Papers, Please

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1617 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,350 out of 1617
  2. Mixed: 213 out of 1617
  3. Negative: 54 out of 1617

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  1. defenz
    Sep 17, 2021
    8
    ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
  2. F3T1W
    Aug 27, 2021
    9
    An ingenious project, does not get bored until the very end, moral choices, bribes and, of course ... George
  3. OliverAfton
    Nov 20, 2021
    10
    It's the case where you don't give a damn about the game's premise and come away loving what you've just seen.
  4. YoBoyYo
    Jun 2, 2022
    1
    Seeing all the positive reviews for this game, I was excited to try it. Little did I know that this would be one of the worst games I have ever played, and the only bad indie game I have ever played... Where to start?

    GRAPHICS: The graphics are TERRIBLE. They were inexcusable even when they came out 10 years ago. This is very relevant as the game's core gameplay relies on the player    Seeing all the positive reviews for this game, I was excited to try it. Little did I know that this would be one of the worst games I have ever played, and the only bad indie game I have ever played... Where to start?

    GRAPHICS: The graphics are TERRIBLE. They were inexcusable even when they came out 10 years ago. This is very relevant as the game's core gameplay relies on the player being able to distinguish if a character is female or male, if their low-quality image matches the even more low-quality image on the passport, or if their finger prints matches the one on file. If the player cannot tell, they will get reprimanded or penalized. This is made worst by the fact that the player is always on a time limit...

    GAMEPLAY: The gameplay is quite simply not fun. The concept had potential, but the developper clearly failed in making checking documents for errors fun. The whole process is very boring, lacks variety, and has time constraints that are too tight for its gameplay. The player is also never rewarded for getting anything right, while getting harshly penalized for any slight mistake. Maybe some minigames or more frequent rewards could have helped? The ironic thing is that I've worked this kind of job before in real life and it was way more fun than this. You know its bad when a real job is more fun than a video game lol.

    CHARACTERS: Its impossible to remember any of the characters. The player has a family and is supposed to care about them, but we never see them or get know to know anything about them. Heck, they don't even have names! As such, the player is not compelled to care about them, and instead feels encouraged to kill them off so they use up less money. When it comes to characters seen at the border crossing, the graphics are so bad that it can be easy to mix up the procedurally-generated characters with the plot-relevant or secondary characters. None of them are memorable dialogue-wise as there is very little dialogue at all and all of them speak the same way. As such, what always happens is that a character show up, says a few sentences, and then a few minutes later after they've left, you've already forgotten about them or what they wanted. Because its so easy to forget, the player often misses opportunities, which is frustrating. The only exception I've found is one character that keeps returning to your station every odd day or so, submitting obviously false documents, and who is present from the start. Although, I still don't remember his name. The antagonists of this story -representatives of the Arstostka government - suffer from these same problems. They do not stand out visually or personnality-wise, and you rarely see them or learn about them. They should have gotten at least a theme song. The player should have learned about the atrocities they commit in general or on other characters throughout the story to build tension.

    PLOT: The plot is very difficult to follow and not engaging. This is partly on purpose, as you are supposed to be a border guard with no real insight into the secret EZIC organisation. But, the game is just not clear enough about what is going on. There was one day, for example, that a member from this organisation told me to kill someone in red in the line, but a random terrorist attack interrupted the workday before this red person got to me. The next day they were gone and I never heard from EZIC again. What happened?? Another day, I was asked to let someone specific through, but they never came! Furthermore, there is nothing original about this plot. You guess everything from the start: you have your evil government, and a secret rebel organisation that wants to topple it. There is nothing more to it than that unfortunately.

    LORE: This game features fictional countries but never goes into the history or culture of any of them. There is no lore. Is Arstostka at war right now? Does Obristan actually have better living standards? What are even Arstoska's relationships with these other countries like? We will never know, and the absence of any lore is the biggest missed opportunity of this entire game.

    MUSIC: This OST has only 3 songs: the main theme, the death theme, and the victory theme. I hope you like the main theme, because that's all you'll hear the entire game playing over and over again for 5 hours.

