Product Info

Platform

PlayStation 5, PC

Publisher

Kakehashi Games

Developer

Bandai Namco Studios Singapore

Genre

Action, Adventure, Platform

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

6 GB

Release Date (NA)

Sep 3, 2025

Purchase From

PSN Store

Steam

Epic Games

Hirogami is a stunning 3D platformer that folds in all the right ways, but it does have some rough edges that prevent it from reaching its full form.

Origami in Trouble

You play as Hiro, a fan-wielding performer of the art of “folding,” who embarks on a dangerous journey to restore power to the fragile world. The Brights, a digital foe, are turning the origami world upside down. Hiro must restore each crane shrine to bring back the Celestial Crane.

While Hirogami’s tale of saving the world with its papercraft world is intriguing, the game’s story feels lackluster. The supporting characters lack personality and just seem to be there. Dialogue scenes feel dull, with flat designs. Ideally, these dialogue scenes could have more engaging designs inspired by paper and artistic styles. For example, dialogue boxes could fold in and out, text styles could be more animated or at least pop more as they currently look too plain. Voice acting or voice effects could also enhance the player’s focus.

Folding at the Right Place

Early in the game, Hiro can double-jump, use his fan to wield wind gusts, and unfold to navigate tight areas or float in mid-air for an extended period. You will encounter animal origami that has been affected by the Blight. Once you defeat your first animal, you will learn their forms and abilities. There are three critters you can transform into at any time: armadillo, frog, and gorilla. While the armadillo is slow when walking, it can roll into a deadly weapon to not only increase speed but also take out any foes in its path. 

As you progress further in the journey, you will learn new moves such as the ability to withstand flames that allow you to spin through lava. The frog has the ability to jump at high altitudes and powerfully stomp on foes below (similar to Mario’s ground pound). The gorilla can climb up vines and use its physical power to break specific paper blocks that obstruct your path. Switching between these forms is relatively easy with just a couple of buttons on the controller. Activating a certain power is also simple with just one button command, which is displayed on the lower right screen.

In certain situations, you will automatically transform into a paper bird, allowing you to fly around and unleash wind attacks at obstacles. The movement and commands are smooth, and players may wish for more areas where they can use this transformation.

Paper Thin

Hirogami‘s development team recently released a significant update to address various issues in the game. This update focused on improving the foe’s health gauge, adjusting camera angles, adding more checkpoints, and making mission objectives easier to achieve. While many of these issues have been resolved, some players have noted that certain camera angles still feel rigid.

 During gameplay, the camera often locks onto specific angles, limiting the player’s ability to adjust it freely. This cinematic view can be immersive, but at times it feels unnecessary. There are instances where players may be transformed into a basic piece of paper and struggle to change back. To resolve this, players must either back up or select the transform command again.

 Enemies are now easier to defeat, which can take away some of the challenge, even with additional foes on the battlefield. Boss levels offer a more significant challenge, but they are still accessible for newcomers. Players who rush through the game without completing every objective can finish it in a day.

Players have the option to replay levels to achieve 100% completion, which may involve beating a level within a specific time limit or finding hidden areas. Discovering additional items can unlock new abilities or increase Hiro’s health gauge. Players can also unlock gallery art by following specific steps and spending coins.

The game’s papercraft world has a unique aesthetic, but some players may feel that it lacks depth. The elegant and whimsical soundtrack with traditional Japanese instruments enhances the origami-inspired gameplay. Despite its flaws, the game still offers an enjoyable experience, and players are encouraged to give it a try.

The Final Fold

Hirogami is a beautifully crafted 3D platformer that offers a fun experience with the new update. Although its story and camera work occasionally crease the fun, its papercraft world, transformations, papercraft world, and satisfying mechanics make it worth unfolding. It’s not a perfect masterpiece, but it definitely takes shape in all the right places.

A PlayStation 5 review code provided for this review. Hirogami is available now for the PlayStation 5 and PC.