Papers, Please

 PC
Papers, Please Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1617 Ratings

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  • Summary: The communist state of Arstotzka has just ended a 6-year war with neighboring Kolechia and reclaimed its rightful half of the border town, Grestin. Your job as immigration inspector is to control the flow of people entering the Arstotzkan side of Grestin from Kolechia. Among the throngs ofThe communist state of Arstotzka has just ended a 6-year war with neighboring Kolechia and reclaimed its rightful half of the border town, Grestin. Your job as immigration inspector is to control the flow of people entering the Arstotzkan side of Grestin from Kolechia. Among the throngs of immigrants and visitors looking for work are hidden smugglers, spies, and terrorists. Using only the documents provided by travelers and the Ministry of Admission's primitive inspect, search, and fingerprint systems you must decide who can enter Arstotzka and who will be turned away or arrested.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. Gameblog.fr
    Aug 12, 2013
    100
    A true game, with a base gameplay that gets more and more complex as we play, with subtle touches and ruleset changes. But it's so much more as well : a deep dive in a terrifying dystopia, brilliantly crafted, that will put your life into perspective and awaken your political consciousness with both violence and humor.
  2. Thunderbolt
    Aug 14, 2013
    90
    Evil is performed by men in suits, golden pens in their chest pockets, and stamps in their hands. With a single move with their wrists, they sign death warrants, never seeing the consequences of their actions, maybe not even caring about them.
  3. Gamer.no
    Aug 31, 2013
    90
    Papers, Please manages to make the apparently boring profession of border guard incredibly engaging and thrilling. Music, graphics and writing all contribute to an oppressive atmosphere that pulls the player in and holds them captured.
  4. Critical Hit
    Sep 9, 2013
    85
    Well-paced, straight-forward game play combines with vivid storytelling to make into a fantastic game. More than a tale of bureaucratic spot the difference, Papers, Please is a game of intrigue and excitement balanced by fear for your family.
  5. GameOver.gr
    Oct 3, 2013
    80
    It's a tribute to the Cold War. An addictive game that's full of sarcasm and social commentary. A game that you should definitely try.
  6. Adventure Gamers
    Sep 18, 2013
    80
    Papers, Please is anything but a standard adventure, but beneath the seemingly unappealing premise of bureaucratic drudgery and human misery lies a fascinating game of choices, surprises, and intrigue.
  7. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Sep 9, 2013
    60
    A novel, stylish game taking advantage of its minimal design more than you would believe, and it succeeds in arousing your emotions, which is the thing other game titles could dream of. [Issue#233]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 40 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 271 out of 331
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 331
  3. Negative: 20 out of 331
  1. Maraio1
    Aug 28, 2013
    10
    I love this game, I think that it is amazing. I had the Beta and found it was a great concept but lacking depth, and this is exactly what theI love this game, I think that it is amazing. I had the Beta and found it was a great concept but lacking depth, and this is exactly what the full release brings to the table, depth, and a whole lot of it. I love the way the game is also like a constant tutorial how every-other day new things introduced to make my life harder, but more security to the border. It adds depth by not just giving you moral choices, but financial choices. Will I be better off accepting a bribe but getting a citation? Should I sell that watch or should I keep it? And the moral choices start early on, can you tell if they're telling the truth that if yo deny them they'll get killed, how do you feel about that? Or letting someone in that could kill someone even though they have all their correct documents?

    I hope that I have convinced someone out there to buy this game as it really deserves someone attention and play time!    … Expand
  2. YigidOx2
    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 mixedMaybe 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.… Expand
  4. Boelens
    Aug 8, 2013
    10
    This is an AMAZING game. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, I thought it'd get boring after a while, turns out, it doesn't. So manyThis is an AMAZING game. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, I thought it'd get boring after a while, turns out, it doesn't. So many things are added that keep it fun and exciting, and some of the smaller things are great too. This game really brings me to think about morals, when do you break the guidelines? What do you risk, letting someone with a weapon through, and being able to feed your family from a bribe, or do you be a good guy by the book and detain him? This is an amazing game, and I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I do.… Expand
  5. Pravs
    Aug 19, 2014
    9
    The idea of the whole game is excellent. Brilliant and addictive story. You have to make a decision almost all of the time. For sure, it won'tThe idea of the whole game is excellent. Brilliant and addictive story. You have to make a decision almost all of the time. For sure, it won't be wasted time.… Expand
  6. ghosttoyou
    Apr 26, 2023
    8
    Шикардосная игра , очень затягивает, токо как по мне не хватило немного уникальных текстов от клиентов.Шикардосная игра , очень затягивает, токо как по мне не хватило немного уникальных текстов от клиентов.
  7. tbagurdrumset94
    Feb 21, 2014
    8
    A very unique game. At its core, it's a test of your attention span, but it's deeper than that. Your constantly forced to make a moralA very unique game. At its core, it's a test of your attention span, but it's deeper than that. Your constantly forced to make a moral decision as to whether or not to admit someone who doesn't have the right credentials, and the game does a lot of little things to emotionally invest yourself in certain characters. Sometimes you really have to strain yourself to recognize an inconsistency on someone's papers, and when it's something as blatantly obvious as a forgotten passport (and upon inquiry, they had it all along), it can feel a little forced. But overall, this is a very charming game. Glory to Arstotzka!… Expand
  8. mander0
    Mar 1, 2021
    0
    Glory to Arstotzka. Comrade must rate 10/1O for glorious country. NO EZIC allowed

See all 331 User Reviews

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

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