User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1617 Ratings

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  1. 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. 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. 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. 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
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  5. 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. 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. 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"
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  8. 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. 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.
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  10. 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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  11. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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
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  18. 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. 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. 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.
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  21. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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  26. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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  30. 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!
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  31. Nov 25, 2015
    9
    Quite possibly one of the most emotionally dismal and stressing games I've played (Note: I have not played The Binding of Isaac). You play as a man who is a border control agent who must check the entrants passports, paperwork and quotes carefully and you must detect any errors and do the according actions.

    This may sound like one of the most dullest games ever made when I describe it
    Quite possibly one of the most emotionally dismal and stressing games I've played (Note: I have not played The Binding of Isaac). You play as a man who is a border control agent who must check the entrants passports, paperwork and quotes carefully and you must detect any errors and do the according actions.

    This may sound like one of the most dullest games ever made when I describe it on that level. You see that's just the game's surface. Behind that there is an incredibly depressing and dark story around you that you yourself has a significant impact upon the world depending on your actions. I'm not going to disclose the story but you must stamp enough approved passports in order to get enough money to feed your family and your work involves Terrorism and you are under an extremely authoritarian and corrupt government.

    Near the end of the game I was so stressed and pressured that I ended up absolutely loving the game... This game shouldn't be spoiled to you in any way because the story is so much more effective when you are involved and you make the decisions (Which actually takes place in your work place without changing the game mechanics).
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  32. Jan 17, 2015
    9
    Papers, Please gets the stamp of approval.

    This game straddles somewhere between a Spot-the-Difference and a Puzzler, and despite the purposefully simplistic pixelated graphics, it portrays a grim and desolate world, while also offering the faintest glimmer of hope. You work as an Immigration Official (probably the first game ever that tries this), just trying to do your job on the
    Papers, Please gets the stamp of approval.

    This game straddles somewhere between a Spot-the-Difference and a Puzzler, and despite the purposefully simplistic pixelated graphics, it portrays a grim and desolate world, while also offering the faintest glimmer of hope.

    You work as an Immigration Official (probably the first game ever that tries this), just trying to do your job on the border between Kolechia and Arstotzka, amidst the threat of smugglers, terrorists, and basically anyone the Arstotzka officials deem unworthy at the time.

    Initially, you'll be tasked with just checking out if the immigrants have the correct papers, and the details within them check out, and so on. The amount of things to check up on steadily increase by the day, which adds to the stress of time management. Do you quickly rush through stamping APPROVED or DENIED to most people without a cursory glance? Or do you fret over every detail, ensuring that you're doing the right thing and letting no scum in?

    The problem with the latter, is that you have a family to care for back home, which you'll manage at the end of each day. Food, heating, medicine; this all requires money, which you'll only get from admitting worthy people into the country. This is difficult to prioritise, especially if you make it later into the game when less genuine people are admitted.

    Thankfully, there is some great humour sprinkled in to offset the cruel conditions, mostly from the lovable old man Jorji Costava... damn you, you old sneaky rascal.

    Overall, there is some replay-ability, due to the harsh set-up which may take an attempt or two to get the hang of. Also there are many different endings that are possible, depending on the choices you make.

    Glory to Arstotzka.
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  33. Sep 2, 2017
    8
    The reason this game peaked my interest was because Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide expressed respect for the small indie title. So i dived right in, not sure what to expect. First off, the graphics are just terrible. But luckily, that doesn't detract from the experience playing the game. Second, the game is very cleverly designed. Not so much withThe reason this game peaked my interest was because Davey Wreden, the creator of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide expressed respect for the small indie title. So i dived right in, not sure what to expect. First off, the graphics are just terrible. But luckily, that doesn't detract from the experience playing the game. Second, the game is very cleverly designed. Not so much with the attention to detail in the look of the game, but about the subtle and clever moral dilemmas that this game springs on you during it's runtime. Great game, but not for everyone. Get it for a cheap price to see if it's for you or not. Expand
  34. Mar 28, 2017
    6
    Gaming is TERRIBLY flawed from a logical stand point. After a certain point in the game, the vast majority of people will all not have proper documentation and it just really removes me from the games immersion.

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

    Encounters are extremely repetitive and dull.

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

    6/10 do not recommend, its a flawed boring dull game that has tons of logical errors when it comes to customs / border patrol / immigration.
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  35. Sep 21, 2015
    9
    This games story is amazing for a game without the complex graphics and the 100+ hour gameplay.The game perfectly delivers the feeling of a guy that desides the future of people just by putting a stamp on a paper, it is also A VERY CHALLENGING GAME too challenging at some point, where you will find your self just confused of what to do when your desk its filled with papers and youThis games story is amazing for a game without the complex graphics and the 100+ hour gameplay.The game perfectly delivers the feeling of a guy that desides the future of people just by putting a stamp on a paper, it is also A VERY CHALLENGING GAME too challenging at some point, where you will find your self just confused of what to do when your desk its filled with papers and you also have to keep attention to rebels that try to blow up the gate and you have to shot the or you will lose.But he most intrigiung thing in this game is the complex story which gives just enough to keep going. Expand
  36. Dec 6, 2015
    8
    It's an interesting experience.
    Papers, Please is a game where you work at a border patrol office accepting or declining people who are coming into Arstotzka. The gameplay is simple, you make sure somebody can come through the border by checking their passport and wallets. Sometimes it can be really easy, but later on, it can ramp up in difficulty, making it very difficult to not mess
    It's an interesting experience.
    Papers, Please is a game where you work at a border patrol office accepting or declining people who are coming into Arstotzka. The gameplay is simple, you make sure somebody can come through the border by checking their passport and wallets. Sometimes it can be really easy, but later on, it can ramp up in difficulty, making it very difficult to not mess up. You also have to tend to your family, which can get really difficult if you're not careful. After a while, you start dealing with things like terrorist attacks, and the game's story can get really interesting and grim. It does get repetitive after a while, but with the multiple endings, there is a lot to come back to. It's a very well made game, and it's only 9.99 on Steam, so it's worth a buy.

