Cutout is an action game set on PC in which players control Lena, a character born from a dying forest and cast out by her village. The story follows her pursuit of a powerful scepter amid a race triggered by the death of a tyrannical king, while the forest itself pushes her to recover its stolen heart. Choices throughout the experience determine whether she seeks acceptance from the villagers or restores the land that created her.
Gameplay
Combat centers on severing limbs from enemies and attaching them to Lena to alter her capabilities. An arm or leg removed in battle becomes equipment that modifies attacks, movement speed, durability, jumping distance, stealth, or overall build. Enemies follow identical rules and can claim useful limbs left on the ground, which shifts advantages during encounters. Players combine limbs with weapons, items, and perks to prepare for upcoming threats and adapt to different situations.
Exploration takes place in a world assembled from paper, cardboard, pencils, glue, foil, and household objects. The visual style begins as a handmade puppet theatre but uncovers layers of decay and tension. Every path, ruin, and prop contributes to this tactile presentation, where fragility and shadows play a consistent role in the atmosphere.
Game Modes
The experience unfolds as a singleplayer action title focused on narrative progression and combat encounters. Player decisions with characters encountered along the way influence the path and conclusion, creating variations based on how Lena interacts with others. No separate competitive or cooperative modes appear in the core design.
Story and Choices
Lena starts as an outsider from a condemned forest, driven by the need to claim the scepter for village approval. The forest demands its heart returned, creating tension between personal goals and environmental restoration. Each interaction carries weight, as treatment of others directly shapes available paths and the final outcome.
The handcrafted setting reinforces these themes through its material construction. Cardboard structures and paper figures gradually expose harsher elements beneath the initial charm, aligning the visual approach with the darker narrative tone.
Is It Worth Playing?
Cutout suits players interested in action combat that emphasizes adaptation through environmental and enemy resources. The limb-based system encourages experimentation with builds tailored to specific challenges, while the choice-driven narrative adds replay value for those who want different endings. The paper-and-cardboard aesthetic delivers a distinctive presentation that supports the story without relying on standard digital effects.
Those who prefer straightforward combat or open-world freedom may find the focused, linear structure less appealing. The game rewards careful observation of enemy limbs and strategic attachment decisions during fights. Availability on PC makes it accessible for anyone drawn to unique mechanics in a compact action package.