Papers, Please

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1617 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,350 out of 1617
  2. Mixed: 213 out of 1617
  3. Negative: 54 out of 1617

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  1. ultraviper
    Sep 24, 2013
    8
    The most addicting paperwork simulator I've ever played. And the creator somehow found a way to weave an interesting storyline into a game where the core gameplay is checking expiration dates on passports.
  2. Eyse
    Aug 20, 2013
    8
    This is a clever game and very different from most. I can’t imagine that anyone who scrutinises documents for a living would want to play it in their free time, but they'd probably have an edge over the rest of us so who knows?

    The game itself quite a challenge because you need management skills as well as a good memory and eye for detail I suspect it would make a brilliant training    This is a clever game and very different from most. I can’t imagine that anyone who scrutinises documents for a living would want to play it in their free time, but they'd probably have an edge over the rest of us so who knows?

    The game itself quite a challenge because you need management skills as well as a good memory and eye for detail I suspect it would make a brilliant training tool. The theme music is as haunting and bleak as the world in which the game is set.

    It's probably not a game that you'd want to play through that many times, but it is still highly recommended.    … Expand
  3. notchedbandit
    Aug 19, 2013
    8
    This is a great game that deserves all the hype it's getting. You basically work at at the border for passport control and make sure the people who try to get in the country are legit. You check if they are carrying any weapons, you check if their passports are correct etc. It's a fun little game, but it can get extremely linear and boring after an hour of playing, which is why I rate it aThis is a great game that deserves all the hype it's getting. You basically work at at the border for passport control and make sure the people who try to get in the country are legit. You check if they are carrying any weapons, you check if their passports are correct etc. It's a fun little game, but it can get extremely linear and boring after an hour of playing, which is why I rate it a 8 out of 10.… Expand
  4. ted88pd
    Jan 23, 2014
    8
    Non si può negare che questo gioco sia ripetitivo, ma se molti lo considerano un difetto, io presonalmente lo considero un pregio, proprio perchè le meccaniche di gioco presentate in Papers Please sono tali da mettere alla prova la concentrazione, l'attenzione, i riflessi e la capacità di predenere decisioni (giuste o sbagliate che siano) rapidamente e nel minor tempo possibile. La graficaNon si può negare che questo gioco sia ripetitivo, ma se molti lo considerano un difetto, io presonalmente lo considero un pregio, proprio perchè le meccaniche di gioco presentate in Papers Please sono tali da mettere alla prova la concentrazione, l'attenzione, i riflessi e la capacità di predenere decisioni (giuste o sbagliate che siano) rapidamente e nel minor tempo possibile. La grafica retrò e le musichette di accopagnamento contribuiscono a rendere il gioco spassoso e divertente, mentre la trama intricata con 20 finali diversi, spigne a rigiocare il titolo più e più volte per scoprire tutti i segreti nascosti in questo, a detta del creatore Lucas Pope, thriller distopico.… Expand
  5. suneater
    Nov 30, 2013
    8
    A very unique and flavorful puzzle game where you play as a Cold War-esque border checkpoint immigration inspector. Each in-game day is timed and presents new challenges, such as new paperwork, denying access to immigrants from a specific country, or looking for an individual on a wanted poster. There is always a sense of urgency with your income and the livelihood of your family dependingA very unique and flavorful puzzle game where you play as a Cold War-esque border checkpoint immigration inspector. Each in-game day is timed and presents new challenges, such as new paperwork, denying access to immigrants from a specific country, or looking for an individual on a wanted poster. There is always a sense of urgency with your income and the livelihood of your family depending on you to make a quota while the immigrants are harassing you to work faster. With a branching story that changes based on your actions during the days (and your post-work "upkeep" choices) and multiple endings, there are many ways to play through this exceptional experience of a game. Papers, Please is a standout spin on life in the Cold War-era Soviet states that, while depressing and repetitive at times, is something that any puzzle game fan should pick up.… Expand
  6. Jonex
    Oct 20, 2013
    8
    I'm was really surprised by this game. I'm not a fan of 8-bit graphics or the concept of sitting behind a desk and checking people's papers, but this game made it fun and interesting! There's also a decent amount of humour to keep things lively!

    Whatever doubts you may have about this game, set them aside. There's a deep and meaningful story that takes time to show itself, but it's    I'm was really surprised by this game. I'm not a fan of 8-bit graphics or the concept of sitting behind a desk and checking people's papers, but this game made it fun and interesting! There's also a decent amount of humour to keep things lively!

    Whatever doubts you may have about this game, set them aside. There's a deep and meaningful story that takes time to show itself, but it's worth the journey, and all the hard work :P    … Expand
  7. Gotohellcadz
    Nov 10, 2013
    8
    A great game with some great concepts, I like the idea of in-game events occurring to shorten your work day to make you work faster, along with the "good samaritan" bonuses but the rule book could've used a bit more work because I've found myself frustrated even though I've checked over everything in the book and their papers. And the pallet choice for the game does raise the question: wasA great game with some great concepts, I like the idea of in-game events occurring to shorten your work day to make you work faster, along with the "good samaritan" bonuses but the rule book could've used a bit more work because I've found myself frustrated even though I've checked over everything in the book and their papers. And the pallet choice for the game does raise the question: was it chosen to look like crap on purpose or to benefit the environment?… Expand
  8. thekillergreece
    Oct 5, 2013
    8
    This is great game! Congrats to developer who focuses on gameplay more than Graphics!This game is like serving your food to customers. Its great game!Worth the buy! But, when you progress, new features you get confused and dont exactly know what to do. Overall, worth the game to buy.
  9. geeksterknows
    Jan 6, 2014
    8
    Papers, Please is a surprisingly addictive game. It has a very unique concept and gameplay. Who knew being an immigration inspector would be this fun? The only thing I'm not happy about is the long time of clicking around and checking discrepancies. I know it's the whole point of the game but the fun fades once you started doing the same thing all over again. This is a game that will testPapers, Please is a surprisingly addictive game. It has a very unique concept and gameplay. Who knew being an immigration inspector would be this fun? The only thing I'm not happy about is the long time of clicking around and checking discrepancies. I know it's the whole point of the game but the fun fades once you started doing the same thing all over again. This is a game that will test your patience and observation to the people in front of you.… Expand
  10. m0rb
    Aug 20, 2013
    8
    Refreshingly different game!
    Gotta say, it's one of the best games I have played in recent years and surely one of the best Indies ever.
    There are some minor issues with the game, but since I only played the "Beta" ve4rsion and do not know whether those problems have been fixed, I won't write about them. Just remember: if there has been added an endless game option, think my    Refreshingly different game!
    Gotta say, it's one of the best games I have played in recent years and surely one of the best Indies ever.

    There are some minor issues with the game, but since I only played the "Beta" ve4rsion and do not know whether those problems have been fixed, I won't write about them.

    Just remember:

    if there has been added an endless game option, think my score to be +1, so 9 instead of 8!