    Papers, Please gets an 8/10.
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  37. Nov 9, 2015
    9
    I'm not sure why I'd even bother to write a review for this one, because you already know if you want it. Either you're intrigued by the concept, curious just how they can manage to make such a boring idea into compelling action, or you're instantly repelled by the premise, and rightfully so. This is about as indie as indie games get, and also as brilliant as they get. It takes such aI'm not sure why I'd even bother to write a review for this one, because you already know if you want it. Either you're intrigued by the concept, curious just how they can manage to make such a boring idea into compelling action, or you're instantly repelled by the premise, and rightfully so. This is about as indie as indie games get, and also as brilliant as they get. It takes such a simple thing, and wraps it up in politics, real-world parallels, and perhaps even some genuine feels to make you feel more invested in the fate of a fictional immigration officer than you ever would about a generic grimacing action hero.

    But drama and intelligence aside, it's also surprisingly fun, with a very smooth difficulty curve that makes you feel your own skills improving just enough to meet the game's increasing demands. It even comes with some bonus high score modes that you could conceivably see yourself playing. It tells an interesting, branching story through simple means while also somehow managing to make boring real life work into entertainment I want more of. This is pretty much the epitome of why I love the indie game market despite all its warts.
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  38. Jan 16, 2016
    8
    Papers, Please brings a lot to the table, and I enjoyed everything it brought! The idea of the game is fairly simple; identify discrepancies in people's passports and papers as they try to enter your country, but things get interesting when events occur that switch you from a complete robot mentality of finding the issues and denying people, to the moral conundrums of working for aPapers, Please brings a lot to the table, and I enjoyed everything it brought! The idea of the game is fairly simple; identify discrepancies in people's passports and papers as they try to enter your country, but things get interesting when events occur that switch you from a complete robot mentality of finding the issues and denying people, to the moral conundrums of working for a totalitarian government, and whether yourself, and family are worth putting on the line for the greater good. Great gameplay mechanics, with good difficulty progression. The game always explains exactly how to identify the next set of discrepancies, and gives you all the time in the world at the beginning of each day to make a game plan. Amazing replay-ability. With 20 different endings Papers, Please offers up the ultimate game of choice. Can they enter Arstotzka?

    8.5/10
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  39. Feb 15, 2016
    9
    This is the kind of indie game that I really like... it's obviously low-budget, and the graphics, interface and sound are totally old school. Yet, it doesn't matter, as the game itself is pretty unique and interesting... maybe even addictive.

    Basically, it's an exercise in concentration. Each day, your job as a passport-controller becomes more difficult. At first, there are like 2-3
    This is the kind of indie game that I really like... it's obviously low-budget, and the graphics, interface and sound are totally old school. Yet, it doesn't matter, as the game itself is pretty unique and interesting... maybe even addictive.

    Basically, it's an exercise in concentration. Each day, your job as a passport-controller becomes more difficult. At first, there are like 2-3 things to watch out for. Each day, a new thing to observe and look out for is added, and so you need to remember more and more things to watch out for. Some of them don't come up for quite some time, but once you get too careless, you miss those things and fail.

    Fortunately, you can mess up a few times each day without having to pay a fee from your measly pay. Then again, the more complaints you get, the worse it gets, as there also is some kind of inspector who will judge your efficiency every once in a while.

    I recommend to write down the issueing cities from each region on a piece of paper... otherwise, you might lose quite some time checking every time.

    I have played this for 5 hours so far, in two sessions, and I notice that it really can eat away at your ability to concentrate, so I think this is best played casually... do like half an hour at a time so you don't burn yourself out.

    I really like the theme, as it DOES make you think a bit about how unfair the system in that country is, and you have to make some harsh decisions. There even are a few puzzles in there in the story-mode.

    Kudos to the developer... this is a fun little game, and to me, the old school graphics don't matter at all, as the core of the game is very well thought out, and it's fun!
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  40. Oct 9, 2016
    10
    Great concept of a quite simple game. This game is only for those who are patient, as work IS involved if you want to play. There are several endings which I enjoy, but also a great story that unfolds itself within time. I really like the pixel art, which goes together with the atmosphere of the game. An amazing game to buy.
  41. May 21, 2016
    9
    Loads and loads of entertainment fun; that's how I would describe this game. The pixel art is amazing, the gameplay exceptional, and the community is awesome. In the end, I recomment this game to anyone!
  42. Jul 9, 2017
    10
    Замечательная игра. Её создатели очень постарались над разнообразием геймплея, атмосферой и проработанностью этого мира. Начинаешь верить, что это реально, что эти люди реальны. Советую попробовать, если еще не сделали этого.
    Слава Арстоцке!
    Замечательная игра. Её создатели очень постарались над разнообразием геймплея, атмосферой и проработанностью этого мира. Начинаешь верить, что это реально, что эти люди реальны. Советую попробовать, если еще не сделали этого.
    Слава Арстоцке!
  43. Mar 25, 2020
    10
    A brilliant game long in the making. Lucas Pope is a genius!

    Throughout several Ludum Dares, a video game making competition, Lucas made pieces of Papers, Please. Finally in 2013 he has released one of the most brilliant indie games to this date.

    What are you waiting for?! Go play this game!
  44. Mar 14, 2018
    9
    There is a remarkable work that uses video language to explain, analyze or criticize what a socialist system implies. In Papers, Please you are an immigration agent of a fictitious Soviet republic.

