Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is an atmosphere-rich and emotional journey that taps into Malaysian culture, tradition, and folklore, creating an experience that is haunting and heartfelt at the same time. Developed by Cellar Vault Games and published by Chorus Worldwide Games, this next installment in the Paper Ghost Stories series builds on the foundation of its predecessor, 7PM, while expanding on the narrative and gameplay in significant ways. In Third Eye Open, players take on the role of Ting, a young girl who has the ability to see spirits, which makes her feel different from her peers and family. Her gift (or is it a curse?) sets the stage for a five-year journey that blurs the lines between the real world and the supernatural.
One of the game’s strengths is its beautifully crafted narrative, which weaves together themes of childhood, family, and the supernatural. Ting’s relationship with Xiu, a young ghost, forms the emotional core of the story, and the bond they share as they navigate both spirit and human conflicts is compelling. The game explores Ting’s struggles with her power, which sometimes feels more like a burden than a gift. The influence of competing spirits, each with their own agendas, adds moral complexity to the choices Ting must make, making the story both personal and impactful. However, while the narrative is rich, it occasionally meanders, and certain plot points feel underdeveloped, leaving the player wanting more context for the larger supernatural mystery.
The gameplay is a mix of puzzle-solving, stealth mechanics, and conversational choices. These mechanics are well-integrated into the narrative, with Ting’s powers playing a central role in how players navigate both the real and spirit worlds. Puzzles often require careful thought and attention to detail, especially as they tie into the game’s cultural elements and supernatural lore. That said, some of the puzzles can feel a bit obtuse, with solutions that aren’t always clear, which might cause frustration for some players. The stealth elements, while adding tension, can occasionally be awkward, particularly when avoiding spirits. This is because the controls during these sequences are responsive but can sometimes feel imprecise when navigating tighter spaces or more hectic moments.
Visually, Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open stands out with its distinctive paper-theater art style, drawing inspiration from the papercraft traditions of Southeast Asia. The environments, from bustling morning markets to eerie wooded areas, are rich with cultural detail and atmosphere, creating a world that feels both real and otherworldly. The transition between the real and spirit worlds is visually striking, with an impressive use of lighting and color to highlight the contrast between the two realms. The game’s aesthetic is undoubtedly one of its strongest features, but there are moments where the art style can make it difficult to differentiate important objects or paths from the background, which can occasionally affect gameplay flow.
The audio design complements the visuals, with a haunting yet soothing soundtrack that amplifies the emotional beats of the story and the tension during supernatural encounters. Voice acting is minimal but effective, allowing the game’s narrative to shine through its well-written dialogue and atmospheric soundscapes.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is a captivating experience that combines a culturally rich narrative with intriguing gameplay mechanics, though not without some small hiccups along the way. Its unique art style and touching story about family, spirits, and self-discovery make it a standout indie title, even if its pacing and some gameplay elements don’t always hit the mark. For those drawn to supernatural adventures with a cultural twist, it’s a journey well worth taking, even if it might occasionally leave you in the dark.
Score: 7.9/10
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