    If the developer did NOT do it (as he promised) it stays at 8.5, though. Unfortunately, since I cannot give it x.5, I stick with my 8.    … Expand
  11. busbfran
    Dec 29, 2013
    8
    Papers, Please is another surprise Indie hit of 2013, where the communist state of Arstotzka has just ended a 6-year war with neighbouring Kolechia.Your job as immigration inspector is to control the flow of people entering the Arstotzkan with the forever changing rules and regulations. Among the throngs of immigrants and visitors looking for work are hidden smugglers, spies, andPapers, Please is another surprise Indie hit of 2013, where the communist state of Arstotzka has just ended a 6-year war with neighbouring Kolechia.Your job as immigration inspector is to control the flow of people entering the Arstotzkan with the forever changing rules and regulations. Among the throngs of immigrants and visitors looking for work are hidden smugglers, spies, and terrorists. Using only the documents provided by travellers and the Ministry of Admission's primitive inspect, search, and fingerprint systems you must decide who can enter Arstotzka and who will be turned away or arrested. This premise is extremely addicting and the reliability is very high as their are 20 different endings. Lucas Pope deservers a round of callas for attempting something different, while introducing a fascinating set of characters having only seconds to choice their faith and your own. This leaves a high tense game and a fight for survival to protect your family. Would you let a innocent girl on the run die or let your family go without food?… Expand
  12. Frast2013X
    Oct 26, 2013
    8
    Jedna z najlepszych gier indie tego roku. Takiego pomysłu jeszcze nie widziałem. Pierwszy raz tak bardzo skupiałem się przy grze oraz tak świetnie wczuwałem się w klimat. Gra nie jest jakimś dużym innowacyjnym projektem ale pokazuje że nawet zwykła, mała gra indie może strasznie wciągnąć nie jednego gracza zwykłymi prostymi pomysłami, których o dziwo nie wykorzystał żaden inny twórca.Jedna z najlepszych gier indie tego roku. Takiego pomysłu jeszcze nie widziałem. Pierwszy raz tak bardzo skupiałem się przy grze oraz tak świetnie wczuwałem się w klimat. Gra nie jest jakimś dużym innowacyjnym projektem ale pokazuje że nawet zwykła, mała gra indie może strasznie wciągnąć nie jednego gracza zwykłymi prostymi pomysłami, których o dziwo nie wykorzystał żaden inny twórca. Problemem tej gry jest to, że nie każdemu się ona spodoba, trzeba przy niej po prostu trochę pomyśleć, skupić się i wysilić co może nie spodobać się każdemu. Moja ocena 8/10… Expand
  13. Jacethegamerman
    Aug 12, 2013
    8
    Paper Please is a great game i love it the stories great The game plays surprisingly addictive for such a weird mechanic. Buy this game for the story stay for the gameplay.
  14. LoneWolf245
    Aug 13, 2013
    8
    This is an amazing game.At first i thought eh a boring game,but when i got to play it it was totally amazing.I like the story and how you have to make hard choices that may or may not effect your family.
  15. daliindica
    Aug 21, 2013
    8
    I think a 10 would be indulging in fan service, but the game is very good. I went in not expecting a lot to be honest, and I found it oddly addictive and fun. Its also a clever way of exposing the flaws in immigration control, but its not so heavy handed with it. Very simple game to begin with, but it becomes complex over time and pretty smoothly as well. Graphics are fitting and to beI think a 10 would be indulging in fan service, but the game is very good. I went in not expecting a lot to be honest, and I found it oddly addictive and fun. Its also a clever way of exposing the flaws in immigration control, but its not so heavy handed with it. Very simple game to begin with, but it becomes complex over time and pretty smoothly as well. Graphics are fitting and to be honest, for the game that it is they compliment it nicely.… Expand
  16. Olafsson
    Sep 15, 2013
    8
    It is not given to any game to use pixel art graphics, and yet give more emotions that the latest blockbuster game.

    Having worked in a related field, I connected to some of the people you have to accept or deny, and the moral issues that go with it.

    It is unique and original, cheap, and disturbing in a good way. Recommanded, and a good surprise.
  17. beatstar
    Sep 1, 2013
    8
    [From The Global Marketeer]

    Papers, Please is a game that has you play the role of a border agent. That translates into having absolutely no fun allowed, being paid a lousy wage, and having to deal with plenty of people relying on you to get them through, even if in vain. Largely influenced by Soviet/communist undertones, the opening theme is the Arstotzka national anthem a boorish    [From The Global Marketeer]

    Papers, Please is a game that has you play the role of a border agent. That translates into having absolutely no fun allowed, being paid a lousy wage, and having to deal with plenty of people relying on you to get them through, even if in vain. Largely influenced by Soviet/communist undertones, the opening theme is the Arstotzka national anthem a boorish blare of brass, and your primary objective is to scrape what you can from your job to provide for your family.

    The beginning of the game outlines the basics for you and lets you do your thing; but increasingly becomes more complicated and vigorous as the game progresses. You will need to finely inspect each document (and eventually, person) for inconsistencies or contraband in the six minutes they give you. You are paid 5 credits per person correctly admitted, and it’s quickly spent at the end of the day on utilities such as rent, food, and medicine.

    The hand-holding in this game is minimal; after the rules are outlined for you, you are allowed to screw up twice a day without a penalty, After that, the penalty is 5 credits and goes up from there. With all these bills to pay, fighting the clock can be difficult. If you aren’t expeditious with processing each immigrant or expat, they’ll have to go without food and/or heat for the day.

    Besides family business, the emotional impact the player receives from the game is extremely subjective. You could get all emotional and illegally allow a man’s wife across the border as easily as you can refuse her entry for having no valid passport. Apart from a few specific moments, there is no reprisal against you for following the rules against your own values.

    In that regard, you are given a wide assortment of choices to make throughout the game, especially in the later days (levels). The legal option is not always the best choice, but neither is the humanitarian one. Everything beyond what has been spelled out in the rulebook is a grey area left for you to decide, and often someone else’s to deal with. Above all else, you must provide for yourself and your family. Failure to do so results in a game over, but you’re always able to retry the same day again, or start anew if you wish.

    Sound and graphics aren’t necessarily given a emphasis in this game. It’s not necessarily a bad thing; the visuals are minimalist (similar to that of the early SNES era) and the audio for dialogue is composed of little more than a few unintelligible soundbytes, but they both serve their purpose in purporting a bland atmosphere for a game whose mood is purposefully bland.

    Papers, Please is an anti-fun simulation of an occupation; somewhat like Hilton Ultimate Team Play. Your ability to be swift, accurate, and conscientious is constantly tested, and your fate is ultimately decided upon these three attributes. You are bound to slip up one way or another on your first run through, but your ability to compensate for it and excel all depends on your willingness to do your job well. After all, there is no room for slackers in Arstotzka.    … Expand
  18. poda_t
    Aug 28, 2013
    8
    Brilliant concept for a game, there really isn't much to it and you do get captured into it even given how simple it really is. The game is worth every penny. A lot of thought was put into this to immerse you in the experience. I work at a job where I need to look at multiple documents at once, and things DO GO MISSING! I would have liked a real full-screen mode that stretches to myBrilliant concept for a game, there really isn't much to it and you do get captured into it even given how simple it really is. The game is worth every penny. A lot of thought was put into this to immerse you in the experience. I work at a job where I need to look at multiple documents at once, and things DO GO MISSING! I would have liked a real full-screen mode that stretches to my screen. Thrilled that you can buy this game outside of steam. Most of what I encounter playing this game sounds like stories I've only just barely scraped past myself or had related to me by relatives. It's only a low-level simulation, but one that gets you in touch with the era and the times.

    Kudos:
    -different types of date formats: easy on the player to pick a date format that's easy to read
    -novel and immersing game
    -aesthetically pleasing and well executed despite simplicity
    -some merit as teaching aid for social studies class (some language issues)
    -nudity filter
    -surprisingly addictive
    -simple control, easy to play
    -do not need Steam to purchase or play this game (huge bonus, which is what made the difference for me here, as I really, really, REALLY, have a seething hatred of steam, origin, and all other gaming clients)

    complaints:
    -custom key bindings would have been nice
    -there are oodles of more possible "upgrades" to the booth which weren't capitalized on.
    -full-screen mode does not stretch to fill screen
    -drag-drop areas could have been improved, sometimes documents bounce off of entrant instead of returning to entrants hands.
    -only two modes (easy/hard) could have made use of different cash bonuses and different desk spaces to scale difficulty of game.
    -no language filter

    Other impressions:
    this might not be 1995, but this game was completely built from start to finish by 1 person. Comparing this against bioshock is like comparing dollar-store dart guns against an Apache helicopter chin-mount. The only thing the two have in common is that they were games. It's incredibly difficult to manage on one's own to create a game without a whole production team supporting you, and that's why bioshock, europa universalis 4 and battlefield 3 cannot be used as comparisons. You don't compare a high school wrestler against a multi-titled world champion. The categories are completely different in scope. This is a very well-done game given the budget, staff and concept, and spectacularly executed. Whoever has unbridled condescension without actually pointing out short-comings of the game, especially by comparing it against wonders like Battlefield, Bioshock, Call of Duty or some other over-hyped and over-hyped re-skinned and fundamentally unchanged for the past 10 year old concept crap, believes they can do better is urged to make the attempt under the same conditions as for this game.

    Things to watch out for:
    Sequels, either real or spiritual. The only possible way a sequel could be any good is if you really enjoyed this game, and I mean REALLY enjoyed this game, or if you haven't played this game yet. It would not be worth spending more than $10 for two of the same thing. (so, as I always say, do your research well, because BF3 does what CoD does, and DotA2 does what LoL does...... if you are going to spend your money, spend it on the best candidate, not on both. If you are reading this when there are (spiritual) sequels running around.... well.... refer to play-throughs on youtube.    … Expand
  19. Evilcalyptic
    Aug 31, 2013
    8
    Glory to Arstotzka!