    The system is capable of reducing complex phenomena to the essence through their mechanics. As moral dilemmas as you progress in the game, force you to perform repetitive tasks and not
    There is a remarkable work that uses video language to explain, analyze or criticize what a socialist system implies. In Papers, Please you are an immigration agent of a fictitious Soviet republic.

    The system is capable of reducing complex phenomena to the essence through their mechanics. As moral dilemmas as you progress in the game, force you to perform repetitive tasks and not especially fun, with the goal of taking you to a state of alienation. At the end of each day, the player earns money based on the number of people who have been processed, Budget allocated to rent, food, heat, and other needs in low class housing for him and his family. An approximation to the current regime and the dehumanization of Venezuelan reality.
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  45. Oct 14, 2016
    10
    In my view, Papers, Please achieves everything a video game can hope to accomplish. The way in which controls, visuals and story-telling work together to give you the impression of life under an inescapable, oppressive regime is marvelous. Even though your character essentially never moves from his spot, through his job as a border control official you get to experience the practicalIn my view, Papers, Please achieves everything a video game can hope to accomplish. The way in which controls, visuals and story-telling work together to give you the impression of life under an inescapable, oppressive regime is marvelous. Even though your character essentially never moves from his spot, through his job as a border control official you get to experience the practical impact of abstract bureaucratic policies. What does it actually mean to deny a family member access to their loved ones, to possibly send someone back to their death just because your rule book says you must do so?
    This game gives you tough choices and makes you think about how governments treat their citizens and people from other countries in a world of nation states. It makes you question the way we perceive of people that seem strange to us but who are also just trying to get by and live some kind of a decent life. It is this social and political significance for which I especially applaud the developers and I hope they will continue to make such great games.
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  46. Jan 27, 2017
    9
    It's not as flashy as some 3D games, but it's beautiful. It isn't as loud as other games, but it's sensational. It's not as verbose as other story-focused games, yet it's very emotional, and managed to tell a story through your actions. Who knew that taking on the role of an immigration inspector could be so nerve-wracking, yet so rewarding at the same time. You just spend your time behindIt's not as flashy as some 3D games, but it's beautiful. It isn't as loud as other games, but it's sensational. It's not as verbose as other story-focused games, yet it's very emotional, and managed to tell a story through your actions. Who knew that taking on the role of an immigration inspector could be so nerve-wracking, yet so rewarding at the same time. You just spend your time behind the desk; you approve or deny visas, and wish that at the end of the day, you've got enough money to feed your family some bread.

    With your role as an inspector, you get to choose the fate of the immigrants and the country. People desperately want to get inside, and they'll do absolutely anything for an approval. Sometimes, more extreme solutions come into the minds of people, and they'll just climb over the border to be shot by guards. If you fail your duties, the country temporarily goes into a state of disarray, and employs tighter security measures which makes your job harder. A harder job means more papers. More papers means more time observing discrepancies. More time observing discrepancies means that the immigration line moves slower - and a slow line doesn't pay the bills. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the day, your family died of hunger just because you didn't work harder for the country.

    It's very interesting to see how something so minimal, could be so powerful. The player works a mere desk job, yet becomes judge and protector of this fictional country. You connect entrants with their loved ones; you give immigrants better lives; you give people a new start - all with a single stamp. It's storytelling at one of its finest moments, and Papers, Please showed what the medium is truly capable of.

    And there you have it.
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  47. Dec 27, 2017
    8
    Papers Please: a game is indie Created by lucas a priest, A Developer who devotes himself to exploit more than at all the potential of an age, in this case the cold war

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Jugabilidad:9.75/10

    Historia:7:5/10

    Music: 6/10

    Arte:8.25/10

    Note Final:8/10
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  48. Oct 5, 2017
    8
    Really awesome game with some pretty cool commentary that's very relevant right now. It does a great job of keeping the gameplay mechanics fairly simple so that you can really focus on all of the unnerving things that are happening around you.
  49. Jan 6, 2018
    8
    Papers, Please is very unusual game, definitely worth playing. Gameplay may look boring but it is surprisingly engaging. Choices are mostly made via gameplay and they are very impactful.
  50. Nov 30, 2017
    9
    Papers, Please is one of the indie masterpieces of recent years. You are an immigration officer responsible for passport control, in a dystopian 1984esque state called Arstotzka. The game consists of 31 days. At each day, you are checking/validating/crosschecking passports and each of your decision seals the fate of yourself, passport holder and your family. Each day gets more challenging,Papers, Please is one of the indie masterpieces of recent years. You are an immigration officer responsible for passport control, in a dystopian 1984esque state called Arstotzka. The game consists of 31 days. At each day, you are checking/validating/crosschecking passports and each of your decision seals the fate of yourself, passport holder and your family. Each day gets more challenging, but at the same time, you are learning and getting better&faster each and every day.

    This is in a way also an RPG game where your decision really has an impact on the ending. Are you going to refuse a forged passport holder and deprive her of the only chance to survive an execution at her own state? Are you willing to help someone out only to see him blow himself up right after the passport control? Should you keep your family hungry for one day only to save the lives of others? Papers, Please masterfully puts you in the shoes of an officer to make tough calls in difficult situations. Yes, you can be the "I only follow the rules guy" and reach one of the specific endings. You have only followed the rules and fed your family. Does this make you the good guy? Think about it again, does it? Really?

    There are around 20 endings and therefore the game has a lot of replay value. Music and visuals are beautiful enough to make retro gamers happy. The only shortcoming I can think of is that the game is actually a bit too scripted. Quit and replay a day, you will most of the time see the same problems/dialogues. But play continuously, you will not even notice this.

    Papers, Please is easily one of the best games I have played this year. It is quite thought provoking, something most people of today's world needs.

