Hirogami Unfolds: Origami Platforming by Bandai Namco SG
Every State of Play, I’m on the lookout for something beyond the same old open-world rinse-repeat or live-service slog. When Hirogami unfolded—pun very much intended—its paper-crafted world and shapeshifting animal forms caught my eye. In a season packed with sequels and safe bets, Bandai Namco Studios Singapore might just deliver a platformer that really pushes the envelope.
Hirogami: Origami Shape-Shifting Meets 3D Action
Key Takeaways
- Transform into unique animal shapes for traversal, combat, and puzzles.
- Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Singapore, flexing its indie chops after AAA support work.
- Releases day one on PS5 and PC—no timed exclusivity.
- Standout 3D papercraft visuals cut through the pixel-art crowd.
Game Details
| Publisher | Kakehashi Games |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 3, 2025 |
| Genres | 3D Action Platformer, Puzzle |
| Platforms | PlayStation 5, PC (Steam) |
Let’s be real: plenty of “innovative” indies slap on a quirky skin and call it a day. But Hirogami’s core mechanic—folding into an armadillo to bash through barriers or a frog to reach high ledges—is woven into every jump and attack, not just pasted on. Early footage shows puzzles and arenas designed around each form’s strengths, sidestepping the filler that drags down many 3D platformers.
Watch the latest trailer:
What’s especially intriguing is the team behind it. Bandai Namco Studios Singapore has lent technical muscle to franchises like Tekken and Ace Combat, but here they’re building an original IP from the ground up. Paired with Kakehashi Games—experts at bringing East Asian indies to a global stage—Hirogami has the pedigree to back its papier-mâché promise.
Of course, questions remain. Will new transformations keep arriving, or will the novelty fade after the first hour? And yes, the “digital invaders threatening a peaceful realm” storyline is familiar territory. But in platformers, flow matters more than lore. If movement feels crisp and each shape remains purposeful, Hirogami could leap past many fall contenders.
Its bold decision to ditch pixel nostalgia for a vibrant papercraft aesthetic also scores major points. In a landscape saturated with retro revivals, Hirogami’s 3D paper world gives it a unique identity—crucial when vying with heavyweights like Mario and Ratchet & Clank. Plus, the simultaneous PS5 and Steam release means no one’s left waiting.
Final Verdict: If Hirogami nails its folding mechanics and keeps level design inventive, it could be 2025’s breakout action platformer. With solid tech behind it and a publisher seasoned in indie success stories, this origami adventure is shaping up as one of the most promising non-blockbuster releases this fall.
