Paper Ghost Stories: A Unique Malaysian Take on Cut-Out Creepiness
A Chance Inspiration
Sometimes, the best ideas come when you’re not looking for them. For Benny Chan and Eshan Jayatilaka, the founders of Cellar Vault Games, their latest game, "Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open", was born out of a game jam, a week-long internal project to create a new idea. The seed of inspiration was a joss paper mansion image, which sparked their interest in creating a unique paper-model aesthetic.
The Birth of a Game
The duo designed a game around this aesthetic, with their first efforts being less than inspiring. Undeterred, they persisted, and in 2020, released a demo, "Paper Ghost Stories: 7pm", about three children’s adventures in a local apartment block during the Hungry Ghost Month. The demo stood out for its local flavor and setting, and distinctive paper cut-out look. They decided to develop it into a more elaborate game.
The Game’s Unique Look
The game’s distinctive look is based on paper joss craft from Southeast Asia, which adds a touch of Malaysian culture to the game. The team used this unique look to create a world where players can explore and interact with the environment, solving puzzles and playing minigames to progress the story.
Storyline and Characters
The main character, Ting, is a spirited young girl who can see the supernatural. She has lived with her "gift" for so long that she is unaware of how unusual it is. She has regular encounters with the supernatural, particularly through her best friend Xiu, who died years ago. As the game progresses, Ting encounters various characters, some living, some dead, and plays minigames to further the plot. However, she soon has to confront a mysterious entity that threatens her mind and soul.
Malaysian Culture and Supernatural Elements
The game is filled with elements of Malaysian culture, including the use of various languages and dialects, traditional food, and local customs and supernatural beliefs. Jayatilaka believes that this game will help Malaysian and Singaporean audiences feel seen, and hopes to inspire more games set in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
"Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open" is a unique blend of cut-out creepiness and Malaysian culture, offering a refreshing change from the usual game offerings. With its distinctive look and heartfelt story, this game is a must-play for fans of adventure and horror games. The game is available on Steam, and fans can follow Cellar Vault Games on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
FAQs
Q: What inspired the game’s unique look?
A: The game’s look is based on paper joss craft from Southeast Asia, which adds a touch of Malaysian culture to the game.
Q: What is the main character, Ting’s, ability?
A: Ting is a spirited young girl who can see the supernatural.
Q: What is the game’s storyline about?
A: The game follows Ting as she encounters various characters, some living, some dead, and plays minigames to progress the story, while also confronting a mysterious entity that threatens her mind and soul.
Q: How long did it take to complete the game?
A: The game took about two years to complete, with a team of five people on staff.
Q: Are there plans for more games in the series?
A: Yes, the team imagines an anthology of stories, exploring different kinds of myths and cultures in future games.