    Don't forget to check out the bonus flash game "The Republia Times". Quite awesome for 10 minutes.
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  51. Jan 6, 2018
    10
    So utterly depressing story that I could only stand to play an hour. Well done!
  52. Feb 27, 2018
    9
    This game has a superb setting and story that makes the moral decisions you make on a daily basis so much more difficult. The kafkaesque police state setting of Arstotzka feels so hopeless and crushing, with many characters having a sad story to tell and you being barely able to feel your family and pay your rent.
    I found the puzzle mechanic of the main gameplay to be engaging, with
    This game has a superb setting and story that makes the moral decisions you make on a daily basis so much more difficult. The kafkaesque police state setting of Arstotzka feels so hopeless and crushing, with many characters having a sad story to tell and you being barely able to feel your family and pay your rent.
    I found the puzzle mechanic of the main gameplay to be engaging, with things added or changed each day to keep things interesting, however it gets a bit stale on repeat playthroughs.
    Relatively short game at around 5 hours, but it's absolutely worth buying even to play just once.
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  53. Mar 12, 2018
    10
    This game is a one of the best indie games made to date. Super simple graphics that blend with the simple era that this game feels. This game shows the difference of a game with moral choices and a moral game, this is the later.
    In charge of a border officer, you have to verify documents as fast as you can because you are paid by the number of people you reject or accept. Don't get any
    This game is a one of the best indie games made to date. Super simple graphics that blend with the simple era that this game feels. This game shows the difference of a game with moral choices and a moral game, this is the later.
    In charge of a border officer, you have to verify documents as fast as you can because you are paid by the number of people you reject or accept. Don't get any wrong otherwise they will deduct from your salary.
    This game is really addictive is it's simplicity, if a person comes to you with wrong documents but his daughter is dying and he had to buy medicine, what do you do? You have rules, you have a family of your own and every minute that passes is less money to pay the bills.
    This game is a masterpiece, i have yet to find another game that made me feel like this game did.
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  54. Sep 3, 2018
    9
    Artılar
    +Başarılı atmosfer (3)
    +özgün mekanikler (4)
    +Yaptıklarımız oyunun sonuna etki ediyor (3)

    Eksiler
    -Mekanikler mobil oyun sığlığında (4)
    -Bazı sonlar birbirine oldukça benziyor (2.5)

    Puan: 8.5/10
  55. Jul 7, 2018
    8
    It's truly a great indie game in its category. I had fun for 1-2 hrs, but to be honest, a great game should not only have a good story but also astonishing gameplay. And this one, clearly, doesn't have that. The story, as few hundreds user here already told you, is really good. But gameplay could be better. I am fond of the feeling of progression with more and more elements added everyIt's truly a great indie game in its category. I had fun for 1-2 hrs, but to be honest, a great game should not only have a good story but also astonishing gameplay. And this one, clearly, doesn't have that. The story, as few hundreds user here already told you, is really good. But gameplay could be better. I am fond of the feeling of progression with more and more elements added every day, but the core is the same - you are supposed to be a bot, verifying words, numbers, and pictures. Not for everyone, not for me and I guess people get paid to do so. And here we are, I paid to do something that people do to earn money. I'm not even mad, that's amazing (no meme intended), but it could be better. Still, it's one man-made, little, beautiful game and I loved it (for 60 to 90 minutes, but a love is a love).
    If you have some few time, it's a good idea for your evening.
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  56. Jul 14, 2020
    9
    Honestly, one of the best indie games I have played. It's simple, yet fun and challenging. The story sets the right mood for the communist regime and gives you the choices, which can effect both your country and your family. An Absolute Must-Play.
  57. Dec 15, 2018
    10
    Finally i can complete my dream of denying visas and protecting the border on a soviet country.Approved
  58. Mar 25, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A short game if you only want one end is a wonderful concept that works very well

    it did not make me bored or repetitive what I liked the most was how they put their morals to the test and it took me a big surprise when they arrested me for denouncing EZIC
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  59. Aug 27, 2023
    8
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 80 IIIIIIIIII====================
  60. Jan 10, 2021
    8
    Very cool indie game. The gameplay is very addicting and the characters/story interesting.
  61. Nov 30, 2022
    8
    Sürekli aynı şeyi yaptığın bir oyunu, nasıl tekrara bağlamazsın............
  62. Apr 2, 2023
    9
    Awesome game. Real art.

    Pros.:
    - Variety of endings.
    - Background and back story.
    - Allusions.
    - Small decisions affecting the mood.
    - Achievements.
    - Quick learning.

    Cons.:
    - None, except maybe boring music.

    It is funny first time I played it I didn't like it. Second time - loved it.
  63. Dec 5, 2019
    7
    It's fun for a little while but does get old. The idea is cool and it's a good gameplay mechanic, the story is done well. My major gripe with the game is that it's a race against the clock type game and you get paid per person which not only totally goes against the spirit of the game, but it doesn't help the game experience, and it doesn't even make sense. First of all, the dev shouldIt's fun for a little while but does get old. The idea is cool and it's a good gameplay mechanic, the story is done well. My major gripe with the game is that it's a race against the clock type game and you get paid per person which not only totally goes against the spirit of the game, but it doesn't help the game experience, and it doesn't even make sense. First of all, the dev should understand the mindframe one is in when they wanna play a game like this. I want to have a chill time at my desk and take my time reviewing the passports. I don't wanna rush through and get paid per passport I approve. Anyway that's not at all how it works in real life, no one is paid per passport. They are paid a salary and don't really care how slow they are being or how much they inconvenience those waiting in line. I feel like that is not only more realistic it would go a long way to improving the game in tone and the general feel of being an immigration agent in a bureaucracy. Oh well. It's unique, indie, fresh, and fun for a couple hours. I won't let one major complaint let me rate this negatively because it's still worth getting. Expand
  64. Aug 17, 2023
    10
    Increíble como sólo un developer puede hacer hacer esta joya.

