A Bleak and Heartwarming Indie Game | Papers, Please Retrospective

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  • Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
  • Glory to Arstotzka. Today, we're looking at a bleak, yet heartwarming indie game by Lucas Pope, the Soviet-inspired document simulator Papers, Please. It's such a simple idea: take control of a border inspector examining immigrants' papers as they try to cross into your country, and denying them if their documentation doesn't match up. This simple idea breeds simple gameplay, but Papers, Please still manages to leave a huge impact on the player. How does a small game like this leave such a devastating impact on the player? Let's find out in my retrospective of Papers, Please. #PapersPlease #LucasPope #GlorytoArstotzka
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    ----
    MUSIC:
    Abandoned by Simon Pettersson
    Afterimage of You by StockMusic
    No Future by Simon Pettersson
    Remembering When by Meditation Quest
    A Love Like No Other by Star Crossed Lovers
    Funeral by Simon Pettersson
    Spirit of Light by Meditation Quest
    Goodbye by Simon Pettersson
    Perfect Life by Cinematic Music
    All songs come from the AudioHero library.
    ----
    TIMECODES
    00:00 - INTRO
    01:12 - DEVELOPMENT
    02:45 - GAMEPLAY
    07:23 - AESTHETICS AND ATMOSPHERE
    10:05 - STORY AND CHARACTERS
    14:25 - ENDINGS
    16:54 - CONCLUSION
    ----
    SOURCES / RECOMMENDED READING
    Papers, Please Development Forums (bit.ly/2PPDOwD)
    Edge Online: The Making of Papers, Please (bit.ly/2RsdGbj)
    Gamasutra: Designing the bleak genius of Papers, Please (bit.ly/3eilSEn)
    The Verge: Immigration as a game: ‘Papers, Please’ makes you the border guard (bit.ly/3nUNy5m)
    Culture Mass: Glory to Arstotzka: Papers, Please and an Interview with Its Creator (bit.ly/3ujmOxJ)
    VG247: Lucas Pope: “I’m kind of sick to death of Papers, Please” (bit.ly/3b1VEUs)
    BBC News: Papers, Please: The ‘boring’ game that became a smash hit (bbc.in/3vI166G)
  • Ігри

КОМЕНТАРІ • 507

  • @ihitonmilfs
    @ihitonmilfs Рік тому +5630

    The best ending is when you have to flee for your life and all you have is a bunch of counterfeit passports, but the inspector let's you through anyway
    It hit me so hard being the one on the other side of that booth

    • @areaxisthegurkha
      @areaxisthegurkha Рік тому +876

      You realise that Obristan security inspector does not have any governmental pressure on him and therefore let them pass without further inspection. Otherwise maybe the Counterfeits were well made.

    • @melissa7611
      @melissa7611 Рік тому +67

      Sometimes the mirror is upside down

    • @Basil_liy
      @Basil_liy Рік тому +199

      Since Jorgi knows of a forger... We may never know if his Obristan passport is a legit...

    • @Nalayo1
      @Nalayo1 Рік тому +322

      @@Basil_liy his passport birthday date always changes to the current date he is meeting you

    • @Basil_liy
      @Basil_liy Рік тому +31

      ayo wait what

  • @forecastlotus3899
    @forecastlotus3899 Рік тому +4094

    Reasons I love Jorji is simple really, he keeps coming back, I see people who are practically nameless to me on this job and yet he keeps coming back. He doesn't get mad or sad when I detain or deny him, he just says he understands and accepts it and yet going from a nameless man without a passport to somebody who gives you an escape. Little potato man, may you get only the best spuds from the pile

    • @spencergacker9553
      @spencergacker9553 Рік тому +77

      Cobrastan, Grand Country, Man Above ALLLLLL! Glory be, greatest he, Spudman Rules ALLLLLLL! In the name, the border stand, GLOOOOORY TOOOOOO, ARTSTOTZZZZZKAAAAAAAAA!

    • @kdgames2020
      @kdgames2020 Рік тому +29

      jacksepticeye refence?

    • @alexisbroadwaylove8625
      @alexisbroadwaylove8625 Рік тому +22

      @@spencergacker9553 GREATEST COUNTRY MOTHER PROUD

    • @ChrisHinners008
      @ChrisHinners008 Рік тому +4

      I salute to you Jorji!

    • @c26f
      @c26f 10 місяців тому +3

      arstoska so good country, no need passport!

  • @niffry
    @niffry Рік тому +2338

    I know that Sergiu and Elisa are just a small number of pixels, but every single time I go to re-play this game I'll ALWAYS make sure that they get together because of just how adorable the little animation of them running towards eachother for a hug is-- it's just an insanely wholesome refresher in such a otherwise bleak game, and sometimes I just need that after playing for a while

    • @crylune
      @crylune Рік тому +11

      Didnt really like it as I despise relationships

    • @enessamiyuksel1736
      @enessamiyuksel1736 Рік тому +192

      @@crylune no life 🗿

    • @ItHamBoi
      @ItHamBoi Рік тому +127

      @@crylune L

    • @reynanlamsen2007
      @reynanlamsen2007 Рік тому +17

      @@ItHamBoi Ratio'd

    • @ItHamBoi
      @ItHamBoi Рік тому +53

      @@reynanlamsen2007 alr let's see if you ratio me, you got 1 week

  • @ch4os395
    @ch4os395 2 роки тому +5056

    On the subject of the Soviet Union, I think the game more likely takes place or at least takes influence from the fall of yugoslavia. This could explain the neighboring country being pretty agressive towards each other.

