Papers, Please is an indie game in the simulator genre, created by the developer Lucas Poup and released in 2013. Despite its relatively modest graphics and simple plot, this game left a deep mark in the hearts of players and critics around the world. In this review, we will examine in detail the main features of the game, its plot, gameplay and philosophical issues that it raises.

1. Idea and plot

Plot: Building a system

The action of Papers, Please takes place in the fictional country of Arstottsi, located in Eastern Europe in alternative reality. Arstotzi is experiencing an economic crisis and political instability. The main character of the game is the inspector at the border post, who checks the documents of people arriving in the country. His responsibilities include not only checking passports, but also identifying violators - such as illegal migrants, terrorists and spies. He must follow the order, but at the same time faces moral dilemmas when his decisions affect the fate of people.

Psychological aspect of the game

The game affects moral and ethics issues. Every day, the player decides to whom to enter the country and who do not let go. These decisions are not always obvious, and human destinies are behind them. What is more important - the fulfillment of duty or compassion for people? This is one of the key questions that Papers, Please asks the player.

2. Gameplay: Difficulty and details

Inspection routine

In Papers, Please, the player acts as a border inspector checking the documents. Every day, new elements are added to the game that complicate the work:

• Documents check: Passports, visas, photos - everything should be carefully verified for the presence of errors and inconsistencies.
• New rules: An additional requirements appear with each new day: someone must have certain documents, someone does not. The player needs to be careful and respond quickly to changes.
• Personal life: Helping the border service, the player must take care of his family, buy food, medicine, etc. These tasks impose an additional voltage and add an element of survival.

Moral elections

Each solution in the game is not simple. Often the choice consists between fulfilling your duty and humanity. Some people come with fake documents, others with tragic stories, but all this makes the player ask the question: “What is right?” Often behind the solution is personal morality and even a political position.

3. Philosophy and influence on the player

Reflection of realities

Papers, Please is not just a game, this is a philosophical reflection on the topic of power, fear, truth and justice. The player can feel like a part of a cruel machine where each of his choice is controlled by the system, and its framework limits his freedom. This experience makes us think about real world events - about migration crises, dictatorships and mass repressions.

Morality and survival

Each decision made has consequences. For example, if you let the criminal into the country or provide assistance to the needy person, you will face certain consequences. The game shows how complex moral dilemmas are in the conditions of survival and a cruel political situation. Some decisions can lead to tragedy, while others - to victory, but even victories do not always bring satisfaction.

4. Graphics and sound: minimalism, but effectiveness

Graphic design

The game does not claim the realism of graphics, but its style is quite appropriate for the chosen subject. Pixel graphics, animations and dull color palette create an atmosphere of cold, gloomy reality, where every day is the struggle for survival.

Sound and music

Sound accompaniment of the game also deserves attention. Minimalistic music is not obsessive, which enhances the feeling of anxiety and hopelessness. Sounds, such as a stamp on a passport or clicking doors, become an integral part of the atmosphere of the game.

5. Reigracy and immersion in the game

A variety of solutions

Papers, Please has high reiglable due to many decisions that the player can make. Each new passage of the game can lead to other consequences, open new endings and unfold new aspects of history. Thus, each player can get a unique experience that will depend on how he solves various moral and ethical dilemmas.

Emotional involvement

The game makes you worry, it does not let go of the player even after the completion of the passage. Many players say that Papers, please is not just a game, but a real experience that makes you think about life and their actions.

6. Conclusion: A game that leaves a trace

Papers, Please is not just a game, it is a social and moral experiment that opens up a world in front of the player full of difficult solutions and ethical issues. Simplicity of the mechanic and graphs do not interfere with the game to be deep and multi -layered, and its ability to make you think about the real problems of our time makes it one of the most powerful games in its genre.

This is a work of art, which deserves attention not only of Indie-IGR lovers, but also those who are looking for not only entertainment in games, but also food for thought.

Pros:

• Deep moral dilemma.
• Strong atmosphere.
• High reiglable.

Cons:

• Simple graphics.
• Sometimes too monotonous gameplay.

Papers, Please is one of those games that can change your perception of video games as a form of art.