Papers, Please

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.

80%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

grinding, stability

97% User Score Based on 40,169 reviews

Critic Score 85%Based on 3 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $9.99

Buy NowGet on Steam$9.99

Buy NowGet on Apple Store

About

"Papers, Please" is a dystopian document thriller where you play as a border control officer at a checkpoint in the fictional Arstotzka. As the game progresses, you must check and approve or deny entry to people from different nations by examining their documents for errors, discrepancies, and validations. The game features a unique blend of strategy, simulation, and narrative, with awards from The New Yorker, BAFTA, IGF, and more, recognizing its innovative gameplay and storytelling.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 40,172 reviews

story2.3k positive mentions

grinding356 negative mentions

The minimalist pixel art style effectively conveys the bleak atmosphere of a totalitarian regime, enhancing the game's narrative and emotional depth.
The gameplay is engaging and thought-provoking, featuring unique mechanics centered around document inspection and moral dilemmas that keep the experience fresh.
The story is compelling and emotionally impactful, with multiple endings that encourage replayability and challenge players' ethics and empathy.

The graphics can be simplistic and occasionally difficult to interpret, which may detract from the overall experience for some players.
The gameplay can feel tedious and repetitive, with some players finding it exhausting and lacking variety after multiple playthroughs.
While the music enhances the atmosphere, it can become repetitive over time, leading to a less immersive experience in subsequent runs.