    • @adamtuico390
      @adamtuico390 2 роки тому +449

      I disagree. The Yugoslav civil war and its fallout was very ethnically charged while the conflict here seems to be nationalistic; with everyone saying glory to Aristotska. I think it is more like the Soviet Union because it is clearly a country that is rotting away from the inside and everything is bleak and uniform. Where conformity is the one thing that matters.

    • @arthurconanthebarbarian1288
      @arthurconanthebarbarian1288 2 роки тому +481

      But there's also an obvious Berlin Wall allegory, so yeah, it's a bit of everything.

    • @EastAsiaExplore
      @EastAsiaExplore 2 роки тому +142

      The game takes place in the balkans,as the United Federation as Yugoslavia and Obristan as the Soviet puppet states and Arstoska as the Ukrainian SSR.
      My opinion
      No hates pls

    • @DanksterPaws
      @DanksterPaws 2 роки тому +87

      @@EastAsiaExplore Thats the main theory and the surrounding geography seems to be similar to that of the black sea

    • @ASuspiciouslyCommunistToaster
      @ASuspiciouslyCommunistToaster 2 роки тому +36

      The idea of a east west split city makes me believe it is baed on east Germany or hungary

  • @margarethmichelina5146
    @margarethmichelina5146 Рік тому +380

    Top 3 my favorite characters of this game:
    1. Jorji with his antique behaviours and even compliment us for doing a good job.
    2. Sergiu with his honesty and also I let Elisa to go pass and if he dies, I have to replay again.
    3. The officer who shared half of his profit to us if we detained a lot of people and also act like a true Chad when the bomb is in our office and called it Child's play.

    • @brian93724
      @brian93724 9 місяців тому +30

      i mean
      it is
      what kind of terrorist would make the bomb easier to defuse than solving a 2 by 2 rubix cube

    • @user-zk1tr6zj8u
      @user-zk1tr6zj8u 9 місяців тому +9

      i always called him chenki as a nickname because i always forgot his name. thats for no.3 btw
      and normal i laugh when i miss a detain opportunity bc i thought he would be like:
      bro wtf, im gonna starve today. I have broken humor

    • @lirak8997
      @lirak8997 7 місяців тому +8

      The officer is called Calensk

    • @emirbaranceviren6956
      @emirbaranceviren6956 7 місяців тому +3

      @@brian93724 for real i belive that for any experianced soldier i think it would be easy as stopping the alarm clock in the morning since the design PROVES to be ameteur made as you can see the device is jankly put toghether and quite asymmetrical and dirty and also they putted the damn numbers in the COVER so in short the bomb WAS jankly made by ameteurs altough it REALY did pack a punch it was at the end jankly made by ameteurs (probily junior tech students at a random highschool or a very old group of activists) the bomb at the end is just WAAYYY too simple to be effective enough.

    • @fink_rat
      @fink_rat 6 місяців тому +1

      Following in Mr. McFumbles' steps, I call the guard Strong Terry

  • @JorjiCostava-
    @JorjiCostava- Рік тому +400

    Arstotzka so great, passport not required. Right?

    • @LegalizeTheNuclearBomb
      @LegalizeTheNuclearBomb Рік тому +8

      I hope you are well with your business endeavours, Jorji ^^

    • @williama.4365
      @williama.4365 Рік тому +6

      Exactly, Jorji. Glory to Arstotzka!
      P.S. I was the inspector who let you in the first time.

    • @theholypeanut8193
      @theholypeanut8193 Рік тому +1

      He's the gigachad of the Papers, please universe.

    • @williama.4365
      @williama.4365 Рік тому +1

      @@theholypeanut8193 Exactly. Glory to Cobrastan.

    • @Man_Aslume
      @Man_Aslume Рік тому +1

      A+ on effort

  • @DaShoopdahoop
    @DaShoopdahoop 2 роки тому +2570

    Jorji is a gigachad, you can't change my mind.
    Glory to Cobrastan!

    • @epicman5356
      @epicman5356 2 роки тому +167

      “You are under arrest for being a fan of a drug dealer and a non-existent country. The safety of your family is unknown. Glory to Arstotzka!”

    • @DaShoopdahoop
      @DaShoopdahoop 2 роки тому +134

      @@epicman5356 he's not a drug dealer, he just sells medicine with fun side effects

    • @communistunitednationsball4299
      @communistunitednationsball4299 2 роки тому +34

      Hmm what's this medicine do.... *Tries it* wait...this doesn't taste as bad like what medicine we have what's this warning say...side effects? Something something yeah cobrastan is just a state

    • @flamerom5845
      @flamerom5845 Рік тому +6

      Not buff enough lol

    • @lukaslee7380
      @lukaslee7380 Рік тому +5

      Detained.

