Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open blends Malaysian folklore with supernatural horror in a visually unique and emotionally resonant narrative. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Review Overview
What is Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open?
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is a supernatural narrative adventure about a young girl’s coming-of-age in a small Malaysian suburb. Navigate the town, speak to friends, family, and ghosts, and dive deeper into the Ting's journey through various immersive minigames. The game combines rich cultural elements with hauntingly atmospheric storytelling, offering a unique experience that explores both the supernatural and the deeply personal aspects of growing up. Each chapter introduces new challenges and mysteries, enhancing the depth and engagement of the narrative.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open features:
⚫︎ Cultural Folklore Integration
⚫︎ Unique Paper-craft Visuals
⚫︎ Varied Gameplay with Puzzles
⚫︎ Timed Decisions
⚫︎ Multilingual Dialogue and Translations
⚫︎ Blends Supernatural and Personal Themes
| Digital Storefronts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 PlayStation |
 Xbox |
 Switch |
| $16.99 | |||
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Cultural Depth Distinctive Visual Style Multiple Perspectives |
Heavy on Reading No Voice Acting Pacing Issues (Early On) |
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Overall Score - 80/100
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is a unique blend of supernatural horror and cultural exploration, rooted in Malaysian folklore. The game excels in storytelling, offering a deeply engaging narrative that combines childhood innocence with darker, more sinister themes. The gameplay is solid, with engaging puzzles and timed decisions that add to the tension. Visually, the paper-craft style is both charming and eerie, perfectly complementing the tone of the game. The audio design, while effective in creating atmosphere, falls slightly short compared to other aspects. Overall, Third Eye Open delivers a memorable experience that is as emotionally resonant as it is unsettling.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Story - 9/10
The story in Third Eye Open is undoubtedly the game's strongest aspect. It weaves together elements of Malaysian folklore, childhood exploration, and family dynamics to create a narrative that is both haunting and deeply human. The characters, especially Ting and her family, are well-developed, with their personal struggles adding emotional depth to the supernatural events. However, some of the stories within the game don’t receive clear-cut explanations, leaving players to piece together the meaning on their own. While this approach adds to the mystery and encourages deeper thinking, it might not be appreciated by everyone, especially those who prefer more straightforward storytelling.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Gameplay - 8/10
The gameplay in Third Eye Open strikes a fine balance between exploration, puzzle-solving, and timed decision-making. The 2.5D environment is easy to navigate, with a variety of locations that keep the experience fresh and engaging. The puzzles, ranging from simple tasks to more complex challenges, are well-designed and serve as a reminder that we’re playing through the eyes of a child. One thing to note, however, is that there is a lot of reading involved, with dialogue playing a significant role in advancing the story. While this suits the narrative-driven nature of the game, players who prefer more action-oriented gameplay should be prepared for this aspect.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Visuals - 8/10
The visual style of Third Eye Open is one of its most distinctive features. The paper-craft aesthetic is both charming and eerie, perfectly capturing the blend of childhood innocence and supernatural horror that defines the game. The character designs and environments are richly detailed, with each location—from Ting’s home to the eerie forest—feeling both familiar and unsettling. The visuals also do an excellent job of conveying the game’s cultural backdrop, with subtle touches that enhance the immersion. While the style may not appeal to everyone, it’s a bold and effective choice that sets the game apart from other horror titles.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Audio - 7/10
The audio design in Third Eye Open effectively creates an atmosphere of tension and unease, but it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the game’s other elements. While the ambient sounds and background music do a good job of setting the tone, some areas could benefit from spookier, more intense audio to fully complement the eerie visuals. The lack of voice acting is also a drawback, it could have been an opportunity to fully immerse players in the world of Third Eye Open.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Value for Money - 8/10
Given its unique narrative, cultural depth, and engaging gameplay, Third Eye Open offers good value for money. The game provides a substantial experience with its 10 chapters, each packed with exploration, puzzles, and narrative-driven content. The option to play Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM within Third Eye Open adds even more value, especially for those new to the series. While the game’s relatively short length might be a drawback for some, the quality of the storytelling and the emotional impact make it worth the investment. Overall, it's a solid purchase for fans of narrative-driven horror games, especially those interested in exploring cultural stories and folklore.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Review: A Well-Made Childhood Nightmare
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is a haunting yet deeply human tale from the same creators of Paper Ghost Stories: 7PM. Both games share a distinctive paper-craft aesthetic, offering a visual style that's both charming and eerie. Like its predecessor, Third Eye Open is steeped in Malaysian folklore, bringing to life a rich cultural backdrop that serves as the foundation for its chilling narrative. While I haven’t played 7PM to confirm if the stories are connected, the option to play the previous game within Third Eye Open is a welcome feature for those looking to dive deeper into the series.