    Cuenta con 20 finales diferentes y una inmensidad de decisiones a lo largo del juego. La forma en que evoluciona la mecánica del juego es increíble, llega un momento en el que te sientes un verdadero inspector de inmigración. No soy de jugar simuladores porque me agobia tanta profundidad, pero este juego tiene un equilibrio
    Increíble como sólo un developer puede hacer hacer esta joya.

    Cuenta con 20 finales diferentes y una inmensidad de decisiones a lo largo del juego. La forma en que evoluciona la mecánica del juego es increíble, llega un momento en el que te sientes un verdadero inspector de inmigración. No soy de jugar simuladores porque me agobia tanta profundidad, pero este juego tiene un equilibrio perfecto.

    Una joyita indie que tienes que probar! Por Kolechia!!
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  65. Aug 29, 2021
    5
    It's a cool concept but just not my type of game I guess, I didn't hate or love the gameplay. I was underwhelmed with the story, maybe that's because I ignored EZIC. But I don't feel like replaying to see what it would have been like if I didn't. Some of the subplot decisions you can make were cool, going against your job to help others and stuff.
  66. Apr 4, 2022
    8
    The balancing act of speed and precision in Papers Please is so nerve-wracking because a single mistake can be catastrophic for a playthrough. That stress is used against you as you're tempted to make amoral decisions just to alleviate some of it.
  67. Jul 6, 2020
    8
    Papers Please is a very addictive game, with a simple and engaging idea. Its simplicity makes it easy to pick and play, and its perfect to do so in portable systems. The game plot is really good, and it provides us an insight on matters that have happen, in some extent.
  68. Nov 19, 2019
    8
    Cheap as hell and also very good one :)
    Something different than other games on Steam.
    Worth to try !!
  69. Nov 16, 2019
    8
    Definirei "Papers, Please" un gioco brillante nel concetto e semplice nell'applicazione di esso, dal gameplay a volte ripetitivo, ma mai frustrante.

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

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

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

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

    CONTRO - Trama che personalmente non è riuscita a coinvolgere pienamente la mia intera sfera emotiva (al contrario di quanto accaduto con altri utenti) come altri titoli hanno fatto
    - Per persone eccessivamente impazienti il restante 65% del gameplay, che personalmente ho trovato brillante, potrebbe annoiare nonostante l'incremento di difficoltà.
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  70. Feb 12, 2020
    8
    Very good indie game thats fun and interesting. It has some amazing gameplay ideas and they work so well.
  71. Apr 26, 2023
    8
    Шикардосная игра , очень затягивает, токо как по мне не хватило немного уникальных текстов от клиентов.
  72. May 12, 2020
    8
    How can be checking papers so addictive. I do not understand. 100% recommended.
  73. Nov 28, 2020
    9
    9/10

    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
  74. Jan 20, 2022
    6
    Has problems with presentation and first class realization of ideas to be standout game
  75. May 13, 2020
    8
    Very challenging game but towards the end it gets very tedious. Still a great experience.
  76. Dec 31, 2020
    9
    I have played this game to completion , unlocking all in game achievements .

    I really like this game , however it is an acquired taste . I personally love the feeling of hopelessness and insignificance it instils in you from the very beginning , as you know that those above you couldn't care less about you , As for the actually gameplay - it is often laborious ( it can a lot of the
    I have played this game to completion , unlocking all in game achievements .

    I really like this game , however it is an acquired taste .

    I personally love the feeling of hopelessness and insignificance it instils in you from the very beginning , as you know that those above you couldn't care less about you , As for the actually gameplay - it is often laborious ( it can a lot of the time be rather stressful though )once you are experienced enough with it - forcing your mind to wonder as you contemplate what life must be like for you and of the stories you have heard from travellers . It forces you to make complicated moral decisions when processing . Its very layout makes your working area feel cramped and inadequate - making your feelings of stress amplified .

    All in all i feel this game is amazing - for those who want a certain type of experience .
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  77. Oct 19, 2022
    8
    Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП Игра ТОП
  78. Jun 12, 2020
    10
    Papers, Please es la definición perfecta de lo que es un videojuego. Con un diseño minimalista y mecánicas sencillas, es capaz de engancharte rápidamente. Con una historia bastante profunda y bien elaborada que hace que quieras repetir el juego varias veces para completar cada uno de sus 20 finales. Además, la creación bien definida y la profundidad de sus personajes hace que les cojasPapers, Please es la definición perfecta de lo que es un videojuego. Con un diseño minimalista y mecánicas sencillas, es capaz de engancharte rápidamente. Con una historia bastante profunda y bien elaborada que hace que quieras repetir el juego varias veces para completar cada uno de sus 20 finales. Además, la creación bien definida y la profundidad de sus personajes hace que les cojas cariño. Y encima cada personaje aleatorio que se usa para completar los días, al ser aleatorios, dan la sensación de ser realmente diferentes. Sencillamente, uno de los mejores videojuegos Indie de los últimos años. Expand
  79. Feb 14, 2021
    10
    Maybe one of the first games that made indie games rise. And still one of the best. A border guard trying to do his job in a corrupt and mixed land. Those who cannot play lose a lot.
  80. Feb 4, 2021
    10
    One of the best indie games to ever come out, Papers Please is funny and unique. His holiness delivers a gripping tale of politics, revolution and family drama. And all through the lens of a password-checking simulator.
  81. Aug 15, 2020
    8
    a man goes to the doctor. says he's depressed. he says life seems harsh and cruel. says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. the doctor says "the treatment is simple. the great clown pagliacci is in town tonight. go and see him, that should pick you up." the man bursts into tears. he says "but doctor... i am pagliacci."
  82. Aug 10, 2020
    10
    Пусть это и инди проект, но сюжет в нём потрясает также, как и в AAA проектах. Геймплей пусть местами и скучен, но он очень разнообразен. Саундтрек пропитывает до мурашек и заставляет вспомнить игрока, который играл в игру Арстотцку и её около-коммунистический строй. Игра невероятно атмосферная и даже, когда ты заходишь в меню, то ты себя полной душой ощущаешь себя в Арстотцке. Ну и какПусть это и инди проект, но сюжет в нём потрясает также, как и в AAA проектах. Геймплей пусть местами и скучен, но он очень разнообразен. Саундтрек пропитывает до мурашек и заставляет вспомнить игрока, который играл в игру Арстотцку и её около-коммунистический строй. Игра невероятно атмосферная и даже, когда ты заходишь в меню, то ты себя полной душой ощущаешь себя в Арстотцке. Ну и как говорится - "Слава Арстотцке!". (language - Russian) Expand
  83. Aug 21, 2020
    9
    Trasformare una lavoro monotono e ripetitivo come quello di ispettore di frontiera addetto al controllo immigrazione in un videogioco dalla forti tinte politiche e renderlo un capolavoro?