    IN SHORT, this is a bad game. The positive reviews are truly baffling to me. It seems most of them believe this game is being innovative by purposefully giving you a **** experience - to mirror the experience of working a bad job, or in a soviet country. Unfortunately, they are simply pretending the game's flaws were intended or good somehow. This setting could have been "oppressive" and still fun, but it was just not executed well. It was never necessary to have bad graphics, no music, boring gameplay, unmemorable characters or a predictable plot in order to have an authentic soviet experience either.    … Expand
  5. StarkAgentos
    Feb 4, 2022
    10
    Прошёл игру всего за один час. Очень оригинальное инди. Слава Арстоцке!
  6. Toffeltrasa
    Aug 31, 2023
    9
    Glory to arstotzka

    :=====================================================================
  7. BaldursThones
    Nov 26, 2022
    8
    I have never felt genuinely guilty for loosing a game before. I did not expect that I would need to be that fast to feed my family.
  8. levoxyl
    Jun 9, 2022
    9
    Really fun game. Has a great idea, gets harder every time with new rules. Has multiple endings that make it more interesting.
  9. Kuzya_Zeleniy
    Apr 1, 2022
    8
    A simple text game with a pretty good plot. Can go on a weak PC. I liked the game, but played it for 3 days, because I'm still bored.
  10. Arey100
    May 20, 2023
    9
    Papers Please is a refreshing and unique experience. The characters and story are very interesting and complex, (Love you Jorji). And while the gameplay loop is overall fun, it can get repetitive after a long session. Though I love seeing how fast I can get people through.
  11. ponsho174
    Jul 7, 2022
    9
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    CRITIC REVIEWSAll    New Xbox One Releases by DateNew Xbox One Releases by TitleBest Recent Releases for Xbox OneUpcoming Xbox One Release Calendar2022 High Scores - Xbox OneAll-Time High Scores - Xbox OneAll Xbox One Games: A-Z IndexXbox Series X Hardware Review
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    CRITIC REVIEWSAll reviews »
    Metascore97
    Universal acclaim
    based on 33 Critic Reviews

    Critic score distribution:
    Positive:33out of 33
    Mixed:0
    Negative:0
    Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Dec 18, 2018
    100
    Unquestionably 2018's best game, a    … Expand
  12. george_bondo
    Jul 24, 2022
    10
    this game is just perfect with that beautiful music , characters and atmosphere
  13. DarthJ
    Aug 28, 2022
    9
    Очень атмосферная игра со множеством интересных концовок. Во время игры реально чувствуешь власть над судьбами людей.
  14. GreppoTV
    Nov 2, 2022
    9
    GreppoTV Games Review in 100 Wörtern
    Papers Please ist ein Einzelspieler-Rätselspiel aus dem Jahr 2013, dessen Grafik und Sound direkt aus dem Jahr 1985 stammen könnten. Doch was macht dieses Spiel aus? Der Grund liegt darin, dass es viel mehr ist als ein simples Rätselspiel. Das Basis-Gameplay an sich ist einfach. Ihr müsste als Grenzbeamter Pässe kontrollieren. Aber mit jedem Tag kommen    GreppoTV Games Review in 100 Wörtern
    Papers Please ist ein Einzelspieler-Rätselspiel aus dem Jahr 2013, dessen Grafik und Sound direkt aus dem Jahr 1985 stammen könnten. Doch was macht dieses Spiel aus? Der Grund liegt darin, dass es viel mehr ist als ein simples Rätselspiel. Das Basis-Gameplay an sich ist einfach. Ihr müsste als Grenzbeamter Pässe kontrollieren. Aber mit jedem Tag kommen neue Regeln und dadurch Komplexität hinzu. Dabei erzeugt das Spiel eine beklemmende Stimmung und einen latenten Druck, es in einem Überwachungsstaat allen Recht zu machen. Das Spiel macht nicht nur richtig Spaß, sondern es regt auch zum Nachdenken über das eigene Handeln an. Großartig!
    8,5/10 - GreppoTV    … Expand
  15. 3ls0ul
    Mar 6, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  16. nastyjes
    Jan 10, 2023
    3
    Extremely overrated .
  17. renyw
    Dec 19, 2022
    10
    great great great great great great great great great great great great great
  18. SrKano
    Jan 19, 2023
    9
    It's a narrative game based on his mechanicals. The story is hard, and you have to make difficult choices through the mechanics that the game gives to you. Ex: I give you a gun, but it's your choice to use it or not.

