Papers, Please immerses players in a fictional world comprising seven countries, with the core gameplay set in Arstotzka, a communist state where you serve as a border inspector at the Grestin checkpoint. Arstotzka and its neighboring country, Kolechia, share the city of Grestin, which is divided between them—west for Kolechia and east for Arstotzka.
Setting and Background
The game is set shortly after the conclusion of the Six-Year War between Arstotzka and Kolechia. Although details about the war are sparse, it is known that the conflict has resulted in the division of Grestin. As the new border inspector, you are thrust into this tense environment where your duties will shape the lives of many.
Inspecting Immigrants
As a border inspector at Grestin’s checkpoint, your task is to scrutinize immigrants from Kolechia seeking entry into Arstotzka. This job, assigned to you via lottery, may seem monotonous but is fraught with responsibility. You will encounter potential criminals, terrorists, smugglers, and thieves. Precision and vigilance are crucial as you check documents, verify identities, and ensure that only lawful individuals cross the border.
Additionally, you must manage your family’s well-being, including your wife, son, uncle, and mother-in-law. Each day ends with a summary of your earnings and expenses, requiring you to balance your financial responsibilities. Accepting bribes to boost your income is an option, but beware of the Ministry of Admission’s scrutiny—getting caught could lead to hefty fines.
Story Mode
Papers, Please features 31 playable days and 20 different endings, which are influenced by your choices as an immigration inspector. While the game’s mechanics are straightforward, each day introduces new regulations and challenges, making it crucial to stay adaptable and compliant to avoid penalties.
You will use various Ministry of Admission systems, including:
- Inspection: Carefully review immigrants’ documents and verify their authenticity.
- Scanning: Detect potential weapons or explosives using a scanner.
- Fingerprinting: Compare fingerprints to ensure the accuracy of identities, especially when photos do not match or documents contain inconsistencies.
Reception
Papers, Please has received widespread acclaim for its unique gameplay and has won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Games Award for Strategy and Simulation, alongside numerous positive reviews from critics.
Key Features:
- Become an Immigration Inspector: Step into the role of a border inspector in the fictional communist country of Arstotzka.
- Experience Bureaucratic Complexity: Navigate the intricate bureaucracy of a communist regime.
- Inspect, Scan, and Interrogate: Verify identities and prevent dangerous individuals from crossing the border.
- Support Your Family: Earn and manage money to meet your family’s needs and keep them healthy.
- Follow the Rules: Adhere to immigration protocols and avoid fines from the Ministry of Admission.
Dive into Papers, Please and experience a gripping blend of strategy, simulation, and moral decision-making in a richly detailed dystopian world.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.