Papers, Please

Papers, Please is a puzzle game with a unique concept: you play as an immigration official that does his job of controlling the border between two fictional countries, Kolechia and Arstotzka. Download Papers, Please and guard the border with great fervor.

Graphics 3/5

Papers, Please app employs a rather original visual style that doesn't look like anything else. A bleak world of the Cold War era you'll find yourself in is somewhat greyish and uncomfortable, and while that can easily get on your nerves, that same style creates an incredible atmosphere. The game looks pretty oudated, reminding you of retro video games, so don't expect much from it in terms of visual perfection.

Gameplay 5/5

Anyway, this Papers, Please full game isn't about graphics at all. What makes it so outstanding is its unique gameplay concept and mechanics. You play as an official guarding the border that separates two countries, Kolechia and Arstotzka. Your job is to check passports and other documents, looking for any mismatches or missing data. Once the documents get checked, you put a stamp, denying or approving the access to your glorious country.

While a video game revolving around tons of paperwork sounds like the most boring thing you can possibly imagine, the Papers, Please gameplay is unbelievably engaging. Not only does it offer you a surprisingly satisfying detective aspect, but it also presents you with extremely tough moral choices. A choice, however, has to be made considering the well-being of your family back home, and it's up to you to decide what's more important, being morally right or providing for the family.

Controls 5/5

There are not too many controls in this game: actually, you are going to need only your mouse. And while it's more than enough to browse various documents, matching data and looking for smugglers and bombers, it's the interface that makes the Papers, Please puzzle game so comfortable and rather immersive. The overall design suits the game perfectly, allowing you to see the results of the choice you've just made instantly.

Replay Value 4/5

The game features a story mode that allows you to see even more sense behind that dull paperwork, making your decisions a part of some bigger scheme. And once you've finished the campaign, there always are alternative endings you can go on and chase. The game also has the so-called Endless, or free-playing mode that allows you to play as long as you want.

The Bottom Line

Brilliant and engaging, Papers, Please is one of the most unusual indie games you can find. So don't hesitate and download Papers, Please.

• Graphics 3
• Gameplay 5
• Controls 5
• Replay Value 4

Pros

Unique gameplay;
Immersive interface;
High replay value.

Cons

Outdated graphics;
Not for everyone.