In the current landscape of the gaming industry, smaller developers are navigating a challenging environment, often resorting to innovative solutions to sustain their operations. Gyaar Studio, for instance, has taken a unique approach by crafting an entire game from the humble medium of paper.
Exploring the World of Hirogami
Announced at the Tokyo Games Show 2024, Hirogami transports players to a whimsical, origami-inspired universe where everything is crafted from paper. From the ground beneath your feet to the trees swaying in the breeze, even the protagonist is made of paper. This intriguing design choice offers players a distinct advantage: the ability to unfold into a flat page and refold into various animal forms, each granting unique abilities.
These transformations are not merely aesthetic; they introduce engaging gameplay mechanics. For instance, the frog form allows players to leap through the air, providing a refreshing change after navigating more traditional platforming sections. Meanwhile, the armadillo form enables fearless rolls into enemies that would otherwise pose a threat. Even the in-between state, where the character is just a flat piece of paper, proves to be a delightful experience. Players can slide under obstacles or glide on thermals, and there’s a certain joy in the way the paper drifts and slides, making one wish for the ability to do so in real life.
While Hirogami may not promise a sprawling or deeply intricate experience, it does incorporate simple metroidvania elements that encourage players to revisit earlier levels with newfound abilities to uncover hidden secrets. The adventure appears to be light and linear, yet it manages to carve out a unique space among similar titles. After spending just an hour with the game, one might find themselves daydreaming about setting aside a lazy Sunday afternoon to fully immerse in its world upon its release.
Scheduled for launch in early 2025, interested players can now wishlist Hirogami on Steam, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore this enchanting paper-crafted realm.
