Paper Dolls

It's a horror game that grips the player more with silence and the sound of footsteps than with jump scares. While there are some shortcomings, I still think it's a game with potential.

Paper Dolls Original is a first-person horror game that leans heavily on atmosphere, tension, and exploration. Set in a haunted Qing Dynasty mansion, it offers a unique cultural setting that stands out from typical horror titles.

The game builds fear through eerie sound design, dim lighting, and unsettling visuals rather than jump scares. The puzzles are challenging and require attention to detail, though the pacing can feel slow at times.

The story unfolds gradually, encouraging players to piece together the mystery on their own. While movement can be clunky and the mechanics occasionally frustrating, the sense of dread and isolation is very effective.

Final Verdict:
Not for everyone, but if you enjoy slow-paced, atmospheric horror with rich cultural elements, Paper Dolls Original is worth a try.

Paper Dolls Original is a first-person survival horror experience that leans heavily into atmosphere, psychological tension, and culturally rooted supernatural themes rather than fast-paced action or spectacle. Developed by Beijing Litchi Culture Media Co., Ltd. and published by both Beijing Litchi Culture Media Co., Ltd. and Gamera Game, the title places players inside a deeply unsettling, dreamlike version of a traditional Chinese mansion, using environmental storytelling and emotional stakes to create a sense of dread that slowly builds over time. Rather than overwhelming the player with constant threats, the game focuses on sustained unease, isolation, and the fear of the unknown.
The narrative framework is intimate and personal, centering on a father searching for his missing daughter after a devastating accident. This emotional hook gives context to the horror, grounding the supernatural events in grief, guilt, and desperation. As the protagonist awakens inside the abandoned mansion, the line between memory and nightmare becomes increasingly blurred. The house itself feels like a manifestation of trauma, with shifting spaces, locked rooms, and haunting whispers that guide the player forward while simultaneously warning them to turn back. The story unfolds gradually through environmental clues, fragmented memories, and subtle visual cues rather than overt exposition, encouraging players to piece together meaning through exploration.
Exploration is the core of the experience, and the mansion serves as both setting and antagonist. Dimly lit corridors, narrow hallways, and sparsely furnished rooms create a claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps players constantly on edge. Lighting plays a crucial role, with darkness used not just as a visual obstacle but as a psychological tool. The simple act of walking through a familiar-looking room can become nerve-wracking when paired with distant sounds, flickering lights, or the sudden appearance of something that was not there moments before. The environment is dense with small details that reinforce the sense of abandonment and decay, making the space feel oppressive rather than merely empty.
Supernatural encounters are handled with restraint, which strengthens their impact. Ghostly figures and cursed paper dolls appear sparingly, but when they do, they feel threatening precisely because of the player’s vulnerability. Combat is minimal and deliberately limited, forcing players to rely on avoidance, timing, and awareness rather than confrontation. This design choice reinforces a feeling of helplessness and heightens tension, as every encounter carries real risk. The uncertainty of when and where a threat might appear keeps players cautious, turning even routine backtracking into a nerve-racking experience.
Puzzle-solving is interwoven throughout the mansion and serves as the primary means of progression. Puzzles range from straightforward item-based locks to more abstract environmental challenges that require close observation and logical reasoning. While not all puzzles are equally elegant, they generally encourage players to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. This deliberate pacing complements the horror elements, as moments of concentration are often punctuated by unsettling sounds or visual disturbances that disrupt the player’s focus and raise anxiety.
The game’s presentation emphasizes realism and cultural specificity. Architectural design, decorative elements, and symbolic motifs draw from traditional Chinese settings, giving the horror a distinct identity that sets it apart from more Western-inspired haunted house games. This cultural grounding adds authenticity to the supernatural elements, making the ghosts and rituals feel tied to folklore rather than generic horror tropes. The visual fidelity is solid, if not cutting-edge, but the art direction and environmental cohesion do much of the heavy lifting in maintaining immersion.
Sound design is one of the game’s strongest assets. Ambient noises, distant echoes, and sudden auditory cues create a constant sense of unease, often suggesting danger without revealing it. The soundtrack is sparse, allowing silence to become a tool of tension, while carefully placed audio effects heighten moments of fear. This approach ensures that the horror feels pervasive rather than scripted, as players are never quite sure whether a sound signals an actual threat or is meant to unsettle them psychologically.
Overall, Paper Dolls Original is a slow-burning horror experience that prioritizes atmosphere, emotional storytelling, and psychological discomfort over action-driven scares. Its strengths lie in its oppressive setting, restrained use of supernatural encounters, and thematic focus on loss and obsession. While some players may find its pacing deliberate and its mechanics limited, those who appreciate immersive horror built on tension and mood rather than constant danger will find it a memorable experience. It stands as a distinctive entry in the indie horror space, particularly for players interested in culturally inspired supernatural narratives and methodical, exploration-driven fear.
Rating: 8/10

if you ask the MC having race with drunk turtle, i will bet my whole money on drunk turtle will win

A real hair puller, short and spooky.

很吓人