    Narrative 10/10 Characters 6/10 Graphics 6/10 World -/10 Gameplay 10/10 It's a great game if you empathize with the characters. If you try to play like you were    It's a narrative game based on his mechanicals. The story is hard, and you have to make difficult choices through the mechanics that the game gives to you. Ex: I give you a gun, but it's your choice to use it or not.

    Narrative 10/10
    Characters 6/10
    Graphics 6/10
    World -/10
    Gameplay 10/10

    It's a great game if you empathize with the characters. If you try to play like you were there it's a great and hard experience.

    It looks simple to just check the papers for a person. But what happens when people are dying and try to escape from that but don't have the papers in order? Again, it's your choice. But the actions have consequences.

    Glory to Arstotzka.    … Expand
  19. arllda
    Feb 4, 2023
    7
    I used to play it when my pc was bad I don't know how the producers came up with such an original idea
  20. aligunes
    Feb 1, 2023
    6
    I couldn't find anything very special. but it's fun to play, nice to pass the time.
  21. Asparz
    Mar 12, 2023
    0
    the most boring game that has ever existed in the world, either you accept the roles or you simply reject them.
  22. Theexponents
    Mar 14, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Papers, Please" is a unique role-playing game that immerses players in the world of an immigration officer in the fictional communist country of Arstotzka. The game takes place in a politically turbulent environment where citizens are resentful of the government's actions. Players are tasked with processing documents and deciding who should be allowed to enter the country and who should not. This involves carefully examining passports and other documentation and reporting any discrepancies that would make the individual ineligible for entry.

    The game's strong political theme reflects the difficult choices that people in positions of power must make. As an immigration officer, players must confront the harsh realities of life in Arstotzka and the consequences of their decisions. The game presents players with moral dilemmas and ethical challenges that reflect the complex nature of managing a society with varying perspectives and ideologies.

    Gameplay involves making decisions based on the information presented on documents provided by individuals seeking entry. Players must utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to determine whether or not someone should be permitted entry. Additionally, there are side quests that can be completed by listening to people at the border, which can unlock additional endings or new items. Some of the people that players help or deny entry to may affect their role in the story. The choices made can lead to different paths, and some side quests may be interconnected to the main story. It is important to note that examining documents thoroughly is a major aspect of the gameplay, and not doing so may result in bad endings or negative consequences.

    As the game progresses, the situation in the country becomes increasingly unstable, and players are given authorization by the government to use firearms, including a tranquilizer gun for peaceful solutions or a real rifle to stop a dangerous crowd. However, using firearms inappropriately can lead to imprisonment or execution. Shooting people without consideration of the consequences can have significant impacts on the game's storyline and the fate of the country.

    The game's pixel art style may make it challenging to distinguish characters, but the conversations between them provide a rich narrative that immerses players in the story. "Papers, Please" highlights the struggles of people in a dystopian society with a dictatorial leader who disregards citizen welfare. It forces players to make difficult choices that may have severe consequences, including risking their family's safety.

