User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1617 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. 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. 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.
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  3. 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. 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. 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. 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
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  7. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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  11. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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  18. 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.
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  19. 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.
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  20. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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  26. 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. 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. 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.
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  29. 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. 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.
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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 5, 2013
    89
    Papers, Please is not only original but fun, too. More papers, please! [Sept 2013]