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. Pravs
    Aug 19, 2014
    9
    The idea of the whole game is excellent. Brilliant and addictive story. You have to make a decision almost all of the time. For sure, it won't be wasted time.
  2. Fixwec
    Sep 28, 2013
    10
    I have played hours and hours of this game, It makes you think, it makes you CARE about your family and really brings to life the world that you live in, it can at times feel like "work" but even as such it feels fun because you don't want to 'disappoint" your family when people start getting sick and you have to chose between giving people meds and giving them heat and food. the choicesI have played hours and hours of this game, It makes you think, it makes you CARE about your family and really brings to life the world that you live in, it can at times feel like "work" but even as such it feels fun because you don't want to 'disappoint" your family when people start getting sick and you have to chose between giving people meds and giving them heat and food. the choices become all too real, masterpiece!… Expand
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  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 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    Papers 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
  6. CienoKahlo
    Dec 6, 2013
    9
    Sigh, the moral and economic dilemmas of an immigration inspector. Great concept, easy to pick up, and a surprisingly intriguing storyline unfolds. There's multiple endings too that add to replay value. I love it, and you probably will too.
  7. 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
  8. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    El mejor juego del año, además te hace reflexionar sobre cómo una experiencia atractiva puede llegar a cubrir una mecánica de juego terriblemente tediosa, pero el reto y la historia hace que quieras jugar y jugar. Sin duda de las mejores compras que puedes hacer si te interesa la disonancia ludonarrativa.
  9. Bacondoughnut
    Aug 5, 2014
    9
    I have nothing to say about this game besides that it is amazing and that it was designed amazingly. This game is about working at a border checkpoint and seeing who can go through and who can't based on their paperwork.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  14. somedude14
    Nov 1, 2017
    9
    I only gave it one playthrough, didn't 100% it, not due to lack of enjoyment, but because for me, it was one of those experiences where it's best to consume it once and then enjoy the fumes of it for the rest of life. An interesting, one-of-a-kind title. Took about 4 hours to complete according to my Steam time - this was back in 2014, though I haven't revisited it since, I did want toI only gave it one playthrough, didn't 100% it, not due to lack of enjoyment, but because for me, it was one of those experiences where it's best to consume it once and then enjoy the fumes of it for the rest of life. An interesting, one-of-a-kind title. Took about 4 hours to complete according to my Steam time - this was back in 2014, though I haven't revisited it since, I did want to give this a quick nod since it was a memorable title.… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. CenkAlp
    Jan 3, 2018
    7
    Hikaye = 8
    Oynanış = 8
    Grafikler = 4
    Sesler = 4
    Keyif = 8
    Atmosfer = 8
    Süre = 8
  17. kezzyhko
    Jul 26, 2020
    5
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  18. mander0
    Mar 1, 2021
    0
    Glory to Arstotzka. Comrade must rate 10/1O for glorious country. NO EZIC allowed
  19. Izoeros
    Apr 26, 2022
    9
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  20. andrei
    Aug 17, 2013
    10
    This is one of the best games I have ever played. It's just PERFECT. The story, the mechanics, the graphics...everything is just perfect !
    Don't look at the trailer or gameplay videos. You have to try the game for yourself.
  21. tbagurdrumset94
    Feb 21, 2014
    8
    A very unique game. At its core, it's a test of your attention span, but it's deeper than that. Your constantly forced to make a moral decision as to whether or not to admit someone who doesn't have the right credentials, and the game does a lot of little things to emotionally invest yourself in certain characters. Sometimes you really have to strain yourself to recognize an inconsistencyA very unique game. At its core, it's a test of your attention span, but it's deeper than that. Your constantly forced to make a moral decision as to whether or not to admit someone who doesn't have the right credentials, and the game does a lot of little things to emotionally invest yourself in certain characters. Sometimes you really have to strain yourself to recognize an inconsistency on someone's papers, and when it's something as blatantly obvious as a forgotten passport (and upon inquiry, they had it all along), it can feel a little forced. But overall, this is a very charming game. Glory to Arstotzka!… Expand
  22. Fulminatrix
    Oct 20, 2013
    10
    Checking documents... What could be more boring? Wrong. Thanks to Papers, Please you can feel your importance at last! You can decide who is passing your checkpoint. You can help those who are in need or you can help terrorists. You'll be facing moral dilemmas and your choices will affect your or your country's life. Papers, Please is great.
  23. Mittsies
    Jan 14, 2014
    9
    Paper's Please is a refreshing experience, unlike anything I've tried before. Although the game play gets tedious quickly, it's an unique concept, it throws out a lot of interesting mind-games at you and it's done incredibly well. Definitely one of the best games of 2013, I really hope to see more from these developers.
  24. drlowdon
    Mar 25, 2020
    8
    You wouldn't think it possible to make an interesting video game from completing the repetitive and mundane tasks of working on a border patrol desk but that's exactly what the creators of Papers, Please have managed to do.