    Di sicuro nessuna software house del mondo ci avrebbe scommesso un solo centesimo su un'idea del genere, ma la meraviglia del mercato indie è proprio questa: non si seguono le logiche del mercato o i
    Trasformare una lavoro monotono e ripetitivo come quello di ispettore di frontiera addetto al controllo immigrazione in un videogioco dalla forti tinte politiche e renderlo un capolavoro?

    Di sicuro nessuna software house del mondo ci avrebbe scommesso un solo centesimo su un'idea del genere, ma la meraviglia del mercato indie è proprio questa: non si seguono le logiche del mercato o i gusti standardizzati del pubblico, ma si lascia libero spazio alla creatività.

    Questo gioco è un CAPOLAVORO. Punto.
    Volete farvi un'idea di com'era vivere e lavorare in un regime comunista? Delle conseguenze da pagare se si sceglie di supportare i dissidenti? Scegliere se pagare da mangiare o le medicine per il nonno? Un libro di storia non potrebbe spiegarvelo in modo altrettanto efficace. Bisogna viverlo. Sulla propria pelle.

    Ovviamente non è un titolo pensato per la massa né vuole esserlo, ma se cercate qualcosa di veramente diverso e alternativo allora dovete assolutamente comprare un biglietto di sola andata per Arstotzka.

    Glory to Arstotzka!
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  84. Aug 23, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  85. May 8, 2021
    10
    Paper's, Please Checklist Review

    ---{Graphics}--- ☐ You forget what reality is ☐ Beautiful ☐ Good ☑ Decent ☐ Bad ☐ Don‘t look too long at it ☐ Paint.exe ---{Gameplay}--- ☑ Very good ☐ Good ☐ It‘s just gameplay ☐ Mehh ☐ Starring at walls is better ☐ Just don‘t ---{Audio}--- ☐ Eargasm ☐ Very good ☑ Good ☐ Not too bad ☐ Bad ☐ Earrape ---{Audience}--- ☐ Kids
    Paper's, Please Checklist Review

    ---{Graphics}---
    ☐ You forget what reality is
    ☐ Beautiful
    ☐ Good
    ☑ Decent
    ☐ Bad
    ☐ Don‘t look too long at it
    ☐ Paint.exe

    ---{Gameplay}---
    ☑ Very good
    ☐ Good
    ☐ It‘s just gameplay
    ☐ Mehh
    ☐ Starring at walls is better
    ☐ Just don‘t

    ---{Audio}---
    ☐ Eargasm
    ☐ Very good
    ☑ Good
    ☐ Not too bad
    ☐ Bad
    ☐ Earrape

    ---{Audience}---
    ☐ Kids
    ☑Teens
    ☑ Adults
    ☐ Human
    ☐ Lizards

    ---{PC Requirements}---
    ☑ Check if you can run paint
    ☐ Potato
    ☐ Decent
    ☐ Fast
    ☐ Rich boiiiiii
    ☐ Ask NASA if they have a spare computer

    ---{Difficulity}---
    ☐ Just press ‚A‘
    ☐ Easy
    ☐ Significant brain usage
    ☐ Easy to learn / Hard to master
    ☑Difficult
    ☐ Dark Souls

