Many ideas start on paper, but only a few are brought to life. However, brothers Henry and Fred Hoffman, the creators of Newfangled Games based in Norwich, turned their level ideas for a new platformer into a reality with Paper Trail. This top-down puzzle adventure incorporates a spatial manipulation mechanic that allows players to fold planes and merge sides to solve puzzles. The protagonist, Paige, possesses a unique ability to fold the world and embarks on a journey to pursue her studies.
The concept of manipulating the world by folding paper caught the brothers’ attention immediately. They merged the mechanic with a puzzle game concept influenced by “mechanic-driven design,” drawing inspiration from games like Braid released in 2008. Over the past three years, the team has dedicated their time to perfecting Paper Trail.
The game takes place on pieces of paper, with levels on both sides. Folding the paper merges the two levels, creating a seamless passage between the folded areas. This mechanic resembles the concept of wormholes explained by Sam Neill’s character in the movie Event Horizon, but applied as a game mechanic.
The design of Paper Trail exhibits a Monument Valley aesthetic and features panel-based puzzle-solving similar to the award-winning game Gorogoa from 2017. Within the paper world unfolds a story of leaving a small town to pursue dreams and the challenges that come with it. As Paige explores her folding ability, she gains the courage to leave her home behind, resulting in her parents coming to terms with the new reality.
The setting of the game mirrors the origins of the studio itself. Originally based in a basement flat in Brixton deemed “unfit for human habitation,” the studio has now grown into an indie studio in Norwich. Both Henry and Fred can relate to the themes of leaving a rural town to chase their dreams, although they never expected to embark on this journey together.
The distinct art style of Paper Trail serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. It is intrinsic to the game’s functionality, according to art director Fred Hoffman, who faced similar design challenges while working on the highly acclaimed puzzle game Hue in 2016. The perspective of the game was a crucial aspect to work out, eventually finding a compromise between side-on and top-down views that allowed for intricate puzzle design and visual storytelling.
While a playable demo is currently available, there is much more to be revealed in the full game. Fully voiced cutscenes that incorporate folding will be included, adding narrative depth to the characters. Additionally, a collectible system involving finding origami animals to unlock achievements will cater to fans seeking enhanced replayability and challenges.
Paper Trail, set to release in early 2024, has already garnered awards at the Taipei Game Show and Reboot Develop, leading to partnerships with Netflix to bring the game to iOS and Android platforms. Even the esteemed British Origami Society magazine editor praised the game after playing it, despite potential origami faux pas. The game will be available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox Series X/S.