My first impression of Paper Beast came just in time for the launch of Play December last year. Included among the puzzle that sharpened the Superliminal mind and the expansion of Kingdom Hearts III was an exciting container depicting the first-person journey into a dreamlike place. The video included some interesting topography and trippy views, but what does all of this mean? What are you actually doing do it? Despite not really getting “what was going on, I was not impressed and made a point to play Paper Beast (whatever it was!) When talking to PS VR.
Now that on the other hand this unforgettable journey through digital space has been made real, I can't recommend it enough. What starts out as a curious prison through a recent desert transforms into an eye-popping adventure filled with origami creatures, floating objects, and unpleasant events that diminish meaning. Yes, I do explain
Thankfully, these bizarre moments are there to challenge your ideas, not to confuse you simply because "oh he's not this WEIRD?" The idea is that information-based life is built within the digital world, and it is a visitor to the capture of the creative turmoil. However, this visual genesis needs help, and this is where the real gameplay is taken. Using DualShock 4 or dual-wielding PS Mov Controllers, using these sticky creatures – along with plants, fabrics and other things – to ensure health, uh, it gets in the way.
Resolving these ecological zones means pausing to find a spectacular scenery. What do animals do? Do they look stressed? Water? These times are when the Beast paper really shines, as you are forced to look and deliberately consider what is happening in the world. Usually I found myself looking at a place like this and enjoying not just the piece in front of me, but how this data-driven ecosystem was put together. It's easy to get lost in the world and simply… you are. I've spent countless times watching paper attackers climb their prey and diamond-shaped insects doing their business. Everything is well thought out, creatively planned and is a way of knowing the experience.
Navigation follows the same dream-like thinking of building the world itself. You are not directly controlled by your movement, but rather use the cursor to guide from place to place. Some might prefer the traditional 1-to-1 movement more, but to me, this slightly added effect helped reinforce the look of the outdoors look. In dreams, it is often difficult to move exactly where and how you want … but at the same time, you can become "magical" somewhere without really considering the change. So you are both stuck and relaxed at the same time, as you are in the Beast newspaper – it's like you're dreaming.
As you play, various creatures cross your path and seem to try to help you. One hot, creepy one is life-changing, and another shaggy dog (made of blessed texts?) Tries his best to find practical ways. When the last event was played, new friends in tow, I felt really touched. Done! But, how was it? And where are we now when the credits are finalized? I have my own ideas, but that's the beauty of the narrative here – there is no single concrete answer.
The idea of alien wonder and confusing dialogue is back with another Earth / Outside the World, a great adventure game from Paper Beast designer Eric Chahi. Both games have little to do without HUD, conversation, or storytelling, and it puts the player in a strange place. Finding your way through the smallest thing you can do is fun, and with PS VR that information is so amazing.
Paper Beast is unlike anything I've played in years, and it's well worth a look if you're craving a strange and unique journey into the interconnected digital world.
