Summary
Papers, Please was developed by Lucas Pope beginning in November, 2012 using the Haxe programming language and the NME framework, both open-source. As an American living in Japan, Pope dealt with immigration in his international travels and thought the experience, which he describes as "tense", could be made into a fun game. Before release, Pope had set up a name submission form for the public, where people could submit their own names to be randomly assigned to scripted characters in the game. Papers, Please was submitted to Steam Greenlight on April 11, 2013 and was greenlit on May 1.
Storyline
The gameplay of Papers, Please focuses on the work life of an immigration inspector at a border checkpoint for the fictitious Eastern Bloc country of Arstotzka. The player inspects would-be immigrants' documents and uses a sparse array of tools to determine whether the papers are in order for the purpose of keeping spies, smugglers and other unwanted individuals out of the country. At the end of each in-game day, the player earns money based on how many immigrants they processed less any penalties for mistakes, and then must decide on a simple budget to spend that money on rent, food, heat, and other necessities in low-class housing for themselves and their family. As relations between Arstotzka and nearby countries deteriorate due to multiple terrorist attacks, each day introduces a new set of rules for immigration based on the game's story, such as denying citizens of specific countries or demanding more exacting identification from citizens. The player may be challenged with moral dilemmas and social engineering as the game progresses; such as allowing the supposed spouse of one immigrant through despite them lacking complete papers, even though they may be planning to attack your fellow guards.
A mysterious anti-government organisation also appears, with several of its members appearing in the checkpoint, giving the inspector orders on what to do in order to help the organisation bring down the government and establish a new one; the player can choose whether or not to help this organisation.
The game has a scripted story mode with multiple possible endings depending on the player's previous actions, as well as an unlockable, randomized endless-play mode.
Papers, Please has been praised by the sense of immersion provided by the game mechanics, and the intense emotional reaction.[12] CBC News' Jonathan Ore called Papers, Please a "nerve-racking sleuthing game with relentless pacing and dozens of compelling characters - all from a desk job"
Papers, Please Activation Instructions
Papers, Please Reviews & Ratings
Maybe one of the first games that made indie games rise. And still one of the best. A border guard trying to do his job in a corrupt and mixedMaybe one of the first games that made indie games rise. And still one of the best. A border guard trying to do his job in a corrupt and mixed land. Those who cannot play lose a lot.
Working in military security myself, and having years of ID checking experience, I couldn't imagine anyone could make a "game" of it. It'sWorking in military security myself, and having years of ID checking experience, I couldn't imagine anyone could make a "game" of it. It's boring, tedious, thankless work.Somehow they pulled it off. What I find mind-numbing at work, I find pleasantly challenging within the game. In fact, I may even believe that the game has made me better at my job, by reminding me how easily those little details can slip by unnoticed.If you want to test your attention to detail and get immersed into Cold War era Asia, give the game a look.
Never imagined that playing (working) as an immigration officer could be so fun, but "Papers, Please" is an incredibly catchy game. It'sNever imagined that playing (working) as an immigration officer could be so fun, but "Papers, Please" is an incredibly catchy game. It's dark, it's funny, it's original. Intense experience. Glory to Arstotzka! 8/10
A damn fine experience. This game is something genuinely unique and while I would have loved for get even more it was still more than I seeA damn fine experience. This game is something genuinely unique and while I would have loved for get even more it was still more than I see from most any other game out there. Specifics are hard to get into but it is an interesting of blending precision with tedium. Word of warning, this is a puzzle game more than you would realize but it is one that somehow managed to make that is boring seems fun! Crazy? You bet! And yet it's true. If you're hesitant, check out Youtube or wait for a Steam sale. This is definitely something to consider when you have the time.
It's a tribute to the Cold War. An addictive game that's full of sarcasm and social commentary. A game that you should definitely try.
| Release Date | August 8, 2013 |
| Publisher | 3909, Lucas Pope |
| Content Rated | M (Mature) |
| Game Modes | Single player |
| Player Perspectives | First person, Text |
| Genres | Point-and-click, Puzzle, Simulator, Indie |
| Themes | Thriller |
| Platforms | Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, iOS, PlayStation Vita |