  • @18ratsinatrenchcoat79
    @18ratsinatrenchcoat79 Рік тому +904

    optimal pathing in my mind, protect Sergiu, help Sergiu reunite with his love, don't detain Jorji, accept the help from Jorji to flee the nation, don't help EZIC. my reasoning for this is, Sergiu gets to be with Elisa, you get to escape, EZIC cant be trusted to not become a new oppressive government and if you help them that likely means death for Sergiu

    • @dzakiafifi5520
      @dzakiafifi5520 Рік тому +121

      My man got his priorities right
      Sergiu ftw

    • @urbainleverrier1
      @urbainleverrier1 Рік тому

      true man ezic isn't necessarily good for trying to topple a corrupt government what if they become one themselves

    • @ratgobbler
      @ratgobbler Рік тому +3

      hey

    • @zilelim813
      @zilelim813 Рік тому +8

      Calensk rn: 👁 👄 👁

    • @Ugh718
      @Ugh718 8 місяців тому

      "EZIC cant be trusted to not become a new oppressive government"This is true but u've gotta take ur chances since the current government is ALREADY corrupt to the bone lol.
      Although if u kill the guy in red u lose(EZIC tells u to kill him),whereas if u don't u keep going so:Maybe they were trying to screw u over all along lol?

  • @kopazwashere
    @kopazwashere Рік тому +1549

    14:15, Actually, you are confiscating his passport legally - If you look carefully through each of Jorge's passport, his birth date changes to the current ingame-date, implying he is using a forged passport. :>

    • @Derkosson
      @Derkosson Рік тому +43

      Can you point that discrepancy in-game?

    • @Basil_liy
      @Basil_liy Рік тому +182

      Thing is, you can only confiscate Arstotzan passports, so, still illegal.

    • @phoenixlmao
      @phoenixlmao Рік тому +56

      you still arent supposed to TAKE his passport tho

    • @BinghesHeavenlyPillar
      @BinghesHeavenlyPillar Рік тому +3

      @@phoenixlmao Nice mc pfp :)

    • @magnusvonbraun9870
      @magnusvonbraun9870 Рік тому +30

      Jorji does show the forger flier, which implies he did forge the Obristan passport. He even said that it wasn’t easy or cheap when he brought in all his papers on day 11, which further suspects he did something strange to get his papers.

  • @LexusLFA554
    @LexusLFA554 Рік тому +813

    Only a heartless person could not let in Elisa.
    Screw that stupid ticket and rip it to shreds.

    • @magnusvonbraun9870
      @magnusvonbraun9870 Рік тому +73

      I only let Elisa in because you get 100 credits for the next day if you keep Sergiu alive. Compare to other bribe people or EZIC mission (they give you 10 or 20 credits), letting Elisa in gives you a huge 100 credits.

    • @urbainleverrier1
      @urbainleverrier1 Рік тому +25

      @@magnusvonbraun9870 also jorji gives 40 as a gift

    • @Killerbee4712
      @Killerbee4712 Рік тому +16

      @@urbainleverrier1 Niece also brings in 100 (although there is 40 for taking her in)

    • @crylune
      @crylune Рік тому +4

      Not letting her in cuz I'm not interested in some random love bit

    • @Killerbee4712
      @Killerbee4712 Рік тому +57

      @@crylune no empathy moment

  • @t.b.cont.
    @t.b.cont. Рік тому +423

    When I was in middle school I heard about this game when it was in development and I was able to get my hands on a free version before it was released on steam iirc. I managed to convince my teacher that it was an educational game that helped with pattern recognition and I was able to play it in computer class.

    • @sadfaceemojioxlong8593
      @sadfaceemojioxlong8593 Рік тому +17

      your teacher believing you need help with pattern recognition isn't a good thing...

    • @oldestdreamja
      @oldestdreamja Рік тому +89

      @@sadfaceemojioxlong8593 nah, it doesn't mean that the dude's helpless with pattern recognition, it could help improve. just cuz u've learned it already doesn't mean you can't improve

    • @crazydragy4233
      @crazydragy4233 Рік тому +25

      ​@@oldestdreamja It's weird how people treat mental skills as a binary of either exists or doesn't lol. Just sounds like they've never used one themselves when they say silly things like that

    • @zachsmith1676
      @zachsmith1676 Рік тому +15

      @@crazydragy4233 critical thinking being a skill that not many possess, I had to take a critical thinking course in college and out of the 28 students only myself and one other really paid attention in class, let alone were prepared for it. (If anyone cares, as unlikely as it may be, I passed with a 98/100 in the class

    • @whg_brianferguson
      @whg_brianferguson Рік тому +5

      The game helps me focus lol

  • @MurcuryEntertainment
    @MurcuryEntertainment Рік тому +285

    I genuinely couldn't finish papers please when I first got it. Not because it was too difficult, but because the stress it was able to construct was so tremendous that it I had to stop playing.

    • @piratekid1
      @piratekid1 Рік тому +18

      Me too, I had a similar job at the time (I wasn't in immigration but I did checked multiple legal documents, looking for any missing info) so, I never finished the game. Even now, I still can't play it because I remember how stressful it gets

    • @LegalizeTheNuclearBomb
      @LegalizeTheNuclearBomb Рік тому +2

      How could you have a job if you find a video game that stressful.