    ---{Grind}--- ☐ Nothing to grind ☑Only if u care about leaderboards/ranks ☐ Isnt necessary to progress ☐ Average grind level ☐ Too much grind ☐ You‘ll need a second live for grinding ---{Story}--- ☐ Story? ☐ Text or Audio floating around ☐ Average ☐ Good ☑ Lovely ☐ It‘ll replace your life ---{Game Time}--- ☐ Long enough for a cup of coffee ☑ Short ☐ Average ☐ Long ☐ To infinity and beyond ---{Price}--- ☐ It’s free! ☑ Worth the price ☐ If u have some spare money left ☐ Not recommended ☐ You could also just burn your money ---{Bugs}--- ☑ Never heard of ☐ Minor bugs ☐ Can get annoying ☐ ARK: Survival Evolved ☐ The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs
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  86. Mar 25, 2021
    9
    В этой игре как будто ты и в реальности работаешь на пропускном пункте, и на тебе лежит огромная ответственность. В игре есть забавный дедок который всегда оптимистичный. Также хорошее музыкальное сопровождение. Геймплей усложняется с каждым новым рабочим днём! И вам нужно заботится о своей семье, иначе они все умрут. Игра в среднем проходится за 4 часа.В этой игре как будто ты и в реальности работаешь на пропускном пункте, и на тебе лежит огромная ответственность. В игре есть забавный дедок который всегда оптимистичный. Также хорошее музыкальное сопровождение. Геймплей усложняется с каждым новым рабочим днём! И вам нужно заботится о своей семье, иначе они все умрут. Игра в среднем проходится за 4 часа.
  87. Sep 6, 2021
    8
    интересная игра с интересным геймплеем и неплохой историей так что 8
  88. Jun 6, 2023
    9
    Papers Please es uno de los juegos más originales que hay. Con una historia que te atrapa, una jugabilidad exquisita y satisfactoria (aunque en ciertos momentos puede resultar algo complicada) y con una ambientación espectacular, se puede observar en el juego un gran cariño por parte de su creador, Lucas Pope. Además, su diseño artístico es muy bueno y, a pesar que quizá no es el pixeladoPapers Please es uno de los juegos más originales que hay. Con una historia que te atrapa, una jugabilidad exquisita y satisfactoria (aunque en ciertos momentos puede resultar algo complicada) y con una ambientación espectacular, se puede observar en el juego un gran cariño por parte de su creador, Lucas Pope. Además, su diseño artístico es muy bueno y, a pesar que quizá no es el pixelado más vistoso de todos, pega perfectamente con la temática del juego. Cabe destacar que a pesar de su corta duración (a mi me duró unas 2 horas y media), el juego es muy rejugable y hay un modo para jugar sin historia (sin que haya un final), que recomiendo especialmente a quienes les haya gustado la jugabilidad. Joyita indie recomendable para todos los jugadores. 8,5/10
    (11/2021)
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  89. Feb 17, 2022
    9
    Let's review why Papers Please is a great game.

    First of all, when we look at it from the point of view of art design, I have to say that I found it very successful. Although the game seems to have gone cheap here by not showing us much else, in fact, this is a part of this suffocating life concept. Same day, same desk, same job. In addition, although it is a game where you can count
    Let's review why Papers Please is a great game.

    First of all, when we look at it from the point of view of art design, I have to say that I found it very successful. Although the game seems to have gone cheap here by not showing us much else, in fact, this is a part of this suffocating life concept. Same day, same desk, same job. In addition, although it is a game where you can count the pixels, I found it successful that this dark soviet atmosphere could somehow be put into the game. The audio, on the other hand, do not bother you at all, although you do not search for their music on the Internet after the game.

    The gameplay is a little different. Yes, games are starting to tend to more "selling" jobs. If you remember, a few years ago, almost everyone was making "battle royale" style games. Because that concept was returning to game makers as "guaranteed money". So you don't want to engage in such risky business while making a game. Because you never know how many players it will gather. Papers Please, on the other hand, did not gravitate towards this populism, and officially appeared before us as a game where you play as a "border-crossing immigration officer". It would be absurd to expect everyone to have fun in this role. However, I think this game, combined with a story, gameplay and art design that will definitely do justice to this role and attract the player, is very confident in attracting you. The game just starts with you checking the provided documents and determining if people can cross the border. However, the game develops in such a way that after a point you have the authority to arrest, ask questions and even use a gun. While doing all these, you need to take care of your family and be careful about money. In addition, the fact that the game offers you different endings as a result of your different actions, even though you hardly speak, is really impressive for a game in this budget.

    Our story, on the other hand, is one that avoids being very serious, but at the same time makes you feel important. What's the worst that can happen to a border-crossing immigration officer? You will be surprised at what happens to you after you ask the question. In addition, the game does not stand idle, except for the main scenario, and it brings a different tone of people to you. Perhaps you've seen the most prominent "Jorji Costova" on the internet. I can say that Papers Please has a really satisfying story, along with this character that makes you laugh at once, and perhaps the pathetic story that follows it.

