Paper Perjury
- December 9, 2024
- Paper Cat Games
Get on SteamIn "Paper Perjury," become Justina Smith, a police clerk who uncovers a web of crimes at the Azure City Police Department. Investigate five interconnected cases, from wealthy manors to parking garages, to expose a large mystery. Question suspects, analyze their statements, and reveal the truth in this intriguing narrative-driven adventure game.
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Reviews
- Engaging narrative with memorable characters that evoke strong emotional connections.
- Charming pixel art and a fantastic soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
- Well-implemented quality-of-life features that streamline gameplay and make it accessible.
- Gameplay can feel simplistic and lacks the complexity found in other titles in the genre.
- Some mysteries may be too straightforward, leading to predictable outcomes.
- The game is relatively short, with some cases feeling like extensions of others rather than standalone stories.
- story60 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story is generally well-received, praised for its engaging characters and organic unfolding, though some reviewers noted predictable plot beats and occasional contrivances. While it lacks the complexity of some other mystery games, it successfully maintains player interest through a continuous narrative and relatable themes, avoiding the pitfalls of overly dramatic or fantastical elements. Overall, the game offers a solid, enjoyable experience with memorable characters and a grounded storyline.
“All this tied together in a story that gradually weaves around itself, revealing more depth as it goes.”
“The storylines are engaging, the characters are interesting, just incredible overall.”
“This game is a treasure trove filled with unforgettable characters in a memorable story.”
“There's not really too much backstory (there's some, but not too involved) and I couldn't help but feel like the game wanted to have some.”
“The plot felt low stakes :( I never felt shocked or deeply invested in the mysteries themselves like in Ace Attorney case 4 and 5, or even Thyrion Cuthbert. I was never worried that a character I truly cared about would be charged.”
“I was never on the edge of my seat, and plot beats felt pretty predictable throughout.”
- music38 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its quality and effectiveness, enhancing the overall experience with memorable tracks that fit the narrative and gameplay well. Many reviewers highlighted the soundtrack's ability to create tension during interrogations and evoke emotions throughout the story, with specific tracks being particularly beloved. While some found the music to be solid but not exceptional, the general consensus is that it significantly contributes to the game's charm and atmosphere.
“The game is well executed in all ways that make it come together: the art, the music, and of course the puzzles.”
“Super charming character sprites and a genuinely fantastic soundtrack put it over the top.”
“On top of all of this, pp’s soundtrack is absolutely wonderful, every track hits the right mood without being overwhelming or distracting.”
“The soundtrack is alright; I can't say it's a soundtrack that I ever want to listen to again, but it did its job, especially the interrogation tracks, which were pretty good.”
“I also love how the music abruptly cuts off when you present the correct piece of evidence during interrogation.”
“The game itself tells an amazing story throughout its 5 cases, and the music just ensures that there's never a dull moment.”
- gameplay35 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally praised for its tight mechanics and balance, allowing players to engage with the narrative and characters without excessive frustration. While it draws inspiration from the Ace Attorney series, some reviewers note that it lacks depth and complexity, making it feel simpler and more akin to a visual novel with adventure elements. Overall, the game offers enjoyable investigation and interrogation mechanics, though some players may find it less challenging than expected.
“This is a great game with memorable characters, good writing, and fun gameplay.”
“Above all, the gameplay is tight and well-balanced - while I was utterly stumped regarding how to progress at a couple of points, those issues never felt like leaps of logic on the game's part, just me not really recognizing the direction for them.”
“The gameplay is much better than Ace Attorney in my opinion; there is no point-and-click to find evidence, you are guaranteed to find all evidence if you investigate everything, won't proceed without making progress, and all information on the case you have collected is organized well in your case file so you can refer back to it.”
“Where it falters a bit, which other reviews have mentioned, is the gameplay.”
“Depth of gameplay and plot is severely lacking in comparison to the originals.”
“Pp’s main weakness is that its gameplay is quite mechanically simple.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a charming retro pixel art style that evokes nostalgia for classic adventure games, with well-designed sprites and animations that enhance the overall aesthetic. While some users noted minor issues with UI clarity and transitions, the visuals are generally praised for their endearing quality and ability to effectively convey character and humor. Overall, the art style complements the game's writing and music, creating a cohesive and enjoyable experience.
“The game's art style does a more than competent job of characterizing the cast, complemented by a beautiful OST that fits the tone of the game perfectly.”
“The visuals and the sprites are neat; every character is very recognizable, and it's pretty to look at.”
“I really like the visuals and animations; I liked that there were extra dialogues if you presented a related but wrong piece of evidence.”
“It starts with small things like the UI not making it obvious at all what option is being selected, the font kerning being awful (especially around some letters like 'e m' reads like 'em') or just in general a significant lack of transitions such as fade out or just the choice menu aesthetic which feels very basic.”
“The visuals are a little clunky at times, but still quite endearing.”
“Compared to them it has worse graphics but honestly better writing.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, with players noting its charm and cleverness, often drawing comparisons to the Ace Attorney series. While some interactions may lack comedic depth, standout moments and witty dialogue, including clever puns and character quips, contribute to a balanced tone that enhances the overall experience without becoming overwhelming.
“The game strikes a good balance between humor and groundedness.”
“The humor is very charming and a bit like a more subdued version of Ace Attorney.”
“The game is funny when it wants to be without being obnoxious and emotional when it needs to be without being awkward.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a nuanced portrayal of characters, where stoic males are often depicted as misguided, while emotional females navigate challenges more effectively. Players appreciate the balance of deep emotional moments with a wholesome tone, alongside well-placed poignant scenes that enhance narrative investment. The game successfully blends humor and emotion, creating a compelling experience without veering into awkwardness.
“It felt so deep yet somehow managed to remain wholesome, even in the more serious moments.”
“There were a number of poignant scenes in the right places, which only made me feel more invested in the narrative.”
“The game is funny when it wants to be without being obnoxious and emotional when it needs to be without being awkward.”
- character development5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Character development in the game features varied and eccentric designs that effectively convey a range of emotions, though some characters, like Swift, experience underdeveloped arcs that detract from their overall impact. While the character designs are colorful and relatable, they lack memorability compared to more extreme styles, leading to a mixed reception regarding their depth and development.
“Character designs are varied and eccentric without going too over the top, with just enough animations and poses to express a broad range of emotions.”
“Certain character development feels flawed; for example, Swift has a great ending character arc, but how she gets there is underdeveloped.”
“Character designs are largely toned down relative to the wacky extremes of other series—bright and colorful, but recognizable, ordinary people.”
“The character designs are clearly intended to be wacky (emulating the Ace Attorney series) with clear animations, but none of them really felt memorable, which goes into my next point.”
“Character designs are largely toned down relative to the wacky extremes of Ace Attorney - bright and colorful, but recognizable, ordinary people.”
“I do have a few minor gripes related to UI and some character designs and mechanics, but I’ll save those for when I talk more in-depth about the game.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by stunning art and a grounded narrative that avoids common pitfalls found in similar titles, creating an immersive experience that feels authentic and relatable. Reviewers appreciate how the design and storytelling work together to maintain a cohesive and engaging environment throughout the game.
“The art was also amazing; it really added to the atmosphere.”
“The sound design immerses you completely, enhancing the overall atmosphere.”
“The lighting and environmental details create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
“Despite the interesting premise, the overall atmosphere is dull and fails to evoke any real emotion or tension.”
“The game tries to create a tense atmosphere, but it often falls short, leaving players feeling disconnected from the story.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers an enjoyable experience, but its replayability is notably low, suggesting limited incentive for players to revisit it after completing it.