    • @mildly_miffed_man1414
      @mildly_miffed_man1414 Рік тому +28

      @@LegalizeTheNuclearBomb : |

    • @augustuslunasol10thapostle
      @augustuslunasol10thapostle Рік тому +44

      @@LegalizeTheNuclearBomb how are you technically a intelligent life form when you can spout such nonsense as that

    • @philipped.r.6385
      @philipped.r.6385 Рік тому

      I've been interested in the game for quite some time, but I've never played. When I see end game gameplay, I'm not sure I could do it right. I don't have any problem at looking closely to documents to see if they are valid, but the pressure of having to do it as fast as possible to get enough pay to support your family seem to be problematic. I don't think I could do it fast enough.

  • @ventusastrea3850
    @ventusastrea3850 Рік тому +630

    My favourite ending is escaping to Orbistan after doing all the Ezic tasks and making the Ezic revolution possible, just moments before the shit hits the fan. For me it creates an interesting backdrop; Running away moments from a historic moment of political upheaval. Of course I leave with the whole extended family who is not sick and with some money I saved.

    • @ventusastrea3850
      @ventusastrea3850 Рік тому +9

      @D As you said it's only a game :D

    • @lukethelegend9705
      @lukethelegend9705 Рік тому +58

      I feel like that ending is the most fitting. The inspector doesn’t care about the revolution, he doesn’t care about pure loyalty to his country. He only cares about his family’s safety. He got away from all of it.

    • @imdva
      @imdva 3 місяці тому +1

      i always just leave with the wife and son. the rest are adults and can take care of themselves

    • @alexanderthegreat-mx5zu
      @alexanderthegreat-mx5zu День тому

      ​@@imdvaThe fucking grandma bro and your wife is an adult too.

  • @xtxownage
    @xtxownage Рік тому +116

    One of my favourite denial responses is simply 'Die'. They don't beg like the others, attempt to bribe you, or otherwise appeal to you; usually because they already did before even handing over their passport. That simple curse is all they bother to say for you already made your choice.

  • @dkseonthesillister
    @dkseonthesillister Рік тому +231

    6:53
    The moment when he denied Jorji made me cry

    • @americankid7782
      @americankid7782 Рік тому +62

      I love Jorji despite always denying him because he keeps coming back. My favorite thing about him is that he eventually creates a perfect fake passport so then I can let him through with no issues.

    • @LegalizeTheNuclearBomb
      @LegalizeTheNuclearBomb Рік тому +13

      Him and the guy trying to smuggle medicine are the only two people with contraband that I let in. Jorji is wholesome as fuck.

    • @lichtishlogistics
      @lichtishlogistics Рік тому +2

      I cried too, but out of frustration 😭 he's still getting a citation cause he didn't stamp it with a reason for denial so jorji got denied for nothing

  • @remadepizza2748
    @remadepizza2748 2 роки тому +148

    honestly, i think the main reason why i love this game is the realistic yet pixel art-style, it fits the game perfectly, and makes it a good game for other developers who want use the same art-style in their game, its also the grey and depressing feel that gives the game its spark, well, not in a real sense but still a good game and a must have, still good in 2022 or in just the 21st century, i recommend the game. PS, Shout out to Jorji.

  • @aruantinobre522
    @aruantinobre522 2 роки тому +391

    One thing we can all agree on is GLORY TO ARSTOSTKA

  • @Underestimated37
    @Underestimated37 3 роки тому +483

    This game is one of those games that is overlooked, but has a very impactful story that can change people’s perspectives and lives. I’m so glad you did a video on this one, as it really doesn’t get the appreciation it deserves.

    • @FormerGovernmentHuman
      @FormerGovernmentHuman Рік тому +20

      I mean for what it is as far as budget, indie dev, graphics, simple and mundane gameplay, and a very advanced form of simon says with moral dilemmas mixed in selling half a million copies is equivalent to super viral imo.
      To those of us lucky enough to never experienced this level of bureaucratic tyranny it’s a pleasant reminder of what could have been but luckily isn’t. To those that lived it, it’s a harmless reminder of the conditions they either escaped from or lived through. And it does this in such a beautiful mix of it’s telling a story through the gameplay.
      Maybe it’s not selling millions of copies, but for those of us like yourself and I it will always hold a special place with us. It’s art, a dystopian portal into the mindset of a cog serving it’s oppressive regime.

    • @alpha_9997
      @alpha_9997 Рік тому +11

      I mean, it caterd to a specific audience, and it was incredibly well recived. It couldnt become something like say cod but for a game of its thoe, it was incredibly popular

    • @SkyNinja759
      @SkyNinja759 Рік тому +7

      This game was not overlooked at all when it first came out. A tonne of UA-camrs played through it and gave it recognition.
      It's up there with 5 Nights at Freddy's, Undertale, etc for games that lived because of content creators exposing it to the masses.
      I would say this game deserves the exposure and it an absolute gem of a indie game. It sets the bar for passive storytelling and impactful minor descions behind the scenes that effect outcomes/endings. All games, let alone indie games, can take notes from Papers, Please.

  • @magnusvonbraun9870
    @magnusvonbraun9870 Рік тому +40

    13:17
    You also get a huge 100 credits if you keep Sergiu alive on that day for the next day. From a gameplay perspective, 100 credits is a huge boon, so I always let Elisa in since 100 credits let me pay off citations.

  • @SnorlaxsTriForceWish
    @SnorlaxsTriForceWish 3 роки тому +515

    This is such an underrated channel, loved this video. Papers Please is a perfect example of how the mechanics of a game alone can be a great story telling tool.

