PaperKlay (2025)

Set in a whimsical world full of flippable levels, sentient craft supplies and chirpy companions, PaperKlay wears its inspirations proudly. With music composed by Banjo-Kazooie’s Grant Kirkhope and a distinctly Paper Mario-meets-crochet-dollhouse art style, it’s a game that will tug at the nostalgia strings for anyone who grew up with platformers or enjoys games bursting with charm. PaperKlay is not a perfect platformer, and it’s not trying to be. It’s charming, heartfelt and full of personality. The lack of a tutorial and the soft-focus story might throw some players off, but the humour, visual creativity and brilliant soundtrack more than make up for it. What truly sets PaperKlay apart is its dedication to a distinctive visual identity. In a sea of photorealistic AAA titles, it is refreshing, even brilliant, to play something that looks like it was made by a particularly artistic goblin on a crafting binge. There’s something special about games that feel like someone truly enjoyed making them, and this feels like one of those. It’s silly, warm and just the right amount of strange. If you’re after something relaxing, with soul and silliness, PaperKlay is well worth unfolding. PaperKlay gets the Thumb Culture Silver Award.

Even with these handful of issues, PaperKlay is still an easy recommendation, with a few asterisks. If you are looking for something very akin to old-school 3D collectathons, you’re going to be a bit disappointed. It’s a bit more linear, vastly less challenging. Now, as an introduction to the genre, a very accessible game to convince casuals to play something a bit more traditional, this works oh so well. At the end of the day, it’s a very competent and easygoing 3D platformer with a lot of charm and heart.

PaperKlay is the ideal game to introduce your child or spouse to the gaming world. Its simple platforming and bright visuals are perfect for a small child and the secrets and the more involved tasks will fill the curiosity of an adult. Its clear objectives will be appreciated by many, with the same going for its fun writing.

PaperKlay is a charming 3D platformer with gorgeous papercraft visuals, and it's full of those delicious collectibles you just have to grab.

PaperKlay may have a few rough edges, but like any lovingly made craft project, those imperfections are part of its charm. Its vibrant world of cardboard, clay, and creativity is brought to life with expressive animation, satisfying platforming, and a clear affection for the genre it celebrates. While its combat may be simplistic, enemy variety is limited, and its levels sometimes feel more like standalone stages than pieces of a larger world, these are small creases in what is otherwise a carefully crafted experience.