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. 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
  2. ThunderHawk
    Nov 15, 2013
    9
    Simply amazing game.

    The story line arch is very interesting, not to mention that they have a multiple ending. To reach a specific ending you have to do a specific set of actions. The good thing : - Fast-paced actions. The money you receive is dependent on how much people you have processed. As days/game progressed, the documents need to be checked are expanding, and the procedures    Simply amazing game.

    The story line arch is very interesting, not to mention that they have a multiple ending. To reach a specific ending you have to do a specific set of actions.

    The good thing :
    - Fast-paced actions. The money you receive is dependent on how much people you have processed. As days/game progressed, the documents need to be checked are expanding, and the procedures are getting harder to abide by.
    - Hard enough. There are a lot of things to check. Has the passport expired? Has the passport have the correct issuing city? Is the person really male? Is the person carrying contrabands? Is it usual for "just visiting" visitor have visa for 60 days? Etc.
    - Some moral choices. No spoilers.
    - Never gets repetitive. The procedures are changed day to day, you will not use the same thing over and over

    Bad :
    - Music sometimes get repetitive    … Expand
  3. 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!
  4. InsertGameHere
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    This game is by far one of the BEST indie titles I've played in a while. Indie games continue to surprise me and leave me in awe. I hope I get the privilege to play more games like this, and I will highly recommend this game to anyone who hasn't played it. It is a mess of puzzle-solving, and real-life scenarios to perfectly describe the immigration system today. The graphics are bad, butThis game is by far one of the BEST indie titles I've played in a while. Indie games continue to surprise me and leave me in awe. I hope I get the privilege to play more games like this, and I will highly recommend this game to anyone who hasn't played it. It is a mess of puzzle-solving, and real-life scenarios to perfectly describe the immigration system today. The graphics are bad, but it adds to the impact of the "this is how life works" and "this is what's happening RIGHT NOW". I don't want to spoil any more of the game for you, so please, give this game a chance!
    10/10 "Amazing"    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. ChoicestGames
    Nov 9, 2013
    8
    Papers, Please is set to be the biggest indie hit of the year, perhaps even Game of the Year. While some may be turned off by the retro feel, others will embrace it. Regardless of your stance concerning production values though, none can deny the genius of making a game where working as a humble immigration officer is actually exciting!
  7. Polarthief
    Nov 9, 2013
    9
    This is the kind of game that was made for people with OCD, such as myself, though people without the explainable compulsion disorder will appreciate and like it to, but I will definitely agree, this game is NOT for everyone. It pulls at your heart when a woman who is not permitted to go through with her husband, and YOU'RE the one who must choose between letting her pass or not. A lot canThis is the kind of game that was made for people with OCD, such as myself, though people without the explainable compulsion disorder will appreciate and like it to, but I will definitely agree, this game is NOT for everyone. It pulls at your heart when a woman who is not permitted to go through with her husband, and YOU'RE the one who must choose between letting her pass or not. A lot can be said about this game, but I'd say to just try it for yourself.… Expand
  8. PeCCe
    Nov 8, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The visual style of the game gives the gameplay and background story even more boost. While most of the indie games are neat, this stands up as an extraordinary experience as a regular person doing regular job in a government so vile, that ''Glory to Arstotzka'' gives me chills.… Expand
  9. Mercenary101
    Nov 6, 2013
    9
    Unique games very good progression, i drink alot of coffee before playing this game very good value. multiple endings and branching stories. what else can i say but GLORY TO ARISTOZKA
  10. 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
  11. DarkReviewer
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is one of the best indie games I have played. It adds content everyday, making it harder and harder. You check the paper work of the immigrants coming through your country or staying in your country, and sometimes killing people in your country. But you want to know what happens next or is someone going to die, making it SO good. One thing that's bad is when you let in someone with bad information you get two warnings and if get let through three people with bad information you get fined 5 credits, so making wounder why you are here. The people with bad information tell you a sob story so you can let them through and get fined or don't let them through. So the game has two option be a person who lets people with bad information, and get fined, or care for your family. BUY THIS GAME!… Expand
  12. DustEater
    Nov 5, 2013
    10
    Pixels
    Simplicity
    Idea
    Simple plot
    Great gameplay

    Some of many benefits which make you play this game all the time.

    All hail Arstotzka :D :D :D
  13. AnotherGamerFRA
    Oct 30, 2013
    9
    Papers, please may seem boring at the first look., but it will surprise you with it's simple yet addicting gameplay and a unique, perfectly executed idea. It's the Grim Fandago of this generation. I definitely recommend this game.
  14. BeatHour
    Oct 28, 2013
    10
    Papers, Please, is an amazing Cold War Nostalgia, distopian thriller with lots of options and great story-telling. A story about a civil servant in a wide variety of situations, which surpasses many thrillers I've watched and read. Its not even light on gameplay, as just the simple interactions with would-be immigrants can be played out in several different ways with several differentPapers, Please, is an amazing Cold War Nostalgia, distopian thriller with lots of options and great story-telling. A story about a civil servant in a wide variety of situations, which surpasses many thrillers I've watched and read. Its not even light on gameplay, as just the simple interactions with would-be immigrants can be played out in several different ways with several different choices, and how well you do your job reflects the outcome.