    It is certain that it does not appeal to every player, but I invite you to play this game, thinking that it would not be wrong to say that the players who play by paying attention to the plot will leave with pleasure.
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  90. Dec 8, 2020
    9
    Пожалуй, игра действительно почти шедевр. К сожалению, она короткая по хронометражу, маленькая по геймплею, не сильно углублённая в сюжет, но и этого хватает, что бы пройти её на одном дыхании. Всё таки играет развивает твою внимательность и играет с твоими нервишками. И игру можно пройти на одном дыхании, и после неё, ты всё таки сможешь развить свою внимательность, и память, ведьПожалуй, игра действительно почти шедевр. К сожалению, она короткая по хронометражу, маленькая по геймплею, не сильно углублённая в сюжет, но и этого хватает, что бы пройти её на одном дыхании. Всё таки играет развивает твою внимательность и играет с твоими нервишками. И игру можно пройти на одном дыхании, и после неё, ты всё таки сможешь развить свою внимательность, и память, ведь буквально за 1-2 прохождения, ты уже запоминаешь все правила, все исключения, и тебе становится легче. Не 10, потому что всё же, несмотря на свою атмосферу и визуальный стиль, она слишком простая и коротенькая, а разнообразия в геймплее, напротяжении игры, ни сильно прибавляется. Ну а так, игрой очень и очень сильно доволен. Слава Арстоцке! Expand
  91. Aug 3, 2022
    2
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  92. Jan 23, 2021
    9
    This game gets you in. After a few hours you feel like you are living in a communist country. His story is deep and fluid. But there are some shortcomings at some points. For example, if there is an end that you don't want, you may have to continue from the old days. But this rarely happens. There are also too many unnecessary endings. But it is very impressive that the game gives you theThis game gets you in. After a few hours you feel like you are living in a communist country. His story is deep and fluid. But there are some shortcomings at some points. For example, if there is an end that you don't want, you may have to continue from the old days. But this rarely happens. There are also too many unnecessary endings. But it is very impressive that the game gives you the right to progress on the way you want and control your family and even the future of the country. Everyone should play this game at least once. There is nothing like it. Expand
  93. Jul 10, 2021
    8
    Papers Please smirks an interesting premise, set in a fictional Russian region known as Arstotzka, you assume the role of a border agent. One weakness of this game would be that it doesn't really give you much reason to try and earn as much to keep your family alive. I simply played for the sake of immersion. I also loved how the game always added new challenges and rules, by the end ofPapers Please smirks an interesting premise, set in a fictional Russian region known as Arstotzka, you assume the role of a border agent. One weakness of this game would be that it doesn't really give you much reason to try and earn as much to keep your family alive. I simply played for the sake of immersion. I also loved how the game always added new challenges and rules, by the end of the game, it was one of the most challenging games I've played in a while without having to fire a gun. The game surely isn't superb being that it doesn't drive you any further than your first journey and the ending, while being 20 of them, falls short. Regardless, Papers Please is worthy of Glory to Arstotzka Expand
  94. Apr 15, 2021
    10
    Very original. I enjoyed it a lot.
    Highly recommended if you want to try something different from the usual.
  95. Sep 28, 2022
    10
    Spectacular game. I can really just play this game for hours and see time flying by.
  96. Sep 18, 2021
    8
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  97. May 9, 2022
    8
    My truthful honorable incorruptible conclusive rating of this considered game: 8.
  98. Jul 17, 2021
    6
    Educational software has come a long way over the years. Papers, Please should be required gaming for every middle school student. It teaches many important life skills. It teaches the importance of attention to detail. It presents difficult, and often no-win, decisions to make. And most importantly, it lets someone know how dreadful of a career a low-level clerical position can be, whichEducational software has come a long way over the years. Papers, Please should be required gaming for every middle school student. It teaches many important life skills. It teaches the importance of attention to detail. It presents difficult, and often no-win, decisions to make. And most importantly, it lets someone know how dreadful of a career a low-level clerical position can be, which should be enough to instill a drive to succeed into any student.

    Papers, Please's game-play is centered around faces versus the faceless. You, a border entry agent of a vaguely totalitarian state, are a faceless character working for the glory of a faceless nation, and between days at work, you get a spartan budget sheet accented with the current maladies afflicting your faceless family members. Wife, Son, Mother-in-law, and Uncle will probably be indicated as living in your state-assigned dwelling, and till you play enough to know what to do and quickly, also probably be indicated progressively as cold, hungry, sick, and so on. Between these intermissions, you're doing the gig: Looking at the faces of entry applicants, their paperwork in the manner prescribed by your faceless superiors, and hopefully determining correctly if everything is in order. If not, you'll get a citation while the next applicant enters your booth. In addition to the regulations stacking up, so do also complications in the forms of spies, guards, authorities, and revolutionaries all looking to use you to achieve their personal goals. Meanwhile you're fundamentally just wanting to know if you should use the green stamp or the red one. Citation rates, with whom you do and don't cooperate among those who would manipulate you, and which applicants you admit, rebuff, or entrust to the border guards determines the fate of you and yours, and perhaps the whole nation.

    Most of the playtime is in your checkpoint booth, which is presented in three sections: A first-person look at the applicant, a cramped workspace for examining documents, and an exterior camera showing the line of applicant silhouettes, a few guards, and maybe something exciting once in a while. Graphics are deliberately low-fidelity, and usefully so. It limits the amount of variation in appearances that are possible, preventing tiny details from becoming suspicious beyond what's warranted, and serves as a good stand-in for grainy and terrible passport photos. The mechanisms for interrogation, such as inquiring why an applicant's stated duration of stay and duration granted by a permit differ is quick and effective, though a few circumstances aren't as clear about where the player must click to activate the right comparison, and some things that seem comparable simply aren't. Given that the game is presented in the form of a series of days on the job, having a first timer's "training week" option as a non-consequential prelude to the story mode would've saved a new player a lot of familiarization fumbling, and after the initial mechanics shock, the game then falls into a pattern of adding one complication a day, so it seems like starting with one instead of starting with a half dozen would've both fit the game design strategy and smoothed introduction to the game. Instead, you'll just have to trial-and-error the first session or two and work through it like certain 8-bit classics.

    And work it is. I believe this game will be either a big hit or a big miss for a given player depending on how much entertainment that person finds in being challenged by "spot the difference" kinds of puzzles. If that's your flavor, Papers should offer hours, if not limitless, enjoyment. But otherwise, it's quite a chore. It feels like amusing classwork, which is why I see it as a great educational game, or as a paper-thin slice of an actual job, a job that should pay actual money for being done. There seems to be an interesting story of political intrigue and human suffering that the player only sees through the one square meter window of the visa check booth. Profound, and I somewhat want to watch that movie. Instead I'm wondering if a nine-character passport serial is a discrepancy to investigate as all the others I remember were ten, and I operate knowing that what I'm seeing is important outside of my booth but ultimately all I'm here to do is to stamp red or green. And when one of my decision paths led to my agent being arrested, I felt liberated. Perhaps there should be a second part to the game in that case, of breaking rocks in a gulag. It could then rival Desert Bus for retelling the punishment of Sisyphus.

    For smart kids with time for non-mindless gaming, or if you dig scrutiny puzzles and/or choose your own adventure games, for you I stamp this green. But if you already work a tedious job, have real life bureaucratic paperwork to deal with using your "free" time, or aren't amused by "gotcha!" game mechanics, consider stepping away from this booth. The glory of Arstotzka might not be for you.
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  99. Jun 16, 2021
    9
    You should try this game, is short but fun and with a interesting plot, an amazing indie game.
  100. Jun 20, 2021
    8
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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]