Papers, Please Game Cover
If you ever wanted to experience the helplessness that you went through from playing Telltale's The Watching Dead, mixed with detective skills of Phoenix Wright - I highly encourage you in picking this up.

In "Papers, Please" , you play as a border control officer in a dystopian society, deciding who can enter based on documents they provide. This unique document thriller game has won numerous awards, including Best Game of 2013 from The New Yorker and Wired Magazine, and Best Strategy & Simulation Game 2014 from BAFTA. The game excellently combines strategy, narrative, and innovation, making it a must-play for any serious gamer. Note: No information about the developer, publisher, or release date is provided.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station Vita
  • Tablet

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 34,909 reviews
story1,986 positive mentions
grinding301 negative mentions
  • story4,388 mentions

    The story of "Papers, Please" is widely praised for its depth and emotional impact, weaving a narrative that explores themes of morality, bureaucracy, and the human condition within a dystopian setting. Players take on the role of a border inspector in the fictional country of Arstotzka, where their choices significantly affect the outcomes of various characters' lives, leading to multiple endings that enhance replayability. The game effectively combines simple mechanics with a compelling storyline, making it a standout example of storytelling in video games.

    • “The developer did an excellent job creating a story that goes so well with the gameplay.”
    • “The story is rich, yet is only told through the occasional chat you have with total strangers.”
    • “I found myself not so motivated to explore different story options and play around with the game outside of one failed playthrough and then one playthrough to the end.”
    • “The story is surprisingly in-depth and very interactive, with 20 different endings to discover based on your decisions.”
    • “I do have to say the endings are a little underwhelming—they just feel a little clinical and sparse in their storytelling.”
  • gameplay2,988 mentions

    The gameplay of "Papers, Please" is characterized by its unique mechanics centered around document inspection, where players must check the validity of various papers under time constraints. While the mechanics are simple and can become repetitive, they evolve throughout the game, introducing new challenges that keep the experience engaging and thought-provoking. The integration of moral dilemmas and narrative depth enhances the gameplay, making it a compelling exploration of bureaucracy and ethical decision-making in a dystopian setting.

    • “Papers, Please has the best example of gameplay supporting the narrative and atmosphere that I've ever seen in a game, and it still manages to be fun and engaging despite essentially being bureaucracy incarnate.”
    • “The gameplay loop is engaging and it has some really good comedic moments as well.”
    • “The gameplay is surprisingly fun, as I played it as more of a puzzle game, trying to find the one missing piece in that person's data.”
    • “Interesting premise and neat way of blending narrative and mechanics, but the core gameplay becomes dull and repetitive very quickly.”
    • “The gameplay quickly became repetitive, check this against this, that against that, and so on.”
    • “The gameplay is literally the same as being a border guard.”
  • graphics1,645 mentions

    The graphics of "Papers, Please" are characterized by a retro, pixelated art style that effectively conveys the bleak and oppressive atmosphere of its dystopian setting. While some players find the simplistic visuals challenging, particularly in identifying characters and details, many appreciate how the graphics enhance the game's themes and narrative depth. Overall, the minimalist aesthetic is seen as a deliberate choice that complements the gameplay, emphasizing the moral dilemmas faced by the player rather than detracting from the experience.

    • “The pixel art style evokes a nostalgic charm while effectively conveying the oppressive atmosphere of the dystopian setting.”
    • “The graphics, consisting of monochromic palettes, finely portray that of the melancholic and grim then-dictatorship the game takes inspiration from.”
    • “Visually, the game's minimalist art style perfectly captures the bleak, oppressive atmosphere of arstotzka.”
    • “The game's graphics may make it difficult for players to read documents or recognize characters.”
    • “Without a doubt the graphics are executed at a very poor level.”
    • “The graphics are straight out of a Commodore 64, so don't expect any fancy visuals.”
  • music853 mentions

    The music in "Papers, Please" is widely praised for its ability to enhance the game's oppressive atmosphere, with a haunting and minimalist soundtrack that effectively captures the bleakness of the setting. While the game features a limited number of tracks, each piece is noted for its emotional resonance, making the music memorable and impactful. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout element that complements the game's narrative and gameplay, despite some critiques regarding its repetitiveness.

    • “The music is a subtle masterpiece capturing the monotony and tension of life at the border.”
    • “Combined with the haunting soundtrack that resonates with the game's somber tone, it creates an unforgettable experience.”
    • “The music, art style, and overall aesthetics of the game also fit very well with the overall tone of the game.”
    • “The game's soundtrack reflects the atmosphere of the game, but does not offer much variety.”
    • “The music and sounds of the game may be considered inadequate or repetitive.”
    • “The graphics suck, the music sucks but this game is really, really addictive.”
  • humor669 mentions

    The humor in "Papers, Please" is a blend of dark, dry, and absurd comedy, often arising from the quirky interactions with characters like Jorji Costava, who adds a lighthearted touch to the otherwise bleak setting. Players appreciate the game's ability to juxtapose serious moral dilemmas with humorous moments, making the bureaucratic tasks engaging and entertaining. Overall, the humor is seen as a key element that enhances the game's emotional depth and replayability, providing both laughs and poignant reflections on the human condition.

