Summary
Horroris an incredibly vast genre, encompassing all kinds of different scares, from psychological thrillers to body horror and gore to slow-burn suspense. Over the last few decades, video games have tried to tap into as many differenthorrorsub-genres as possible, and in doing so have ended up producing an incredibly varied roster of beloved horror titles, and Steam is home to more than its fair share.
Currently, Steam has over 16,000 horror games listed, and of course, not all of them are worth the money or time. For everyLethal CompanyandPhasmophobia,Steam has another 20 horror gamesthat can only be described as shovelware. But hidden somewhere between the immensely popular horror games and the shovelware are little Indie gems likePaper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open, a game that fans of unusual horror should keep on their radar.
Fans of Unconventional Horror Need to Check Out Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open
The Paper Ghost Series Explained
Back in September 2020,Indie developer Cellar Vault Games released its debut game on Steam. TitledPaper Ghost Stories: 7PM, this bite-sized game sees players take control of a group of young friends as they attempt to befriend a mysterious new kid on the block. Lasting only around half an hour or so,Paper Ghost Stories: 7PMis a promising first look at what Cellar Vault is capable of, building a surprisingly effective light horror atmosphere during that time, and packing plenty of spooky secrets around every corner.
On July 15, 2025, Cellar Vault Games is releasing its first fully-fledged entry in its horror anthology series. TitledPaper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open, this upcoming game carries forward the same striking art style and choice-based gameplay of its predecessor, but delivers a brand-new story, once again centered around childhood trauma.Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Openwill see players take control of Ting, a young girl who has the titular ability to see spirits around her. Players will experience three of the most pivotal years of Ting’s childhood, where they’ll need to save some lost souls, avoid more hostile ones, and navigate the emotional turmoil of an unstable childhood.
How Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open Puts a Fresh Spin on Horror
From taking just one look atPaper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open, the game’s defining feature is made crystal clear. Inspired by the Joss-Papercraft of Southeast Asia,Paper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Openhas players controlling little 2D characters that have seemingly been made using paper.Paper Ghost Stories' art stylesupports this bold decision at every turn, with its animations being minimal but effective, and its environments and lighting leaning into this homemade theme.
Another core feature that setsPaper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Openapart from other horror games is its penchant forMalaysian culture and folklore. According to the game’s Steam page, players will be able to visit morning and night markets and feast on traditional Malaysian street food like Lok Lok and Nyonya Kuih. The game’s wandering forest spirits have also been heavily inspired by classic Malaysian and Chinese myths and legends. For those wanting to check outPaper Ghost Stories: Third Eye Open, a demo is already available on Steam.
