Charming New Roguelike Exudes Strong Paper Mario Aesthetic

Paper Animal Adventure is a delightful blend of old and new RPG elements, offering a charming story with real-time, tile-based combat. Taking cues from classics like Paper Mario, this game invites players into a captivating world populated by adorable characters, each wielding unique abilities. It’s a vibrant landscape brimming with secrets to uncover.

Developed by Cuddling Raccoons Studio and published by Top Hat Studios, Inc., Paper Animal Adventure is set to charm players when it enters early access in the second quarter of 2025. Gamers on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X can look forward to experiencing the quirky combat and delightful aesthetics that this roguelike RPG promises.

In recent years, there’s been a growing trend of new games capturing the nostalgia of classics, and Paper Animal Adventure is poised to continue this trend with its cozy RPG experience. Much like recent hits such as Animal Well, Signalis, and Octopath Traveler, this game combines the sentimental appeal of retro titles with innovations of the modern gaming era.

In Paper Animal Adventure, players can control up to six charming characters, each with their own special powers, as they embark on a quest to find a missing king. The game world is full of secrets and procedural generation ensures that every playthrough is unique, with consumable items to collect, combine, and cook, restoring your party’s health and energy. Equipment and skill upgrades allow for tailored character customization, and collectible stickers endow party members with passive abilities. Plus, a host of unlockable achievements encourages a thorough exploration of everything the game has to offer.

The game offers a variety of modes to fit different players’ preferences. The adventurous quest to locate the missing king involves dynamic combat against standard foes and formidable bosses alike. Gameplay in the camp allows players to enhance their characters’ skills and prepare for their journey by cooking meals that regenerate health and impart beneficial effects. Besides the traditional Classic Mode, the game offers a more laid-back Casual Mode and a Tournament Mode, where players can challenge themselves against others worldwide to score the highest in custom-generated worlds. The Kickstarter campaign for the game has outlined enticing stretch goals, including local co-op and content expansions, aiming to elevate the game above other retro-themed RPGs.

With a growing appreciation for games that blend nostalgia with innovation, Paper Animal Adventure seems to be perfectly positioned to cater to fans of Paper Mario and the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series. As its early access release in 2025 approaches, those intrigued should keep an eye out for further news and updates.