    Split into days the game starts with a set of simple rules that help you decide whether or not to allow access into the games fictional country. Money is awarded for    You wouldn't think it possible to make an interesting video game from completing the repetitive and mundane tasks of working on a border patrol desk but that's exactly what the creators of Papers, Please have managed to do.

    Split into days the game starts with a set of simple rules that help you decide whether or not to allow access into the games fictional country. Money is awarded for every person that is correctly let through and fines given for any errors. As the game progresses more complications, such as having to check passports or watch out for certain types of people, are introduced and pretty soon things become rather difficult. With the strict time limit for each day it does start get close to being unfair and most players will see the game over screen a number of times when they are unable to earn enough to keep themselves and their family alive. In fact I'd be surprised if many people were ever able to see it all the way through to the end (I know I didn't) but while it lasts Papers, Pleas is a unique and though provoking gaming experience.    … Expand
  25. rocketsoul
    Jan 3, 2014
    10
    An incredible game that puts you in a place of poor customs official of Arstotzka country. This is an original, dramatic, fresh, twisty and variable game. A really great one with doubt.
  26. Gamera
    Oct 14, 2013
    10
    You can't imagine how checking passports could be an intriguing gaming experience? Neither could I. But that's the case here. I wouldn't use the term fun, but after 4 hours into the game I want more. The mechanic is simple; you have to match data and take notice of discrepancies. As the story develops your task is becoming increasingly more difficult, as the data that needs checking isYou can't imagine how checking passports could be an intriguing gaming experience? Neither could I. But that's the case here. I wouldn't use the term fun, but after 4 hours into the game I want more. The mechanic is simple; you have to match data and take notice of discrepancies. As the story develops your task is becoming increasingly more difficult, as the data that needs checking is building up. The game starts very slowly, but in time it gets very interesting as you meet characters and sunk ever deeper into the world of Papers, Please. You get to know all kind of little personal stories and have to make some tough decisions. You will find, that in a situation like this, you can't stay a 100% morally flawless person. You'll also find, that this game does rivet you in front of your PC by tickling your intellect. This is so rare and that's only one thing why this game deserves the highest rating. The art style, the writing and every other aspect comes together perfectly. Recommended!… Expand
  27. mo0nbuggy1
    Dec 24, 2016
    10
    Original, interesting, hard, unforgiving, funny, sad.....
    The list goes on.
    This is one of the best indie games of all time. I can't wait for number two.
  28. Invader-Nik
    Jan 18, 2014
    10
    This is byfar one of the best indy games I have ever played. Today's mainstream games are incredibly redundant and tedious, so I turned to indy games.
    Papers Please mixes the dark and sad themes of a post-war area. People are trying to get into your country and you have to see who is real and who is faking it. There are plenty of different things to stop it from becoming repetitive. You    This is byfar one of the best indy games I have ever played. Today's mainstream games are incredibly redundant and tedious, so I turned to indy games.
    Papers Please mixes the dark and sad themes of a post-war area. People are trying to get into your country and you have to see who is real and who is faking it. There are plenty of different things to stop it from becoming repetitive. You have terrorists, bombs, and all sorts of puzzles that reward you with money and tokens.

    The core gameplay is fun and interesting. You are barraged with randomly generated people trying to enter your nation. Each one has their own unique passport. Over the course of the game, There are more and more documents you have to validate. If there is one discrepancy, you must announce it, and any false documents that you accept can get you fined. To top it all off, you have a family to feed.

    There are around 20 endings, each one is unique and great. If you are good at this, you can work hard and try flee Arstotzka, or you can help overthrow it, or you can be the loyal comrade of the people and stop the resistance from destroying your beloved country.

    The game has some really well compiled music, from the strong main menu theme with the communist hints to the music that plays if you survive the game or the music that plays if you get killed along the way.

    Great indy game, 10/10!    … Expand
  29. 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.
  30. Robkilerrabit
    Nov 18, 2013
    10
    Truly a unique game. It really fits no genre and is practically impossible to describe.However, I feel that anyone with a good sense of humor and appreciation for what one independent developer can accomplish will definitely get $10 worth out of this game. Easily the best game I've played all year.
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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 »