    The premise of this game seems stupid, but it is actually quite fun. It gets pretty challenging and is simple but super enjoyable. You play as a Pseudo-Soviet nation's boarder gate keeper, checking passports and IDs to determine if people are legitimate and can come into the country. Many will try to falsify paperwork and find a way in, it is your job to catch    Glory to Arstotzka!

    The premise of this game seems stupid, but it is actually quite fun. It gets pretty challenging and is simple but super enjoyable.

    You play as a Pseudo-Soviet nation's boarder gate keeper, checking passports and IDs to determine if people are legitimate and can come into the country. Many will try to falsify paperwork and find a way in, it is your job to catch them, send them away, and detain them to get enough cash for food, home and heat.

    Well worth the purchase.    … Expand
  20. chilao
    Sep 5, 2013
    8
    What a creative and amazing game !
    I didn't expect to be this satisfied with it. The game play itself has a lot of details that makes it more interesting. The token idea, making every decision you take, whether agreeing with the law or going with your judgement counts !
    Too bad the "campaign" is short.
    Congratulations on delivering such a fun game. Still replaying
  21. Rorschach120
    Oct 22, 2013
    8
    In a generation of obscure and over-rated indie games, "Papers, Please" stands out as a game that is both an homage to games of the past and an example of the future of interactive story telling. This is a game that you have to play for a little while before it comes clear why you are playing it. Soon as the story unfolds though, you are going to be playing it for a long time.
  22. Diddlethumb
    Oct 15, 2013
    8
    "Gameplay over graphics". I can't stress how important this quote is. Especially in this game. I'll admit, when I first saw this game, I though "Whaa...?" I mean, lets be honest. A game where all you do is approve or deny people to go through a fictional city named Arstotzka seemed creative but a bit boring. But I risked it and bought it. And I was taken by surprise how invigorating it"Gameplay over graphics". I can't stress how important this quote is. Especially in this game. I'll admit, when I first saw this game, I though "Whaa...?" I mean, lets be honest. A game where all you do is approve or deny people to go through a fictional city named Arstotzka seemed creative but a bit boring. But I risked it and bought it. And I was taken by surprise how invigorating it was! There's a unique storyline you follow through you can do tasks for the mysterious force of EZIC, or continue giving glory to Arstotzka. I admit, this game eventually gets boring and is not something you will spend 800 hours playing. But it's a concept that surprisingly bodes well with retro graphics and will keep you refreshed for a while, but again, the longevity of the game and the re-playability is a problem that is needed to be solved, even with the endless mode you can play after having fun with the storyline.… Expand
  23. curzon_dax
    Sep 15, 2017
    8
    It's very good for what it does, however it can get repetitive within 1 or 2 days of gameplay. It's definitely worth the time to play even if it's for a short while.
  24. DogRocket23
    Oct 14, 2013
    8
    Papers, Please is a very peculiar game. I don't know what to say besides it finds a way to make tedious paperwork engaging and fun. The story and decisions are dark yet silly. For the price it is a very enjoyable game.
  25. TheBlueConsole
    Oct 17, 2013
    8
    I didn't expect much from a game with the concept of marking passports. But this offers unique story, CHARACTERS (Yes, a passport game with CHARACTERS. Amazing!), and gives you choices that affect the game.

    Whats not to love? Characters bribing you and illegal yet emotionally effecting or those who pay you higher than your actual paycheck will bring challenge into the game. It may be    I didn't expect much from a game with the concept of marking passports. But this offers unique story, CHARACTERS (Yes, a passport game with CHARACTERS. Amazing!), and gives you choices that affect the game.

    Whats not to love? Characters bribing you and illegal yet emotionally effecting or those who pay you higher than your actual paycheck will bring challenge into the game. It may be called "retro", but its old-school and something you can always go back to. Even though it does get repetitive, boredom is at a respected minimum thanks to the story. A strong, good story, which blew me away. The realism doesn't get ridiculous and just gets challenging and more and more lovable. Entry or deny; you feel like making a huge decision with just stamping one passport late into the game, with a great ending(s), depending on what YOU chose to do. It gives you so much choice and power. For the cheap price and upcoming fun for new players, go and buy it. You won't regret.    … Expand
  26. PokeFan10025
    Oct 18, 2013
    8
    It's a nice little game that will keep you entertained for a few hours. Not only do you have to think about what you're doing, you also have to memorize, which is perfect for me because my memory isn't that good :P.
    Overall, it's not the BEST game I've played, but it's good enough for me to recommend to others.
  27. Outlander999
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    A "immigration office simulation". Yes! It's original, it's fun, and emulates well the feelings of failure coming from a post-communist est european country. Play it! VIRTUALINN.IT
  28. Dynamiteguy
    Nov 17, 2013
    8
    A great game, not to sink hours into, but to experience the oppressive, and dark nature underneath this seemingly menial and average game. While the game's only real mission, is to stamp passports, either allowing people into your country of Arstotzka, because they have the correct paperwork, or not because there is something fishy going on. However, there is clearly an ethical test thatA great game, not to sink hours into, but to experience the oppressive, and dark nature underneath this seemingly menial and average game. While the game's only real mission, is to stamp passports, either allowing people into your country of Arstotzka, because they have the correct paperwork, or not because there is something fishy going on. However, there is clearly an ethical test that the developers put you under while playing (e.g. A woman wants to come in to your country, but doesn't have the correct paperwork. However, she is a refugee from another country and will be killed if she is forced to return by your denial of her entry. Let her in and receive a citation which could lead to a penalty of tickets because she has the false paperwork, or don't grant her entry, condemn her to death, and do your job correctly). In amongst, the normal masses wanting access to your country there is a choice you have to make. A moral and ethical choice, and this is where the game's main strength lies.

    There are a total of 20 possible endings, so there is plenty of replayability for players who want to experience all of them, but on various different occasions, you have to decide whether to complete your job correctly, and support your poor, starving and cold family, or let your morals take over and do what you believe is right. It really is fantastically done, from an emotional and ethical perspective.

    Overall, an impressive game made by an indie developer who has shown he has lots of potential. Definitely not for everybody, as it takes a certain degree of patience to enjoy it, but if you think you would, watch some videos of it, as for £6.99 on steam, it will be a waste if you dislike it.    … Expand
  29. 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's dark, it's funny, it's original. Intense experience. Glory to Arstotzka! 8/10
  30. Sghignifiss
    Dec 13, 2013
    8
    This game is what you'd never expect. It's fun. Hell, you keep checking documents and passports all the time but it's still fun! It's deep, it's various, it's really engaging. It really gives you the idea of how was life in that times. I kept playing for much longer than I thought I would. The game has so many different endings it encourages you to keep playing even if you keep losing. TheThis game is what you'd never expect. It's fun. Hell, you keep checking documents and passports all the time but it's still fun! It's deep, it's various, it's really engaging. It really gives you the idea of how was life in that times. I kept playing for much longer than I thought I would. The game has so many different endings it encourages you to keep playing even if you keep losing. The saving system is simply great, you can restart from any time you want.

