Is Hirogami the Next Must-Play Paper Folding Platformer?

Hirogami is an innovative indie game that fuses elements of beloved titles like Paper Mario and Tearaway, presenting a unique action-adventure experience set in a world crafted entirely from paper. With its charming visuals and engaging mechanics inspired by origami, Hirogami invites players to explore and combat digital Blight, but it faces challenges with gameplay execution and camera controls.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Hirogami draws inspiration from the art of origami and features a handmade paper world.
• The game combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving mechanics.
• Players can transform into various origami animals, each with unique abilities.
• Camera controls are a significant drawback, complicating gameplay experience.
• Combat lacks depth, and the overall design feels underutilised.

What is Hirogami?

Hirogami is a 3D platformer developed by Bandai Namco Studios Singapore and published by Kakehashi Games, released on 3rd September 2025. The game invites players to step into the shoes of Hiro, a hero made from paper who embarks on a quest to rid his village of a mysterious digital Blight. Through a series of vibrant and creatively designed levels, players will navigate challenges, solve puzzles, and engage in combat against various foes.

A World Crafted from Paper

Hirogami stands out visually with its distinctive art style reminiscent of origami. The game’s environments resemble folded paper, animated in a stop motion manner, creating a charming aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. This unique design choice not only draws players in but also reflects the creativity that paper craft can inspire in video game development.

The Storyline and Setting

The narrative revolves around Hiro, who must confront the Blight, a digital infestation manifesting as clumps of pink translucent cubes in his village. While the Blight does not appear to cause immediate harm, its presence disrupts the otherwise serene and handcrafted atmosphere of the game. Hiro's mission is to cleanse his home and restore its beauty, engaging players in an adventure that combines both exploration and problem-solving.

Gameplay Mechanics

Hirogami features a blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving mechanics that are central to its gameplay. Players will encounter various challenges that require the clever use of Hiro’s abilities and the transformations into origami animals.

Transformations and Abilities

One of the standout features of Hirogami is the ability to transform into different origami animals, each providing unique skills:

• Armadillo: Can roll into enemies and break specific boxes.
• Frog: Capable of high jumps and can spit poison to disrupt enemy defences.
• Gorilla: Can swing from ropes and break different box types.
• Flat Paper Form: Useful for sliding under obstacles and gliding short distances.

Players will frequently need to switch forms to navigate obstacles and defeat enemies, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay. For example, players might jump as the frog and then switch to the flat paper form to glide to a higher platform.

Collectibles and Progression

As players progress through the game, they will discover scrolls that allow them to build bridges and other structures, facilitating access to new areas. Unlocking animal forms and abilities occurs relatively quickly, within the first hour of gameplay. However, the process of utilising these abilities can feel too straightforward and lacks the depth expected from a platformer.

The Combat System

Combat in Hirogami revolves around defeating Glitchers—digital foes that Hiro encounters throughout his journey. Players can use Hiro’s fan to scatter the Glitchers or transform into the armadillo to roll into them. While this mechanic sounds promising, it quickly becomes repetitive.

Combat Limitations

Combat lacks variety and depth, with few evolving mechanics as players progress. Encounters often involve a predictable pattern of attacking with the fan or rolling into enemies, leading to a sense of monotony. The presence of shielded enemies that require specific forms to defeat adds minimal strategic value to the combat experience.

Camera Control Challenges

One of the most significant issues in Hirogami is its camera control, which hinders gameplay significantly. Unlike other successful 3D platformers that offer adaptable camera angles, Hirogami employs a fixed camera view that complicates movement and perspective. This design choice can lead to frustrating moments where players struggle to judge jumps or navigate obstacles effectively.

Impact on Gameplay Experience

In the early levels, the camera issues might result in a few unintentional deaths, but as players advance, these problems become more pronounced. At critical points in the game, players may find themselves unable to progress due to the frustrating camera angles. Collecting golden cranes, which are essential for level progression, becomes a daunting task as players attempt to avoid damage while dealing with the unhelpful camera.

The Overall Experience

Despite its unique visual style and creative concept, Hirogami struggles to deliver a satisfying gameplay experience. The game has a wealth of ideas that, unfortunately, are not fully realised. The simplistic combat mechanics and problematic camera control overshadow the potential for fun and engaging gameplay.

Conclusion

Hirogami offers an intriguing premise rooted in the art of origami, but it ultimately falls short of expectations. The game’s charm lies in its artistic design and the potential for innovative mechanics, yet the execution leaves much to be desired. Players seeking a polished and engaging platforming experience may find themselves disappointed.

As players look towards the future of indie gaming, the hope remains that developers will continue to explore the possibilities of unique artistic styles and gameplay mechanics, learning from the shortcomings of titles like Hirogami. Will we see more games in the paper craft genre that effectively combine aesthetics and engaging gameplay? Only time will tell. #Hirogami #IndieGames #OrigamiGaming

FAQs

What platforms is Hirogami available on?

Hirogami is available on PlayStation 5 and PC, offering a unique gaming experience across these platforms.

What is the age rating for Hirogami?

The game has an age rating of 3, making it suitable for younger audiences.

How much does Hirogami cost?

The price for Hirogami is set at £24.49, providing an affordable option for fans of indie games.

Can you play Hirogami in multiplayer mode?

Currently, Hirogami is a single-player experience, focusing on the journey of Hiro through his paper-crafted world.

What are the main challenges in Hirogami?

The main challenges include navigating through levels while managing combat with Glitchers and overcoming the limitations posed by the game's camera controls.