplay is generally well-received, there may be room for improvement in terms of introducing more diverse mechanics or addressing potential repetitiveness to enhance the overall experience for players. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Paper Trail delivers a standout gameplay experience that is both innovative and engaging. With a focus on folding paper to navigate through levels, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets, the game captivates players with its unique mechanics and challenging puzzles. Critics like NintendoWorldReport and PlayStation Universe praised the inventive puzzle mechanics and the gradual introduction of new elements, highlighting the game's ability to keep players entertained and immersed throughout their playthrough. Despite some minor criticisms regarding potential monotony, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay of Paper Trail to be a compelling and rewarding experience, making it a standout title in the puzzle-solving genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Paper Trail's inventive gameplay, praising its unique folding mechanic for solving puzzles and progressing in the game. While some mention concerns about potential repetitiveness, the majority agree that the game offers a refreshing and captivating puzzle-solving experience that keeps players engaged. Overall, Paper Trail stands out for its innovative gameplay and challenging puzzles, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Trail, highlighting its charming and distinct art style that brings the storybook world to life. Critics like Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo appreciated the vibrant color palette and papery aesthetic that perfectly complemented the game's theme of folding paper. NintendoWorldReport and PlayStation Universe commended the unique art style that resembled pages of a book, creating a visually enjoyable experience. TheXboxHub and Finger Guns were impressed by the hand-drawn textures and beautiful colors that enhanced the cozy and immersive atmosphere of the game. Overall, the positive aspects of the graphics mentioned by the critics include the expressive character designs, whimsical storybook feel, and visually distinct biomes that added depth to the world of Paper Trail. While the majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions about the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Trail, there were no notable negative remarks that stood out in their reviews. The lack of negative feedback regarding the game's graphics suggests a high level of consistency in the quality of the visual elements across different platforms. Critics such as WellPlayed and GameSpew did not mention any specific drawbacks related to the art style or design, indicating a strong overall consensus on the impressive visuals of the game. The absence of negative criticism regarding the graphics further solidifies the notion that Paper Trail excelled in delivering a visually appealing and cohesive experience to players. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Paper Trail. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its beautiful art style, charming aesthetics, and immersive world-building elements. Critics like GAMINGbible and Push Square appreciated the delightful papercraft world and distinctive environments that captured the spirit of childhood picture books. With no significant negative feedback to counter the widespread acclaim, it is evident that Paper Trail successfully captivated players with its gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, colorful characters, and cohesive design that enhanced the overall gameplay experience. The game's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder through its art style resonated with critics, making it a standout title in terms of visual presentation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously praised Paper Trail's Graphics and Visual Design for its charming art style, vibrant color palette, and papery aesthetic that perfectly complemented the game's theme. The hand-drawn textures, expressive character designs, and visually distinct biomes were highlighted as standout features. With no notable negative feedback, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the game's visually appealing and cohesive experience that captivated players.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Paper Trail have garnered praise from several critics for enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Impulsegamer commends the game for its relaxing and adventurous soundtrack that elevates the gameplay, despite occasional audio issues. Nintendo Life appreciates the serene piano-laden tracks that contribute to immersion, while Pure Nintendo highlights the sounds of paper and relaxing music that aid in the smooth flow of the game. TheXboxHub also lauds the emotional and lovely score by Claudie Mackula, which complements the game's tone effectively. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in the Sound Design and Music of Paper Trail. Finger Guns notes that the minimalist soundtrack, while initially complementing the visuals well, may become repetitive over time. Softpedia echoes this sentiment, mentioning a repetitive soundtrack and issues with sound design, such as characters speaking gibberish and loud sounds from the controller's speaker. However, these criticisms seem to be in the minority compared to the overall positive feedback from other reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Paper Trail excels in creating a whimsical and immersive atmosphere through its sound design and music. Critics like GAMINGbible and PlayStation Country appreciate the whimsical character noises and unique sound design that add charm to the game. Push Square and Shacknews highlight the atmospheric and emotive music that elevates the overall experience. While there are some concerns raised by a few critics regarding repetitiveness and occasional audio issues, the majority of opinions lean towards the positive impact of the Sound Design and Music in Paper Trail, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and enjoyment.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Paper Trail's sound design and music for enhancing gameplay with relaxing, adventurous, and immersive tracks. Despite occasional audio issues, the serene piano-laden music and sounds of paper contribute to a smooth flow and elevate the game's tone effectively. While some critics find the minimalist soundtrack repetitive and mention sound design issues like characters speaking gibberish, the majority agree that the whimsical and emotive atmosphere created by the sound design and music adds charm and elevates the overall experience of Paper Trail.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Paper Trail are quite varied, with several positive aspects highlighted. Nintendo Life and Pure Nintendo both praise the game for offering collectible origami constructs and hours of clever gameplay suitable for multiple playthroughs, catering to puzzle enthusiasts and players of all skill levels. Finger Guns also mentions that the collectible origamis add replay value by requiring players to solve additional puzzles, extending the gameplay beyond the main story. Additionally, PlayStation Country and PlayStation Universe appreciate the optional origami figures to collect, speedrun trophy, and satisfying rewards, encouraging replayability and engagement with the world. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limited replay value of Paper Trail. GAMINGbible and Metro GameCentral both note the linear nature of the story and puzzles, leading to limited replayability. Shacknews mentions that the high degree of intensity and complexity of the puzzles may be overwhelming for certain players, impacting the game's replay value. While GameSpew mentions that players may find enjoyment in short bursts rather than long play sessions, which could affect the overall replayability of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive aspects of Paper Trail's replay value, with a focus on the challenging puzzles, collectibles, and optional achievements that encourage multiple playthroughs. Critics like NintendoWorldReport and God is a Geek appreciate the gratifying problem-solving challenges and hidden origami models that cater to players looking for additional challenges. Despite some concerns about the linear nature of the game and potential gameplay fatigue over time, the majority of critics find Paper Trail to offer a satisfying replay value, especially for players who enjoy puzzle games and exploration of game mechanics.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Paper Trail. Some praise its collectible origami constructs and challenging gameplay, while others criticize its linear story and intensity of puzzles. Overall, most reviewers appreciate the game's replayability through collectibles, optional achievements, and engaging puzzles, making it a worthwhile choice for puzzle enthusiasts and players seeking a satisfying challenge.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of critics praised Paper Trail for its engaging gameplay, captivating narrative, and stunning visuals. Nintendo Life described it as a "top puzzle game for the Switch" with "well-crafted puzzles" and "highly recommended for puzzle enthusiasts." PlayStation Universe also highlighted the game's "inventive gameplay mechanics" and "beautiful visuals," calling it a "marvel of a puzzle game." The game's thematic cohesion and storytelling were commended by NintendoWorldReport, stating that it offers a "satisfying and engaging puzzle-solving adventure." The charming aesthetics and innovative gameplay mechanics were consistently mentioned as strong points by critics like GAMINGbible and GameSpew, praising the game for its creativity and rewarding puzzles. On the downside, some critics pointed out minor issues with Paper Trail. God is a Geek mentioned "cumbersome folding controls" and potential frustration with puzzles, while WellPlayed noted that the game may lack in story resolution. GameSpew highlighted that the repetitive folding mechanics may not appeal to everyone, and Softpedia mentioned issues with sound design and the hint system. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with critics acknowledging Paper Trail's unique concept and engaging gameplay outweighing its minor flaws. In conclusion, Paper Trail received high praise from the majority of critics, who lauded its innovative gameplay mechanics, charming aesthetics, and engaging puzzle-solving experience. Critics like Push Square appreciated the game's interesting mechanics and beautiful design, while Shacknews highlighted its novel mechanics and distinct style. The consensus among reviewers is that Paper Trail is a standout puzzle game that offers a delightful and memorable experience, with its strengths in storytelling, gameplay, and visual presentation making it a highly recommended title for fans of the genre. Overall, the positive reception from critics indicates that Paper Trail is a must-play for those looking for a unique and rewarding puzzle adventure.