  • @strain42
    @strain42 3 роки тому +305

    Absolutely one of my favorite indie games of all time. So many little character moments just hidden inbetween the day to day grind, and you did a great job tackling it!

  • @BenjaminSteber
    @BenjaminSteber Рік тому +49

    I always felt that papers please was more inspired by the fracturing of Yugoslavia than any other historical event.

  • @CapitalTeeth
    @CapitalTeeth Рік тому +10

    The ending where you flee to Obristan is such a contrast. You've had to inspect passports, vaccine certificates, work passes, etc and see if there's any discrepancy between ALL of them, quickly enough, or your family will be cold and starving. Then, what do you hear from the Obristan inspector?
    "I do not care why you come here."

    • @Lozjozz
      @Lozjozz Місяць тому

      amd he knows ur passports are fake amd grants u mercy, like u have or haveny to others

  • @stoneforest2639
    @stoneforest2639 Рік тому +23

    I remember watching UA-camrs play papers please. I didn’t have money, and honestly too young to play this game.
    Every time there was a terrorist attack, it was horrifying to me. I would notice before the youtuber did, as someone runs by, and wonder what is happening. Then the UA-camr would notice, and then the attack would happen. It terrified me.

    • @cinnaminna1797
      @cinnaminna1797 Рік тому +2

      I think the fear is also further stretched out when you have to continue the next day. when I played as a first timer, I literally was on edge wondering if there would be a back-to-back attack

  • @logangustavson
    @logangustavson Рік тому +88

    This game makes me cry uncontrollably everything I play it. It's so powerful and deep. I tell everyone I meet about this absolute masterpiece.

    • @scottanno8861
      @scottanno8861 Рік тому

      I cry every time I have to pull out the dragunov... :(

  • @zacharysolano6375
    @zacharysolano6375 Рік тому +83

    actually getting a citasion from taking Georges passport isnt the only time your forced to get a citation, i forgot the name of the person but your boss or whatever wants you to let in a female friend of his who has a diplomatic document that dosnt allow entrance to aristoska and if you detain her you get arrested

    • @waffler-yz3gw
      @waffler-yz3gw Рік тому +3

      @Imperalist incorrect, i denied her and got a game over

    • @Cosmic_end
      @Cosmic_end Рік тому +27

      @@waffler-yz3gw if dimitri gets mad at you for not having exactly the plaque on the wall, he will get you arrested. If you follow his orders you can get away with denying

    • @Killerbee4712
      @Killerbee4712 Рік тому +6

      @@waffler-yz3gw Yeah you probably got slapped by the wall hangings

    • @margarethmichelina5146
      @margarethmichelina5146 Рік тому +4

      It's really weird because every time I let her in, I always got citation even though she's the Boss' friend and the Boss demand us to let her through

    • @handlemyd-
      @handlemyd- Рік тому +1

      ​@@waffler-yz3gwthats from the wall hanging he literally said not to put anything but plaques.

  • @kirbykraftgames
    @kirbykraftgames Рік тому +36

    Jorji is one of the greatest characters in video game history

  • @asherberlin5953
    @asherberlin5953 Рік тому +46

    First game I ever played on steam. Great memories, especially playing it in 8th grade science class with my friends (2016). Highly recommend.

  • @himesilva
    @himesilva Рік тому +18

    Papers, Please is one of my favourite games. There's something so relaxing about that tedious paper work. In real life being on the receiving end of bureaucracy is infuriating, but as an inspector it's fun

  • @aydinmakesthings
    @aydinmakesthings 11 місяців тому +11

    Something that I noticed near the end of the game (Which may be me overlooking at gameplay for story) is how as the game goes on, there is more and more fake passports.
    I think it's ment to represent how people are getting more and more desperate to get into the country.
    Which made me ponder, "How bad is the rest of the world they want to live here?"

  • @user-bv7zo6vd4m
    @user-bv7zo6vd4m Рік тому +43

    The definition of "video games as an art form"

  • @MayorHairBear
    @MayorHairBear 3 роки тому +122

    One of my favourite indie games of all time! If you're a fan of Papers, Please I'd recommend sussing out Death and Taxes it's got a similar vibe. Amazing work as always mate

  • @elijahboodram5358
    @elijahboodram5358 Рік тому +7

    I might be right and I could be wrong however, I’m pretty sure the only image that we get of somebody smiling in the game is one Sergio gives you the heart shaped locket that eliza gave him

  • @eyeballqueenofrats
    @eyeballqueenofrats 2 роки тому +113

    Really great video, this is becoming one of my favorite essay channels. I really liked the analysis of the Ezic group, as many people seem to view them as the good guys (from my experience with the people who've played this game) when in reality it is unclear whether or not they actually have anyone's best interests in mind. Wonderful content!

    • @forecastlotus3899
      @forecastlotus3899 Рік тому +12

      On my first playthrough I immediately said "Get out of here." The first ending I got was giving the one guy the evidence, I was immediately arrested

    • @magnusvonbraun9870
      @magnusvonbraun9870 Рік тому +2

      @@forecastlotus3899 Given the government Arstozka was in, giving M. Vonel any involvement with EZIC would be an immediate arrest (although it is said they will perform an audit rather than forced labor or executing you). After all, M. Vonel did mention the mysterious of said group.