    • “Despite the serious theme, the game is peppered with humorous moments often arising from the quirky interactions with the entrants.”
    • “The world is cleverly built and the narrative very well written, exploring the absurdity of the austere and bureaucratic context to humorous effect.”
    • “Papers, Please is an extraordinary mish-mash of challenging gameplay, funny dialogue, and atmospheric storytelling.”
    • “It's not funny.”
    • “I bought it because I thought the dystopia would be so exaggerated it would be funny, but in fact it is not funny at all. The game is quite boring, seems to try to frustrate and depress you with the moral decisions you're forced to take in order not to die or get bankrupt. It gives you the sense it is trying to convince you of something in an ideological way. I don't think this was intended as some form of propaganda, but the fact is the game only defies you and is not very enjoyable. It also lacks variety once you have discovered all the mechanics and played both modes.”
    • “And this game is supposed to be funny?!?!?”
  • replayability597 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability due to its multiple endings, with many players highlighting the enjoyment of exploring different narrative paths and achieving various outcomes based on their choices. Features like an endless mode and a branching storyline further enhance its replay value, making it appealing for those who enjoy revisiting the game to uncover all its secrets. However, some reviewers noted that the scripted nature of certain events can lead to diminished replayability after several playthroughs.

    • “The game's 20 different endings change according to the choices players make, increasing the replayability of the game.”
    • “Engaging gameplay that offers tons of replayability value as you master the game's mechanics through each subsequent playthrough, each uniquely its own.”
    • “With 20 different endings, loads of different scenario factors dependent on your actions and a quirky cold war theme that fits perfectly, the replay value is huge and I had no worries giving the story mode a few playthroughs.”
    • “Unfortunately, due to how scripted the game is, there is little replayability.”
    • “The game is rather scripted (one look at the wiki will confirm this) so replayability isn't its forte, but it does allow you to start from whichever day you want, which was helpful when trying to 100% the game.”
    • “I think it ought to be mentioned that despite the 20 endings, the game is not great for replayability.”
  • atmosphere506 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Papers, Please" is widely praised for its immersive and oppressive qualities, effectively capturing the bleakness of a dystopian, bureaucratic world reminiscent of Cold War-era Eastern Europe. The game's minimalist pixel art and haunting soundtrack enhance the sense of tension and moral complexity, drawing players into the weighty decisions faced by a border inspector. Overall, the combination of its dark themes, engaging narrative, and unique aesthetic creates a compelling and thought-provoking experience that resonates deeply with players.

    • “The pixel art style captures the bleakness and austerity of Arstotzka, while the haunting soundtrack adds to the game's somber atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere and tension that is created is absolutely amazing.”
    • “Papers, Please perfectly achieves the atmosphere it is striving to convey.”
    • “It's a dull job in a fictional, 'cold' world with minimal aesthetics, strong dystopian atmosphere and oppressive music.”
    • “The atmosphere that the game sets while you are in the game is one of a cold and dead atmosphere while you play as the border inspector.”
    • “The atmosphere is extremely oppressive; the devs did a great job of sucking the player into the world.”
  • grinding379 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Papers, Please" is widely described as tedious and repetitive, reflecting the monotonous nature of the bureaucratic tasks it simulates. Many players find the gameplay engaging initially, but it often becomes overwhelming and frustrating over time, requiring significant attention to detail and leading to a sense of burnout. While some appreciate the game's ability to turn a tedious job into a compelling narrative experience, others feel that the grind can detract from overall enjoyment, making it a polarizing feature of the game.

    • “That balance is done very well where it doesn't get boring, yet not too tedious or hard.”
    • “But this monotony is not tedious; you still get fun while doing it. The pace is not too slow that you get bored, but it is not too fast so the player can explore new stuff the game throws at you.”
    • “It isn't as tedious as you might think, but the user interface emulates limited desk space almost too well.”
    • “The downside is that in spite of its earnest attempts to engross players with efficient use of budget and resources on the developing end, it's an inescapable foundation that the game itself is built on a tedious and droning activity.”
    • “Most of your time is spent validating documents and checking for discrepancies, which I found to be tedious and unrewarding.”
    • “While the gameplay can become somewhat tedious, it works well into the setting and tone of the story as a job like this in real life wouldn't be all that exciting.”
  • emotional325 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Papers, Please" is widely praised for its ability to evoke deep feelings through simple yet impactful storytelling. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from heartwarming moments to gut-wrenching decisions that challenge their morality, often leading to tears and introspection. The game's unique premise of managing a border checkpoint transforms mundane tasks into a profound exploration of human stories, ethics, and the emotional toll of bureaucratic duties.