TL;DR

Paper Trail wows critics with engaging gameplay, captivating narrative, and stunning visuals. Praised as a top puzzle game for the Switch, it offers well-crafted puzzles and inventive gameplay mechanics. While some critics mention minor issues like cumbersome controls and repetitive mechanics, the overwhelming consensus is highly positive. With its innovative gameplay and charming aesthetics, Paper Trail is a must-play for puzzle enthusiasts seeking a delightful and memorable experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

49 reviews found

100

GamesHub

May 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A unique and novel puzzle game with incredible gameplay and storybook visuals, highly rewarding and deserving of praise.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

May 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail is a marvel of a puzzle game with a heartfelt story, inventive gameplay mechanics, beautiful visuals, and engaging accessibility options, offering a truly effective and memorable experience.

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GAMINGbible

PlayStation 5

May 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail is an exceptional game with innovative gameplay mechanics, charming aesthetics, and a simple yet engaging story.

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

May 22, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail is a thematically cohesive experience that excels in storytelling, gameplay, and world design, offering a satisfying and engaging puzzle-solving adventure.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

May 22, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail is a top puzzle game for the Switch with a captivating narrative, stunning visuals, and well-crafted puzzles, highly recommended for puzzle enthusiasts.

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GGRecon

May 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail exceeds expectations with inspired puzzle design, gorgeous art, and engaging gameplay, leaving the reviewer excited for the developer's future projects

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God is a Geek

May 30, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail is a unique and captivating puzzle game with a great story, innovative gameplay, and helpful hint system, despite some minor issues like cumbersome folding controls and potential frustration with puzzles.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

May 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail is a delightful puzzle game with great storytelling, challenging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a fitting soundtrack.

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Impulsegamer

Nintendo Switch

May 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trail is a lovely game that creatively explores personal emotions and offers rewarding puzzles, despite some technical issues. It provides a comfortable and engaging world to explore.

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Pure Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

May 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Paper Trails is a fun and challenging puzzle game with engaging gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and a charming story that keeps players invested in helping Page achieve her dream.

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