    My few notes:
    - graphic: could have been a little better
    - sound: could have been more various

    Anyway it is still a one-guy development. Respect.    … Expand
  31. naufri27
    Nov 17, 2019
    8
    Uno de los videojuegos indies más viciantes que he probado, de siempre. Y no es por su aspecto visual precisamente; es por un sistema de juego que es tan simple como efectivo y original.
  32. MatthewDon2002
    Feb 22, 2014
    8
    Think punching passports is your kind of game? Well? You'll be sorely disappointed with this stunning game! Because, despite its atrocious-sounding premise, it's not as egregious as you think it is, because in fact, it's a psychological puzzle that plays with your emotive side wonderfully and it's just not all about being a passport puncher.
  33. CallOfGaming
    Apr 30, 2014
    8
    Papers, Please is the proof that a simple concept can turn out into addicting and clever games. Your function is quite simple: decide who enters the city of Arstotska and who doesn't. The trick is, you have to check if all the given papers are correct (e.g. False name, picture doesn't match look, etc.). At the end of the day, you have a family that you need to keep healthy, fed and warm.Papers, Please is the proof that a simple concept can turn out into addicting and clever games. Your function is quite simple: decide who enters the city of Arstotska and who doesn't. The trick is, you have to check if all the given papers are correct (e.g. False name, picture doesn't match look, etc.). At the end of the day, you have a family that you need to keep healthy, fed and warm. An interesting thing, is that sometimes people can act as a moral compass. One time, a woman passed and she said that she needed surgery, although she didn't have the necessary papers to enter the city. Hardly, I stamped her passport "DENIED" and basically doomed her. And sometimes you might be unlucky enough to have a terrorist drop a bomb at your desk or threaten to kill you!… Expand
  34. Maluko
    Apr 18, 2014
    8
    Muito bom o jogo, tem que esta ciente que é bem retro. A dificuldade vai mudando conforme você vai ficando melhor, parece simples mas te faz se sentir bem por estar melhorando no jogo.
  35. Gohenko
    Nov 27, 2015
    8
    Papers, Please is a very unique game. I wouldn't really say it's fun to play, but it's definitely a gripping and tense experience. It's a game with a message and I respect it for that, but it won't be a game I'll be playing again and again.
  36. SynSeven
    Aug 14, 2014
    8
    A great game in its genre: Simple as Great.
    The story line mixed to the fight between "legally" and "humanly" right, makes it highly immersive, but probably a bit TOO hard, it will become a rage game at stages.
    Worth its cost.
  37. bigboss1964
    Jan 27, 2016
    8
    Papers, Please

    Game-play: The game-play is great it really test your skills in puzzle games with a ton of different things you have to pay attention. Story: The story is simple but good and you can change it how ever you want according to your decisions I can not tell how much time it will take you because if you are a good player it could take many any many hours if not it could end    Papers, Please

    Game-play: The game-play is great it really test your skills in puzzle games with a ton of different things you have to pay attention.

    Story: The story is simple but good and you can change it how ever you want according to your decisions I can not tell how much time it will take you because if you are a good player it could take many any many hours if not it could end in 1 or 2 hours but that is a reason to try to be better.

    Graphics: The graphics blend in perfect with the game.

    Notes: You should buy this game even if you are not very big fun of puzzle games you will love it as I did this game is just great.    … Expand
  38. rogermorse
    Aug 24, 2014
    8
    Very nice. I didn't expect to like it this much. The correct word is 'addictive'. Once i started, i could not stop. Also, I thought it was only a practical game, but there is a plot behind, moments of fear, of surprise and many other details, everything happening at your desk. 20 possible endings, I have seen about the half of it in 10 hours gameplay (about 350 people checked). 85/100
  39. Ziffe
    Jan 24, 2015
    8
    Paper's please is a game where you stamp passports and arrest people. Basically, this game is FUNominal. Russian joke hohohhohohohohhoho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  40. Termin8ter
    Sep 2, 2017
    8
    The reason this game peaked my interest was because Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide expressed respect for the small indie title. So i dived right in, not sure what to expect. First off, the graphics are just terrible. But luckily, that doesn't detract from the experience playing the game. Second, the game is very cleverly designed. Not so much withThe reason this game peaked my interest was because Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide expressed respect for the small indie title. So i dived right in, not sure what to expect. First off, the graphics are just terrible. But luckily, that doesn't detract from the experience playing the game. Second, the game is very cleverly designed. Not so much with the attention to detail in the look of the game, but about the subtle and clever moral dilemmas that this game springs on you during it's runtime. Great game, but not for everyone. Get it for a cheap price to see if it's for you or not.… Expand
  41. Datamari
    Dec 6, 2015
    8
    It's an interesting experience.
    Papers, Please is a game where you work at a border patrol office accepting or declining people who are coming into Arstotzka. The gameplay is simple, you make sure somebody can come through the border by checking their passport and wallets. Sometimes it can be really easy, but later on, it can ramp up in difficulty, making it very difficult to not mess    It's an interesting experience.
    Papers, Please is a game where you work at a border patrol office accepting or declining people who are coming into Arstotzka. The gameplay is simple, you make sure somebody can come through the border by checking their passport and wallets. Sometimes it can be really easy, but later on, it can ramp up in difficulty, making it very difficult to not mess up. You also have to tend to your family, which can get really difficult if you're not careful. After a while, you start dealing with things like terrorist attacks, and the game's story can get really interesting and grim. It does get repetitive after a while, but with the multiple endings, there is a lot to come back to. It's a very well made game, and it's only 9.99 on Steam, so it's worth a buy.

    Papers, Please gets an 8/10.    … Expand
  42. GreenMachineG
    Jan 16, 2016
    8
    Papers, Please brings a lot to the table, and I enjoyed everything it brought! The idea of the game is fairly simple; identify discrepancies in people's passports and papers as they try to enter your country, but things get interesting when events occur that switch you from a complete robot mentality of finding the issues and denying people, to the moral conundrums of working for aPapers, Please brings a lot to the table, and I enjoyed everything it brought! The idea of the game is fairly simple; identify discrepancies in people's passports and papers as they try to enter your country, but things get interesting when events occur that switch you from a complete robot mentality of finding the issues and denying people, to the moral conundrums of working for a totalitarian government, and whether yourself, and family are worth putting on the line for the greater good. Great gameplay mechanics, with good difficulty progression. The game always explains exactly how to identify the next set of discrepancies, and gives you all the time in the world at the beginning of each day to make a game plan. Amazing replay-ability. With 20 different endings Papers, Please offers up the ultimate game of choice. Can they enter Arstotzka?

    8.5/10    … Expand
  43. hassall
    May 13, 2017
    8
    Very fun game when you are bored and have nothing to do. I joined the resistance. But not because I wanted to, I HAD to. It was the only way I could feed and buy medicine for my family who were sick. Still a very fun game and a good time killer.
  44. Snowertx64
    Dec 27, 2017
    8
    Papers Please: a game is indie Created by lucas a priest, A Developer who devotes himself to exploit more than at all the potential of an age, in this case the cold war

    in the jugable papers please it is the past finished one it is almost perfect, it is super fluid and the past one is addictive any more not to be able Now the history, it is true that although its point is to count    Papers Please: a game is indie Created by lucas a priest, A Developer who devotes himself to exploit more than at all the potential of an age, in this case the cold war

    in the jugable papers please it is the past finished one it is almost perfect, it is super fluid and the past one is addictive any more not to be able

    Now the history, it is true that although its point is to count the reality of an age and is his right to a certain extent it does not stop looking like an easy self-criticism, I say easily to say that this is almost popular culture

    Musically it is really good until you realize that there is the same song one and other one and again non-stop

    The art in papers please boasts and respects although like handyman in the self-criticism it is more or less bad in this point seems quite elaborated to me the style does not have whenever to be the same not always has to be a gray but to be gray it is his right

    Conclusions Finales:this is a good game is with its mistakes but if it had to give him to happen or not, I would let it through

    Jugabilidad:9.75/10

    Historia:7:5/10

    Music: 6/10

    Arte:8.25/10

    Note Final:8/10    … Expand
  45. aditya1101
    Oct 5, 2017
    8
    Really awesome game with some pretty cool commentary that's very relevant right now. It does a great job of keeping the gameplay mechanics fairly simple so that you can really focus on all of the unnerving things that are happening around you.
  46. RagingPoet
    Jan 6, 2018
    8
    Papers, Please is very unusual game, definitely worth playing. Gameplay may look boring but it is surprisingly engaging. Choices are mostly made via gameplay and they are very impactful.
  47. bertendclaus
    Jul 7, 2018
    8
    It's truly a great indie game in its category. I had fun for 1-2 hrs, but to be honest, a great game should not only have a good story but also astonishing gameplay. And this one, clearly, doesn't have that. The story, as few hundreds user here already told you, is really good. But gameplay could be better. I am fond of the feeling of progression with more and more elements added everyIt's truly a great indie game in its category. I had fun for 1-2 hrs, but to be honest, a great game should not only have a good story but also astonishing gameplay. And this one, clearly, doesn't have that. The story, as few hundreds user here already told you, is really good. But gameplay could be better. I am fond of the feeling of progression with more and more elements added every day, but the core is the same - you are supposed to be a bot, verifying words, numbers, and pictures. Not for everyone, not for me and I guess people get paid to do so. And here we are, I paid to do something that people do to earn money. I'm not even mad, that's amazing (no meme intended), but it could be better. Still, it's one man-made, little, beautiful game and I loved it (for 60 to 90 minutes, but a love is a love).
    If you have some few time, it's a good idea for your evening.    … Expand
  48. Kotofon
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    Война между коммунистической Астотцкой и соседней Колечией, длившаяся шесть лет, только что закончилась, и в результате Арстотцка сумела вернуть себе принадлежащую ей по праву половину пограничного города Грештина.

