Papers, Please is an indie puzzle simulation game created by Lucas Pope. The game follows the player as a border-crossing immigration officer in a dystopian country called Arstozka. The game has multiple endings depending on the choices the player makes. Throughout the game, the player must complete tasks: allowing citizens with correct information into the country, detaining those with inaccuracies, making enough money to support your family, and keeping up with the in-game politics.
Papers, Please was first released on Microsoft Windows on August 13 and was priced at ten dollars, with the game constantly going on sale. Due to notable YouTubers like Markiplier, PewDiePie, and Kubz Scouts creating series-long gameplay videos for their fans, the game eventually gained enough traction to be played on IOS devices on December 12, and is now only five dollars, half of the computer version’s price.
The characters presented in Papers, Please are pixelated figures. The dark aesthetic matches the themes present in the game. The background music when loading into the game is called “Glory to Astrozka.” The beginning theme is a very slow, deep, marching rhythm with no words. During the gameplay, the player will hear sound effects coming from characters that are looking to be checked, ambient music, and different theme songs depending on the player’s performance.
The game controls are simple, with a “how to” manual available throughout the game in case the player forgets button controls or new rule changes that have occurred in game. This makes the player’s experience more enjoyable.
While playing in my free time, I enjoyed the game and found it to be a fun mind-teaser during passing periods or when I’m bored. Stakes are increased throughout playthrough based on the choices the player makes, resulting in different outcomes.
I would recommend Papers, Please to anyone who enjoys memorization games or stories with multiple endings. It is worth the price.
