Hauntingly Beautiful: Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Blends Chinese-Malaysian Myths with Modern Struggles (Review)
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is the latest instalment in a haunting anthology inspired by Malaysian myths and Chinese culture, following the short game 7 PM by Cellar Vault Games.Â
Players step into the shoes of Ting, a Chinese-Malaysian girl facing the turmoil of adolescence, unraveling friendships, and eerie spiritual encounters. Alongside Ting, you befriend Xiu, a young ghost seeking eternal peace, in a papercut world shaped by Southeast Asian Joss-Papercraft (incense papers made into burnt offerings for Chinese ancestral worship). Through this journey, you’ll solve puzzles, play minigames, and navigate the dark spirits that haunt Ting’s path.
Set in the 2000s, the story spans five crucial years of Ting’s childhood, exploring how her supernatural abilities set her apart from her peers. Immersed in Malaysian traditions and folklore, you’ll visit morning markets, encounter wandering spirits in the woods, and enjoy local delicacies like Lok Lok and Nyonya Kuih at night markets.
The Good
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is technically polished and deeply rooted in Chinese-Malaysian culture. It offers a unique coming-of-age story where Ting’s connection to the spiritual world adds depth. Its art style is outstanding, capturing the story through the eyes of a child unafraid to confront heavy topics like domestic violence and alcoholism. The “Broken English” mode is a charming touch, enhancing the game’s authentic atmosphere.
The Bad
Unfortunately, both the dialogue and gameplay mechanics leave much to be desired. The puzzles and minigames, such as preparing a barbecue or evading ghosts in quick-time events, are almost devoid of challenge and often boil down to fetch quests. The dialogue, which drives much of the narrative, is lengthy and repetitive, often overexplaining and not always believable as children’s conversations. This can make the game feel unnecessarily stretched out.
The Verdict
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open offers an intriguing dive into the Chinese-Malaysian culture, weaving modern life with mythology. The game feels like an educational journey with a spooky atmosphere that is more charming than frightening. While the visuals and cultural richness are exceptional, the shallow gameplay and overly drawn-out dialogue hold it back. A refined version with tighter writing could elevate this experience even further.
Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open is available on Steam for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