    If you like mysteries, or thriller stories, or puzzles, bureaucracy and management, anything like that, you should love this game.    … Expand
  15. 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
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. Xenten
    Oct 17, 2013
    9
    There’s no way any number of reviews could have prompted me to buy this game. It took a personal recommendation from a trusted friend to get me to pick up “Papers, Please,” and even then I was skeptical. After 20 minutes of playing, I was mesmerized by the cadence, the intelligence, the humor, and the addictive nature of the game, and simultaneously mortified that there are people whoThere’s no way any number of reviews could have prompted me to buy this game. It took a personal recommendation from a trusted friend to get me to pick up “Papers, Please,” and even then I was skeptical. After 20 minutes of playing, I was mesmerized by the cadence, the intelligence, the humor, and the addictive nature of the game, and simultaneously mortified that there are people who actually look at passports all day long for a living.

    Don’t get me wrong, Papers, Please is a great game, thoroughly entertaining, challenging, and surprisingly effective at drawing you into the narrative. While you might shudder a bit at just how real it all feels the developers did much to make your booth feel cramped and claustrophobic it rewards meticulous attention to detail and quick adaptability, as any good strategy game should. And it keeps you wanting to play just a bit longer in order to see what happens the following day.

    A great investment for $10 or less, Papers, Please combines a surprising amount of depth and a compelling narrative with solid gameplay that keeps you on your toes. If only the graphics were modern, bringing out the detail of all the people, passports, and papers you encounter, Papers, Please would rate an easy 10.    … Expand
  23. 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
  24. AcePhoenix007
    Oct 15, 2013
    10
    Have you ever wanted to feel like what it is like on THEIR side of the border checkpoint? Well this is the PERFECT border checkpoint simulator. You may think it's just denying and accepting random people. Well, no. It's actually really fun and it has more to it than just that to it. It includes humorous, mysterious, and random events that occur which makes it definitely worth playing.Have you ever wanted to feel like what it is like on THEIR side of the border checkpoint? Well this is the PERFECT border checkpoint simulator. You may think it's just denying and accepting random people. Well, no. It's actually really fun and it has more to it than just that to it. It includes humorous, mysterious, and random events that occur which makes it definitely worth playing. Those actions could affect the storyline in a good, or bad, way. There are actually 20, count em' TWENTY, endings to the game. Papers, Please is an outstanding and addicting game and certainly outstanding for an indie game with an amazing story to it. It's not a dull, normal day at the border checkpoint. It's not ordinary. It's not stuff that happens every day. It was definitely worth playing the story and definitely worth paying for. GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA!!!!!… Expand
  25. 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.
  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. Mjoog
    Oct 14, 2013
    9
    My expectations may not have been the highest for this game, but picking it up, it's hard to put away. The graphics are old-school pixel-style which has been big in the indie-scene for some time now, and it may be a bit of a cop-out, but the story is engaging in it's simplicity and the mechanics of the game are great. The learning curve sits just right, and the game stays with you. WellMy expectations may not have been the highest for this game, but picking it up, it's hard to put away. The graphics are old-school pixel-style which has been big in the indie-scene for some time now, and it may be a bit of a cop-out, but the story is engaging in it's simplicity and the mechanics of the game are great. The learning curve sits just right, and the game stays with you. Well worth the bucks, question is how it does with playing it again and again...… Expand
  28. JPLazyNinja
    Oct 9, 2013
    10
    A damn fine experience. This game is something genuinely unique and while I would have loved for get even more it was still more than I see from most any other game out there. Specifics are hard to get into but it is an interesting of blending precision with tedium. Word of warning, this is a puzzle game more than you would realize but it is one that somehow managed to make that is boringA damn fine experience. This game is something genuinely unique and while I would have loved for get even more it was still more than I see from most any other game out there. Specifics are hard to get into but it is an interesting of blending precision with tedium. Word of warning, this is a puzzle game more than you would realize but it is one that somehow managed to make that is boring seems fun! Crazy? You bet! And yet it's true. If you're hesitant, check out Youtube or wait for a Steam sale. This is definitely something to consider when you have the time.… Expand
  29. Rekia
    Oct 8, 2013
    9
    At first this game disturbed me because it was exactly like a job I had working in a call center for car insurance. Get name, match ID, match permit, make sure someone isn't trying to pawn off fake or expired information, which happens all the time, (all while attempting to do it as quickly as possible so you don't get in trouble for taking too long) and then do your best only to have yourAt first this game disturbed me because it was exactly like a job I had working in a call center for car insurance. Get name, match ID, match permit, make sure someone isn't trying to pawn off fake or expired information, which happens all the time, (all while attempting to do it as quickly as possible so you don't get in trouble for taking too long) and then do your best only to have your boss come down on you and be like "his permit was expired, did you even look?!"

    But then this game becomes more complex. You're stuck at a job, not even making enough money to keep your family warm and fed, when someone offers you a bribe to let them in. Should you do the right thing and detain them? Or should you take the money to buy the medicine that your son so desperately needs?

    I was shocked when I had to scan one of the immigrants so see if they were hiding any contraband and a fuzzy, dark, nude picture of them appears on my desk. The picture was so invasive, it reminded me instantly of a country where the people have no rights.

    It's a surprisingly emotional game, with complex moral decisions.    … Expand
  30. 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.
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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 »