    Вы - инспектор иммиграционной службы, ваша задача - контролировать поток лиц, въезжающих в Арстотцку из Колечии через Грештин. Среди толп иммигрантов, надеющихся найти в    Война между коммунистической Астотцкой и соседней Колечией, длившаяся шесть лет, только что закончилась, и в результате Арстотцка сумела вернуть себе принадлежащую ей по праву половину пограничного города Грештина.

    Вы - инспектор иммиграционной службы, ваша задача - контролировать поток лиц, въезжающих в Арстотцку из Колечии через Грештин. Среди толп иммигрантов, надеющихся найти в стране работу, и прочих визитеров скрываются контрабандисты, шпионы и террористы.    … Expand
  49. rezo_21
    Aug 27, 2023
    8
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 80 IIIIIIIIII====================
  50. Cz3rw0ny
    Jan 10, 2021
    8
    Very cool indie game. The gameplay is very addicting and the characters/story interesting.
  51. Soullex
    Nov 30, 2022
    8
    Sürekli aynı şeyi yaptığın bir oyunu, nasıl tekrara bağlamazsın............
  52. edxtan
    Apr 4, 2022
    8
    The balancing act of speed and precision in Papers Please is so nerve-wracking because a single mistake can be catastrophic for a playthrough. That stress is used against you as you're tempted to make amoral decisions just to alleviate some of it.
  53. Cafe_8bits
    Jul 6, 2020
    8
    Papers Please is a very addictive game, with a simple and engaging idea. Its simplicity makes it easy to pick and play, and its perfect to do so in portable systems. The game plot is really good, and it provides us an insight on matters that have happen, in some extent.
  54. Genek13
    Nov 19, 2019
    8
    Cheap as hell and also very good one :)
    Something different than other games on Steam.
    Worth to try !!
  55. Dardevid
    Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Definirei "Papers, Please" un gioco brillante nel concetto e semplice nell'applicazione di esso, dal gameplay a volte ripetitivo, ma mai frustrante.

    La prima cosa che salta all'occhio quando ci si ritrova a confrontarsi con questo titolo, trattante un estratto della carriera lavorativa di un uomo alla dogana di Arsotzka, è senza ombra di dubbio la grafica retrò, costituente uno dei    Definirei "Papers, Please" un gioco brillante nel concetto e semplice nell'applicazione di esso, dal gameplay a volte ripetitivo, ma mai frustrante.

    La prima cosa che salta all'occhio quando ci si ritrova a confrontarsi con questo titolo, trattante un estratto della carriera lavorativa di un uomo alla dogana di Arsotzka, è senza ombra di dubbio la grafica retrò, costituente uno dei tratti rappresentativi di questo gioco, che ad alcuni potrebbe far storcere il naso ma che a mio parere è essenziale per il fattore di immersione del gioco.
    Il gameplay è mooolto lento, con l'esclusione di alcuni quick-time event, dunque non consiglio di giocare a "Papers, Please" a chi cerca esperienze molto dinamiche o a chi si ritiene molto impaziente, ma se non si appartiene a questo range di utenti, un punto molto positivo è l'incremento di difficoltà, ben camuffato nella trama e sempre divertente.
    Detto ciò, una delle caratteristiche di questo titolo che mi ha maggiormente spinto ad amarlo è la varietà che nel suo piccolo contiene in esso: riesce a fondere perfettamente elementi tratti dal genere puzzle con scelte morali non poco indifferenti: il protagonista si ritroverà infatti più volte a scegliere se porre in maggiore rilievo amici e famiglia o la sua carriera lavorativa, ad esempio quando dovrà decidere se , mescolando il tutto ad alcune fasi "action" (come menzionato prima) ed una spolveratina di gestionale alla fine di ogni giornata.
    I comandi sono abbastanza stopposi all'inizio, ma col passare del tempo si avrà la disponibilità di sbloccare alcuni upgrade che rendono molto più fluido il tutto.
    Ma il tocco di classe è il fatto che, in base a come ci si comporta durante la storia e a che scelte si prendono, il gioco mette a disposizione una gamma di ben 20 finali differenti: personalmente io adoro i giochi con questa specifica feature, ed in Papers, Please la considero la ciliegina su una squisita torta.

    Dunque, ricapitolando:
    PRO - Concept avvincente e ben realizzato
    - Grafica - Alcuni estratti di generi diversi durante la storia, costituenti all'incirca il 35% della totalità
    - Scelte morali
    - Più finali

    PUNTI INDIFFERENTI - Comandi non intuitivi ma successivamente fluidificati attraverso upgrade (ottenuti tramite pagamento in game)

    CONTRO - Trama che personalmente non è riuscita a coinvolgere pienamente la mia intera sfera emotiva (al contrario di quanto accaduto con altri utenti) come altri titoli hanno fatto
    - Per persone eccessivamente impazienti il restante 65% del gameplay, che personalmente ho trovato brillante, potrebbe annoiare nonostante l'incremento di difficoltà.    … Expand
  56. PanMrkvicka
    Feb 12, 2020
    8
    Very good indie game thats fun and interesting. It has some amazing gameplay ideas and they work so well.
  57. ghosttoyou
    Apr 26, 2023
    8
    Шикардосная игра , очень затягивает, токо как по мне не хватило немного уникальных текстов от клиентов.
  58. ChesterField
    May 12, 2020
    8
    How can be checking papers so addictive. I do not understand. 100% recommended.
  59. Chubac
    May 13, 2020
    8
    Very challenging game but towards the end it gets very tedious. Still a great experience.
  60. hileger
    Oct 19, 2022
    8
    Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП
  61. BobbyTarantino
    Aug 15, 2020
    8
    a man goes to the doctor. says he's depressed. he says life seems harsh and cruel. says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. the doctor says "the treatment is simple. the great clown pagliacci is in town tonight. go and see him, that should pick you up." the man bursts into tears. he says "but doctor... i am pagliacci."
  62. Axelle_1
    Sep 6, 2021
    8
    интересная игра с интересным геймплеем и неплохой историей так что 8
  63. That_Normie7
    Jul 10, 2021
    8
    Papers Please smirks an interesting premise, set in a fictional Russian region known as Arstotzka, you assume the role of a border agent. One weakness of this game would be that it doesn't really give you much reason to try and earn as much to keep your family alive. I simply played for the sake of immersion. I also loved how the game always added new challenges and rules, by the end ofPapers Please smirks an interesting premise, set in a fictional Russian region known as Arstotzka, you assume the role of a border agent. One weakness of this game would be that it doesn't really give you much reason to try and earn as much to keep your family alive. I simply played for the sake of immersion. I also loved how the game always added new challenges and rules, by the end of the game, it was one of the most challenging games I've played in a while without having to fire a gun. The game surely isn't superb being that it doesn't drive you any further than your first journey and the ending, while being 20 of them, falls short. Regardless, Papers Please is worthy of Glory to Arstotzka… Expand
  64. Fixil_CZ
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
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  65. Yaav13
    May 9, 2022
    8
    My truthful honorable incorruptible conclusive rating of this considered game: 8.
  66. Rudey21
    Jun 20, 2021
    8
    rtuijohiujofgobufdiiujohmfbujmfbdgjubmoifoghnrtfyrgfhtyfyhjtfyyhjtfuhjtyujf
  67. defenz
    Sep 17, 2021
    8
    ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
  68. BaldursThones
    Nov 26, 2022
    8
    I have never felt genuinely guilty for loosing a game before. I did not expect that I would need to be that fast to feed my family.
  69. Kuzya_Zeleniy
    Apr 1, 2022
    8
    A simple text game with a pretty good plot. Can go on a weak PC. I liked the game, but played it for 3 days, because I'm still bored.
  70. 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
  71. VaeL_XJB
    Mar 18, 2023
    8
    muy bueno te atrapa en un ambiente tipo guerra mundial eso muy bueno siendo solo pixeles
  72. TitaniumDragon
    Jul 9, 2014
    7
    Papers, Please is a very strange and difficult to rate game. You are an immigration officer, charged with determining who to let into the fictional Eastern European communist country of Arstotzka. Even the genre of the game is rather hard to pin down; ultimately, the game boils down to trying to find inconsistencies in the papers, making it a puzzle game of sorts, but it somehow lendsPapers, Please is a very strange and difficult to rate game. You are an immigration officer, charged with determining who to let into the fictional Eastern European communist country of Arstotzka. Even the genre of the game is rather hard to pin down; ultimately, the game boils down to trying to find inconsistencies in the papers, making it a puzzle game of sorts, but it somehow lends checking people’s paperwork an air of great gravity and tension, even if the actual activity itself is rather boring.

