Thank you Space Sauce Studio for providing us with a review code!

Origament: A Paper Adventure begins with a boy writing a letter filled with imagination and a special wish.  For whatever reason, his letter came to life and decided to get to its destination on its own instead of using the postal service.  There’s an origami fox-like creature that will share advice on how and when to transform into various objects.  This letter can transform into multple forms to traverse various terrains.  In water, the letter can transform into a boat.  For jumping or flying over obstacles, the letter can turn into an airplane.  There are some mean bugs and in order to get past them unscathed, you’ll have to transform into a shuriken.  The most common form of travel is in the form of a paper ball to roll around.

The ball form is the fastest and most suitable means for rolling up and down various ramps and tunnels.  Many levels have red grass that can’t be touched and needs to be avoided at all costs.  Thankfully, you can typically avoid them in the plane form.  Some areas have levers or gates that will require opening and you may need to trigger a switch in the shuriken form.

Each level has coins that can be collected.  To get all of them you’ll definitely have to look for side roads and stray from the beaten path a bit.  Many levels have multiple time-attack challenges that are optional to partake in.  I prefer relaxing gameplay and appreciated the option to skip these challenges.  As a result, I was able to see the credits roll in approximately three hours.  

Upon completing a level, you’ll be taken to a hub area with cloudy portals.  As a reward for completing a level you’ll collect a colored object which can be used to unlock a portal compatible with the same color.  Coins earned from completing levels can be spent on changing your paper’s skin and unlocking new forms.  I like how they teach you how to fold the paper to make the various forms.

Origament: A Paper Adventure is visually stunning and is made with the Unreal Engine.  I love how each of the seven levels has a different theme and feel to them.  My favorite level was the Western-themed one where I got to bounce between multiple coal carts to make it to the end.  In the Venice level you’ll get to spend a lot of time in the boat form. 

The background music varies depending on the level you’re in.  There’s a Tron-like level that has electronic synth music while the first Asian-themed level had music from that region playing as you’re crossing a relaxing river surrounded by bamboo.  There isn’t any voice acting, but you’ll get to read several letters from bandits and townsfolk seeking your help.

Morally, there’s little to worry about in this game.  The bandits are hostile and will shoot at you.  Since you’re a paper, there’s no blood to be seen. 
 
Origament: A Paper Adventure runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck and I highly recommend grabbing this game if you own one.  It’s a great pick up and play game that’s low stress and a joy to play.  The asking price is a reasonable $14.99 but had a launch discount price of $11.99.  I highly recommend adding it to your Steam Wishlist.