    • “It takes a simple concept and transforms it into a deep, emotional experience that challenges both heart and mind.”
    • “As you examine passports, visas, and other paperwork, you'll encounter heart-wrenching stories of people desperate to enter the country for various reasons.”
    • “The emotional crescendo of 'Papers, Please' comes not from grandiose cutscenes or explosive action sequences, but from the quiet moments of reflection as you witness the human stories unfolding before you.”
  • optimization61 mentions

    The game's optimization is generally praised, as it runs smoothly on low-end hardware without significant performance issues, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Users report no crashes or lag, although some minor frame drops can occur when adjusting window sizes. The gameplay emphasizes performance, with players' choices affecting both their in-game success and the narrative outcomes, adding depth and replayability to the experience.

    • “In terms of optimization, it's enough to say that I didn't encounter any problems throughout my gameplay.”
    • “Performance is good and not demanding, so bring your toaster laptop/PC without any worries.”
    • “The lives of your family depend on your performance at work, and it creates a sense of urgency.”
    • “After half an hour, it didn't feel like it was going to get any less clumsy, and rather than the dread the game evokes in many people, I wasn't getting invested or feeling like I was under a police state; I felt like I was playing a poorly optimized game.”
    • “I actually found myself getting stressed during gameplay to up my performance so that my family didn't starve or get sick and die.”
    • “I have constant rule changes, I have to keep up a certain level of performance, and I have a mindless amount of minutia to sort through.”
  • stability29 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many players reporting minimal to no bugs or glitches during gameplay. While a few minor issues were noted, such as occasional UI glitches and a fullscreen checkbox problem, these did not significantly impact the overall experience. Players appreciated the game's smooth performance, even on lower-spec machines, contributing to a polished and engaging gameplay experience.

    • “Another big bonus for me is that it runs great on my potato laptop and doesn't require me to connect to a server or play with other teammates depending on me to perform under pressure when I'm limited by my specs.”
    • “Other than that, the game, as far as I played it, was bug-free, though the interface was a bit non-intuitive as far as bringing up the interview screen.”
    • “However, it's not buggy or clunky or anything like that; any slowness in the gameplay is by design.”
    • “The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs/glitches.”
    • “Trying to get information out of the UI is a pain, because of how ugly, cramped, and buggy things get.”
    • “The game is a little buggy for me, but that's only in the menus with audio; the game ran perfectly.”
  • monetization16 mentions

    The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions and DLC, which many players appreciate as a refreshing change in an industry often criticized for cash grabs. Players value the engaging story and gameplay over monetization tactics, highlighting that a compelling experience does not require additional purchases. Overall, the absence of microtransactions is seen as a significant positive aspect of the game.

    • “I love the game, but I wish I could play it on my Android phone. I wouldn't mind if it has microtransactions; although I hate the practice of it, I think I could cope with it or if it costs £6.00 and above, I would still buy it.”
    • “No microtransactions, thank you!”
    • “In today's 'triple A' industry, where it can feel like every game is becoming a cash grab, this game is a good reminder of how games can be art.”
    • “I love the game, but I wish I could play it on my Android phone. I wouldn't mind if it has microtransactions, although I hate the practice of it.”
    • “No microtransactions and a gripping and involving story are some of the best parts.”
  • character development12 mentions

    Overall, character development in "Papers, Please" is praised for its depth and meaningful impact, with players appreciating the well-designed characters and the weight of their decisions throughout the game. While some reviews note a lack of narrative depth, many highlight the clever storytelling and the ability to form connections with recurring characters, enhanced by the game's art style and music. The multiple endings further contribute to the replayability and significance of character interactions.

    • “Despite the game at its core being quite simple, the elements of world-building and character development are still there.”
    • “In correct correlation, the story of Papers, Please is extremely expansive and spans across deep and meaningful character development, while the 20 endings to the story ensure that the decisions made throughout the game will have a meaningful and varied impact.”
    • “However, clever storytelling, surprising character development, and a difficulty curve that increases as the layers of bureaucracy stack up make this game intriguing and surprisingly addictive.”
    • “Furthermore, 'Papers, Please' lacks any meaningful narrative depth or character development.”
    • “Though it's so simple, there is some character development here and there; you'll get to know some recurring characters, and your decisions sometimes have real weight to them.”
    • “In correct correlation, the story of 'Papers, Please' is extremely expansive and spans across deep and meaningful character development, while the 20 endings to the story ensure that the decisions made throughout the game will have a meaningful and varied impact.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

7hMedian play time
14hAverage play time
5hMain story
16hCompletionist
5-15hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 105 analyzed playthroughs

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