story
5,140 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
53%
2%
The story of "Papers, Please" is widely praised for its depth and emotional impact, set against the backdrop of a dystopian regime where players assume the role of a border inspector. Players navigate moral dilemmas as they decide the fates of various characters seeking entry into the fictional country of Arstotzka, with choices leading to multiple endings—over 20 in total. The game effectively intertwines gameplay mechanics with storytelling, creating a compelling narrative that challenges players' ethics and empathy while managing the mundane tasks of immigration control.
- “The story was compelling, and I really enjoyed seeing all the different characters you meet.”
- “Papers, Please offers a lot of interesting and well-written story, alongside extremely engaging gameplay that isn't afraid to punish you for making mistakes but isn't overwhelmingly harsh with them.”
- “The game has a very compelling story about life in a totalitarian state, interesting gameplay mechanics that don’t become repetitive even after long play sessions, and a unique art style that captures the grim life in such a state.”
- “The story is pretty simple and easy enough to follow, but some of the interactions that you can have with NPCs or Ezic really spice up the experience.”
- “The gameplay starts to expand while developing through the story.”
- “The story is well done and you keep wanting to try for the good endings.”
gameplay
3,547 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
56%
6%
The gameplay of "Papers, Please" is characterized by its unique and engaging mechanics centered around document inspection, where players must check the validity of various papers under time constraints. While the core gameplay loop may seem repetitive, it evolves with new rules and challenges, keeping the experience fresh and compelling. The integration of moral dilemmas and narrative depth enhances the gameplay, making it a thought-provoking and addictive experience despite its seemingly mundane premise.
- “The gameplay was so fun and I liked how it was always changing.”
- “The game has a very compelling story about life in a totalitarian state, interesting gameplay mechanics that don’t become repetitive even after long play sessions, and a unique art style that captures the grim life in such a state.”
- “The gameplay involves lots of reading and paying attention to minor details, along with a grounded story, which makes a complete package you wouldn't find anywhere else.”
- “The gameplay is both frustrating and tedious, but I'm pretty sure that's the point.”
- “Starts getting boring once you've played multiple times because the story happens very slowly and the actual gameplay is exhausting and doesn't change much.”
- “The gameplay is very boring and repetitive; that's one of the reasons why I refunded it.”
graphics
1,904 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
62%
5%
The graphics of "Papers, Please" are characterized by a minimalist pixel art style that effectively conveys the bleak and oppressive atmosphere of a totalitarian regime. While some players find the retro visuals charming and fitting for the game's 1980s setting, others criticize them for being simplistic and occasionally difficult to interpret. Overall, the graphics serve the narrative well, emphasizing the game's themes over visual fidelity, and many reviewers agree that the gameplay and story far outweigh any graphical shortcomings.
- “The graphics are simple but brilliant, perfectly capturing the bleak monotony of the job.”
- “The pixel art style evokes a nostalgic charm while effectively conveying the oppressive atmosphere of the dystopian setting.”
- “The retro graphics, music, and gameplay mechanics make for a beautifully executed little game.”
- “The graphics look like they were borrowed from a 1982 typewriter, and somehow, it’s perfect.”
- “The graphics are not cyberpunk 2077, but what is?”
- “The graphics may make it difficult for players to read documents or recognize characters.”
music
993 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
52%
4%
The music in "Papers, Please" is widely praised for its ability to enhance the game's oppressive atmosphere, with many players noting its catchy and memorable quality. While the soundtrack is limited, featuring only a few tracks that play during key moments, it effectively captures the game's bleak, bureaucratic setting and resonates with players long after they finish the game. Overall, the music is considered a significant aspect of the game's immersive experience, contributing to its emotional depth and thematic coherence.
- “The music, the art style, and overall aesthetics of the game also fit very well with the overall tone of the game.”
- “The soundtrack is nothing short of phenomenal.”
- “The music sets the mood correctly and the story is actually enjoyable with multiple endings.”
- “The game's soundtrack reflects the atmosphere of the game, but does not offer much variety.”
- “The music can be repetitive after a few playthroughs, but still is an awesome game.”
- “The graphics suck, the music sucks but this game is really, really addictive.”
humor
795 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Papers, Please" is a standout feature, blending dark, dry wit with absurdity in a bureaucratic setting. Players frequently encounter quirky characters and hilarious dialogue, particularly from the recurring character Jorji Costava, whose antics provide comic relief amidst the game's serious themes of immigration and moral dilemmas. Overall, the game successfully balances humor with emotional depth, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- “In conclusion, Papers, Please is a hilarious, soul-crushing rollercoaster of moral ambiguity and relentless bureaucracy.”
- “The humor is a standout, too.”
- “The game is both haunting and hilarious, a dance of survival.”
- “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, and gives you the sense it is in fact trying to convince you of something in an ideological way. I don't think this was thought of as some form of propaganda or that it has a straight political reading, but the fact is the game only defies you but is not very enjoyable, and also lacks variety once you have discovered all the mechanics and played both modes.”
- “And this game is supposed to be funny?!?!?”
replayability
689 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
52%
3%
The game boasts exceptional replayability, primarily due to its 20 different endings and the impact of player choices on the narrative. Many players appreciate the engaging mechanics and the ability to explore various outcomes, making it a game that encourages multiple playthroughs. While some find the gameplay can become repetitive after several runs, the overall consensus is that the diverse endings and moral dilemmas provide significant replay value.
- “There is endless replayability due to the many endings, choices, and random nature of most encounters.”
- “The game has a ton of replay value as well, with 20 endings and a bit of random generation throughout.”
- “The sheer amount of endings means this game has huge replayability and I always find I go back for more!”
- “My main source of disappointment is the lack of replay value.”
- “Unfortunately, due to how scripted the game is, there is little replayability.”
- “I think I will give it another go, or two, to see alternate storylines and endings, but I don't expect it to offer much replayability in the long run, which is totally fine, since I already feel plenty entertained.”
