The Perfect Pencil game logo

The Perfect Pencil – Dark Hand-Drawn 2D Platformer with Psychological Adventure

Story-Rich Exploration, Action-Adventure Gameplay, and Multiple Endings

The Perfect Pencil is a dark, hand-drawn 2D platformer from Studio Cima and Doyoyo Games. This story-rich action-adventure blends exploration, psychological themes, and lore-rich storytelling with surreal encounters, emotional moments, and mystery-driven gameplay. Players navigate dreamlike worlds using John’s analytical abilities, uncover hidden secrets, make choices that matter, and experience multiple endings in a singleplayer, atmospheric adventure that combines action, detective-style investigation, and narrative depth.

Read on for a full review of The Perfect Pencil, its gameplay systems, exploration mechanics, and psychological story-driven adventure

The Perfect Pencil keyart and game logo

The Perfect Pencil

Developer
Studio Cima
Publisher
Studio Cima, Doyoyo Games
Platform(s)
PC (Steam)
Genre
Metroidvania, Dark, Hand-drawn, Story Rich, Psychological, Exploration, 2D Platformer
Released
29 Jan, 2026
Buy a copy on steam steam
Action and platforming in The Perfect Pencil adventure Exploration of dark hand-drawn environments in The Perfect Pencil Psychological and story-rich scenes in The Perfect Pencil
Action-adventure gameplay in The Perfect Pencil dark world

The Perfect Pencil – Dark 2D PlatformerHand-Drawn Worlds, Psychological Adventure, and Story-Rich Exploration

In The Perfect Pencil, players explore a dark, hand-drawn 2D platformer world filled with psychological themes and story-rich narrative. Guiding John through surreal landscapes, they encounter mystery, lore-rich secrets, and emotional moments that shape his journey. Choices matter, influencing multiple endings and reinforcing the action-adventure experience.

Exploration and World DesignSurreal Maps, Hidden Secrets, and Nonlinear Paths

Exploration is at the heart of The Perfect Pencil, with interconnected hand-drawn environments encouraging curiosity. Side quests, environmental storytelling, and hidden lore reward players who investigate every corner. Nonlinear paths allow multiple approaches to challenges, while atmospheric design and psychological tension create a story-rich adventure that unfolds as discoveries are made.

Combat and Psychological Boss EncountersTense Action, Manifestations of Fear, and Strategy

Combat in the game blends action with psychological elements, presenting tense boss battles that symbolize John’s inner fears. Players engage in platforming, exploration, and strategic encounters that require observation and analytical thinking. These sequences emphasize both tactical depth and the emotional stakes that define The Perfect Pencil.

Choices, Progression, and Multiple EndingsPlayer Decisions, Narrative Branching, and Emotional Consequences

Nonlinear progression in The Perfect Pencil allows players to experience multiple endings based on the decisions they make. Interactions with quirky NPCs, exploration of hidden areas, and the discovery of lore-rich secrets all shape John’s journey. Each choice carries consequences, reinforcing both emotional engagement and replayability.

Lore, Mystery, and Detective MechanicsUncover Secrets, Investigate the Psyche, and Solve Environmental Puzzles

The investigative mechanics in The Perfect Pencil encourage players to analyze objects, scan the environment, and uncover hidden information. Environmental puzzles and subtle narrative cues add depth to the psychological story, creating an immersive experience where every discovery adds to the game’s lore and mystery.

Atmosphere, Visual Style, and Hand-Drawn ArtDark, Surreal Environments and Immersive Presentation

Hand-drawn visuals give The Perfect Pencil its distinctive dark, surreal aesthetic. Detailed environments, psychological imagery, and atmospheric music reinforce the game’s themes, while 2D platforming mechanics complement the visual style. The combination of narrative, gameplay, and presentation creates a cohesive, immersive adventure.

Final ThoughtsA Story-Rich, Psychological, and Atmospheric Action-Adventure

The Perfect Pencil combines exploration, action-adventure combat, and psychological storytelling into a story-rich 2D platformer. With multiple endings, detective-style mechanics, tense boss encounters, and surreal environments, it rewards curiosity and emotional engagement. The layered design offers a unique and immersive experience for players seeking mystery, exploration, and narrative depth.

The Perfect Pencil – Explore, Fight, and DiscoverGameplay Screenshots from the Dark Hand-Drawn 2D Platformer

Action and platforming in The Perfect Pencil adventure
Exploration of dark hand-drawn environments in The Perfect Pencil
Psychological and story-rich scenes in The Perfect Pencil
Singleplayer choices matter gameplay in The Perfect Pencil
Atmospheric 2D platformer visuals in The Perfect Pencil
Emotional and mystery-driven moments in The Perfect Pencil
Boss battles and action sequences in The Perfect Pencil
Detective-style exploration in The Perfect Pencil game world
Lore-rich hidden areas and secrets in The Perfect Pencil
Multiple endings and narrative choices in The Perfect Pencil

Step Into the Dark, Hand-Drawn World of The Perfect Pencil

Experience the story-rich 2D platformer, The Perfect Pencil, where psychological exploration, action-adventure gameplay, and emotional narrative come to life. Navigate surreal, lore-rich environments, uncover secrets, face tense boss battles, and make choices that matter. Watch the official gameplay trailer below and discover the mysteries of John’s haunting journey.

Trailer thumbnail for The Perfect Pencil
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