  • @protogenhorde8515
    @protogenhorde8515 Рік тому +28

    Dispite the setting of just being a boarder inspector with a repetitive rarely changing game.
    I’ve always saw it as interesting to see others play and seeing what games are becoming popular, seeing it as one gateway to games like it.
    Some people just want a fun experience like this, not everyone wants a fast pace game or horror game.
    It’s a fun game many love and I too love it, it’s lovely ❤

  • @cottoneyejoe8285
    @cottoneyejoe8285 Рік тому +5

    Quick tip for anyone: You don't need to clear discrepancies. If you find one, you can just deny the entrant without working to clear it up. Once the reason for denial stamp is added, you just need to call them out, but can still deny with the reason.

  • @CloudConnection
    @CloudConnection  3 роки тому +118

    Thanks for watching, everyone! What do you think of Papers, Please, and how did you respond to its characters and storylines?

    • @giuseku_1525
      @giuseku_1525 3 роки тому +2

      This Will be a good video

    • @MrPink-qf1xi
      @MrPink-qf1xi 3 роки тому +3

      I really respect this game and I tried it, but it isn't for me. I like my games as escapism and fantasy but this game is too real for me.

    • @daltonlee9131
      @daltonlee9131 3 роки тому +5

      Papers, Please really reminded me in 2013 that like any other artform, games do not need to be 'fun.' The best games can be downright miserable experiences, and as long as they were doing that on purpose to get their point across, a miserable game can be an amazing one.

  • @philgamer_309
    @philgamer_309 Рік тому +7

    For a dark and gloomy game, jorji is a man with a lot of character

  • @misterpayah7723
    @misterpayah7723 3 роки тому +64

    Absolutely brilliant game for how it can portray complex politics and tell an incredibly nuanced story through pure gameplay mechanics alone.

  • @itspice8737
    @itspice8737 Рік тому +10

    this game never really struck me as western europe soviet bloc, more balkan state, yugoslavia post or on the brink of breakup

  • @FSSmash
    @FSSmash 2 роки тому +24

    A really good analysis with a nice format. Crisp visual and audios, great work!

  • @JaleLkharrat
    @JaleLkharrat Рік тому +4

    you can actually deny most faulty passports without interrogation (before the reason stamp comes out) without getting a citation, like the different names example ? just deny , you get no citation and it makes things easier

  • @berkkarsi
    @berkkarsi 2 роки тому +6

    You forgot to mention that your decisions of letting people in also show up in the newspaper.

  • @ZaidMGames
    @ZaidMGames 3 роки тому +10

    Brilliant video and great insight into a game I've personally never played

  • @megabanani8959
    @megabanani8959 Рік тому +10

    The game the developer began before papers please was actually realized under the name „the Westport independent“ in a similar playing style

  • @emperortransman
    @emperortransman Рік тому +29

    A single person has the power to decide if you become a permanent resident in the U.S., as well as a citizen. I experience this first hand. It's terrible.

  • @fakof6231
    @fakof6231 2 роки тому +6

    Lovely and warm review I enjoyed this.

  • @FormerGovernmentHuman
    @FormerGovernmentHuman Рік тому +9

    I legit come back to this game from time to time JUST for Jorji.

  • @WiseArkAngel
    @WiseArkAngel Рік тому +1

    The printing sound effect gives me PTSD from when I fuck up badly in this game.

    • @handlemyd-
      @handlemyd- Рік тому

      Cobastran is not a real country

  • @Catttails.-.
    @Catttails.-. 11 місяців тому

    I love how this game has such a great and complex story and tells it in such a simple way but makes it hit so hard

  • @megamiana-spaceforcecomman705
    @megamiana-spaceforcecomman705 3 роки тому +7

    Nothing to do with the video itself but the stock footage used in the first part. What a badass scar that person has. I assume thats the same person we see in HBO's chernobyl. He's like a real life anime character.

    • @keyaw.9132
      @keyaw.9132 2 роки тому +9

      “Gorbachev”

    • @matt4048
      @matt4048 2 роки тому +6

      That's not a scar. That's Gorbachev's natural birthmark.
      But he's still pretty badass nonetheless. Opening up the former Soviet Union to the West, allowing its citizens to be free for the first time in decades - he's a pretty neat guy.

  • @nicolefields7020
    @nicolefields7020 Рік тому

    Thanks for reminding me of this game. Gonna play it again once I get off work

  • @captc0ck5lap60
    @captc0ck5lap60 3 роки тому +16

    _Glory to Arstotzka._

  • @k4rzl
    @k4rzl 3 роки тому +3

    Thanks for the videos, I like them very much.

  • @The_Undertow
    @The_Undertow 2 роки тому +3

    I just discovered your channel, wow dude amazing work, you are going to blow up one day!
    However, put the title of the game first, so that it's easier for people to find your channel, you can keep the long title just add ot after the name of the game.

  • @dyingtoplay1922
    @dyingtoplay1922 3 роки тому +3

    Great video keep up the good work

  • @RoamingAdhocrat
    @RoamingAdhocrat Рік тому +7

    I'd love to know if any passport officer has ever clocked Lucas Pope crossing their station and told him to "cause no trouble"

  • @IAMMARSHYSBRO
    @IAMMARSHYSBRO 3 роки тому +2

    Have no idea how your channel doesnt have 500000+ subs. Wtg youtube.