    I don’t know if you can really say that Papers, Please is a fun game; there is a great feeling of tension throughout, and yet also of monotony. Somehow, you feel obligated to keep your faceless family members alive; somehow, you feel like the question of a bribe is a real one that has real weight; somehow, you feel like what you’re doing is important. And yet, ultimately, you’re just checking paperwork and determining whether or not to let people through based on the paperwork and your own feelings about the situation.

    It is definitely an engaging experience, but I'm not sure if I can really say that I had fun playing it, apart from the interactions with Jorji and the tasks I did for EZIC. But I still played all the way through without putting it down.    … Expand
  73. Skulb
    Mar 8, 2015
    7
    This is a depressingly realistic game but not an entirely unrewarding one. In fact it takes a very simple concept; paperwork in increasing quantities and of increasing complexity; and asks that you check it against existing guidelines for mistakes or falsehoods. At first it is about as exciting as it sounds. But then the pressures of getting this tedium out of the way quickly so you canThis is a depressingly realistic game but not an entirely unrewarding one. In fact it takes a very simple concept; paperwork in increasing quantities and of increasing complexity; and asks that you check it against existing guidelines for mistakes or falsehoods. At first it is about as exciting as it sounds. But then the pressures of getting this tedium out of the way quickly so you can service as many people during a shift as possible, in order to pay your bills, and of doing it without mistakes so you won`t be fined start to kick in. The more rules you have to observe and the more papers have to be shown by every person entering your booth the harder it gets to keep things moving along. Rush and you`ll make mistakes and get fined. Be too conscientious and you won`t have time to get enough people through customs, or indeed rejected for some discrepancy. It is a fascinating process to go through, and at the end of it you must necessarily have developed your own system for checking all the facts you need to check in a timely and organized fashion, or it`s just not going to be possible.
    Just listing all the possible mistakes you can make in the sea of papers and procedures this game throws at you would be too long. Wrong gender on the passport, wrong picture, wrong name on the work visa, wrong date on the access pass, wrong city of issue on the passport, bomb strapped to leg which you couldn`t find. It is endless but all just natural and inevitable consequences of the complexity of the concept. Which is basically monotonous paperwork at a border crossing. It should be neither fun or engaging but somehow it manages to be. At least for a while.

    I would score it higher like all the hipsters are doing. But the game suffers from a distinct lack of replayability. Not that it necessarily needs it. It is obviously amongst other things a political and social statement which also forces some stark moral choices on the player as it goes along. But replaying the same days over again becomes less and less alluring with each new start until you just call it a day at some point. I got to day 21 (Out of 30 I believe) before I was arrested on my last game. And I just couldn`t face going through all those days one more time, just so I could see the last week and a half. Call me a quitter!    … Expand
  74. Arkamedius
    Aug 18, 2013
    7
    You can spend hours relaxing and playing this. The only problem I have is the story is short. I would like the game to get additions for paperwork. It leaves me wanting more from the game itself.
  75. TKDAAH
    Aug 11, 2013
    7
    It's simple, but quite entertaining. While you are just checking papers and letting people into the country, more restrictions are added over time which keeps you on your toes a little bit. It wasn't the checking papers that made me like it so much, but the small moral dilemmas of every day life you are presented with during the game. Should you let this person through even if they haveIt's simple, but quite entertaining. While you are just checking papers and letting people into the country, more restrictions are added over time which keeps you on your toes a little bit. It wasn't the checking papers that made me like it so much, but the small moral dilemmas of every day life you are presented with during the game. Should you let this person through even if they have the right papers? Sometimes you simply didn't make enough money to pay for heating in your house. It's interesting, and the most enjoyable part is seeing who you have to check papers for next. Also, the reason why your country gets more strict on security.

    It's a cheap, simple game that is refreshing. You have to think during the game, but it isn't stressful. It really embraces you into the world and country you have to live and work in.    … Expand
  76. Shahzaky
    Sep 17, 2013
    7
    So, Lets get this out of the day. Papers Please is worth picking up if you want to broaden your horizons, because it is certainly different. Working as a fictional immigration inspector is challenging, somewhat educational and... boring. Yes, just like you would expect, sitting in a booth, looking trough documents and passports trying to find discrepancies becomes dull really fast. But inSo, Lets get this out of the day. Papers Please is worth picking up if you want to broaden your horizons, because it is certainly different. Working as a fictional immigration inspector is challenging, somewhat educational and... boring. Yes, just like you would expect, sitting in a booth, looking trough documents and passports trying to find discrepancies becomes dull really fast. But in a way, having a blast wouldn't fit the games story, nor the artstyle which gloomy portraying fits perfectly. While you need the first couple of playthroughs just to get the hang of everything, you quickly understand that, sadly the story repeats itself with specific events during each working day. This is kind of a letdown since a more Rougelike experience definitely would have benefited Papers Please replay value. As it stands, Papers Please is a refreshing, well-tuned experience with fitting graphics and nostalgic drag and drop controls. The games true strength lies in the concept but it's sadly also its big weakness.… Expand
  77. mrdudu10
    Nov 6, 2013
    7
    Ok, I am gonna be 100% honest with this. I tried the game and at first hated it but I then gave it another try. It's not amazing and probably didn't take much work to make but the gameplay of the game is good and sometimes quite hard to master. Not the best game ever, but for people who don't get bored of the same thing over and over or bad graphics, it's a good game and also addicting atOk, I am gonna be 100% honest with this. I tried the game and at first hated it but I then gave it another try. It's not amazing and probably didn't take much work to make but the gameplay of the game is good and sometimes quite hard to master. Not the best game ever, but for people who don't get bored of the same thing over and over or bad graphics, it's a good game and also addicting at some points.… Expand
  78. Klewer
    Jan 5, 2014
    7
    A very unique game which after a little while can become repetitive offers some very fun times and a bunch of lifes and insight a long the way. Well worth trying at a good price.
  79. Underpants158
    Jan 2, 2014
    7
    Towards the end of the game the gameplay actually starts to feel like monotonous work. I found it annoying but then I realized the game perfectly captured being a desk jockey and I appreciated it for making me annoyed just as you'd appreciate a scary movie for scaring you. The game is about 5 hours long and I probably would not play it again but I did enjoy the experience of playing it theTowards the end of the game the gameplay actually starts to feel like monotonous work. I found it annoying but then I realized the game perfectly captured being a desk jockey and I appreciated it for making me annoyed just as you'd appreciate a scary movie for scaring you. The game is about 5 hours long and I probably would not play it again but I did enjoy the experience of playing it the first time.… Expand
  80. kckkryptonite
    Aug 11, 2013
    7
    It's good for what it is, the worst thing I could say is that it perhaps gets a bit tedious at times. For a game that looks like it does, it does quite well for itself. It's really innovative and I've never played anything like it; as an immigration inspector, you must determine the validity of each person's a passport and supporting documents by comparing them to rules and regulationsIt's good for what it is, the worst thing I could say is that it perhaps gets a bit tedious at times. For a game that looks like it does, it does quite well for itself. It's really innovative and I've never played anything like it; as an immigration inspector, you must determine the validity of each person's a passport and supporting documents by comparing them to rules and regulations given to you you can eye most of the stuff, but if you aren't sure there is an "inspection tool" that allows you to know for sure if a discrepancy is found. Sometimes errors can be easy to spot like and expired passport, sometimes it's a bit trickier like a person's name or weight being incorrect. The game makes things more complex as you progress, but one of the problems I had is that the only way to tell if the gender is correct is by using the inspection tool, no thanks in part to the graphics. Overall, a very well-made game.… Expand
  81. Rem
    Sep 21, 2014
    7
    Papers Please smirks an interesting premise, set in a fictional Russian region known as Arstotzka, you assume the role of a border agent. One weakness of this game would be that it doesn't really give you much reason to try and earn as much to keep your family alive. I simply played for the sake of immersion. I also loved how the game always added new challenges and rules, by the end ofPapers Please smirks an interesting premise, set in a fictional Russian region known as Arstotzka, you assume the role of a border agent. One weakness of this game would be that it doesn't really give you much reason to try and earn as much to keep your family alive. I simply played for the sake of immersion. I also loved how the game always added new challenges and rules, by the end of the game, it was one of the most challenging games I've played in a while without having to fire a gun. The game surely isn't superb being that it doesn't drive you any further than your first journey and the ending, while being 20 of them, falls short. Regardless, Papers Please is worthy of Glory to Arstotzka.… Expand
  82. Transcendental
    Sep 13, 2013
    7
    The idea behind this game is brilliant, but the execution isn't perfect. The game tried getting to my feelings multiple times, but usually didn't manage to do so. I managed to keep my family well fed and healthy while still being a pretty decent person. Your actions don't have THAT much effect on the rest of the game, at least not only until the very end of the game. In most cases yourThe idea behind this game is brilliant, but the execution isn't perfect. The game tried getting to my feelings multiple times, but usually didn't manage to do so. I managed to keep my family well fed and healthy while still being a pretty decent person. Your actions don't have THAT much effect on the rest of the game, at least not only until the very end of the game. In most cases your actions only change tomorrow's newspaper titles. And yet, I did manage to enjoy the game and I found it rather addictive, and while the game isn't as amazing as I heard it is, it's still quite spectacular and very refreshing.… Expand
  83. CJ_SCOUT
    Sep 14, 2013
    7
    "Papers, Please" is an interesting experience to be sure. It takes a simple concept and walks more than a mile with it, but it's definitely not for everyone. I enjoyed it for what it was, but that's because I tried it in the free BETA. I probably wouldn't throw in a TON of money for this game, but it's still worth checking out...especially if it goes on sale.
  84. mehican
    Sep 16, 2013
    7
    I think it's a very impressive game and quite interesting though it has obvious limitations on re-playability. The atmosphere is simply astounding, the tense and dark feel is quite unique and unusual in modern games. After several games it becomes too familiar and for some boring and that's definitely an unyielding problem, but nonetheless a wonderful game.
  85. tycarm
    Oct 18, 2013
    7
    A good game with a great atmosphere, but it just gets a little boring after a while. I played it for about an hour really excited and I haven't played it since. It is still a great game and I would definitely recommend it.
  86. silenthunter000
    Aug 13, 2014
    7
    Im Spiel spielen Sie einen Zollwärter des erfundenen Landes Arstotzka, an einem Grenzposten im inneren des Russischen Reiches. Sie sind als Zollwärter für das Abarbeiten der Einreisenden verantwortlich.
    Dabei stehen sie unter Zeitdruck, da sie nur für jede abgearbeitete Person Gehalt bekommen. Außerdem sitzt ihnen ein Geheimdienst im Nacken, wodurch sie immer auf Passfäschungen, Personen    Im Spiel spielen Sie einen Zollwärter des erfundenen Landes Arstotzka, an einem Grenzposten im inneren des Russischen Reiches. Sie sind als Zollwärter für das Abarbeiten der Einreisenden verantwortlich.
    Dabei stehen sie unter Zeitdruck, da sie nur für jede abgearbeitete Person Gehalt bekommen. Außerdem sitzt ihnen ein Geheimdienst im Nacken, wodurch sie immer auf Passfäschungen, Personen ohne Einreiseerlaubnis…. gefasst sein müssen.
    Im Spiel werden auch die Einzelschicksale vieler Reisender beschrieben, wo es oft von ihrer Entscheidung abhängt, wie sich das Leben dieser Personen weiter entwickelt.
    Oft müssen sie dann aufgrund des Geheimdienstes die Wahl treffen, ob sie einer Person an der Grenze helfen wollen, oder ob sie ihre Familie ernähren wollen.
    Diese Dramatik wird aber an Personen, welch sich nicht gut in solche Situationen einfühlen können vorbeigehen, wodurch das Spiel seinen Reiz verliert.

