Hirogami Review Summary

Its unique origami art, clever transformations, and fun platforming puzzles shine, but fixed-camera frustration, forced replay tedium, and shallow combat hold it back.

Transformation mechanics add depth: The ability to transform into various animal forms is a core mechanic that is praised for its smoothness, variety, and integration with puzzles and combat. Each form has distinct uses, keeping gameplay fresh.

Unique origami art style: The origami-inspired aesthetic is widely celebrated for its beauty and uniqueness. Reviewers frequently mention the paper world, stop-motion animation, and vibrant colors as standout features.

Fun platforming and puzzles: Many reviewers highlight the enjoyable mix of platforming and puzzles, with clever level design and diverse enemies. The gameplay loop is consistently praised for being engaging and well-executed.

Charming 3D platformer: Reviewers describe the game as a solid and well-made 3D platformer with a charming identity, often comparing it to classic platformers from the PS2 era. The gameplay is polished and enjoyable.

Great art direction and aesthetics: The art direction is extraordinary, from environments to characters. The aesthetics are drop-dead gorgeous and the game looks stunning.

Fixed Camera Frustrations: A fixed camera perspective was frequently cited as uncomfortable, leading to failed jumps and difficulty observing terrain due to poor depth perception and buggy positioning.

Mandatory Replay Tedium: Players must replay stages to complete sub-goals, collect cranes, or earn upgrades, which many found artificially forced and unenjoyable, often blocking progression.

Shallow Combat and Enemy Variety: Combat is simple, derivative, and lacks depth or combos. Enemy variety is low, with the same few enemies reused stronger, leading to repetitive and disconnected battles.

Clunky Controls and Stiff Mechanics: Movement and controls often feel clunky, stiff, or difficult to control, with issues in jump height, hitboxes, and physics, leading to mis-jumps and edge slips.

Tedious Platforming and Difficulty Spikes: Platforming sections are tedious, with precision platforming and difficulty spikes from levels 2-4 onward. Later stages become punishing and stressful, often exacerbated by unresponsive controls.

Animal transformation core mechanic: Transformation into various animal forms (frog, armadillo, ape, airplane) and a humanoid form is a core mechanic, used for combat, puzzle-solving, and platforming. New forms and abilities unlock over the course of the game.

Levels have multiple objectives: Each level contains multiple sub-goals such as defeating enemies, collecting items, reaching score thresholds, opening chests, and time limits. Completing these objectives rewards gold origami cranes and other items.

Origami-themed 3D platformer: The game is a 3D platformer with an origami art style and a paper folding concept, drawing comparisons to older 3D platformers and Mario Wonder. It features stage-clear progression and large map level selection.

Camera issues and fixed angles: The game features a fixed camera and multiple selectable angles, but some players report camera problems such as a wandering camera and depth perception issues. The fixed camera in side-scrolling sections creates a 2.5D visual experience.

Platforming and puzzle mix: The game combines platforming with puzzles, including mini puzzles and puzzles that require using different forms. This mix is a key part of the gameplay.

Shapeshift button unresponsive: Players report that the game does not respond to button inputs when attempting to shapeshift. This issue prevents the use of a core mechanic and disrupts gameplay.

Positive but vague praise: Many reviewers simply say it's worth a try, worth checking out, or give it 5 stars without detailed reasons. This indicates general satisfaction.

Mixed recommendation depending price: Many players recommend the game only on sale or at a lower price point. Full-price purchases are often discouraged, with some waiting for discounts.

Not recommended by some: A few reviewers cannot recommend the game in its current version or give a negative review. One even refunded it.

Niche recommendation for interested players: Some suggest giving the game a chance if you have time or if the trailer interests you. It's also recommended for Steam Deck users.

Forced replay divides players: Some reviewers criticize having to redo levels to finish the story or due to a fixed camera, while others are fine with it or enjoy replaying for secrets. This is a key differentiator in recommendations.

Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00.

Game completion: 7.0h.

Players describe Hirogami as starting out relaxing and enjoyable, with responsive controls and well-paced early levels, but the experience degrades later as harsh difficulty tied to unresponsive controls and poor camera angles, plus very long levels, turn it into a slog.

Friction: Unresponsive controls in harder sections; Unhelpful camera angles and terrible fixed camera placements; Horrendously tedious platforming sections; Extremely long levels; Some objectives being slightly tedious or requiring figuring out.

Artistic Casual Explorer: Plays at a relaxed pace, explores levels, engages with light combat and puzzles, and values art, story, and unique identity over difficulty. Motivation: Exploring artistic worlds, enjoying a charming story, and experiencing creative platforming and puzzle mechanics at a casual pace. Stance: buy.

Completionist Challenge Seeker: Replays levels for completion, attempts difficult challenge runs, and seeks no-hit or no-damage style mastery. Motivation: Mastering levels, completing optional challenges, and pursuing high-skill goals beyond a normal playthrough. Stance: buy.

Value-Conscious Platformer Shopper: Compares the game with other 3D platformers, waits for sales, and buys only at a personally comfortable price point. Motivation: Getting strong value from a 3D platformer compared with other genre options at the same price. Stance: sale.

Contains 18 levels with sub-goals: The game has 18 levels, each containing six sub-goals. Completing these sub-goals rewards items needed to challenge bosses, adding a layer of progression.

Stage-based structure like Crash Bandicoot: The game's stage-based structure is compared to Crash Bandicoot, and its fixed camera is no different from games like Crash Bandicoot. Similarities are drawn to other fixed-camera 3D platformers like Kirby Discovery and Princess Peach Showtime.

Major update fixes boss locking: A major update resolved many boss locking issues and level locking problems mentioned in other reviews. This addresses significant progression blockers.

Boss gating similar to Mario: The structure of gating bosses behind collectibles is compared to Mario's star doors and the mandatory chest full of coins is likened to Super Mario having no coins until a chest at the flag. This comparison highlights a familiar progression mechanic.

High review score 18/20: One reviewer gave an overall score of 18/20, and another scored it 7.5/10, indicating generally positive reception. These scores reflect strong approval.