PAULPAUL

About PAULPAUL

PAULPAUL is a single player action adventure game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Another Circus and was released on July 25, 2018. It received very positive reviews from players.

Paul is a VR narrative experience where players try to figure out their identity through exploring surroundings and events in a futuristic and often changing environment.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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Reviews

92%Audience ScoreBased on 38 reviews

story7 positive mentions

PaulPaul - Act 1 offers a strong atmospheric and psychological sci-fi narrative that leverages VR's immersive capabilities effectively.
The game's setting and story integrate scientific themes such as atmospheric chemistry and Mars colonization, enriching the narrative's plausibility and depth.
Its short length and free availability make it an accessible experimental VR experience for players interested in interactive storytelling and environmental exploration.

The experience is very short with minimal gameplay mechanics, which may leave players feeling unsatisfied and craving more content or resolution.
The narrative is quite abstract and vague, making it confusing for some players and heavily dependent on future acts to clarify the story.
Control issues and the VR-only requirement limit accessibility; some players found progression unclear or struggled with sometimes clunky interactions.

story
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28% positive mentions, 60% neutral mentions, 12% negative mentions
The story of Paulpaul - Act 1 is an experimental, atmospheric sci-fi narrative centered on a scientist involved in a risky Mars mission, exploring themes of identity, family, and ambition through psychological and environmental storytelling. Though brief and linear, it effectively uses VR to immerse players in a near-future setting that prioritizes interpretation over action. While the story feels like an intriguing introduction with potential for future development, its short length and VR-only accessibility may limit its audience.
- “Paulpaul - act 1 is a short experimental virtual reality adventure that relies heavily on atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and psychological science fiction rather than traditional action-oriented gameplay.”
- “The enormous possibilities associated with Mars exploration become the background for a more intimate story about identity, family, ambition, and the consequences of choosing one future over another.”
- “Paulpaul - act 1 succeeds most clearly as a concentrated experiment in VR storytelling.”
- “Has some simple puzzles with a linear story.”
- “About 15 minutes worth of story.”
- “Hope the story comes together more in next acts.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38% positive mentions, 24% neutral mentions, 38% negative mentions
The game offers a brief, surreal, and slightly unsettling atmosphere that relies heavily on environmental storytelling and psychological sci-fi elements. Its focused, experimental narrative and immersive setting create a compelling mood despite its short length and limited gameplay complexity. Overall, the atmosphere is praised as a strong, distinctive aspect that enhances the experience.
- “Because the experience does not need to stretch its premise across a lengthy campaign, it can concentrate on atmosphere and narrative experimentation.”
- “A very short yet enjoyable short story, set with a surreal atmosphere and light puzzle elements.”
- “Act 1 is a short experimental virtual reality adventure that relies heavily on atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and psychological science fiction rather than traditional action-oriented gameplay.”
- “Its limited mechanical complexity and opening-chapter structure prevent it from feeling like a fully developed conventional adventure, but those limitations are partially offset by its focused atmosphere and unusual narrative intentions.”
- “Very short surreal experience with a slightly unsettling atmosphere.”
gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43% positive mentions, 14% neutral mentions, 43% negative mentions
The gameplay in Paulpaul - act 1 is minimalistic and centers on atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and psychological sci-fi rather than action or complex mechanics. It offers a short, experimental VR experience focused on observation and narrative interpretation, making it ideal for players interested in immersive storytelling rather than traditional depth or challenges.
- “Act 1 is a short experimental virtual reality adventure that relies heavily on atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and psychological science fiction rather than traditional action-oriented gameplay.”
- “This gives it the character of an interactive science-fiction story in which observation and interpretation are more important than mechanical mastery.”
- “Its limited mechanical complexity and opening-chapter structure are partially offset by its focused atmosphere and unusual narrative intentions.”
- “Those looking for extensive mechanical depth or constant challenges may find the experience considerably more limited.”
- “Its limited mechanical complexity and opening-chapter structure prevent it from feeling like a fully developed conventional adventure.”
- “The gameplay itself should be approached with appropriate expectations.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions
The graphics feature intriguing, trippy artwork that stands out visually. Users appreciate the unique style and find the visual and physics aspects enjoyable.
- “The graphics are intriguing.”
- “Sort of trippy artwork.”
- “Give it a try, the graphics and physics are nice if nothing else.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions
The game’s emotional depth is enhanced by its focus on personal conflicts and relationships, providing a stronger narrative foundation beyond simple exploration. It highlights how technology enables possibilities but does not replace the importance of emotional responsibilities and difficult choices.
- “This conflict gives the narrative a stronger emotional foundation than a straightforward story about exploring another planet.”
- “Technology can create extraordinary possibilities, yet those possibilities do not eliminate emotional responsibilities, personal relationships, or difficult choices.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
0% positive mentions, 100% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions
Users note that character development is minimal or lacking, especially in the first act, which focuses less on complex mechanics such as puzzles, combat, or extensive exploration.