atmosphere
584 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
43%
1%
The atmosphere of "Papers, Please" is widely praised for its immersive and oppressive qualities, effectively capturing the bleakness of a totalitarian regime through its retro pixel art and haunting soundtrack. Players appreciate how the game's minimalist design enhances the emotional weight of their decisions, creating a sense of tension and moral complexity that keeps them engaged. Overall, the combination of strong narrative elements and a meticulously crafted environment makes for a uniquely compelling experience that resonates deeply with players.
- “The atmosphere is so incredibly crafted, it just feels amazing to play.”
- “The pixel art and muted color palette perfectly match the oppressive tone of the game, creating a great atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere is heavy, making every decision feel significant.”
- “The muted colors and stark environments contribute to the oppressive atmosphere, making you feel the weight of your role in this authoritarian world.”
- “The atmosphere is dark yet it has some comic relief with the dialogue.”
grinding
455 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
21%
78%
The aspect of "grinding" in the game is predominantly characterized by its tedious and repetitive gameplay, which simulates the monotonous tasks of a bureaucratic job. While many players find this aspect frustrating and exhausting, others appreciate the intentional design that reflects the nature of such work, leading to a surprisingly engaging experience despite its grindy elements. Overall, the game is described as both addictive and tedious, with a strong emphasis on attention to detail and the emotional weight of the decisions made during gameplay.
- “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 players can explore the new stuff the game throws at you.”
- “That balance is done very well where it doesn't get boring, yet not too tedious or hard.”
- “It isn't as tedious as you might think, but the user interface emulates limited desk space almost too well.”
- “The gameplay is both frustrating and tedious, but I'm pretty sure that's the point.”
- “The game can feel tedious; a lot of manual steps are involved in processing a person, more and more rules for immigration are added which you have to keep track of.”
- “The gameplay is tedious, the situations very similar to real life, and many endings are disappointments.”
emotional
379 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of "Papers, Please" is profoundly impactful, with players frequently describing it as a heart-wrenching experience that evokes strong feelings of empathy and moral conflict. The game's minimalist design belies its deep narrative, as players navigate the emotional toll of making life-altering decisions for characters seeking entry into a dystopian society. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create genuine emotional connections, leading to moments of joy, sadness, and ethical dilemmas that resonate long after gameplay ends.
- “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.”
- “This game is a masterpiece, I have yet to find another game that made me feel like this game did.”
- “The choices in the game, like letting the woman who needs spinal surgery through who doesn't have correct papers, are also emotional; I remember thinking 'this choice is easy, don't let her through, be loyal,' but in the game when it came down to it, I let her through.”
optimization
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
76%
4%
The game's optimization is highly praised, with players reporting smooth performance across various hardware, including low-end PCs. There are minimal to no bugs or glitches, allowing for an immersive experience that emphasizes the impact of player performance on both gameplay and narrative outcomes. Overall, the game runs efficiently, making it accessible to a wide range of players without significant technical issues.
- “In terms of optimization, it's enough to say that I didn't encounter any problems throughout my gameplay.”
- “The game runs smoothly and is filled with little intricacies like having to organize your desk and creating a system for moving documents around.”
- “The gameplay becomes increasingly complex and ties your performance directly to how well you are able to take care of your in-game family.”
- “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.”
- “The game also penalizes you for misperformances, and fewer credits means your family might go without food or heat for a few days (or weeks).”
- “I actually found myself getting stressed during gameplay to up my performance so that my family didn't starve or get sick and die.”
stability
33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
9%
79%
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with most players reporting solid performance and minimal bugs or glitches during gameplay. Some minor issues, such as a freezing exit button and fullscreen display problems, were noted, but these did not significantly detract from the experience. Players appreciated the game's ability to run smoothly even on lower-spec machines, contributing to a stable and enjoyable gaming 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.”
- “However, it's not buggy or clunky or anything like that; any slowness in the gameplay is by design.”
- “No glitches, no freezing.”
- “Only issues are the exit button just freezes the game and fullscreen mode has a black border around the game.”
- “It's great minus how the right side of the screen glitches out.”
- “Trying to get information out of the UI is a pain, because of how ugly, cramped, and buggy things get.”
monetization
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
32%
58%
The monetization aspect of the game is largely praised for its absence of microtransactions, which many players appreciate as a refreshing change in an industry often criticized for cash grabs. Players value the game's focus on storytelling and gameplay over monetization strategies, with some expressing a willingness to pay a fair price for the experience rather than engage with in-game purchases. Overall, the game's approach to monetization is seen as a positive feature that enhances its artistic integrity.
- “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, 'Papers, Please' is a good reminder of how games can be art.”
- “No microtransactions and a gripping and involving story are some of the best parts.”
- “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.”
character development
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
Character development in the game is noted for its depth and meaningful impact, with players experiencing a range of emotions through well-designed characters and an expansive narrative. While some reviews mention a lack of traditional narrative depth, others highlight the clever storytelling and the weight of player decisions, which contribute to a rich character experience. Overall, the character design and development are praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere and replayability.
- “The music is great, the character design and storytelling is top notch, and the replayability is amazing.”
- “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.”
- “The character designs range from 'grim' to 'even grimmer,' making every day at the border feel like a grey, pixelated parade of misery.”
- “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.”