Hirogami Struggles to Deliver Unique Gameplay Experience

The release of Hirogami has generated interest among gamers seeking a 3D action-adventure experience that embraces the charm of handcrafted worlds. Set in a vibrant paper universe, players assume the role of Hiro, a master of origami, tasked with combating a digital threat known as The Blight. Despite its promising premise, the game ultimately fails to provide a cohesive and engaging experience.

Game Overview and Mechanics

Hirogami unfolds across ten distinct chapters, each offering unique areas to explore. The gameplay centers around Hiro’s ability to transform into various origami creatures, such as an armadillo, frog, and gorilla, each providing unique skills necessary for navigating the environment. For example, the armadillo can roll into enemies and break through walls, while the frog allows players to leap to higher platforms. These transformations are easy to manage, with each assigned to a specific button, enhancing gameplay fluidity as players progress through the levels.

In addition to transformations, Hiro wields a fan to fend off adversaries and can unfold into a sheet of paper to float through the air. While these mechanics are engaging and creatively integrated, the game suffers from a lack of challenge. Many players may find the experience more relaxing than stimulating, as the levels are designed to be breezy escapades rather than intense challenges. However, some basic design flaws, such as forced perspective issues, hinder navigation and can lead to repeated failures during platforming segments.

Combat and Level Design Issues

Combat constitutes one of the most significant weaknesses of Hirogami. Player encounters tend to feel unresponsive, with attacks lacking impact, transforming what could be exciting battles into monotonous chores. Although the ability to switch between different forms introduces some variety, the overall execution feels sluggish. Most enemies are simplistic, lacking the creativity found in the game’s environments and mechanics. As a result, combat often becomes a frustrating aspect of the gameplay rather than an enjoyable challenge.

Each level features two sets of challenges designed to incentivize players to revisit areas. Objectives such as completing levels without taking damage or within a specific time limit can be engaging. However, progress often hinges on successfully completing these tasks, requiring players to replay levels that may not offer sufficient interest for a second attempt. The basic design of the levels, combined with a lack of hidden secrets or discoveries, can lead to player irritation as they strive to advance.

Visually, Hirogami stands out with its superb art direction, showcasing richly detailed environments that evoke a handcrafted aesthetic. The stop-motion-inspired animation style enhances the game’s unique identity. While the presentation is initially impressive, it ultimately fails to evolve, leaving players wanting more depth and engagement from the world built around them.

In conclusion, while Hirogami presents a pleasant adventure filled with innovative ideas, it struggles to create a truly memorable experience. The engaging transformation mechanics, particularly in later levels, could have pushed the game to greater heights. Nonetheless, the lackluster combat, basic level design, and the necessity of revisiting earlier stages detract from the overall enjoyment. As it stands, Hirogami is a creative endeavor that, unfortunately, does not fully realize its potential.

PS5 codes were provided by the publisher for this review.