  • @krealyesitisbeta5642
    @krealyesitisbeta5642 Рік тому +1

    Great stuff!

  • @abhirupmandal995
    @abhirupmandal995 2 роки тому +17

    0 dislikes, that's some achievement 👌🏻

  • @denhund101
    @denhund101 Рік тому +1

    When citation pops up
    "Ah, FUCK! NOT AGAIN!"

  • @kipter
    @kipter 2 роки тому +11

    Hilarious that the dev for this game was inspired to make it by the TSA

    • @scottanno8861
      @scottanno8861 Рік тому

      Yep. A useless organization that has hardly stopped any terrorist activity, just like Astortka

  • @user-cd4bx6uq1y
    @user-cd4bx6uq1y Рік тому +1

    It raises lots of questions depending on the player's life experiences

  • @kidz4p509
    @kidz4p509 Рік тому +7

    4:38 I wouldn’t exactly call it “infamous”. It also prints out a fingerprint card.

    • @NerdyCatCoffeeee
      @NerdyCatCoffeeee Рік тому +9

      If you play Papers, Please long enough, you'll have PTSD for whenever that thing prints something out.

    • @cinnaminna1797
      @cinnaminna1797 Рік тому

      @@NerdyCatCoffeeee no literally when the sound came out and I saw pink. I felt the type of rage that you would feel when you shouldn't be mad but you are anyways

    • @handlemyd-
      @handlemyd- Рік тому

      ​@@cinnaminna1797dont embarrass me.

  • @3rdworldofficer296
    @3rdworldofficer296 Рік тому +2

    My favorite game of all time. There's just something about it, I can't say why, but it made an impact on me. I loved the moral choices, how nothing is ever clear-cut, black-and-white good or bad narratives, all sides can be seen as morally gray (though I prefer to side with Arstotzka).

  • @Youmu_Konpaku_
    @Youmu_Konpaku_ Рік тому

    Had to rewatch this after finishing papers please

  • @IngridMendes
    @IngridMendes 2 роки тому +2

    Nice vídeo dude! =D

  • @chickennugget4724
    @chickennugget4724 11 місяців тому +1

    8:06 wrong Jorji is always happy

  • @gabrote42
    @gabrote42 Рік тому +9

    10:05 The medical patient, Jorji, The Antegrian Whistleblower, Sergiu... most agree that Arstotzka is much better. I like the characters a lot
    13:02 Nirsk is one of my usernames. I love this game

  • @stalins_comically_large_spoon
    @stalins_comically_large_spoon 2 роки тому +4

    *I s d r u g s!*
    -Jorji

  • @enilenis
    @enilenis Рік тому +4

    I remember interview with the creator, where he said that the inspiration was having to deal with Japanese immigration. So, even though, the setting of the game is retro-soviet, the actual source of inspiration is Japan.

  • @shaankelly1302
    @shaankelly1302 8 місяців тому

    I love this game so much. Its such a skill to get into a good flow state. Pro tip: It might not be as fun but if you notice a discrepancy you dont have to question the person you can just reject them and move on. Great for making money and getting through more people. However detaining is fun so ill do that once in a bit. But yea. You can reject no quesitons asked if you notice something off

  • @syamimsanusi8531
    @syamimsanusi8531 Рік тому

    The music really hits different now

  • @alpha_9997
    @alpha_9997 Рік тому +4

    Dude i love this guy. He also made a game called westport independent. Really good mobile game for its time

    • @halicusnguyen8864
      @halicusnguyen8864 Рік тому

      Playing it right now. Thank you so much for the recommendation!!

    • @alpha_9997
      @alpha_9997 Рік тому +1

      @@halicusnguyen8864 frank was my g in that game

    • @halicusnguyen8864
      @halicusnguyen8864 Рік тому

      @@alpha_9997 just finished it! Man I wished Frank wasn't detained, he definitely had one of the most interesting bits of dialogue

    • @alpha_9997
      @alpha_9997 Рік тому +1

      @@halicusnguyen8864 there are multiple ending you know? You have to manage suspicion. If frank is getting heat for writing controversial stuff give some to the other conservative guy who i think was named bob. No one likes bob, he can take the heat

    • @halicusnguyen8864
      @halicusnguyen8864 Рік тому

      @@alpha_9997 fascinating! I'll try for the other endings then :)

  • @Falkriim
    @Falkriim 10 місяців тому

    Great video

  • @arstotzkianarmedforces1057
    @arstotzkianarmedforces1057 Рік тому

    This video is great!

  • @MrGohan8000
    @MrGohan8000 3 роки тому +10

    I love jorji, respect jorji.

  • @BATCAKE
    @BATCAKE 2 роки тому

    Really good vid

  • @LoganFlores
    @LoganFlores Рік тому +2

    This is easily one of the best games of all time for an indie game it's pretty challenging but can be very fun depending on where you're at I love the story The Characters and the story it's a dark game don't get it wrong but I feel like it has a lot of comedic elements to it especially with its characters Like Jorji!

