Paper Monsters Recut is a 2.5D platformer that is absolutely brimming with cuteness. It’s funny, charming, and undeniably adorable.
One of the reasons I got the game was that I thought, “Oh, this is something I can enjoy now, and later my daughter can play when she gets interested in video games. It could be a little bonding moment for us.”
Unfortunately, when my daughter did start playing video games, Paper Monsters Recut didn’t catch her interest. She’s mainly into three types of games: Roblox (which she loves and plays constantly), occasional titles like Among Us or Pizza Tower, and RPGs. She adores RPGs. But cute little platformers like this one just don’t do it for her—which is okay.
However, so many of the games I buy aren’t just for me—they’re for bonding with family or friends.
None of my friends are into gaming anymore, though. They were at one time, but as they got older and started families, their interest in gaming disappeared. It’s tough to find anyone who’s willing to try something different these days.
That said, I really like Paper Monsters Recut. It’s a fun, whimsical experience. The paper theme is delightful, and the gameplay strikes a nice balance—it’s simple enough to pick up and play, with just enough difficulty to keep things interesting. Most levels are easy to pass, but every so often, there’s a challenge that makes you work a little harder.
But this game isn’t about competition or rushing to beat it. It’s about the journey, and what a lovely, whimsical journey it is. The colors are bright and lively, the 2.5D style does a great job of capturing the paper aesthetic, and it’s never dull.
The sound design is equally charming. The music feels like a modern take on an old wind-up music box—you know, the kind with a crank that plays a little tune while a figurine moves. I haven’t seen one of those in years, but the game’s soundtrack brings that nostalgic feeling to life. The sound effects are cute, too—even the ones for getting hurt have a cartoonish charm.
Considering the game’s age, it’s held up remarkably well. The original Paper Monsters was released in 2012, and the Recut version came out in 2014 with improved graphics. So while the version I’m playing is technically 11 years old, the original game is 13. Games like this age better than cutting-edge AAA titles because they rely on strong art direction rather than raw graphical power. The art direction here is fantastic—it perfectly captures the theme of living in a paper world.
Paper Monsters Recut was developed by Mobot Studios. After Paper Monsters, they made two other games: The Deer God and Blockybot. Sadly, after Blockybot (released in 2015), the studio disappeared. Their website isn’t even online anymore. The game is still available on Steam, though, thanks to its publisher, Crescent Moon Studios, who I believe now owns the rights.
Is it worth playing? I think Paper Monsters Recut is a delightful, whimsical platformer that’s fun to play solo. I wish my daughter shared my love for games like this, but you can’t force anyone—even your kids—to like something they don’t. So this is just one of those games I enjoy by myself, like so many other things.