At the heart of Third Eye Open is Ting, a new preschooler navigating life in a new town after her family relocates. Ting is bilingual, speaking both English and Hokkien/Chinese, and the game thoughtfully includes translations for Malay words, which Ting encounters in her daily life. This feature doesn’t just serve as a gameplay mechanic but also as a learning tool, allowing players to connect with the cultural context in which the story unfolds. It feels as though we're learning right alongside Ting, deepening our immersion in her world. The story takes a turn toward the supernatural when Ting meets Xiu, a wandering ghost who appears the day Ting moves into her new home. Her parents, however, dismiss Xiu as an imaginary friend, setting the stage for a narrative that blends childhood innocence with otherworldly encounters.
The gameplay in Third Eye Open is primarily set in a 2.5D environment, allowing you to explore various areas such as Ting's home, her preschool, the suburbs, a camping site, and more. The game integrates a variety of puzzles, from completing simple tasks like math homework to more complex challenges like creating a protective lantern. These puzzles serve as a fun reminder that we’re playing as a child, grounding the supernatural elements in the everyday experiences of a young girl. Additionally, the game includes timed decisions, which are crucial for ensuring Ting’s survival. One memorable instance involves Ting and her friends needing to escape from a dangerous ghost, requiring precise timing to ensure their safety. These moments add a layer of urgency to the gameplay, keeping players on their toes as they navigate both the physical and supernatural dangers in Ting’s world.
Speaking of Ting and her friends, her first close-knit circle is a joy to watch develop. As a shy child who initially only knew Xiu, her ghostly companion, Ting slowly opens up and forms bonds with Mei Lan, a strong-willed girl, and Yong Le, a loyal and dependable friend. Xiu remains a steadfast protector, guiding Ting and ensuring she stays out of harm's way. However, it's the dynamic between Ting, Mei Lan, and Yong Le that adds depth to the story. Yong Le, in particular, stands out for his unwavering loyalty to his friends, a quality that is both heartwarming and crucial as the group faces the challenges ahead. Watching these friendships evolve over the course of the game brings a sense of warmth and camaraderie, contrasting with the darker elements of the narrative.
The game excels at capturing the essence of childhood, portraying Ting's experiences in a way that feels authentic and relatable, even as it introduces elements of Malaysian culture. The game is divided into 11 chapters, each offering a new mystery to solve or a danger to escape. One chapter that particularly stood out to me involves a camping trip where Ting and other children venture into a forest. Here, the game reveals that Ting is not only sensitive to ghosts but also to darker, more malevolent creatures lurking in the shadows. This blend of childhood adventure and supernatural horror is where Third Eye Open truly shines, delivering a narrative that is both enchanting and terrifying.
Exploration in Third Eye Open feels wonderfully child-like, capturing the sense of wonder and curiosity that comes with discovering new things. However, unlike a typical childhood, Ting's discoveries are often linked to the horrors of the supernatural world. The game doesn't rely solely on ghosts to create its sense of dread, though. Ting's father, for instance, is portrayed as a man with a volatile temper, which introduces a very real and human horror into the mix. Despite Ting being only five years old, she is expected to obey with no questions asked, not to play with imaginary friends, and to avoid causing trouble. This pressure takes a toll on her, manifesting in emotional outbursts and impulsive behavior, particularly when she feels misunderstood or bullied by other children.
Ting's mother, in contrast, is initially shown as a loving and supportive figure, protective of her daughter. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that she is struggling with something beneath the surface. The game subtly hints at potential health concerns or perhaps something even more sinister, adding another layer of tension to the narrative. This gradual unraveling of the mother’s character deepens the story, making it more than just a tale of supernatural encounters, but also a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the hidden burdens people carry.
A unique aspect of Third Eye Open is the occasional shift in perspective, allowing players to control not just Ting but also her parents. These brief moments offer a broader view of the family’s situation, providing insights into the adult world that Ting, in her innocence, cannot fully grasp. This mechanic enhances the narrative by giving players a more complete understanding of the characters’ motivations and the dynamics at play within the family. It’s a small but powerful addition that helps to ground the story, making the supernatural elements feel even more unsettling against the backdrop of real-life struggles.
Ultimately, Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is more than just a supernatural adventure; it's a deeply resonant story about the dangers of toxic family dynamics. The game expertly weaves together elements of folklore, childhood wonder, and real-world issues, creating an experience that is as emotionally impactful as it is terrifying. Ting’s journey is one of both external and internal battles, and by the end, we’re left with a haunting reminder of how the unseen forces in our lives—whether ghosts or family expectations—can shape us in profound ways.