  • @ASuspiciouslyCommunistToaster
    @ASuspiciouslyCommunistToaster 2 роки тому +31

    Just saying, artztotska is based on eastern germany or yugoslavia. Not the USSR itself

  • @danieswas
    @danieswas 11 місяців тому

    17:38 I remember throwing this on to a passport and accidentally revealing the text Ezic

  • @darthcoinyandstuf7348
    @darthcoinyandstuf7348 10 місяців тому

    You should’ve touched on how the music brings a brilliant sense of dread but also has shreds of optimism

  • @thisnotmynamebro7656
    @thisnotmynamebro7656 Рік тому +1

    love this game
    was hard getting the second award for excellence

  • @austinblack7991
    @austinblack7991 11 місяців тому +1

    I love this game play it all the time on my vita

  • @AmericanUnionState1824
    @AmericanUnionState1824 2 роки тому +10

    Glory to Arstotzka!

  • @erik-sr9bj
    @erik-sr9bj 3 роки тому +9

    I thought this was always about East-/West-Germany, not UdSSR?

    • @kaptainKrill
      @kaptainKrill 3 роки тому +8

      East Germany was under control of the USSR. You are correct, but so is the video.

  • @marcol654
    @marcol654 Рік тому +1

    Papers please has always intrigued me, I've always been attracted to this type of games with a gloomy style and a gloomy and cryptic atmosphere in a situation of intolerance and general devastating upheavals. Although the gameplay doesn't drive me too crazy, however due to certain aspects including its setting and music but also the meaning and reflections it makes you think, I find it an excellent game. Nice video nonetheless.

  • @yapopstangle8517
    @yapopstangle8517 Рік тому

    I am struggling to find the outro music with such a generic name-- its so good DX

  • @waffler-yz3gw
    @waffler-yz3gw Рік тому

    that one soccer player who gives you a banner is my favorite guy

  • @jorjicostava8513
    @jorjicostava8513 2 роки тому +4

    You run strict border here

  • @XX-sp3tt
    @XX-sp3tt Рік тому

    My brain is wired towards gray as it is, I don't need more of it.

  • @CappyCraigZ
    @CappyCraigZ 4 місяці тому +1

    I’ve always wished I couldve been a fly on the wall in Soviet Russia. Same with vici France, Berlin in 1939, Italy 1939 ect…Must have been fascinating. If I could pick one era to go back in time to it’d def be the Middle Ages. Go hangout in some brothel drinking mead, live as a lord or a simple peasant, basically kingdom come deliverance but real. Sry for the rant my brain drifted off

  • @zachsmith1676
    @zachsmith1676 Рік тому +1

    While the game itself had a huge impact, I think the 2018 short film of the same name as the game it’s representing should also get a mention since imho it represents what it’s like for the inspector extremely well

  • @poopslinger_
    @poopslinger_ 2 роки тому +49

    I know this is gonna sound stupid...
    But when I watched Jacksepticeye's first Papers Please run. He god the bad ending and was sent to prison, but the music that played is what scared me. I don't know why or I don't know how but that made me lose hours of sleep just reciting the whole song. If you don't know what i'm talking about here's the link.
    ua-cam.com/video/jHvjM8gFQMo/v-deo.html

    • @person6757
      @person6757 2 роки тому +18

      It's NOT stupid what-so-ever, everyone has fears. Don't feel bad, you'll get over it. And if you can't, it's understandable, do your best avoid it.

    • @poopslinger_
      @poopslinger_ 2 роки тому +6

      @@person6757 Thankfully I'm over it. It was just kind of strange how out of all the things Papers Please implies about it's story, a downbeat tune that plays when you mess up is what brought me over the edge

    • @person6757
      @person6757 2 роки тому +2

      @@poopslinger_ That's great to hear! I used to be afraid of the 9/11 terrorist attacks when I was younger, everything was haunting and it terrified me for a while when I learned about it, and the details as well. As I said, everyone has fears, that's just how it is.

    • @poopslinger_
      @poopslinger_ 2 роки тому +2

      ​@@person6757Sorry to hear that, wasn't even born in 2000 yet and coming from an Irish family living in Ireland The Troubles was a massive thing back home and it put a lot of fear in those living in Northern Ireland and those who were Catholic. So having it be 5 different attacks on beloved sites of America is hearthbreaking

    • @person6757
      @person6757 2 роки тому +1

      @@poopslinger_ Thanks. :)

  • @mysticmaknae.
    @mysticmaknae. Рік тому

    “from 2013”
    …no way it was that long ago i’m screaming

  • @playstation1homeentertainm981
    @playstation1homeentertainm981 Рік тому +2

    Even though most of my family aren’t gamers, they all love this game for some reason

  • @libertariodetucorazon9890
    @libertariodetucorazon9890 2 роки тому +5

    *GLORY TO ARSTOTZKA*

  • @CliffCardi
    @CliffCardi 2 роки тому +2

    Arstotzka so great, passport not required.

  • @The420033
    @The420033 Рік тому +15

    "Arstotzka is not above turning immigrants away because of a spat with their country's leader". Wow, that's terrible, a modern western country would never do such a thing!

    • @zawrator4457
      @zawrator4457 Рік тому

      Yea thats crazy, who would possibly do that????

    • @Man_Aslume
      @Man_Aslume Рік тому

      Is this sarcasm?

  • @Blumpkinthehobbit
    @Blumpkinthehobbit 3 місяці тому

    All I got from this is that the player character in republia times can theoretically meet with the player character in papers please as they are in the same universe demonstrated by the inclusion if republia ss a country in papers please. I need crossover NOW