    Bewertung:
    (Alle Aspekte ausgenommen Story werden mit einer Auswahl zwischen 1 und 10 Punkten bewertet. Story mit einem Wert zwischen 1 und 20. Aus der Summe durch 10 wird dann der "Score“ ermittelt.)

    Grafik: 6 (zweckmäßig)
    Performance: 10 (sehr gut)
    Story: 16 (nicht für jeden etwas)
    (Spielzeit in Stunden durch Preis in €) mal 10: 10 ((8:8)*10=10, hoher Wiederspielwert)
    Sound: 6 (zweckmäßig)
    Bedienung: 7 (etwas fummelig)
    Balance: 9 (schwer aber nicht unfair)
    Proprietäre Features (weniger =besser): 10 (keine)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Summe: 74    … Expand
  87. CenkAlp
    Jan 3, 2018
    7
    Hikaye = 8
    Oynanış = 8
    Grafikler = 4
    Sesler = 4
    Keyif = 8
    Atmosfer = 8
    Süre = 8
  88. RogueV
    Dec 5, 2019
    7
    It's fun for a little while but does get old. The idea is cool and it's a good gameplay mechanic, the story is done well. My major gripe with the game is that it's a race against the clock type game and you get paid per person which not only totally goes against the spirit of the game, but it doesn't help the game experience, and it doesn't even make sense. First of all, the dev shouldIt's fun for a little while but does get old. The idea is cool and it's a good gameplay mechanic, the story is done well. My major gripe with the game is that it's a race against the clock type game and you get paid per person which not only totally goes against the spirit of the game, but it doesn't help the game experience, and it doesn't even make sense. First of all, the dev should understand the mindframe one is in when they wanna play a game like this. I want to have a chill time at my desk and take my time reviewing the passports. I don't wanna rush through and get paid per passport I approve. Anyway that's not at all how it works in real life, no one is paid per passport. They are paid a salary and don't really care how slow they are being or how much they inconvenience those waiting in line. I feel like that is not only more realistic it would go a long way to improving the game in tone and the general feel of being an immigration agent in a bureaucracy. Oh well. It's unique, indie, fresh, and fun for a couple hours. I won't let one major complaint let me rate this negatively because it's still worth getting.… Expand
  89. arllda
    Feb 4, 2023
    7
    I used to play it when my pc was bad I don't know how the producers came up with such an original idea
  90. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    7
    Refreshing and unique game about passport checking. It's basically a matching game mixed with ethical quandary. Making mistakes or choosing to let someone through can have devastating personal consequences. But its a short game and has little to say beyond that.
  91. UnbiasedOne
    Aug 9, 2013
    6
    Refreshing and unique but plagued by some major errors. It's a simple game, deny or allow entry to your country and look for things that do not match up on documents. However as the game progresses it gets more difficult such as more documents, height, weight, etc. this would be okay but there are two huge problems that appear. One your desk will be so crowded you will loose papers and theRefreshing and unique but plagued by some major errors. It's a simple game, deny or allow entry to your country and look for things that do not match up on documents. However as the game progresses it gets more difficult such as more documents, height, weight, etc. this would be okay but there are two huge problems that appear. One your desk will be so crowded you will loose papers and the time limit does not allow the required time to look everything over so after day 10 you are left guessing and taking shots in the dark. It also becomes boring quite fast as you are doing the same thing over and over. It has an art effect to it and it is a unique game, but it's not $10 unique.… Expand
  92. iseeall
    Jan 4, 2016
    6
    The game has a great and novel concept and I must say I enjoyed the setting (working as a border control official in a totalitarian country) a lot. The presentation is great, the music is also very much fun. Still the game lacks in actual gameplay. It is just about matching overwhelmingly large quantities of data, and this is very tiring and leaves you just exhausted and with a headacheThe game has a great and novel concept and I must say I enjoyed the setting (working as a border control official in a totalitarian country) a lot. The presentation is great, the music is also very much fun. Still the game lacks in actual gameplay. It is just about matching overwhelmingly large quantities of data, and this is very tiring and leaves you just exhausted and with a headache rather than provides a fun experience.

    Surely, the author tried hard to keep the small portions of fun coming in: here you get a spy, here a corrupt official, here a funny old man who happens to be a terrorist. All these small random events kept me engaged for a while. Still, all in all the game is dull and too difficult (and difficult in bad way, meaning that it strains your attention and patience instead of your intelligence). I was stressed to get all those people's documents checked and had almost no time to read those funny conversations.

