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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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!
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Bsrkr
    Nov 19, 2013
    5
    I want to start off and say I struggled with this game. I played it for about 50 minutes then figured out what to do. It's really fun for the hour or so. But it gets repetitive. If you like tedious things get it. 5/10
  12. 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
  13. Kadugans
    Dec 14, 2013
    9
    This game was a really fun indie work game,my favorite, because of the nice story,sound effects in full version, and the overall 16 bit graphics. This game got repetitive and it got harder as I progressed in the game. I thought the game got boring, but then I realized that the game was doing this on purpose. This game gets a 9 because of the fact that the time is fast and does not giveThis game was a really fun indie work game,my favorite, because of the nice story,sound effects in full version, and the overall 16 bit graphics. This game got repetitive and it got harder as I progressed in the game. I thought the game got boring, but then I realized that the game was doing this on purpose. This game gets a 9 because of the fact that the time is fast and does not give you enough time to probe over every little thing your supposed to, also the fact that your desk gets cluttered with all the paper work. Still this game did this on purpose I suppose but, I don't like that way of things when playing a good game like Papers, please. Thanks Lucas Pope.… Expand
  14. guest91111
    Jan 5, 2014
    10
    This isn't a bad game at all, it's actually one of the view games I might say is perfect, the story gives answer to why people go corrupt, choices matter (Are you listening, Beyond two souls?), you can play the game as you want. I've haven't encountered any bugs while playing, and it was fun!
  15. RALPH_WIGGUM
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    This is much more than a game, this is a really good example that shows some videogames should be considered as PURE ART.Papers Please makes you to take moral decissions and to questionate about law and obedience, or what is the same: TO THINK.

    People, buy this game, share it, enjoy it, and love it.
  16. UnhonestCritic
    Dec 28, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a game with a brilliant story, exiting gameplay and great optimization. (For playing 5 hours in a row I did not noticed any bugs).Many people swear Papers,Please gameplay because of it's monotonous simulator of customs officer's work but the game almost feels the line and some surprise appears when you feel yourself bored of playing.… Expand
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. omegacat
    May 22, 2014
    9
    Working in military security myself, and having years of ID checking experience, I couldn't imagine anyone could make a "game" of it. It's boring, tedious, thankless work.
    Somehow they pulled it off. What I find mind-numbing at work, I find pleasantly challenging within the game. In fact, I may even believe that the game has made me better at my job, by reminding me how easily those    Working in military security myself, and having years of ID checking experience, I couldn't imagine anyone could make a "game" of it. It's boring, tedious, thankless work.
    Somehow they pulled it off. What I find mind-numbing at work, I find pleasantly challenging within the game. In fact, I may even believe that the game has made me better at my job, by reminding me how easily those little details can slip by unnoticed.
    If you want to test your attention to detail and get immersed into Cold War era Asia, give the game a look.    … Expand
  21. 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.
  22. ha553
    Mar 8, 2014
    9
    I LOVE this game! Papers please is a game that has a personality much like the Stanley parable. It´s a game both focuses not only on game-play but a game that stays in your mind after you played it. People complain that it´s boring because "all you do is stamp a pass" says that all day "Boom bang" shooter. I´m not trying to be hipster but i like good indie games because it´s a change fromI LOVE this game! Papers please is a game that has a personality much like the Stanley parable. It´s a game both focuses not only on game-play but a game that stays in your mind after you played it. People complain that it´s boring because "all you do is stamp a pass" says that all day "Boom bang" shooter. I´m not trying to be hipster but i like good indie games because it´s a change from all AAA games. Your moral decisions is devastating to you because you have to ruin someone else´s life to save your own.… Expand
  23. Eskandare
    Mar 28, 2014
    10
    An amazing game! Papers, Please is subtlety complex, yet fairly easy to play with natural learning curve. The game play challenges ones decision making prowess as well as observation skills. At first I wasn't sure about getting this game but once I had played it I was won over by it's game play, depth, and semi-8bit charm. Papers, Please is a game well worth buying. Not giving any spoilersAn amazing game! Papers, Please is subtlety complex, yet fairly easy to play with natural learning curve. The game play challenges ones decision making prowess as well as observation skills. At first I wasn't sure about getting this game but once I had played it I was won over by it's game play, depth, and semi-8bit charm. Papers, Please is a game well worth buying. Not giving any spoilers here, you much experience this game.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. mmmMatto
    May 2, 2014
    9
    A really original premise. It starts out simple, but that doesn't last long. You quickly become frazzled as mountains of paperwork clutter up your tiny desk and you have to make sure everything meets the constantly changing rules. Remain vigilant and efficient or you don't get paid.

    This seems cut and dried, but dilemmas are thrown into the mix that test your conscience. Do you    A really original premise. It starts out simple, but that doesn't last long. You quickly become frazzled as mountains of paperwork clutter up your tiny desk and you have to make sure everything meets the constantly changing rules. Remain vigilant and efficient or you don't get paid.

    This seems cut and dried, but dilemmas are thrown into the mix that test your conscience. Do you heartlessly follow orders, or do you let a woman slip through when you discover she'll otherwise be subjected to sex trafficking and possible death? If you show some compassion your family might have to go without food for a couple days. Your decisions affect how the story progresses with 20 possible outcomes.

    An eerie atmosphere that only a harsh cold-war nation could provide and some subtle dark humor make Papers, Please intriguing and addictive. Highly recommended.    … Expand
  26. 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.
  27. 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.
  28. ThePCGamer101
    Jun 24, 2015
    10
    A fun indie game that shows you the gloom of a job as a border control officer, I definitely recommend buying this game as it will truly put you in the seat of a border control officer, from the music to even the conversations you have with the people entering Arstotzka, it is a true dystopian document thriller, GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA!
  29. 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
  30. ImABiscuit
    Jan 2, 2015
    9
    I thoroughly enjoyed the hell out of this game since it came out last year. I still find myself willing to nitpick the excruciating tiniest amount of details and finish the game properly for hours end. I never thought myself to be stuck on this kind of game for more than 5 hours. I ended up with 20+ hours trying to get the ending I wanted. I liked the interesting mechanics of this game,I thoroughly enjoyed the hell out of this game since it came out last year. I still find myself willing to nitpick the excruciating tiniest amount of details and finish the game properly for hours end. I never thought myself to be stuck on this kind of game for more than 5 hours. I ended up with 20+ hours trying to get the ending I wanted. I liked the interesting mechanics of this game, it's just very refreshing to see a game in a way that is different to others. I entirely liked the feeling of dread being the immigration officer who rejects and accepts visitors to Arstotzka and having to have a conscious decision on everything.

    GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA!    … Expand
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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 »