    Overall, "Papers, Please" provides thought-provoking commentary on the nature of power and the choices that people in positions of power must make. The game illustrates how even an ordinary person with a regular job can become a monster when given power. It challenges players to question their actions and reflect on their motives, whether it be fear, greed, or personal satisfaction. In the end, the game compels players to confront the consequences of their decisions and the impact they have on the lives of others. While some players may find the gameplay repetitive and the pixel art style challenging, the game is a compelling and thought-provoking experience for those who enjoy narrative-driven games and are willing to engage with its themes.    … Expand
  23. VaeL_XJB
    Mar 18, 2023
    8
    muy bueno te atrapa en un ambiente tipo guerra mundial eso muy bueno siendo solo pixeles
  24. imalynxcat
    Apr 21, 2023
    10
    Müziği için bile tam puan verilir. Oynanışı çok basit ama inanılmaz eğlenceli. Glory to ARSTOTZKA.
  25. rathashira
    Sep 2, 2023
    9
    One of my all time favorites, really shows the potential of the indie game scene :)
  26. danielpsilva
    Apr 1, 2023
    9
    For a game that focus on an otherwise action-laking job/ this game is packed with choices and consequences, both for you, your family and for the people you are letting in or not in the border. Very touching characters. This game put the lens on a reality of despair that is still present in the world today.
  27. ChiIIaoi
    Aug 8, 2023
    9
    Review só pra lembrar a nota que eu dei pro jogo:
    Jogo mt bom, agora só escrever pra passar dos 75 caracteres.
  28. clmeee
    May 22, 2023
    9
    no es perfecto pero ES REALMENTE BUENO y muy barato COMPLETAMENTE RECOMENDADO
  29. BoloDeChocolate
    May 1, 2023
    9
    Jogo com uma mecânica bem simples, mais com algumas coisas profundas como decidir se uma pessoa morre ou viver
  30. HydrophobikFish
    Jun 9, 2023
    7
    Refreshing and unique game about passport checking. It's basically a matching game mixed with ethical quandary. Making mistakes or choosing to let someone through can have devastating personal consequences. But its a short game and has little to say beyond that.
  31. Young_Fawn
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    Great Indie Title That's Still Fun 10 Years On

    Papers, Please is a game about border control. You assume the role of a man who has won the labour lottery and is essentially in charge of who gets into the country. The game is set in a sort of fictional communist state named Arstotzka and you work at the border between Arstotzka and Kolechia, however people of other fictional    Great Indie Title That's Still Fun 10 Years On

    Papers, Please is a game about border control. You assume the role of a man who has won the labour lottery and is essentially in charge of who gets into the country.

    The game is set in a sort of fictional communist state named Arstotzka and you work at the border between Arstotzka and Kolechia, however people of other fictional nationalities show up as well for a multitude of reasons.

    The gameplay loop at its core is that you get an immigrant or a native come to your checkpoint and they give you their documents, your goal is to check the passport and any other documents (Vaccination passes, Workers Passes, Entry Permits) to see if it's all in order. If it's all in order, you let them in, if it's not, you hit them with the deny stamp.

    As the game progresses you'll need a much keener eye for detail as more documents and regulations are introduced, even little things like forged stamps and weight and height and very minor spelling mistakes in the names will qualify them for denial. You will miss these on occasion and be given a citation for it.

    The characters, some recurring but most aren't, are what makes the game. You'll find some of them absolutely hilarious and adorable (Jorji Costava) and others utterly repulsive and unpleasant. This plays alongside the storyline, which progresses with each passing day. Accepting bribes for extremist groups to let people through, denying people for bogus reasons etc,

    My only criticism is that some of the names are properly slavic, which is fine but it fits with the theme, but sometimes I felt like the game slighted me a bit by giving me a 9 + 9 surname and forename, everything looks fine but it turns out they were missing an "i" on one of their four documents. Although, in all fairness, I guess I should've been more thorough. The only other thing is the Worker Passes, there's only four permitted stamps but to me they look more or less all the same, I always felt that one was a bit unfair.

    All in all, Papers, Please is a fantastic game and you'll feel good about yourself when playing it. It makes you feel pretty smart when you confidently let someone through but even smarter when you notice just the slightest, smallest discrepancy in their papers. It's definitely worth a shot and in my opinion, even fun to watch.

    9/10, Free my boy Jorji.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PC Game of 2013
28
#28 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
56
#56 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Gamer.nl
    Jan 2, 2014
    85
    Papers, Please gives you a simple task that doesn't ask a lot of you. The game outgrows its mechanics though, by appealing to your moral compass and emotions. This indie game will get under your skin, will have you feeling uncomfortable and have you think about yourself, as a person.
    Read full review
  2. GameFront
    Oct 14, 2013
    90
    An incredibly impressive little game, from its understated old-school art style to its ability to make you feel uncomfortable with how much you enjoy catching criminals trying to trick their way into your country.
    Read full review
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 5, 2013
    89
    Papers, Please is not only original but fun, too. More papers, please! [Sept 2013]
See all critic reviews »