    The author's goal was to show how bad the USSR was, and he did it in his own way. While playing this game I kept having this "oppressed" feeling even though I somewhat enjoyed denying entry to people (at first). For fairness sake, I must note (and no one seems to mention this in reviews) that his portrayal of a bureaucrat's life in the USSR is inaccurate to a point where I wonder if this game is a parody of exactly the USSR or just totalitarianism in general or whatever. If you didn't know this, bureaucrats in the USSR were the privileged class. And they were paid a fixed amount which never depended on their performance on their jobs - exactly that made them so inefficient. So, if this game would have to stay realistic, you as the main character would earn your $100 per day even if you'd not process a single person in the waiting line. Let the little people wait, who cares :) Hell, you could just go "to have some coffee" in the beginning of the day, and then come back after lunch or something, or only process people who offer you bribes if they want to get across the border so much. And if someone complains and an inspector from above comes to check up on you, you just share your bribes and so on. In a sense, a bureaucrat is invincible in such corrupt systems, and the game could show that. Then it would be those little people waiting in the line where you'd see the real suffering, while you'd enjoy and exploit the system in your comfortable chair. This would make a completely different game, something closer to Tropico maybe, where the smiles and jokes hide the ugliness of a corrupt society.

    As it is, the game attempts to criticize Russia but ends up being an inaccurate, thought-up presentation of something some people in the West probably want to see in history, but which didn't exist. Or is the author showing the idea of bureaucracy and totalitarianism in general? Can a western bureaucrat recognize himself in the main character, even though Arstotska sounds like a Russian word to a western player? (actually, to me as a Russian it sounds more like Czech or Polish). Anyway, a 6/10 for this novel experiment of a game which sadly fails to be entertaining after 1-2 hours.    … Expand
  93. Zekraviax
    Aug 24, 2013
    6
    Papers, Please is certainly a unique game. But being unique doesn't necessarily mean being good. The entire premise is accepting or rejecting people into your country. It was fun for a while, but there just isn't enough to keep you playing. The difficulty takes a massive spike a few 'days' into the game, and it becomes a rush to check everything for errors against the abysmally short clockPapers, Please is certainly a unique game. But being unique doesn't necessarily mean being good. The entire premise is accepting or rejecting people into your country. It was fun for a while, but there just isn't enough to keep you playing. The difficulty takes a massive spike a few 'days' into the game, and it becomes a rush to check everything for errors against the abysmally short clock counting down until you reach the end of the day. It's an interesting idea, but it could have been done much better.… Expand
  94. joe_mo
    Aug 29, 2013
    6
    I really thought that a game that involves processing paperwork repeatedly might be you know, boring. But so many other reviewers said it didn't, so I gave it a try. And it was sort of like pushing paperwork around which is, for me, boring. Sure, it has a nice art-y point (kafkaesque bureaucracy is terrible), but I knew that without having to pay $10. After about an hour of pushingI really thought that a game that involves processing paperwork repeatedly might be you know, boring. But so many other reviewers said it didn't, so I gave it a try. And it was sort of like pushing paperwork around which is, for me, boring. Sure, it has a nice art-y point (kafkaesque bureaucracy is terrible), but I knew that without having to pay $10. After about an hour of pushing paperwork around and trying to keep track of the rules, I lost interest. I should disclaim that I also kind of push papers for a living myself, so perhaps that's related: too much like real life, which is not what I look for in games.… Expand
  95. ifoughtamudcrab
    Nov 13, 2013
    6
    Papers, Please is certainly a good game, but I would not say it was a great one. In my opinion, the concept and environmental design can only take a game so far. All of this is great, but the gameplay does not hook me. I can't play it in much more than 20 minute bursts every few days without getting bored or frustrated. It may be great for others, but its just pretty good for me!
  96. Aethir
    Nov 17, 2013
    6
    Let me start by saying this is not a game for everyone. If you don't actually remember the Cold War era, it's best you move along. But those who can look past the flaws of its sadly repetitive scripted plot elements and into the soul of the game will find a curious mix of light-hearted humor, compassion and desperation. You hold the power to tear families apart by following the rules, orLet me start by saying this is not a game for everyone. If you don't actually remember the Cold War era, it's best you move along. But those who can look past the flaws of its sadly repetitive scripted plot elements and into the soul of the game will find a curious mix of light-hearted humor, compassion and desperation. You hold the power to tear families apart by following the rules, or conversely to do good things in spite of them. Yes, the difficulty ramps up fast. But old games of the era this game pays were brutal in their learning curves. This is not a game to be beaten easily; it demands attention, organization, prioritizing. You +will+ make mistakes. Learn, take a deep breath, carry on.

    Is it a 10/10 game? No. With more randomized events and a little interface streamlining, it would (in my opinion at least) add to the replay value of what is otherwise quite a heavily scripted plot; but as it stands now it's not a game you'll play for years to come. Perhaps that's beside the point; some games are made to tell a story, not to be played a million times.

    TL;DR version:
    Is it worth $10? I thought so.
    If you were alive around 1982, add another 2 points.    … Expand
  97. AbstractWB
    Feb 22, 2014
    6
    Ah, Papers Please. What we can say about this little gem? We can say that its just one of my favorite games of all-time (under Half-Life 2). Its a game that DOES NOT get boring after a while. Once you start playing, you'll never stop. This game has 20 finales that will reveal with what you are doing in the game.

    Music: 8. The soundtrack has just three songs: the main menu, the good    Ah, Papers Please. What we can say about this little gem? We can say that its just one of my favorite games of all-time (under Half-Life 2). Its a game that DOES NOT get boring after a while. Once you start playing, you'll never stop. This game has 20 finales that will reveal with what you are doing in the game.

    Music: 8. The soundtrack has just three songs: the main menu, the good endings and the bad endings.
    Graphics: 4. This game has 8 bit graphics, but we dont care.
    Jugability: 7. In this game the only thing you do is approving or denying the entry to Arstotzka,
    FINAL NOTE: 6,3    … Expand
  98. psylife
    Apr 7, 2016
    6
    This is a "find the intruder" game that manages to entertain the player beyond its base mechanic. The remarkable achievement lies in the fact that the morality and message is contained within the mechanic of the game itself and this is a seldom seen virtue in games. The message is not only valuable but highly depending one each player, which makes the concept that much more commendable.This is a "find the intruder" game that manages to entertain the player beyond its base mechanic. The remarkable achievement lies in the fact that the morality and message is contained within the mechanic of the game itself and this is a seldom seen virtue in games. The message is not only valuable but highly depending one each player, which makes the concept that much more commendable. The presentation while being rudimentary, is remarkably effective in conveying a sense of place and time. This game at its core is a blueprint for how games should conceive themselves.… Expand
  99. Perfected
    Mar 28, 2017
    6
    Gaming is TERRIBLY flawed from a logical stand point. After a certain point in the game, the vast majority of people will all not have proper documentation and it just really removes me from the games immersion.

    Encounters are extremely repetitive and dull. The game is clearly meant for the IOS and its just grindy and boring. 6/10 do not recommend, its a flawed boring dull game    Gaming is TERRIBLY flawed from a logical stand point. After a certain point in the game, the vast majority of people will all not have proper documentation and it just really removes me from the games immersion.

    Encounters are extremely repetitive and dull.

    The game is clearly meant for the IOS and its just grindy and boring.

    6/10 do not recommend, its a flawed boring dull game that has tons of logical errors when it comes to customs / border patrol / immigration.    … Expand
  100. Piruz
    Jan 20, 2022
    6
    Has problems with presentation and first class realization of ideas to be standout game
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PC Game of 2013
28
#28 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
56
#56 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Gamer.nl
    Jan 2, 2014
    85
    Papers, Please gives you a simple task that doesn't ask a lot of you. The game outgrows its mechanics though, by appealing to your moral compass and emotions. This indie game will get under your skin, will have you feeling uncomfortable and have you think about yourself, as a person.
    Read full review
  2. GameFront
    Oct 14, 2013
    90
    An incredibly impressive little game, from its understated old-school art style to its ability to make you feel uncomfortable with how much you enjoy catching criminals trying to trick their way into your country.
    Read full review
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 5, 2013
    89
    Papers, Please is not only original but fun, too. More papers, please! [Sept 2013]
See all critic reviews »