Papers, Please

- Reviewed on PC -

Papers, Please released on August 8th, 2013.

Developed by 3909 LLC, Papers, Please is a distinctive simulation game that puts you in the shoes of an immigration officer stationed at a border checkpoint in a fictional Eastern Bloc-style country.

From the moment you start, the game’s retro pixel art style draws you in with its simplicity and charm, yet beneath that minimalist exterior lies a deep, engaging experience.

This review WILL have Major Spoilers so keep that in mind before continuing...

Set in the fictional country of Arstotzka, Papers, Please explores a richly detailed dystopian world where political tensions run high and every decision can have far-reaching consequences.

As the border inspector, you find yourself at the intersection of personal and political drama.

Over the course of the game, you encounter a diverse cast of characters: desperate refugees, spies, smugglers, and ordinary people trying to reunite with loved ones.

Each interaction presents a moral dilemma—do you follow the rules strictly, or bend them to help someone in need?

What really stands out is the game’s slow, steady pace of introducing new mechanics.

Each day brings fresh regulations, new document types, and heightened security measures, which build naturally into the gameplay without ever feeling overwhelming or unfair.

This measured progression makes the game accessible to newcomers while still offering strategic depth to seasoned players.

The rhythm of the day-to-day tasks strikes a balance between routine and challenge, mirroring the real-life monotony and pressure of border control work.

The game’s story unfolds gradually through these encounters and through official communications, revealing a complex web of intrigue involving corrupt government officials, underground resistance groups, and international espionage.

The fictional countries and detailed lore create a world that feels lived-in and believable, making the stakes of your decisions all the more impactful.

One of the most impressive aspects of Papers, Please is how it captures the tension and ethical ambiguity of working at a border checkpoint.

The pressure to balance personal conscience with job security—and the very real threat of consequences if you fail—keeps the gameplay intense.

It’s a masterclass in storytelling through gameplay, where your choices truly shape the outcome.

The immersive nature of the job simulation is heightened by the painstaking attention to detail in the document verification process.

You’ll cross-reference ID cards, passports, entry permits, and vaccination records, scanning for inconsistencies and forged papers.

The feeling of actually “working” the desk is surprisingly authentic, making you appreciate the complexities of border security.

However, the game’s minimalistic approach extends to its audio design as well.

Aside from a haunting and memorable main menu theme, there is no background music during gameplay.

This silence can enhance immersion by focusing your attention, but it may also feel stark or too quiet for some players, especially during longer sessions.

Though the gameplay is engrossing, it can feel slow or repetitive if you play many in-game days in a row.

The steady pacing is generally a strength, but it also means the game is best enjoyed in shorter bursts rather than marathon sessions.

Pros: 

    - Unique, charming pixel art that perfectly fits the tone

    - Gradual, thoughtful introduction of new mechanics keeps gameplay engaging

    - Deep, well-crafted lore and a compelling fictional world

    - Highly immersive simulation of border checkpoint duties

    - Complex moral choices that affect multiple endings

    - Strong emotional and narrative impact through gameplay

Cons:

    - Lack of in-game music beyond the main menu can feel too quiet

    - Gameplay pacing may feel slow or repetitive during extended play

My Rating for Papers, Please (on PC):

4 / 5

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Disclaimer

All Reviews, Ratings, Pros, Cons, and Opinions Shared on this Blog (Press A Reviews) are my (Connor Butler) own Thoughts and Feelings.