Papers, Please

1. skyset

   Aug 30, 2013

   10

   This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Papers, Please is an excellent game. It has a beautiful art style, wonderful music, and a story unlike any other. Although the concept of completing paperwork may be boring to some, but the game keeps you on edge, from the beginning to the end. This game may be difficult for some, but the thrill of it all is finding out what is going to happen next. The controls are unique, and you can drag papers around freely, making the game a fair simulation, and all of the documents are unique for every person that enters the checkpoint, so every person has their own story, and personality, for that matter.
   
   There are only a few things that agitated me while playing this game: The time bomb event was tedious, and really required either the mind of a genius, or a lot of patience. But that didn't ruin the entire game for me, as it only happened once and never again.
   
   The story is enhanced by the multiple side-stories; The largest being you having to take care of your family. You receive payment for doing your job quickly and flawlessly, and the home you are given needs to be paid for. There is one man who reappears multiple times trying to sneak drugs into your country, Arstotzka, and you have to stop him. There also are the country coins, which can be collected by allowing certain people into the country, when their documentation is not completely correct.
   
   For $10.00, this game is certainly worth the price. If you purchase this game, which is highly recommended, then try to find all 20 endings. Good luck!… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
2. YigidOx2

   Feb 14, 2021

   10

   Maybe one of the first games that made indie games rise. And still one of the best. A border guard trying to do his job in a corrupt and mixedMaybe one of the first games that made indie games rise. And still one of the best. A border guard trying to do his job in a corrupt and mixed land. Those who cannot play lose a lot.… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
4. Boelens

   Aug 8, 2013

   10

   This is an AMAZING game. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, I thought it'd get boring after a while, turns out, it doesn't. So manyThis is an AMAZING game. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, I thought it'd get boring after a while, turns out, it doesn't. So many things are added that keep it fun and exciting, and some of the smaller things are great too. This game really brings me to think about morals, when do you break the guidelines? What do you risk, letting someone with a weapon through, and being able to feed your family from a bribe, or do you be a good guy by the book and detain him? This is an amazing game, and I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I do.… Expand

   • 58 of 66 users found this helpful
5. J4MESOX4D

   Jun 21, 2014

   9

   Papers Please is a ingenious game that turns a mind-numbing, extremely tedious and seemingly dull concept into a challenging and atmosphericPapers Please is a ingenious game that turns a mind-numbing, extremely tedious and seemingly dull concept into a challenging and atmospheric indie title. I was very skeptical about buying this but having picked it up in the Steam sale for £3.49; I feel like I've robbed the developer has it certainly warrants a full price purchase.
   
   The game sees you working on the desk as a new immigration inspector at a border checkpoint for the fictitious country of Arstotzka. Your responsibility is to allow or deny people entry based on their passports. You make money at the end of each day to support your family and any mistakes you make affect your wage.
   
   At first the game seems really simple as you stamp passports based on people's rights to entry whilst looking for any discrepancies on their documents e.g fake photo, expired passport, but the game gradually builds and new conditions for entrance eligibility change such as foreigners not allowed in. The criteria for entrance alters every day so you have to keep your wits about who you let in at that specific time. It really keeps you focused and you will make mistakes which affects your pay. Attention to detail and a speedy service adds to the strange addiction this game provides.
   
   The retro backdrop and 80's Russian-inspired atmosphere really adds to the game as a novel and surprisingly enjoyable title. It's like a very addictive puzzle game that will keep you engrossed for hours at a time. A simple idea; superbly executed. Must-buy!… Expand

   • 0 of 1 users found this helpful
6. Theexponents

   Mar 14, 2023

   8

   This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Papers, Please" is a unique role-playing game that immerses players in the world of an immigration officer in the fictional communist country of Arstotzka. The game takes place in a politically turbulent environment where citizens are resentful of the government's actions. Players are tasked with processing documents and deciding who should be allowed to enter the country and who should not. This involves carefully examining passports and other documentation and reporting any discrepancies that would make the individual ineligible for entry.
   
   The game's strong political theme reflects the difficult choices that people in positions of power must make. As an immigration officer, players must confront the harsh realities of life in Arstotzka and the consequences of their decisions. The game presents players with moral dilemmas and ethical challenges that reflect the complex nature of managing a society with varying perspectives and ideologies.
   
   Gameplay involves making decisions based on the information presented on documents provided by individuals seeking entry. Players must utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to determine whether or not someone should be permitted entry. Additionally, there are side quests that can be completed by listening to people at the border, which can unlock additional endings or new items. Some of the people that players help or deny entry to may affect their role in the story. The choices made can lead to different paths, and some side quests may be interconnected to the main story. It is important to note that examining documents thoroughly is a major aspect of the gameplay, and not doing so may result in bad endings or negative consequences.
   
   As the game progresses, the situation in the country becomes increasingly unstable, and players are given authorization by the government to use firearms, including a tranquilizer gun for peaceful solutions or a real rifle to stop a dangerous crowd. However, using firearms inappropriately can lead to imprisonment or execution. Shooting people without consideration of the consequences can have significant impacts on the game's storyline and the fate of the country.
   
   The game's pixel art style may make it challenging to distinguish characters, but the conversations between them provide a rich narrative that immerses players in the story. "Papers, Please" highlights the struggles of people in a dystopian society with a dictatorial leader who disregards citizen welfare. It forces players to make difficult choices that may have severe consequences, including risking their family's safety.
   
   Overall, "Papers, Please" provides thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power and the choices that people in positions of power must make. The game illustrates how even an ordinary person with a regular job can become a monster when given power. It challenges players to question their actions and reflect on their motives, whether it be fear, greed, or personal satisfaction. In the end, the game compels players to confront the consequences of their decisions and the impact they have on the lives of others. While some players may find the gameplay repetitive and the pixel art style challenging, the game is a compelling and thought-provoking experience for those who enjoy narrative-driven games and are willing to engage with its themes.… Expand

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7. DeusXCom

   Feb 11, 2014

   8

   Never imagined that playing (working) as an immigration officer could be so fun, but "Papers, Please" is an incredibly catchy game. It'sNever imagined that playing (working) as an immigration officer could be so fun, but "Papers, Please" is an incredibly catchy game. It's dark, it's funny, it's original. Intense experience. Glory to Arstotzka! 8/10… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. mander0

   Mar 1, 2021

   0

   Glory to Arstotzka. Comrade must rate 10/1O for glorious country. NO EZIC allowed

   • 0 of 2 users found this helpful

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