There is an android app (Paper Totem) that uses handcrafted models instead of traditional 3d/2d stuff. Is it worth the effort though? Graphics look sick though.

Is it worth the effort though?

Worth is subjective (every person must decide that for himself). And this does not seem to be a Game Design question* - so I'm moving it. Not sure what you're trying to figure out with this question (might be you're trying to compare different visuals creation methods?).


*Everything does not fall into the category of Game Design.

What looks good depends on the visual style of your game.

If you emulate another games style because it looked good in that game although yours is completely different then it likely won't work.

Establish an overarching art style and stick with it!

We did all the graphics for a recent game jam entry using paper models and stop-motion animation. It makes for a fun, pretty unique look, and it worked well for a game jam because it's pretty fast to put together with minimal investment in materials.

Bottom line, though, is that you need to pick an art style that works for your game. The good news is that it's pretty quick to prototype a paper style, so I'd say give it a try, and see whether it works for you...