Pros of Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open
| Things Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Got Right |
|---|
|
Cultural Depth Distinctive Visual Style Multiple Perspectives |
Cultural Depth
One of the standout features of Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is its rich cultural depth. The game doesn't just rely on standard horror tropes; instead, it draws heavily from Malaysian folklore and traditions, offering a fresh and unique narrative experience. The use of multiple languages, including Malay, English, and Hokkien/Chinese, adds authenticity to the setting and provides players with a more immersive experience. The inclusion of translations beneath Malay phrases allows players to learn alongside Ting, fostering a deeper connection to the game's cultural backdrop. This approach not only enriches the story but also educates players about Malaysian culture, making Third Eye Open a game that resonates on both an emotional and educational level.
Distinctive Visual Style
The visual style of Third Eye Open is both unique and striking, setting it apart from other games in the horror genre. The paper-craft aesthetic creates a world that is simultaneously charming and unsettling, perfectly capturing the innocence of childhood juxtaposed with the horrors of the supernatural. Every character and environment is crafted with meticulous detail, from the folds in the paper-like characters to the textured backgrounds that evoke a sense of fragility and impermanence. This visual approach not only enhances the eerie atmosphere but also aligns with the game's themes of storytelling and cultural heritage, making the visuals a key component in the overall narrative experience.
Multiple Perspectives
Third Eye Open offers a unique gameplay feature by allowing players to experience the story from multiple perspectives, including those of Ting and her parents. This approach adds layers to the narrative, providing insight into the characters' motivations and the broader context of the events unfolding around Ting. Playing as her parents, even if only briefly, gives players a glimpse into the adult world that Ting cannot fully comprehend, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and the pressures faced by each character. This multi-perspective gameplay not only enriches the story but also deepens the player's understanding of the characters' struggles, making the narrative more engaging and emotionally resonant.
Cons of Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open
| Things That Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Can Improve |
|---|
|
Heavy on Reading No Voice Acting Pacing Issues (Early On) |
Heavy on Reading
One of the potential drawbacks of Third Eye Open is its heavy reliance on dialogue to drive the narrative forward. While the story is compelling and the characters are well-developed, the sheer volume of reading required might not appeal to all players, particularly those who prefer more action-oriented gameplay. The game’s narrative-driven approach means that much of the player’s time is spent reading through conversations, which could slow down the pacing for some. This focus on dialogue is essential to the storytelling, but it does require a certain level of patience and engagement from the player, which might not be ideal for everyone.
No Voice Acting
Another aspect that might detract from the overall experience is the absence of voice acting. In a game where dialogue plays such a crucial role, having voice acting could have added another layer of immersion, bringing the characters and their emotions to life more vividly. The lack of voice acting means that players must rely entirely on the written text to convey tone and emotion, which, while effective, might not have the same impact as spoken dialogue. This is especially noticeable in scenes where tension is high, and the addition of voice acting could have enhanced the atmosphere and emotional depth. While not a major flaw, the absence of voice work might make some of the dialogue-heavy sections feel less dynamic.
Pacing Issues (Early On)
The pacing of Third Eye Open can feel somewhat slow, particularly in the early chapters. The game takes its time to establish the characters, setting, and cultural context, which is important for the overall narrative but might feel like a slow burn to some players. The beginning is filled with a lot of exposition and dialogue, which, while necessary for setting up the story, can make the early gameplay feel a bit sluggish. However, once the supernatural elements and family dynamics begin to take center stage, the pacing picks up significantly, drawing players into the story's more intense and emotionally charged moments. This initial pacing issue might deter some players who are looking for a quicker start, but the payoff is well worth the patience as the story unfolds.
Is Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Worth It?
For Fans of Narrative-Driven Horror
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is a game that goes beyond typical horror fare, offering a deeply engaging and culturally rich experience that stands out in the genre. With its unique blend of Malaysian folklore, compelling storytelling, and distinctive visual style, the game provides a memorable journey through the eyes of a young child grappling with both the supernatural and the complexities of family life. While it does have some pacing issues early on and relies heavily on dialogue without the benefit of voice acting, these aspects are outweighed by the game’s emotional depth and immersive atmosphere. For players who appreciate a story-driven experience that is as thought-provoking as it is haunting, Third Eye Open is definitely worth your time and attention.
| Digital Storefronts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
PlayStation |
Xbox |
Switch |
| $16.99 | |||
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open FAQ
What Are the System Requirements for Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open?
The system requirements for PC can be seen below:
| System Requirements | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 | Intel Core i7 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 960 | NVIDIA GTX 1060 |
| Storage | 5 GB available space | 5 GB available space |
What Languages Are Supported by Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open?
The game supports language interface and subtitles in English, Japanese, and Chinese.
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Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Product Information
 |
|
| Title | PAPER GHOST STORIES: THIRD EYE OPEN |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 5, 2024 |
| Developer | Cellar Vault Games |
| Publisher | Chorus Worldwide Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC (Steam), Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Horror Adventure |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| ESRB Rating | RP |
| Official Website | Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Website |
